New Orleans: Cemetery Tour

If you’re visiting New Orleans and have even a passing interest in its storied past, then a cemetery tour is often recommended—and for good reason. This particular cemetery tour by Haunted History Tours offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s most historic burial grounds, filled with stories of the famous, the infamous, and the mysterious. It’s a chance to learn how New Orleans’ unique way of burying its dead—above ground—shaped its history and culture.

What really draws us to this experience? First, the knowledgeable guides bring the cemeteries alive with engaging storytelling, making history accessible and entertaining. Second, the stunning views of historic tombs and Victorian graves create an atmosphere that’s both eerie and beautiful, perfect for those curious about the city’s darker side. However, one thing to keep in mind is that the tour involves walking around several cemeteries—so comfortable shoes are a must.

This tour is ideal for history buffs, architecture fans, or anyone intrigued by New Orleans’ voodoo roots and haunted reputation. It’s also accessible, with wheelchair-friendly options, making it a solid choice for most visitors keen on exploring the city’s “cities of the dead.”

Key Points

• Expert guides bring the cemeteries’ stories to life with humor and insight.
• The tour offers valuable cultural and historical context about New Orleans traditions.
• It’s a 2-hour walking experience that covers several historic burial sites.
• The price of $28 offers solid value considering the depth of stories and sights.
• Weather considerations matter; tours run rain or shine, so umbrellas are recommended.
• The tour is flexible, with options for morning or afternoon sessions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Makes This Cemetery Tour Stand Out?

If you’re trying to decide whether this tour fits into your New Orleans itinerary, it helps to know what to expect. For starters, the meeting point at Morning Call Coffee Shop is convenient, and once you gather your small group, your guide will lead you to some of the oldest cemeteries in the city. These are not just tombs; they are works of Victorian architecture and symbols of local traditions that tell stories far beyond their stone facades.

Inside the Walls of New Orleans’ Oldest Cemeteries

The main draw here is the chance to walk through “cities of the dead,” which is how locals refer to the above-ground tombs that are so characteristic of the city. Unlike traditional ground burials, these tombs reflect the region’s geography and climate—they prevent flood damage and symbolize a different approach to honoring the dead.

What keeps this tour engaging is the expert storytelling. Several reviews mention guides like Toast, Thorn, and Drew, who are praised for their knowledge, humor, and the way they make history appealing. One reviewer even states, “Toast was an excellent guide with an interesting and informative tour touching on the history, geography, and local customs of the cemeteries in New Orleans.”

Learning about Local Customs and Voodoo

A consistent highlight is the way guides connect cemetery stories with local voodoo practices and cultural traditions. The tour explores not just individual tombs but explains why New Orleans buries its dead above ground—a practice born out of necessity and evolved into a cultural hallmark. You’ll also hear about the influence of voodoo, which remains intertwined with the city’s identity.

Visiting Famous Tombs and Notable Personalities

The cemeteries visited include the final resting places of notable figures and celebrities, making the experience more tangible. The guides tend to share anecdotes about these residents, adding a layer of intrigue. As one reviewer mentions, “We saw and learned so much,” with many applauding the entertaining storytelling style.

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The Atmosphere and Weather

Because the tour operates rain or shine, it’s worth bringing an umbrella. The reviews note that overcast or rainy weather can add to the eerie ambiance, especially with the Victorian graves and symbolic sculptures. The weather doesn’t seem to deter the guides, who keep the atmosphere lively and engaging regardless.

The Itinerary in Detail

The tour lasts around 2 hours and covers several cemeteries. While the exact number isn’t specified, reviews mention “walking around 5-6 different cemeteries,” which indicates a substantial exploration.

Starting point: You’ll meet your guide at Morning Call Coffee Shop, which is a comfortable spot to assemble before heading out. From there, the guide leads you on foot to the cemeteries.

Inside the cemeteries: Expect to see intricately designed Victorian tombs, some with elaborate statues and symbolism. The guides point out unique features, like Victorian graves and specific symbols that reveal cultural insights.

Stories and Legends: Throughout your walk, your guide shares stories about notable residents, local history, and voodoo influences. The stories are crafted to be both educational and entertaining, often infused with humor and personal anecdotes.

Special stops: One review mentions visiting Holt Cemetery, which offers additional perspectives on New Orleans’ voodoo culture and burial practices.

End of tour: You’ll return to the starting point, feeling like you’ve uncovered a hidden layer of New Orleans life.

The Value for Money

At $28 per person, this tour provides good value considering the depth of information and the sights seen. The reviews highlight guides like Toast and Thorn as knowledgeable and personable, making the experience well worth the price. Plus, the small group size and the ability to skip lines add to the convenience.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour includes access to multiple cemeteries and a guided exploration. Gratuities are not included, which is common, but if you feel the guide enhanced your experience, a tip is a nice way to show appreciation.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

Given the detailed storytelling and the walking involved, this tour suits history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and those curious about voodoo and local culture. It’s a great way to see a different side of New Orleans, especially if you enjoy exploring historic sites on foot. The accessibility options make it open to a broad audience as long as you’re comfortable walking and standing outdoors.

While not necessarily designed for children, the stories and the visual impact of the tombs can fascinate younger travelers—especially if they’re intrigued by spooky stories or history.

Final Thoughts

This cemetery tour combines historical insight, cultural storytelling, and striking visuals to give you a well-rounded look at New Orleans’ unique approach to death and memorials. The guides are consistently praised for their knowledge, humor, and engaging style, which makes the experience more than just a walk through old graves.

If you’re after a respectful, informative, and visually compelling excursion that’s easy to fit into a half-day, this tour is a solid choice. It’s especially suited to travelers who want a deeper understanding of the city’s traditions and enjoy discovering stories behind the stones.

For those who love stories, history, and a bit of the macabre, it’s a chance to connect with New Orleans on a different level—one that’s as beautiful as it is haunting.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, so most visitors with mobility concerns can participate comfortably.

Do I need to bring anything?
Just an umbrella, since the tour runs rain or shine, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to the walking involved.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, covering several cemeteries with walking between sites.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund or reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility.

Are the guides knowledgeable about New Orleans history?
Absolutely. Many reviews praise the guides’ extensive knowledge, storytelling ability, and engaging personality.

Is this a family-friendly activity?
While not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, many reviews mention kids being engaged by the stories, especially if they’re interested in history or spooky tales. Use your discretion based on your children’s interests.

If you’re after an experience that peels back the layers of New Orleans’ haunted charm with a knowledgeable guide, this cemetery tour delivers. It’s a blend of history, culture, and a touch of the supernatural, perfect for anyone eager to see the city’s “cities of the dead” up close.

You can check availability for your dates here: