New Orleans Metairie Cemetery Tour: Millionaires and Mausoleums

If you’re heading to New Orleans and have a penchant for history, architecture, or just love a good story, a tour of Metairie Cemetery might just become one of your favorite experiences. While not everyone wants to spend hours wandering around cemeteries, this particular tour managed by Red Sash Tours has earned a stellar reputation, with a perfect 5-star rating from nearly 250 reviews. And honestly, it’s easy to see why.

What we love about this experience is how it combines beautiful, intricate mausoleums with captivating tales of the city’s past residents—from jazz musicians and politicians to a famous vampire novelist. Plus, the knowledgeable guides aren’t just walking textbooks—they bring stories to life, making the history engaging and fun. On the flip side, this tour is a brisk two hours with a fair amount of walking, so it’s not ideal for anyone with mobility concerns or strollers. That said, if you’re a curious traveler craving a glimpse into New Orleans’ unique burial customs and architecture, this tour hits all the right notes.

Key Points

• Stunning Architecture: You’ll get up close to lavish mausoleums, pyramids, Greek temples, and sphinx guardians that make the cemetery a visual feast.
• In-Depth Stories: Guides share insider tips, fascinating histories of residents, and explanations of local customs.
• Ideal for Culture & History Enthusiasts: Perfect if you’re interested in learning about New Orleans’ past through its resting places.
• Well-Reviewed & Recommended: Consistently rated as a must-do, with many travelers praising the guides’ expertise.
• Time & Cost: A 2-hour tour for $35, offering good value considering the depth of information and sights.
• Limited Group Size: With a maximum of 18, the experience feels intimate and personalized.

The Itinerary: What to Expect from the Tour

The Starting Point: Lake Lawn Metairie

The tour kicks off at 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd, right at Lake Lawn Metairie, which is itself a notable site on the National Register of Historic Places. Here, you get a sense of the grandeur and artistry that characterizes this cemetery, often regarded as one of the top cemeteries worldwide.

What Makes a Cemetery Tour in New Orleans Special?

Unlike your average graveyard stroll, Metairie Cemetery is a curated showcase of artistic mausoleums and elaborate tombs. You’ll notice everything from towering Greek temples to Egyptian sphinx guardians—each monument tells a story, reflecting the wealth and personality of its occupant.

The Highlights of the Tour

• Lavish Tombs & Art: Expect to walk beneath towering mausoleums with detailed sculptures, marble carvings, and symbolic features.
• Famous Residents: The tour covers notable figures like Al Copeland, founder of Popeyes, and Anne Rice, the famous vampire novelist. Their graves are part of the rich tapestry you’ll explore.
• Local Culture & Customs: Guides share insights into New Orleans’ burial practices, like above-ground tombs due to the city’s water table, and what these customs reveal about the city’s history.
• Storytelling & Insider Tips: Don’t be surprised if your guide offers tips on where to find the best local food, jazz spots, or hidden gems around the city.

Walkthrough of the Tombs & Stories

According to reviews, guides such as Sally and Glenn are particularly praised for their depth of knowledge and engaging storytelling. One reviewer notes that Sally’s expertise extends beyond just cemetery facts—she is an author with researched, detailed insights into customs and regulations, making her one of the best guides encountered in the US.

While the pace is described as brisk, it allows you to see a broad range of sights within the two hours, from crying dogs statues to Islamic pavilions. Many visitors mention that the terrain can be bumpy, especially in the side paths, so if walking a lot or uneven ground is a concern, it’s worth noting.

What’s Included & What’s Not

The ticket price of $35 per person includes admission to the cemetery, an expert guide, and insider tips on local culture. However, it’s worth bringing bottled water if you need hydration during the walk, as that’s not included.

The Group Size & Booking

The tour maintains a small group cap of 18 people, which makes for personalized conversations and better chances to ask questions. Most travelers book about three weeks in advance, which underscores how popular and well-regarded this tour is.

The Real Value

For just over a dollar a minute, this tour offers a deep dive into New Orleans’ famous tombs, stories, and customs. Considering the wealth of information provided and the beautiful sights, most would agree it’s money well spent. Many reviews emphasize how guides like Sally make the experience informative and fun, which greatly enhances the visit.

Authentic Traveler Insights

Reviewers consistently highlight how knowledgeable and passionate the guides are. One said Sally was an “author” with “research” that made her an “expert in all things cemetery.” Several reviews mention that Sally goes beyond the basics, sharing stories of residents like Ruth Fertel, who started with a humble steak house before becoming a culinary legend.

Another reviewer notes that the pace is suitable for most adults and that the cemetery itself is “absolutely gorgeous.” However, some mention that Glenn, another guide, walks quickly and the terrain can be uneven—so for those with mobility issues or strollers, it’s worth considering.

Tips for Visitors

• Wear comfortable shoes: Expect a lot of walking on uneven ground.
• Bring water: Hydration isn’t provided.
• Be ready for a brisk pace: Guides move efficiently through the sites.
• Ask questions: The guides love engaging with curious visitors.
• Book in advance: This tour is popular, often booked 23 days ahead.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is perfect for history buffs, architecture lovers, and culture enthusiasts who appreciate detailed storytelling. If you’re interested in famous New Orleanians, or just enjoy exploring beautiful, historic sites, you’ll find this tour rewarding. It’s also well suited for those who don’t mind walking and want a deeper understanding of the city’s burial customs.

While families with very young children or mobility concerns might want to consider terrain and pace, the overall experience is engaging and suitable for most adult travelers who love a good story and stunning visuals.

FAQs

• How long is the tour?
  Approximately 2 hours, covering many fascinating tombs and stories.

• What’s included in the price?
  The ticket covers entry to Metairie Cemetery, an expert guide, and insider tips about local culture.

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

• Is this tour suitable for children?
  The pace and terrain may not be ideal for strollers or those with mobility issues, but curious older children might enjoy the storytelling.

• Are the guides knowledgeable?
  Absolutely. Reviews rave about guides like Sally and Glenn, praising their expertise and storytelling skills.

• Is the tour weather-dependent?
  Yes, it requires good weather. If canceled due to rain or poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

• What should I wear?
  Comfortable walking shoes are a must; dress for the weather since much of the tour is outdoors.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in New Orleans and want to peek behind the city’s vibrant surface into its past, this Metairie Cemetery tour offers a compelling mix of stunning visuals, fascinating stories, and expert insights. It’s especially suited for those who value history, architecture, and local culture. The small group size ensures a personal touch, and the knowledgeable guides make the experience memorable.

While it’s not a leisurely stroll—thanks to its brisk pace and uneven terrain—it’s a worthwhile dive into one of New Orleans’ most iconic cemeteries. For the price of around $35, you’re getting a beautifully curated, educational experience that many travelers say they’d do again.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned visitor, this tour provides a unique way to appreciate the city’s history and architecture—plus, it’s a great story to tell back home. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and prepare for a quick but enriching journey through the “city of the dead.”