St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 Official Walking Tour

If you’re planning a trip to New Orleans, a visit to St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is a must, but it’s not just a stroll among old tombs. This tour offers a glimpse into the city’s unique culture, history, and some spooky legends that have become part of the local lore. While the cemetery can only be accessed on guided tours, that restriction helps preserve its delicate historic bones—and means you’ll want to book ahead.

What we love about this experience is how the guides bring storytelling to life, making the tombs and legends more than just silent stones. You’ll appreciate the chance to see the final resting places of famous residents like Marie Laveau, the Voodoo Queen, and learn about the darker side of New Orleans’ history, including the infamous Delphine LaLaurie. One thing to keep in mind is that the tour lasts about 45 minutes, so you’ll want to pace yourself if you’re eager to explore more afterward. This tour suits those who enjoy history, ghost stories, or simply want a deeper understanding of New Orleans’ colorful past.

Key Points

• The tour costs $24.25 per person, offering good value for such an immersive experience.
• Guided by locally licensed, knowledgeable guides who are praised for their entertainment and historical accuracy.
• Visits the oldest cemetery in New Orleans, established in 1789, with access limited to guided groups only.
• Highlights include Marie Laveau’s tomb and the infamous LaLaurie mansion history.
• The tour departs from Basin St. Station, a vibrant visitor center with exhibits, restrooms, and a gift shop.
• Tours tend to sell out about two weeks in advance, so booking early is highly recommended.

A Walk through History and Legend

The experience begins at Basin St. Station, a charming hub filled with exhibits about New Orleans and a good place to gather your thoughts before heading across the street to the cemetery. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to check in, collect your tickets, and get ready. The station itself is worth a visit, offering insights into the city’s past and a little rest before the tour.

Once your group assembles, your guide—often lauded for their storytelling skills—will walk you to the cemetery gates. Expect a short walk from the station, but don’t worry; the group is capped at 20 people to keep things intimate and manageable. This small size allows guides to share stories and answer questions more easily, which many reviewers appreciate.

Exploring St. Louis Cemetery No. 1

Stepping inside the gates transports you into a quiet, ancient world. The cemetery’s opening in 1789 makes it the oldest in New Orleans, and you’ll see why it’s become such an icon. The layout is a jumble of elaborate crypts, crumbling tombstones, and narrow alleys—an atmospheric setting that sparks the imagination.

Your guide will point out notable features, such as the above-ground tombs characteristic of New Orleans’ unique approach to burial practices. You’ll learn about why the city’s soil necessitates above-ground vaults—crucial information that helps explain the cemetery’s distinctive look.

Marie Laveau’s Tomb and Legends

No visit here is complete without seeing Marie Laveau’s tomb. This site draws visitors from around the world who leave offerings or ask for her blessings. Guides often recount stories of her spiritual influence and the rituals still performed today. Some visitors find it awe-inspiring, while others see it as a window into the city’s syncretic religious culture.

The Darker Stories: LaLaurie and Beyond

Your guide might also introduce you to Delphine LaLaurie, the notorious socialite whose mansion’s gruesome history has haunted the city. The story of her cruelty and the hidden horrors uncovered in her house add a sinister layer to your understanding of Old New Orleans. These tales are often what make the tour memorable, adding a spine-tingling edge to the experience.

What to Expect from Your Tour

This is a walking tour, so comfortable shoes are essential, especially given the uneven surfaces of the old cemetery. The ground can be hot in summer and chilly in winter, so dress accordingly. Your guide will be speaking for most of the 45-minute tour, so paying attention is key—many reviewers have noted some guides talk quickly or focus more on certain stories, which can affect your experience.

While the tour is focused on the cemetery itself, the start at Basin St. Station is a bonus, offering a snapshot of the city’s lively culture. The station’s exhibits, gift shop, and restrooms make it a convenient starting point, especially if you want to arrive early or browse afterward.

Authenticity and Accessibility

Several reviewers have praised the guides for their knowledge and ability to entertain, with some noting that their tour guides are specifically trained and licensed. This adds a layer of trust and ensures the stories are rooted in historical fact—not just ghost tales. The group size keeps things personal and manageable, allowing for questions and interaction.

The tour is accessible: pets (except service animals), strollers, wheelchairs, and scooters are allowed, and the paths are generally easy to maneuver. The cemetery’s rules about no touching tombs and no photography inside the crypts are strictly enforced to protect the site, but you’re encouraged to take photos outside the tombs.

Pricing and Value

At about $24.25 per ticket, this tour offers good value for a 45-minute guided experience that covers both history and legend. Many reviews highlight the guide’s storytelling as a major perk, making the fee well worth it for the entertainment and insight provided. Keep in mind that gratuities for guides are not included—many travelers tip based on their experience.

Booking and Practical Tips

Because tours sell out around 17 days in advance, booking early is wise, especially during peak seasons. Check the weather forecast—rain or shine, the tour runs, but be prepared for the weather with appropriate clothing. Arrive at least 10-15 minutes early to check in and collect your materials.

Parking nearby is straightforward, with a public lot adjacent to Basin St. Station, costing roughly $5-$10 for 10 hours. Just remember not to park in the station’s official visitor lot, which is reserved for short-term parking.

Authentic Experiences and Honest Critiques

Most reviews are glowing, praising guides like Willie, Todd, and Jeff for their humor, knowledge, and storytelling flair. Many visitors note the small group size makes the experience more personal and allows for more interaction. Several reviewers comment that they learned a lot about New Orleans’ unique burial customs, notable residents, and ghost stories—adding layers to their trip.

A few less enthusiastic comments mention that the tour can feel rushed or focus more on some stories than others. One reviewer noted that the guide talked quickly, making it hard to catch every detail. However, these criticisms are relatively minor when balanced against the overall positive feedback.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re interested in history, architecture, or ghost stories, this tour will serve you well. It’s suitable for most travelers, including those with mobility considerations, thanks to the accessible paths and small group size. It’s especially great for anyone eager to see Marie Laveau’s tomb or learn about the city’s notorious residents. If you prefer self-guided wandering or have limited time, this guided experience guarantees you won’t miss the cemetery’s highlights.

The Sum Up

The St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 Official Walking Tour offers a well-balanced blend of historical insight, local stories, and a touch of the supernatural. With knowledgeable guides, a manageable group size, and a reasonable price, it provides a genuine connection to New Orleans’ past beyond just walking among tombstones. Whether you’re a history buff, a curious traveler, or a ghost story aficionado, this tour is a solid choice that immerses you in the city’s eerie charm and cultural complexity.

While it’s not a lengthy or exhaustive deep dive into every crypt and legend, the experience is enough to spark curiosity and deepen your appreciation for the city’s unique approach to remembering its dead. Just remember to book early, dress comfortably, and bring your sense of adventure. This tour will leave you with stories to tell—and plenty of photos to prove you’ve seen the city’s famous “City of the Dead.”

FAQ

• How early should I arrive for the tour? Arrive at least 10-15 minutes early at Basin St. Station to check in and collect your tickets.
• Is parking available nearby? Yes, there is a public lot adjacent to Basin St. Station, costing about $5-$10 for 10 hours. Avoid the station’s reserved visitor lot.
• Can I take photos during the walk? Yes, photography is encouraged outside the tombs—just remember the rules about no touching or rubbing tombs.
• How knowledgeable are the guides? Guides are locally licensed and trained, with many praised for their entertaining and accurate storytelling.
• Can I visit the cemetery without a tour? No, access is restricted to guided tours; private visits require special arrangements through the Archdiocese.
• Are pets allowed? Only certified service animals are permitted inside.
• Is the tour suitable for wheelchairs or strollers? Yes, the paths are manageable for both.
• What should I wear? Comfortable shoes are essential; dress according to weather, as the cemetery has uneven surfaces.
• What happens in bad weather? Tours run rain or shine, but be prepared for the elements. If weather is unsafe, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled.
• Can I extend my visit? The tour is about 45 minutes, and all guests must stay with the guide during the visit.

This guided tour of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 offers a memorable peek into New Orleans’ unique burial traditions and ghostly legends—an experience you’ll likely find both educational and a little spooky.