Cemetery No. 1, 2 Hours

New Orleans: Cemetery Tour runs through Haunted History Tours. Rated 4.6 across 642 reviews. Runs 2 hours. From $28.

Overview

This two-hour walk from Haunted History Tours goes inside the walls of New Orleans' oldest burial grounds, where the tombs sit above ground in what locals call the cities of the dead. You meet a local guide at the Morning Call Coffee Shop on Canal Boulevard and walk from there to the cemeteries. Along the way the guide explains why the city buries its dead above ground and how those practices developed.

The route stays inside St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 rather than visiting several cemeteries, and reviewers say the guide points out tombs they would have walked straight past otherwise. Expect stories about notable and infamous residents, the history of voodoo and its ties to the French Quarter, and, according to one traveller, background on events like yellow fever and Hurricane Katrina. The tour has been recommended by the Travel Channel, A&E, and the History Channel.

It suits visitors who want history with their atmosphere. Reviewers again and again describe the guides as knowledgeable and engaging, so expect an informative walk rather than a simple stroll. Bring an umbrella, since tours run rain or shine.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet your guideMeet at the Morning Call Coffee Shop at 5101 Canal Blvd. No pickup is included, so travellers make their own way there.
2. Walk to the cemeteriesFrom the coffee shop, the group walks with the guide to the cemetery grounds.
3. Explore the cities of the deadInside the walls, the guide leads the group through the maze of above-ground tombs, explaining local burial practices and pointing out the resting places of famous and infamous residents.
4. Inside St. Louis Cemetery No. 1The tour continues through the cemetery's above-ground tombs, with commentary on their history and notable residents.
5. Hear voodoo and French Quarter historyThroughout the walk, the guide covers the history of voodoo and its connection to the French Quarter.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of the two hours on foot.

• Be ready to walk. One reviewer describes this as a lot of walking and advises that you will definitely get your steps in.
• Bring an umbrella. The listing recommends an umbrella or poncho, and tours operate rain or shine. Pack one before you head to the meeting point.
• Guides carry the tour. Many travellers single out their guide as knowledgeable and engaging. The storytelling comes up as a strength in review after review.
• It is educational. Several reviewers say they left knowing far more than expected, covering the history of the cities of the dead and voodoo. Come ready to listen and learn.
• Gratuity is extra. The tour price does not include gratuity for the guide. Budget for it separately when you plan your spend.
• Arrive at the meeting point. There is no hotel pickup. Meet at the Morning Call Coffee Shop at 5101 Canal Blvd.

Common issues. The tour runs rain or shine, so bad weather means a wet walk rather than a cancelled one. One reviewer notes there is a lot of walking, so factor that in before booking. One reviewer was disappointed not to see the Queen of Voodoo. Gratuity is not included in the price.

Before You Book Anything