One Hour Saint Louis Cemetery Number One Walking Tour

If you’re looking to uncover some of the most captivating stories of New Orleans without spending hours or hundreds of dollars, the One Hour Saint Louis Cemetery #1 Walking Tour might be just what you need. This tour offers a focused, manageable glimpse into the city’s oldest resting place, with plenty of stories about the city’s famous residents and the history behind its unique above-ground tombs. While it’s a quick jaunt, it packs enough personality and insight to satisfy curious travelers.

What we appreciate most about this experience is its intimate scale. The small-group setting ensures that you won’t get lost in a crowd, and the knowledgeable guide adds a personal touch that makes history come alive. Plus, the tour is priced very accessibly at only $10 per person, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious visitors who want a meaningful, authentic experience. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that, currently, visitors aren’t allowed inside the cemetery itself—so the “inside look” is replaced by fascinating stories from outside the gates. If you’re hoping for an immersive tomb visit, this might feel a bit limiting.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy storytelling, city history, and a brief but meaningful introduction to New Orleans’ legendary figures. It’s also a good fit for those with limited time or a tighter budget but still eager to engage with the city’s cultural tapestry.

Key Points

• This is a 1-hour, outside-only walking tour focusing on Saint Louis Cemetery #1.
• It’s an affordable experience at $10, with a small group size to ensure personalized attention.
• You’ll hear stories about Marie Laveau and the city’s major families, even if you can’t go inside the tombs.
• The tour includes highlights of French Quarter history and architecture as you walk through the neighborhood.
• Proper masks and social distancing are required, reflecting current health precautions.
• The start point is at 710 St. Louis St; the tour ends at 400 Basin St.
• The guide provides insights into why Louisiana’s burial customs involve above-ground vaults.
• Many reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and the quality of information shared.
• Some travelers note that the inability to enter the cemetery is a disappointment, but they still find the outside stories compelling.
• The tour is highly booked, often 195 days in advance, showing its popularity.

The Experience in Detail

Meeting Point and Practicalities

Your adventure begins at 710 St. Louis Street, a short walk from the lively French Quarter. It’s important to arrive at least 15 minutes early—this allows time to check in, get your mask on, and settle in. The group size maxes out at 14 travelers, fostering a cozy and engaging atmosphere. The tour lasts roughly an hour, with about one mile of walking involved, so wear comfortable shoes and bring water if the weather is warm.

Starting the Walk

The tour kicks off with a stroll through the French Quarter, where your guide will introduce you to the neighborhood’s architecture and history. This warm-up sets a lively tone and provides useful context for understanding the cemetery’s significance in the city. Expect stories about the city’s origins, notable buildings, and cultural quirks that make New Orleans unique.

Saint Louis Cemetery #1 Outside the Gates

The focal point is the cemetery itself—though, due to current restrictions, you won’t be allowed inside. Instead, your guide will share the history of why New Orleans burials are above ground. They’ll explain how vaults work and why the city’s high water table makes traditional ground burials impossible, leading to the distinctive above-ground tombs you see.

You’ll hear about the tombs of the city’s most colorful characters, including Marie Laveau, the legendary Voodoo Queen. While you can’t step inside her tomb, standing outside the gates still offers a chance for some memorable photos and a respectful moment of reflection. Guides often tell stories that bring Marie Laveau’s legend to life—her influence on local culture, her mysterious tomb, and her enduring legacy.

Stories and Notable Tombs

Among the highlights are the stories of Louisiana’s prominent families and the cemetery’s section dedicated to different Christian denominations. Your guide’s storytelling style makes these tales more than just names on stone—they become vivid windows into the city’s soul. Several reviews mention that their guides had “great stories” and were “very knowledgeable,” making even the exterior viewing engaging and educational.

Why the Cemetery Matters

The tour provides context about the city’s burial customs and its history of resilience. The above-ground vaults are not only practical but also reflect Louisiana’s unique cultural blend—African, French, Spanish, and American influences all converge in the city’s cemeteries. Learning about the history of these tombs helps visitors understand local traditions and the importance of respecting ancestors.

Limitations and Considerations

While many find the outside-only approach sufficient, some travelers express disappointment about not entering the tombs. As one reviewer noted, “it was very informative,” but “we aren’t allowed in due to the pandemic.” It’s worth noting that the cemetery’s reopening depends on the Archdiocese, so future visitors might have the chance for an inside tour.

The Guide and the Stories

The quality of guidance is often praised. Guests frequently mention that their guides are friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to answer questions. Such personal engagement makes the short tour feel more meaningful. As one reviewer said, “Jane is awesome and knowledgeable,” which underscores how the guide’s enthusiasm enhances the experience.

Value and Price

At just $10, the tour offers remarkable value. For a small investment, you get a quick but deep introduction to New Orleans’ hauntingly beautiful cemetery, its history, and its cultural quirks. The price point makes it a great addition to a day of sightseeing, especially if you’re curious about the city’s darker, more fascinating side but don’t want to commit to a lengthy or expensive tour.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This walking tour is best suited for travelers interested in history, architecture, and local legends, particularly those who appreciate storytelling and cultural context. It’s ideal if you want a quick, affordable way to learn about New Orleans’ most famous cemetery without going inside. It also fits well into a busy itinerary, offering a manageable taste of the city’s haunted past.

However, if your main interest is visiting tombs inside the cemetery or exploring at your own pace, this might feel somewhat limited. Those with mobility challenges may also want to consider the walking distance and uneven surfaces involved.

Final Thoughts

For just $10, this tour offers a surprisingly in-depth look into one of New Orleans’ most iconic sites—albeit from outside the gates. The knowledgeable guides and engaging stories make it a worthwhile addition to any city itinerary that aims to balance history, culture, and fun. It’s a perfect choice for curious travelers who relish storytelling and want a manageable, authentic experience.

If you’re in New Orleans and want to get a sense of the city’s burial customs, legendary characters, and the stories behind them without a hefty price tag or long hours, this tour is worth considering. Just remember, the true magic is often in the stories told outside the tombs, not the tombs themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need to book in advance? Yes, this tour is popular and often booked 195 days in advance, so securing your spot early is recommended.
• Where do I meet the guide? Check in at 710 St. Louis Street, 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time.
• How long is the tour? The tour lasts approximately one hour, covering about a mile of walking.
• Can I go inside the cemetery? Currently, visitors are not allowed inside the cemetery due to restrictions, so the experience focuses on viewing from outside the gates.
• What should I wear? Wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring water, especially if it’s warm.
• Is this tour suitable for children? Children 5 and under are free, but consider their comfort with walking and outdoor conditions.
• Are masks required? Yes, proper masks are necessary, and social distancing of “pods” is enforced.
• What if I’m late or need to reschedule? Arrive early; if you’re late, you may only join during the first 10 minutes of the walk. Reschedule up to 12 hours in advance without a fee.
• Is gratuity included? No, gratuities are not included but appreciated if you enjoyed the tour.
• Will the weather affect the tour? Yes, if canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

To sum it up, this tour offers a budget-friendly, storytelling-rich introduction to New Orleans’ most famous cemetery. It’s perfect for travelers short on time or budget, eager to hear colorful tales of Marie Laveau and the city’s traditions. While it doesn’t include inside access, the outside stories and personable guides make it a memorable, worthwhile experience—not just a quick history lesson, but a window into the soul of the Big Easy.