New Orleans Cemetery Walking Tour

When it comes to exploring New Orleans, most visitors are drawn to jazz, Creole cuisine, and vibrant street life. But an often-overlooked window into the city’s soul lies beneath the surface—its historic cemeteries. The New Orleans Cemetery Walking Tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s unique burial practices, legendary tombs, and the stories of those who rest beneath the above-ground vaults. We’ve looked into what makes this tour so highly praised, and here’s what you need to know before booking.

What we love about this experience is how it combines storytelling with visual splendor—meaning you’re not just walking through old graves, but learning the stories behind them from a guide who knows their stuff and keeps things lively. The tour’s accessibility in terms of price (just $30 per person) makes it a solid value, especially since it covers multiple cemeteries and includes a meaningful stop at the Hurricane Katrina Memorial. On the flip side, be aware that the walk involves some exposure to the sun and limited shade, so packing sunscreen and water is a smart move.

This walking tour is best suited for those who enjoy history, architecture, and genuine local stories, rather than just sightseeing. If you’re comfortable walking for a couple of hours and curious about New Orleans’ distinct burial customs, this tour should be a highlight of your visit.

Key Points

• Offers an engaging, guided experience of New Orleans’ oldest cemeteries
• Includes a poignant stop at the Hurricane Katrina Memorial
• Known for knowledgeable, entertaining guides
• Provides insight into local burial traditions and cultural practices
• Excellent value at $30 for approximately 2 hours of storytelling and walking
• Suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness and comfortable shoes

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Itinerary

The tour kicks off at 5101 Canal Blvd, an accessible starting point near public transportation and with nearby parking options. From here, your licensed guide will lead you on a journey through some of the most iconic cemeteries in the city, with a focus on storytelling that brings the crypts and their history to life.

Hurricane Katrina Memorial

First stop is the moving Hurricane Katrina Memorial, a site that encapsulates the tragedy of 2005. Here, the guide shares the story of those lost during the storm, explaining how a potter’s field transformed into a memorial. It’s a brief but powerful 10-minute stop, allowing visitors to reflect and pay respects. Many reviewers, like Tatjana, praise the guide’s ability to combine historical facts with heartfelt storytelling, making this stop particularly meaningful.

The Crossroads of Cemeteries

Next, the walking route takes you to a junction where numerous cemeteries meet. This crossroads is a visual and spatial highlight—an area where the above-ground tombs form a maze-like tableau that’s both eerie and intriguing. You’ll see some of the most famous vaults, many only accessible with a licensed guide, which ensures you’ll get the full backstory rather than just peering at inscriptions.

Multiple Cemetery Visits

The bulk of the tour involves visiting several cemeteries, often four in total. As Beliz notes, it’s an “extensive tour with so much information about the dead and living,” covering various religious and ethnic burial customs. The guides explain why above-ground crypts are characteristic of New Orleans—mainly due to the high water table—and how this unique practice influences the city’s landscape.

What You’ll See and Learn

Expect to see notable graves of local legends, learn about the symbolism in tomb designs, and hear about the cultural significance behind different burial styles. The guides are praised for their engaging presentation style—mixing humor, historical context, and personal anecdotes—which keeps the two-hour walk lively and educational.

The Experience and its Practicalities

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a perfect addition for those with a morning or afternoon free. The small group size (maximum 28 travelers) ensures plenty of opportunities to ask questions and get personalized insights. It’s a mobile ticket experience, so you won’t need to worry about paper tickets—just show up ready to walk and listen.

Given the walking involved and limited shade, comfortable shoes are essential. The tour operates in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately—hat, sunscreen, and water are strongly recommended, especially in summer months. The meeting point is centrally located, near public transportation options, saving you the hassle of arranging complicated pickups.

Price and Value

At $30 per person, this tour offers significant value for an experience packed with cultural, historical, and architectural insights. Compared to the cost of many other guided city tours, it’s reasonably priced and highly rated—rated 5.0 by 829 reviews, with 96% recommending it. Many reviewers emphasize how guides like Ms. V or Thorn bring the cemeteries’ stories alive, making the price worth every penny.

What’s Not Included

Food, drinks, and gratuities are not included, so you might want to plan for a snack afterward. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also not part of this experience, so travelers should be prepared to meet at the designated starting point.

Why This Tour Works — and Who Will Love It

This walking tour is ideal for those who appreciate historical storytelling, cultural insights, and a bit of haunting beauty. It’s perfect for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, or anyone interested in how a city’s past shapes its present. If you’re comfortable walking and want a deeper understanding of New Orleans beyond the usual tourist spots, this tour will hit the mark.

For travelers who value knowledgeable guides who can entertain and inform, the reviews consistently highlight the expertise and charisma of the guides. Many praise the presentation style and the engaging manner in which stories are delivered, making the two hours feel shorter than they are.

The Sum Up

The New Orleans Cemetery Walking Tour offers a compelling mix of history, culture, and storytelling within some of the city’s most iconic above-ground cemeteries. For just $30, you gain access to a well-informed guide who brings depth and humor to the experience. It’s especially suited for those interested in local customs, legendary graves, and the stories of Katrina’s victims. The tour’s small group size and accessible location make it convenient and personal, providing a meaningful addition to any New Orleans itinerary.

While the tour involves walking and some exposure to the elements, the insights gained are well worth the effort. It’s an authentic way to connect with the city’s past and see a different side of New Orleans beyond the lively streets and jazz clubs. If you’re looking for an engaging, educational, and memorable experience that respects the city’s heritage, this cemetery tour is a wise choice.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the tour is generally suitable for most ages, especially since it involves walking and standing. However, travelers should have moderate physical fitness and comfortable shoes.

Does the tour operate in all weather conditions?
Yes, it runs rain or shine. Be prepared for the weather—bring sunscreen, a hat, and water if it’s sunny.

How many cemeteries will I visit?
You’ll visit a total of four cemeteries, each with its own unique history and character.

What is included in the tour price?
The price includes a knowledgeable local guide and access to several historic cemeteries. Food, drinks, gratuities, and transportation are not included.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellation is free if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations less than 24 hours before will not be refunded.

Is this tour good for history enthusiasts?
Absolutely. Many reviews highlight how guides share extensive information about burial customs, local legends, and New Orleans’ history, making it a hit for history lovers.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned visitor, the New Orleans Cemetery Walking Tour offers a meaningful and entertaining way to understand the city’s unique burial traditions and stories of those long gone. It’s a balanced mix of education, storytelling, and cultural insight—perfect for adding depth to your New Orleans adventure.