Cemetery Tour New Orleans

If you’re planning a visit to New Orleans, chances are you’ve heard about its famous above-ground cemeteries. But experiencing them firsthand with a guided tour offers a whole new perspective—one that’s both educational and emotionally resonant. The Cemetery Tour New Orleans by DuPont and Company promises to take you behind the marble and moss, sharing stories of those who lie beneath and revealing the city’s distinctive approach to death and remembrance.

What we love about this tour is how deeply it respects the local customs and history. You’ll find yourself walking among tombs that hold more than one family’s ancestors and learning why this practice exists in the city’s unique landscape. Plus, the guide’s personal connection—being a local with relatives buried there—adds a genuine touch to the storytelling. On the flip side, a possible consideration is the weather; as one reviewer noted, hot and humid days can make the experience less comfortable. Still, if you’re curious about the city’s burial traditions and enjoy storytelling that feels personal, this tour hits the right notes.

This experience is especially well-suited for history buffs, architecture fans, or anyone intrigued by New Orleans’ distinctive culture. It’s also a manageable option for those who want a brief, meaningful look at the city’s “Cities of the Dead” without spending hours wandering around alone.

Key Points

• Intimate group size: With a maximum of 14 travelers, you get a more personal experience.
• Expert local guides: Guides are passionate, knowledgeable, and connected to the cemetery stories.
• Deep dive into burial customs: Learn why above-ground tombs are common and how families manage multiple generations in one space.
• Balanced itinerary: The tour covers both the famous St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 and the historic Bayou St. John area, offering cultural context beyond just the cemeteries.
• Value for money: At $30 per person for about 90 minutes, it’s a focused, affordable way to engage with local history.
• Weather considerations: Be prepared for potential heat and humidity, especially in warmer months. An umbrella or hat is recommended.

Exploring the Tour: What to Expect from Start to Finish

Meeting Point and Timing

The tour begins at Moss Street & Esplanade Avenue at 10:30 am. Starting mid-morning helps you avoid the peak heat of midday, but keep in mind that New Orleans can be hot and humid, which might influence your comfort level. The group is small, capped at 14, ensuring you won’t feel lost in a crowd or rushed. The tour lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, including stops and storytelling.

First Stop: St. Louis Cemetery No. 3

Most of your time will be spent exploring St. Louis Cemetery No. 3, one of the city’s best and oldest cemeteries. Here, the focus is on above-ground tombs—a necessity due to the high water table—and the practice of fitting hundreds of bodies into tombs built for just a few. Your guide will explain the reasoning behind this unusual approach and highlight some of the most interesting tombs, sharing stories about the families and individuals entombed there.

You’ll get to see the iconic above-ground vaults, which aren’t just practical; they’re part of the city’s identity. The fact that many tombs hold multiple generations or families makes for compelling stories about ancestors, mortality, and local customs. One reviewer appreciated the “interesting information regarding the options the deceased have today,” which hints at the evolving nature of burial practices.

Second Stop: Bayou St. John

A quick 10-minute walk takes you to Bayou St. John, a historic portage area that predates the French Quarter—older and less touristy than the bustling heart of the city. Here, you’ll see the Spanish Fort and the Spanish Customs House, adding a layer of historical context beyond the cemeteries. It’s a peaceful area, providing a contrast to the more crowded burial sites while still offering a glimpse into the city’s early days.

The Personal Touch

What elevates this tour is the guide’s personal connection. A local with ancestors buried in the cemeteries, your guide can offer insights that you won’t find in guidebooks. This personal touch makes the stories more authentic and engaging, especially if you’re into learning about the city’s cultural practices from someone who truly knows them.

What Travelers Say: Authentic Feedback

One reviewer pointed out, “Great tour but not on a hot, humid day,” which is worth considering. New Orleans’ weather can be a challenge if you’re sensitive to heat; bringing an umbrella, hat, and water is a good idea. The same reviewer also appreciated “interesting information regarding the options the deceased have today,” indicating that the guide’s storytelling is both informative and relevant.

Another reviewer praised the knowledgeable guides for making the experience special, emphasizing that their personal ties to the cemeteries added depth. They noted that the light-hearted yet respectful tone helped make the visit memorable without feeling morbid.

Is This Tour Worth It? Analyzing the Value

The cost is $30 per person, which for 90 minutes of guided insights is quite reasonable. Given the small group size, you’ll get a more intimate understanding of the stories and customs shared by the guide. The inclusion of admission to St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 within that price makes it a straightforward, no-hidden-fees experience.

While it’s a relatively short tour, it packs enough history and local flavor to satisfy those interested in the city’s burial traditions, architecture, and history. If you’re looking for a thoughtful, engaging activity that complements your broader exploration of New Orleans, this tour offers genuine value.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits travelers who appreciate stories and history over pure sightseeing. It’s ideal for those curious about local customs, architecture, and the city’s approach to death. It’s also manageable for anyone with limited time but who still wants a meaningful connection to New Orleans’ “Cities of the Dead.” However, be mindful that the tour occurs outdoors, so hot, humid weather could impact your experience.

If you’re traveling with family or children, the tour’s respectful tone and educational focus make it suitable for older kids or teenagers interested in history and culture. But if you’re seeking a lively, festive activity, this might not be the best fit.

Final Thoughts

The Cemetery Tour New Orleans offers a thoughtful, personal journey into the city’s burial traditions and history. The knowledgeable guides and carefully curated stops make it a worthwhile experience for anyone wanting to understand what sets New Orleans’ cemeteries apart. It’s a chance to walk among tombs that tell stories of families, ancestors, and a community that keeps its history alive—literally and figuratively.

If you enjoy learning about local customs and love stories rooted in history, this tour will likely leave you with a deeper appreciation for the city’s unique character. Just remember to dress appropriately for the weather and bring some water—you’ll want to stay comfortable and attentive as you listen to the stories of those who have shaped New Orleans.

FAQ

How long is the Cemetery Tour New Orleans?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, including stops at the cemeteries and the Bayou St. John area.

What is included in the tour price?
The admission ticket to St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 is included in the $30 per person fee. The tour itself covers the guided walk and storytelling.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Moss Street & Esplanade Avenue at 10:30 am.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
While it’s not specifically marketed as family-friendly, the respectful tone and educational content can work well for older children and teenagers interested in local history.

What should I bring?
Bring an umbrella or hat, especially if visiting during warmer months, and wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
The information doesn’t specify accessibility details, so it’s best to contact the provider directly if you have specific needs.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to rain or storms, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How many people are in each group?
The tour is limited to 14 travelers maximum, ensuring a more personal experience.

Is this tour suitable for those interested in ghost stories or supernatural elements?
While the tour focuses on the history and customs, it’s not explicitly a haunted or supernatural tour, but some stories may interest those with such inclinations.

If you’re after a sincere look at New Orleans’ burial customs, told by passionate locals, this cemetery tour offers a respectful and memorable way to connect with the city’s past.