New Orleans Garden District and Lafayette Cemetery Tour

If you’re looking to experience a slice of New Orleans beyond the bustling streets of Bourbon, a guided walk through the Garden District paired with a visit to Lafayette Cemetery offers a delightful encounter with the city’s elegant architecture and storied past. This tour promises a chance to see beautiful mansions, hear vivid tales of local life, and get a glimpse of the city’s peculiar burial customs, all in about two hours.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is the chance to enjoy it in a small-group setting, giving you a more personal and flexible experience. We also love the way guides share not just facts but anecdotes that breathe life into the historic homes and cemeteries. On the downside, while the tour includes a cemetery visit from outside the gates (due to city closures), it still offers a meaningful look at one of New Orleans’ most iconic burial sites.

This tour is well-suited for travelers who appreciate architecture, history, and local stories without the hassle of large crowds or rigid schedules. It’s perfect for those wanting an authentic, laid-back experience that captures the spirit of New Orleans’ elegant and sometimes eccentric past.

Key Points

• In-depth walking tour of the Garden District, one of New Orleans’ most beautiful neighborhoods
• Visits Lafayette Cemetery No.1 from the outside, with insights into local burial customs
• Small-group setting enhances personal interaction with guides
• Tour emphasizes architecture, history, and colorful stories
• Cost-effective at $25, offering good value for a two-hour, guided experience
• Suitable for most travelers, with considerations for standing and uneven ground

An Introduction to the Tour: History, Architecture, and Personal Stories

This tour offers an excellent way to explore the Garden District and Lafayette Cemetery without feeling rushed or lost in a crowd. For around $25, you’re getting a guided stroll that takes in a neighborhood packed with antebellum mansions, each telling its own history through style and stories. What’s more, the experience isn’t just about the houses — it’s about understanding how New Orleans’ Creole and American residents built a city of contrasts, competing architecturally and culturally.

One of the big strengths of this tour is the guide’s ability to weave history with personal anecdotes. Reviewers consistently mention guides like Muriel, Rob, Dave, and Avery as knowledgeable and personable, making the experience feel more like a conversation than a lecture. For example, one traveler appreciated that Rob’s storytelling made up for the cemetery’s temporary closure; his efforts to bring the cemetery’s stories alive from the gates were highly praised.

However, note that Lafayette Cemetery No.1 is temporarily closed to the public for repairs, which is a common situation in New Orleans. The tour still includes the outside view from the cemetery gates and offers plenty of context about why the cemetery is famous, including film locations from movies like “Interview with the Vampire,” and the elaborate aboveground tombs that make New Orleans cemeteries unique.

This tour is best suited for those who enjoy architecture, local lore, and a relaxed pace. It’s not designed for those seeking an inside visit of the cemetery, but even from the outside, the tombs and monuments tell a story of the city’s unique funeral customs and personalities buried there.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

First Stop: Lafayette Cemetery No.1
While entry isn’t possible at the moment, standing outside the gates still offers a striking view of some of the city’s most famous tombs. You’ll see aboveground crypts made of marble, stone, and concrete, often stacked to conserve space in the city’s humid climate. The tombs are easy to recognize from films and books — the Interview with the Vampire crypts, the famous Mayfair family tomb from Anne Rice’s novels, and the Jefferson Fire Company tomb across the street.

Your guide will share stories about these tombs, explaining the local custom of aboveground burials, which is quite different from what most travelers are used to. There’s an eerie charm here, and many visitors find it fascinating to learn about the city’s funeral practices, which include elaborate crypts and statues. Some reviews mention that guides like Dave or Muriel add to this experience by sharing their knowledge of films shot in the cemetery or stories about notable residents.

Next: The Garden District Streets
After the cemetery, your walk begins through the neighborhoods lined with historic homes. These mansions, many built before the Civil War, showcase a variety of architectural styles including Greek Revival, Italianate, and Victorian. The guided narration highlights the contrasts in architecture that resulted from the blending of Creole and American influences.

You’ll see homes with lush gardens, intricate ironwork, and large porches — perfect spots for a Louisiana afternoon. One reviewer, Susan, notes, “It was very interesting to learn about the architecture and history of the area,” emphasizing how the guide’s stories make these buildings come alive.

The Small-Group Experience
With a maximum of 14 travelers, the tour offers a personal touch. Guides like Avery or Rob often answer questions, share local insights, and tailor the pace to the group. This small size makes it easier for everyone to hear and see details, which isn’t always the case on larger tours.

Visit to the Garden District Book Shop
The tour concludes at the Garden District Book Shop, giving visitors a chance to browse books about New Orleans’ history, architecture, or even pick up a souvenir. This stop allows for a relaxed finish and some independent exploration.

Value and Practical Considerations

At $25 per person, this tour is a solid value considering the expert guidance, personalized attention, and the chance to see some of the city’s most picturesque neighborhoods. The duration — approximately two hours — is ideal for those with limited time but who want a meaningful experience. It’s a walk, so be prepared for standing and uneven ground, especially on the cemetery grounds.

The tour does not include hotel pickup or entrance fees to Lafayette Cemetery (which is temporarily closed for entry), but the meeting point at the Garden District Book Shop is easy to access via public transportation or a short walk from other parts of New Orleans.

Tip: Since there are no restrooms once the tour begins, bring water and use the facilities beforehand. Many travelers appreciate the flexibility of a mobile ticket, making it easy to join and leave the tour at your convenience.

What Travelers Say: Authentic Feedback

Guests often mention guides’ friendliness and knowledge as a highlight. Susan highlights Muriel’s great storytelling, while April appreciates Rob’s ability to make the cemetery experience memorable despite restrictions. Others like Karen say, “Dave was a great guide. Very informative and interesting tales about the homes we were seeing,” emphasizing the value of commentary beyond just admiring architecture.

Some travelers have slightly different expectations. Megan notes, “This wasn’t necessarily what we were expecting,” with a wish for more cultural context about the neighborhoods rather than film locations. Still, the overall sentiment is positive, especially about the combination of architecture and history.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This walking tour offers a wonderful introduction to New Orleans’ Garden District and Lafayette Cemetery without the need for long lines or large crowds. It’s best for culturally curious travelers who enjoy architecture, storytelling, and a relaxed pace. It’s perfect for those who appreciate knowledgeable guides and authentic neighborhood strolls that offer more than just surface-level sights.

The $25 price tag makes this tour accessible, especially considering the depth of stories and the personal attention. If you’re keen on understanding the city’s unique burial customs, love historic homes, or simply want to see a different side of New Orleans than the lively French Quarter, this tour will serve you well.

It’s an ideal choice if you want an authentic, informative, and relaxed activity that captures the charm and history of the city’s most elegant neighborhood. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring water — and prepare for some fascinating stories along the way.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers find it suitable since it’s a walking tour with engaging stories, but keep in mind the two-hour duration and uneven ground. Children who enjoy history and architecture will likely love it.

Are there restroom facilities available during the tour?
There are no restrooms once the tour begins, so it’s best to go beforehand or bring water.

Does the tour include entrance to Lafayette Cemetery?
No, entrance is not included because the cemetery is temporarily closed to the public. The guide will still give a meaningful explanation from outside the gates.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about two hours, including both the cemetery and neighborhood walk.

Can I join the tour if I’m not staying near the meeting point?
Yes, the meeting point at the Garden District Book Shop is accessible by public transportation or a short walk from other parts of the city.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to uneven sidewalks and cemetery grounds. Bring water and sun protection if it’s a sunny day.

Is tipping expected?
While not included, gratuities are appreciated for guides who offer a personable and knowledgeable experience.

This tour offers a lovely blend of history, architecture, and storytelling that helps you understand and appreciate the soul of New Orleans’ Garden District. Whether you’re a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or just looking for a peaceful walk through beautiful neighborhoods, it’s a worthwhile addition to your visit.