New Orleans: Cemetery Tour

Exploring the Unique Cemeteries of New Orleans: A Guide to the Cemetery Tour

If you’re curious about why New Orleans’ cemeteries look like elaborate open-air museums, this guided tour offers a fascinating peek into the city’s most historic burial grounds. While I haven’t personally joined this tour, reviews suggest it’s a well-loved experience blending history, culture, and a touch of the mysterious.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the knowledgeable guides who weave captivating stories. Second, the stunning above-ground tombs that give the city its iconic look. Third, the insights into voodoo and local traditions that are intertwined with the city’s cemeteries. One possible consideration is that the tour operates rain or shine, so carrying an umbrella is advisable.

This tour is especially suited for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and curious travelers wanting an authentic glimpse into New Orleans’ “cities of the dead.” Whether you’re interested in famous tombs or learning about burial customs, this experience offers a thoughtful and engaging perspective.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Historic significance of New Orleans’ above-ground cemeteries
• Engaging guides who share entertaining and educational stories
• Connection to voodoo and local cultural traditions
• Visit multiple cemeteries with a focus on notable tombs and personalities
• Accessible for most travelers with wheelchair-friendly options
• Affordable price point at $28 per person for a 2-hour experience

Why You Should Consider the New Orleans Cemetery Tour

This tour offers more than just a walk through aged tombs; it opens a window into the city’s distinctive approach to death and remembrance. The guided aspect ensures you’ll learn the context behind the Victorian-style graves, the symbolism of the tombs, and the stories of the city’s notable residents, all delivered in an engaging and approachable manner.

One of the most praised parts, according to reviews, is the storytelling ability of guides like Toast and Thorn, who combine facts with humor, making history lively and accessible. Guests have shared that guides don’t shy away from answering questions, and their respect for the cemeteries and local culture shines through.

Pricing at just $28 per person provides excellent value, considering you’ll be exploring multiple historic sites within a compact 2-hour window. The inclusion of skip-the-line access and a live English-speaking guide enhances the experience, avoiding long waits and language barriers. Plus, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for many visitors.

What to Expect from the Tour

Meeting Point and Duration

The tour starts at the Morning Call Coffee Shop on 5101 Canal Blvd, a central and convenient location. It lasts approximately 2 hours, during which you’ll walk between several cemeteries, exploring their unique features and stories.

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Inside the Cemeteries

Once inside, you’ll see the above-ground tombs, which host multiple generations and reflect the city’s distinctive burial practices. These tombs, often ornate and Victorian in style, are not just resting places but storytelling monuments that tell of the city’s history, social hierarchy, and cultural influences.

The Stories You Will Hear

Guides weave tales of famous residents, like local celebrities whose tombs attract visitors, and infamous figures from New Orleans’ past. Reviewers mention guides like Toast and Thorn, who are known for their deep knowledge, humor, and respectful approach.

Cultural and Voodoo Connections

A highlight for many is learning about voodoo’s influence on the city’s burial customs and local traditions. The guides explain why New Orleans prefers above-ground tombs—primarily due to high water tables making underground burial impractical—and how this practice ties into broader beliefs and cultural practices.

Additional Insights

Guests often comment that the stories behind the tombs are as captivating as the architecture itself. From Victorian symbols to stories of notable personalities, each tomb has a tale. One reviewer noted that their guide, Toast, had a vast knowledge and a good sense of humor, making even the gory or mysterious topics engaging.

Weather Considerations

Since the tour operates rain or shine, bringing an umbrella or poncho is wise. Even in less-than-perfect weather, the atmosphere can become more dramatic, adding to the mystique of the experience.

The Experience in Context

While this tour is economical at $28, it packs in a lot of value. You’re not just wandering through old cemeteries; you’re getting historical context, cultural insights, and entertaining storytelling. Guests have shared that guides do a great job of answering questions and explaining symbols and customs that might otherwise go unnoticed.

The tour’s focus on multiple cemeteries means you’ll see a range of tomb styles, from Victorian mausoleums to more modern crypts. The group size tends to be manageable, with reviews noting that guides are personable and approachable, making it easy to ask questions and clarify details.

Accessibility and Logistics

The tour’s accessibility is explicitly mentioned, with wheelchair-friendly options available. The meeting point at Morning Call Coffee Shop is casual, and the short walking distances between cemeteries keep the experience relaxed.

Comparing to Other Experiences

While this tour is highly rated for its storytelling and historical depth, some travelers might also explore other local ghost or voodoo tours, which often incorporate additional elements like haunted stories or night-time visits. But for those seeking a focused, educational look at the cemeteries themselves, this tour hits the mark.

Authenticity and Atmosphere

Guests frequently mention that the tour maintains a respectful tone, even when discussing more controversial or spooky aspects of New Orleans’ traditions. The guides’ respect for the sites and their storytelling skills make the experience both informative and memorable.

The stunning tomb architecture is a major highlight, with many reviewers noting that photographs don’t do justice to the intricate details of the mausoleums. Walking through these historic grounds, you begin to appreciate how much the city’s culture and history are embedded in its final resting places.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

This cemetery tour offers excellent value for those interested in learning about New Orleans’ unique burial customs and local history. The combination of entertaining guides, fascinating tombs, and cultural stories makes it a worthwhile addition to any trip to the French Quarter or surrounding areas.

For travelers who appreciate stories, architecture, and cultural nuances, this experience provides a balanced blend of education, entertainment, and authenticity. It’s particularly suited for those with an interest in history, local traditions, or the city’s famous undead mythology.

The fact that it’s wheelchair accessible and operates rain or shine means it’s inclusive and adaptable, regardless of weather or mobility needs.

FAQs

• How long is the tour?

It lasts approximately 2 hours.

• Where does the tour start?

At Morning Call Coffee Shop, 5101 Canal Blvd.

• Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

• What is the price?

The tour costs $28 per person.

• Is there a dress code?

No specific dress code, but bringing an umbrella is recommended due to weather unpredictability.

• Can I cancel the booking?

Yes, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

• Will I see famous tombs?

Yes, the guide will highlight notable residents and celebrities.

• Is this tour kid-friendly?

Most reviews suggest it’s suitable for families, including children interested in history and spooky stories.

• Are there multiple cemeteries included?

Yes, you’ll visit several of New Orleans’ oldest cemeteries.

• Do I need to prepare anything in advance?

Just wear comfortable shoes and bring an umbrella if needed.

Final Word

If you’re visiting New Orleans and want to understand its distinctive approach to death and remembrance, this cemetery tour offers a compelling and authentic experience. With knowledgeable guides, stunning architecture, and cultural insights, you’ll leave with a greater appreciation for the city’s history and its unique “cities of the dead.”

Whether you’re a history lover, culture enthusiast, or simply curious about the stories behind the tombs, this tour is a well-rounded way to explore one of New Orleans’ most memorable aspects. Plus, at a reasonable price, it’s an experience that many travelers find enriching and even entertaining.

You can check availability for your dates here: