Cemetery and Ghost BYOB Bus Tour in New Orleans

If you’re considering a night-time adventure that mixes history, spooky stories, and a bit of local flavor, the Cemetery and Ghost BYOB Bus Tour might just be worth your time. This tour is designed for those who want to see a different side of New Orleans — beyond the busy French Quarter — and venture into some of its quieter, more haunted spaces. We’ve looked into this experience to help you decide whether it fits your travel style.

What we really like about this tour is its access to cemeteries after dark, which is pretty rare. Plus, the insightful guides and the fact that you’re encouraged to bring your own drinks add a fun, relaxed vibe. On the flip side, some reviews mention that the tour can feel rushed or that the guide’s storytelling isn’t always as spooky or engaging as expected. Still, if you’re into history, ghost stories, and exploring places off the beaten path, this could be a great pick.

This tour is especially suited for curious travelers who enjoy a mix of education and entertainment, and who don’t mind a little ghostly atmosphere — just don’t expect full-on scare tactics. It’s family-friendly for kids over 6, too, making it accessible for a range of visitors. Now, let’s walk through what you can expect during this two-hour adventure.

Key Points

• Exclusive Cemetery Access: Explore a historic New Orleans cemetery after dark, a rare opportunity to see these resting places at night.
• Comfortable Transportation: The bus takes you beyond the French Quarter to quieter neighborhoods, making the experience more intimate.
• Informative Guides: Guides share stories about notable graves and local legends, often adding personal touches from their own experiences.
• Photo Opportunities: Bring your camera to look for orbs or other signs of paranormal activity.
• Flexible, BYOB Experience: Feel free to bring your own drinks; just remember to drink responsibly and be respectful.
• Varied Stops: From Masonic cemeteries to Katrina memorials, the stops provide a mix of history and haunting tales.

A Complete Look at the Experience

What’s Included & What’s Not

For $45 per person, you get a driver/guide providing live commentary and the convenience of pickup and drop-off from designated points, mainly around the French Quarter. While the price might seem high at first glance, it includes access to some sites you wouldn’t see during daylight or on most other tours. Keep in mind, gratuities aren’t included, so tipping your guide if you appreciate their storytelling is appreciated.

The Itinerary Breakdown

1. Masonic Temple Cemetery #2

The first stop is a fascinating contrast to the typical Catholic cemeteries you’ll see in New Orleans. Founded in 1865, this cemetery features elaborate tombs of the Masonic Lodge, with a unique triangular layout that mimics the Masonic emblem of the square and compass. It’s a visually striking place — cast-iron fences, communal burial plots, and a quiet atmosphere that feels like stepping into another world.

One reviewer mentioned that Kendall, the guide, was particularly knowledgeable about this site and shared stories rooted in its history, making the visit both educational and eerie. The cemetery’s communal tombs and angular pathways lend themselves well to ghost stories, and the guide’s commentary adds to the sense of mystery.

2. City Park

Next, you’ll stop in City Park, which is as charming as it is historic. Spanning over 1,300 acres, this space has been a favorite spot for locals since 1854. The towering oaks and moss-draped trees set a peaceful tone, providing a stark contrast to the haunted cemeteries. It’s a perfect spot for a restroom break, and you can purchase coffee and beignets at Morning Call Cafe if you want a quick treat.

Although not directly part of the spooky narrative, it’s worth mentioning that the park’s natural beauty often surprises visitors, especially in the evening when the shadows lengthen.

3. Hurricane Katrina Memorial

The next stop is particularly poignant. Situated at what used to be Charity Hospital’s paupers’ field, this memorial is a simple but powerful circle of tombs honoring the unclaimed victims of the 2005 levee failures. One reviewer described it as “ominous but oddly affecting,” and it’s an ideal quiet place for reflection. The guide will explain the lasting impact of the hurricane and the stories behind the memorial, adding depth to this somber site.

4. Additional Sites

While the tour primarily focuses on the cemeteries and memorials, it also takes you past other notable locations with ghost stories and local legends. The guide’s storytelling style is often a highlight — some reviews praise guides like Kendall and Ray for their engaging, knowledgeable manner.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Access after dark is the main draw. Most New Orleans cemeteries are off-limits at night, so being able to walk among the above-ground tombs in the darkness adds a layer of intrigue and mystery. Plus, the small group size and bus transportation make it more comfortable than walking tours in the humid Louisiana night.

Guides seem to be a mixed bag but generally praised for their knowledge and friendliness. Multiple reviews highlight Kendall as a standout, sharing personal stories and making the experience lively and engaging. The tour’s focus on history and local lore makes it more meaningful than just spooky stories.

Bringing your own drinks (BYOB) adds a relaxed, social element. Many guests report having fun with friends or partners, sipping beverages while listening to tales of hauntings and history.

The Caveats

Some reviews point out that the tour can feel slightly rushed or that guides may not always deliver the spooky atmosphere expected. One reviewer said, “It wasn’t really a ghost tour,” and another felt the guide lacked charisma. The tour duration is around two hours, which is quite manageable, but if the guide isn’t engaging, it can feel a little less thrilling.

Also, the tour is not wheelchair accessible, and it involves some walking and steps to board the bus, so plan accordingly. It’s most suitable for kids over 6, but parents should gauge whether the morbid stories might be too intense for very young children.

Analyzing the Value

At $45, this tour strikes a balance between cost and experience. It offers more than just stories — you get cemetery access, historical insights, and a chance to see some of New Orleans’ less-visited sites. The reviews consistently mention guides being knowledgeable and friendly, which adds to the overall value.

Compared to other haunted or dark history tours, this one’s advantage is its nighttime cemetery access, making it a distinctive option. If you’re a history buff or someone interested in the city’s unique burial practices and ghost lore, this tour is likely to satisfy.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventurous travelers who enjoy stories about history and the supernatural but aren’t seeking a scare-fest. It’s suitable for those who appreciate a relaxed, social setting and are comfortable with a moderate amount of walking and standing outdoors at night.

Families with children over 6 who are interested in history and ghost stories might find it suitable, but parents should consider if their kids are comfortable with the morbid tales. It’s not designed as a family-focused outing but can be a shared learning experience.

Final Thoughts

The Cemetery and Ghost BYOB Bus Tour offers a unique way to experience New Orleans’ darker side without the crowds. Its combination of cemetery exploration after dark, engaging guides, and the flexibility of BYOB makes it a fun, memorable option for many travelers. While it may not be the most chilling ghost tour out there, it’s a good balance of history, fun, and spooky charm.

If you’re looking for an experience that’s more than just haunted tales — one that includes historical context and access to sites you’d otherwise miss — this tour is worth considering. Just keep your expectations about the scariness in check and focus on the stories, scenery, and atmosphere.

FAQs

Is parking available near the meeting point for this tour?
There’s limited parking nearby, and rates may apply. Given its downtown location in the French Quarter, walking or public transit might be more convenient. Ride-share options like Uber or Lyft are also a good bet.

Can I use public transportation to get to the meeting point?
Yes, public transit stops near the departure location, making it accessible without a car.

How early should I arrive?
It’s best to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start to ensure you’re on time and have time to settle in.

Which cemeteries will we visit?
The tour typically visits the Charity Hospital pauper’s field, Masonic Temple Cemetery #2, and others including the Hurricane Katrina Memorial.

Does it include the tomb of Marie Laveau?
No, her tomb is in St. Louis Cemetery 1, which is not part of this tour.

Are the stops suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is appropriate for guests aged 6 and above. However, the morbid stories may not be suitable for very young children.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
No, the bus isn’t wheelchair accessible, and some walking and steps are involved.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and layered clothing are recommended, as you’ll be outside in the evening.

If you’re after an experience that combines history, a touch of the supernatural, and the chance to see some of New Orleans’ unique cemeteries at night, this tour hits many of those marks. Just keep in mind the reviews about guide engagement and the pacing — and you’ll have an enjoyable evening exploring the “City of the Dead.”