Metairie Cemetery Stories: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

If you’re visiting New Orleans and want to add a touch of history and mystery to your trip, the Metairie Cemetery Stories: A Self-Guided Audio Tour might just be what you’re looking for. This tour offers a flexible way to explore one of the city’s most iconic cemeteries from the comfort of your own pace, with a downloadable app guiding you through its most fascinating stories and sights.

What we appreciate most about this experience is its private, personalized nature—you control how long you linger at each tomb, and you don’t have to worry about heavy group tours or guide schedules. Plus, the fact that the tour plays offline makes it a practical choice for travelers concerned about data usage or spotty internet connections in the area.

However, a potential downside is that some reviews mention minor hiccups with the app or occasional gaps in grave details, so it’s worth being prepared to supplement your exploration with your own curiosity or additional research. This tour is an excellent fit for history buffs, photography enthusiasts, or anyone who enjoys discovering a city’s stories at their own pace.

Key Points

• Private and flexible: Perfect for those who want control over their sightseeing experience.
• Offline feature: No internet needed once downloaded, ideal for connectivity issues.
• Affordable: At just $8.99, it offers a good value for a self-guided experience.
• Rich storytelling: Narration brings to life the legends, history, and architectural details.
• Ease of use: The VoiceMap app is simple to navigate, even for tech novices.
• Great for all ages: Most travelers, including service animals, can participate comfortably.

An In-Depth Look at the Metairie Cemetery Self-Guided Tour

Getting Started: Convenience and Accessibility

The tour begins at Washington Artillery Park, which is conveniently located in New Orleans. It’s easy to find, near public transportation, and offers a straightforward starting point. The app, VoiceMap, requires a quick download—free—and once you input your purchased tour code, you’re ready to go. Travelers mention that the process is painless and quick, making it accessible even for those not used to digital tours.

A noteworthy point is that the tour is private, tailored solely to your party. This means you can explore at your own pace, take photos, and pause as needed without feeling rushed—something many reviewers loved. One traveler said, “You can take as much time as you need and stop anytime with the audioguide,” emphasizing the flexibility.

The Journey Through History: What the Tour Covers

The itinerary features several key stops within the cemetery, each revealing stories that make this site more than just a collection of tombstones.

The First Stop: The Tombs and Mausolea

From the start, the tour takes you past a variety of imposing tombs, pyramids, and obelisks. This variety of funerary architecture truly captures the unique style of New Orleans cemeteries. Several reviewers mentioned how much they enjoyed snapping photos of these structures—one even noted that a key grave was just a few feet from the start, making it easy to overlook but worth seeking out.

The Stories Behind the Stones

As you proceed, the narration shares stories about notable graves and the history of the cemetery’s origins. For example, the site was once the location of the Metairie Race Course, which now forms part of the “City of the Dead.” The storytelling is engaging and informative, filling each corner with historic context and colorful anecdotes.

One reviewer praised the guides’ knowledge, mentioning that the narration was “perfectly paced” and full of “good history.” Another pointed out that they appreciated the geolocation feature, which triggers different stories as you approach each site, enhancing the experience’s immersive quality.

The Highlights

• The geolocation feature is highly praised, allowing stories to unfold naturally as you walk or drive through the cemetery.
• You can pause and restart, making it easy to take photos or simply soak in the atmosphere.
• The app works offline, a big plus considering the potential for spotty signal in some areas.
• The tour’s length of roughly 35 minutes is just enough to explore without feeling rushed, but travelers can extend their visit by spending extra time at particular graves or mausolea.

The Experience from Reviews

Multiple reviewers highlighted how the knowledgeable narration enriched their visit. For instance, one wrote, “Enjoyed the tour guides’ knowledge—lots of good history,” which shows that the storytelling adds educational value. Another shared that despite a rainstorm, they still managed to enjoy the tour because it was on their schedule and not dependent on a guide or group.

A few less favorable comments mentioned minor technical issues, like one reviewer who said, “The tour never worked,” but the majority found the app straightforward and easy to use. If technical glitches occur, they seem to be resolvable with customer support.

Value and Cost

At $8.99 per person, this tour is very reasonable considering the wealth of information and the flexibility it offers. Unlike guided tours that might take hours and cost significantly more, this self-guided version allows you to explore at your own pace and revisit the content any time, for life.

You won’t need to worry about entrance fees or additional tickets, as this experience is purely an audio-guided exploration, making it a budget-friendly way to deepen your understanding of New Orleans’ historic cemetery.

Practical Considerations

• Smartphone required: The tour is app-based, so make sure your device is charged.
• Transportation: You can walk or drive, depending on your preference; some reviewers chose to explore by car for convenience.
• Timing: Open 24/7, so you can do this tour on your schedule—daylight or even at night if you’re feeling brave.
• Accessibility: Near public transportation, suitable for most travelers, including service animals.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect if you want a flexible, educational, and visually captivating way to learn about New Orleans’ burial traditions and local legends. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy self-paced exploration, photography, or simply want to avoid large group tours. While it’s generally suitable for most travelers, those with an interest in architecture, history, or ghost stories will find it especially engaging.

If you’re someone who enjoys stories delivered by knowledgeable narrators and values the convenience of offline access, this tour hits the mark. However, if you’re looking for a guided, interactive experience with live commentary, this may not satisfy that particular craving.

Final Thoughts: Is the Metairie Cemetery Self-Guided Tour Worth It?

For a modest fee, you gain instant access to a beautifully narrated journey through one of New Orleans’ most iconic cemeteries. The ability to control your pace, combined with the detailed stories about the tombs and notable figures, makes this a compelling option for history lovers, photographers, or anyone curious about local traditions.

It shines brightest when you’re in the mood for a relaxed, solo exploration—no need to join a group or adhere to a tight schedule. The offline feature ensures smooth, uninterrupted storytelling, and the app’s ease of use means you won’t spend time fumbling with technology.

While some minor technical issues have been noted, these are rare and don’t detract significantly from the overall experience. The value for the price is high—especially considering that you can revisit the stories anytime after your visit.

This tour offers a rich, personal connection to New Orleans’ history and a unique way to experience the city’s famed cemeteries. It’s best suited for travelers who appreciate flexibility, storytelling, and cultural insight — all delivered in a simple, enjoyable package.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special app for this tour?
Yes, you need to download the VoiceMap app, which is free. After purchasing the tour, you’ll enter your code to access the content.

Can I do this tour at night?
Yes, the tour is available 24/7 and can be enjoyed at any time, though many prefer daytime for safety and visibility in the cemetery.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers, including kids, can participate, especially if they’re interested in history or architecture. Just keep in mind the cemetery environment and supervise children, especially around tombstones.

Do I need internet access once I start the tour?
No. The tour works offline, so you can explore without worrying about data or Wi-Fi.

How long does the tour take?
The narration is approximately 35 minutes long, but you can take longer if you wish to linger at certain sites or explore in more detail.

What should I bring?
A smartphone with a charged battery is essential. Bringing a portable charger or extra battery can be helpful for longer explorations.

Are entrance fees or tickets required?
No, this is solely an audio tour. You’re free to walk around the cemetery at your own pace without additional costs.

In summary, the Metairie Cemetery Stories self-guided tour offers a thoughtful, flexible, and affordable way to explore one of New Orleans’ most historic sights. Perfect for curious travelers who love storytelling, photography, or simply discovering a city’s hidden stories on their own terms.