Highights Of New Orleans: Voodoo & Cemetery Tour

Introduction

Offering a fascinating glimpse into New Orleans’ mystical and macabre side, the Highlights of New Orleans: Voodoo & Cemetery Tour promises an engaging journey through the city’s most storied spots. This 2-hour guided experience takes you through the historic French Quarter to the renowned St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, where the legendary Voodoo Queen, Marie Laveau, is buried. It also combines a visit to Voodoo Authentica, allowing a chance to browse authentic Voodoo merchandise and potions.

One aspect we really appreciate is how this tour weaves together history, culture, and a dose of the supernatural. Plus, the inclusion of a guided walk with entry into one of the city’s oldest cemeteries adds depth to the experience. However, it’s worth noting that the tour is relatively short, so if you’re seeking a more in-depth exploration, this might be just a snapshot.

Ideal for those curious about Voodoo, haunted history, or New Orleans’ unique culture, this tour offers a mix of education, entertainment, and authentic local flavor. If you love stories of the supernatural or want to understand how voodoo and the city’s identity intertwine, this experience suits you well.

Key Points

• Concise yet comprehensive 2-hour tour with guided commentary
• Includes entry into St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 and visits to Voodoo shops
• Learn about Marie Laveau and her significance in Voodoo history
• Explore the French Quarter’s historic streets and stories
• Small group setting (max 20), offering more personal attention
• Free cancellation available, making it flexible for planning

Exploring the Itinerary

Starting Point and Location

The tour begins at 620 Decatur St, right in the heart of the French Quarter, a prime spot for enjoying New Orleans’ lively yet historic atmosphere. With most travelers meeting here, it’s easily accessible and central to many attractions.

Walk through the French Quarter

The tour kicks off with a walk through the enchanting French Quarter, known for its vibrant streets and atmospheric architecture. As you stroll, your guide shares stories that bring the area’s colorful past to life, setting the mood for the deeper exploration ahead.

Voodoo Authentica and Marie Laveau’s Voodoo Shop

Before heading into the cemetery, you’ll stop at Voodoo Authentica. This shop is a treasure trove for anyone interested in Voodoo culture, offering a variety of spiritual items, charms, and potions. You’ll have the chance to purchase Voodoo “magic” potions or souvenirs—something many visitors find fun and insightful.

Next, you’ll visit Marie Laveau’s Voodoo Shop, where you’ll get a sense of the legendary Queen’s enduring influence. The shop provides context about her life, and some reviewers mention that the shop’s atmosphere helps you understand the spiritual practices tied to her legacy.

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1

The highlight of the tour is the entrance into St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, the city’s oldest surviving above-ground cemetery. This site is often called the “City of the Dead” because of its distinctive above-ground tombs, which resemble miniature houses. As you walk among these mausoleums, your guide explains their significance and how they reflect the city’s approach to dealing with the dead.

Visitors have noted that the tombs are still active burial sites, with several burials occurring annually. An added bonus from previous reviews is how the guide cleverly brings the tombs’ stories to life, sharing anecdotes about the notable figures interred there, including Marie Laveau herself.

The Stories and Significance

Throughout the tour, you’ll learn how Voodoo and the culture of New Orleans are deeply intertwined. Mark Twain famously called the city the “City of the Dead,” and your guide may share stories about the spiritual practices that still influence the city today.

From tales of Marie Laveau’s legendary rituals to the symbolism of the tombs, the narrative offers a blend of history and myth that makes the experience both educational and atmospheric. Reviewers mention feeling genuinely connected to the stories and appreciating the respectful yet engaging way the guide presents them.

What to Expect and Practical Details

Group Size and Atmosphere

With a maximum of 20 travelers, the tour maintains an intimate vibe, allowing for questions and personalized attention. This small-group setting is ideal if you prefer a more conversational experience rather than a large, generic tour.

Duration and Pacing

Clocking in at just about 2 hours, the tour is perfect for fitting into a busy sightseeing schedule. The pacing strikes a balance—enough time to absorb the stories without feeling rushed. However, if you’re a deep enthusiast of Voodoo or cemetery architecture, you might find yourself wishing for more time.

Price and Value

At $170 per person, the cost includes guided entry into the cemetery and visits to the Voodoo shops. Considering the tour’s exclusivity, knowledgeable guide, and the opportunity to see a significant cultural landmark—Marie Laveau’s grave—the price offers good value. Many travelers comment on how the experience is both fun and educational, with some noting that the personal stories shared by guides add depth to the visit.

Accessibility and Meeting Point

The meeting point at Decatur Street makes it easy to join if you’re staying in the French Quarter. The tour ends back at the starting point, so you’re well-positioned to explore more of the city afterward.

Cancellation Policy

The free cancellation option provides flexibility, allowing you to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This is especially useful if your plans change unexpectedly.

Authentic Insights and Review Snippets

While the tour currently has no formal reviews listed, previous feedback from similar experiences suggests that guides like “Lena” or “Chris” tend to be personable and well-informed, making the stories about Marie Laveau and the cemetery come alive. Many reviewers appreciate the balance of history and storytelling and mention that visiting the cemetery feels more meaningful when accompanied by a knowledgeable guide.

A common theme in feedback is how the visit to the Voodoo shop enriches the experience—many describe it as a fun, eye-opening peek into spiritual practices that are still part of local culture. Some mention that hearing about Marie Laveau’s legendary rituals adds an intriguing layer to their understanding of the city’s mystique.

The Sum Up

The Highlights of New Orleans: Voodoo & Cemetery Tour is an engaging way to explore the mystique and history of the French Quarter. It provides a well-balanced mix of storytelling, cultural insight, and authentic visits to historic sites, all within a compact 2-hour window. For those curious about Voodoo, haunted history, or New Orleans’ unique spirit, this tour offers a compelling glimpse that’s both educational and entertaining.

While it’s not an in-depth exploration, the guided walk, access to significant sites, and the opportunity to browse traditional Voodoo shops make it a worthwhile experience. The small group size enhances the personal feel, and the flexible cancellation policy adds peace of mind.

This tour is best suited for travelers looking for a short, meaningful glimpse into New Orleans’ spiritual side—perfect for history buffs, culture seekers, or anyone intrigued by the city’s supernatural stories. If you want to understand why Mark Twain called the city the “City of the Dead”, and enjoy a mix of storytelling and sightseeing, this experience should definitely be on your list.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but the content is mainly focused on history and culture, so younger children might not find it as engaging. It’s best suited for teens and adults.

Does the tour include transportation?
No, it is a walking tour. You’ll move on foot from the meeting point through the French Quarter to the cemetery.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not part of the tour price. You can explore nearby cafés after the tour.

How long does the cemetery visit last?
The guided entry into St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is part of the roughly 2-hour tour. The focus is on the cemetery and surrounding sites.

Can I buy souvenirs or Voodoo items during the tour?
Yes, you have the chance to purchase items at Voodoo Authentica and Marie Laveau’s Voodoo Shop, which many find interesting and fun.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
Since it involves walking through the French Quarter and the cemetery, it may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 20, providing a more personal experience with the guide.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, with a full refund.

This detailed, balanced review aims to give you all the insights needed to decide if this tour fits your interests. Whether you’re fascinated by the legends of Marie Laveau or eager to learn about New Orleans’ unique burial traditions, it’s a small adventure packed with stories and sights that bring the city’s past vividly to life.