Recommended New Orleans Cemetery Tours
Stroll through our "Cities of the Dead"
With row after row of above-ground tombs, New Orleans cemeteries are often referred to as “Cities of the Dead.” Enter the cemetery gates, and you will be greeted by rusty decorative ironwork and blinded by sun-bleached tombs. Crosses and statues jutting from tomb surfaces cast contrasting shadows, adding to the sense of mystery. Votive candles line tombs on holidays, reminding you that the dead have living relatives who still care. Learn more about our above ground tombs
The Old and the Not So New
On your way into New Orleans from the airport, you’ll catch a glimpse of the newer Metairie cemeteries. The city’s older, more dilapidated cemeteries are St. Louis Numbers 1, 2 and 3, located near the French Quarter. The older cemeteries’ paths are twisted; crumbled corners of tombs jut out, and dead ends add to an eerie atmosphere. Pirates, politicians (notice how those two go together?) and voodoo queens are buried in these cities. While the “Cities of the Dead” are alluring, it’s recommended to travel with a group such as one of our recommended cemetery tours below.
Cemetery Tours
If New Orleans’ famous above-ground cemeteries are high on your to-boo list, this is a great way to visit one while seeing more of the city. Gray Line takes you through some of our favorite neighborhoods and landmarks, with stops at historic St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 and City Park, plus a guided walk through the beautiful Garden District. We recommend it for first-time visitors who want a good overview of the city along with some local history and cemetery lore.
Curious about our cemeteries but want to see more of the city as well? This is a lively way to do both. This festive version of Gray Line’s sightseeing tour includes St. Louis Cemetery No. 3, City Park, a Garden District stroll, and plenty of New Orleans scenery, plus two specialty cocktails of your choice, a feathered Mardi Gras mask, and themed Mardi Gras beads. We recommend it for groups, couples, and anyone who likes their sightseeing with a little more celebration mixed in.
If you ask us, St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 should be on every New Orleans itinerary but ONLY if you do it with a guide. On this tour, you’ll get an official guided walk through the city’s oldest cemetery, where you can see the tomb of Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau, hear stories about some of the other famous and infamous New Orleanians laid to rest here, and learn about our unique above-ground burial traditions. Your ticket also includes a full day of Hop-on, Hop-off sightseeing aboard the red double-decker buses, so it’s an easy way to pair one of the city’s most famous cemeteries with a day of exploring New Orleans at your own pace.