New Orleans Cemetery Walking Tour

The New Orleans Cemetery Walking Tour has captivated visitors for years with its profound exploration of the city’s iconic graveyards. Guided by licensed experts, this 2-hour experience promises an educational and visually stunning journey through the architectural grandeur of the oldest and most elaborate tombs. With over 570 positive reviews and a prestigious Badge of Excellence, the tour offers a unique insight into the city’s burial practices and the impact of Hurricane Katrina. Whether you’re seeking an enriching cultural experience or simply intrigued by the mystique of New Orleans’ legendary cemeteries, this tour is sure to leave you…

Key Points

• 2-hour walking tour of New Orleans’ iconic cemeteries led by licensed guides.
• Opportunity to explore unique burial practices and elaborate tombs in the city’s oldest graveyards.
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, food, drinks, and gratuities.
• Moderate level of physical fitness required for the tour, with a maximum group size of 28 travelers.
• Highly rated tour with over 570 positive reviews and a prestigious Badge of Excellence.

Tour Details

The New Orleans Cemetery Walking Tour provides an opportunity for visitors to explore the captivating secrets and rich history of the city’s oldest graveyards with the guidance of a licensed tour guide.

With over 570 reviews and a prestigious Badge of Excellence, this 2-hour tour takes participants through the iconic cemeteries of New Orleans, allowing them to discover the unique burial practices and elaborate tombs that showcase the wealth of the city’s past residents.

The tour departs from the French Quarter and includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as all necessary food, drinks, and gratuities.

Whether you’re interested in the macabre or the historical, this immersive experience promises to leave you with a newfound appreciation for New Orleans’ storied past.

What To Expect

On this captivating New Orleans Cemetery Walking Tour, visitors can expect to embark on a late morning or early afternoon exploration led by a knowledgeable, licensed guide.

The tour commences in the heart of the French Quarter, where guests will explore the unique history and burial practices of the city’s oldest graveyards, uncovering the secrets and elaborately adorned tombs that showcased the wealth of New Orleans’ past residents.

Along the way, the group will visit the poignant Hurricane Katrina Memorial, gaining a deeper understanding of the city’s resilience in the face of adversity.

This immersive experience includes:

• Exploring above-ground burial practices
• Discovering the stories behind famous sites
• Learning about the city’s rich cultural heritage
• Admiring the architectural grandeur of elaborate tombs

Additional Info

Visitors can expect a seamless booking experience, as the tour offers confirmation at the time of booking. It operates in all weather conditions, making it accessible to wheelchair and stroller users, as well as those with service animals.

While a moderate level of physical fitness is required, comfortable shoes are recommended to fully enjoy the 2-hour exploration. Group sizes are limited to a maximum of 28 travelers, ensuring a more personalized and intimate experience.

The tour has a flexible cancellation policy, providing a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance. However, no refunds are available for late cancellations, as the tour’s quality is heavily dependent on favorable weather conditions.

Reviews

Travelers offer a 5.0 rating based on 575 reviews, praising the knowledgeable guides who provide an educational and interesting experience exploring New Orleans’ unique burial practices and historic graveyards.

While some reviewers noted room for improvement in the guides’ storytelling and group management, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive.

The tour provides a valuable glimpse into:

• The elaborate tombs showcasing wealth and status
• The Hurricane Katrina Memorial honoring those lost
• The fascinating history behind above-ground burial practices
• The secrets hidden within the oldest cemeteries

With a moderate fitness level required, this two-hour walking tour is a must-do for anyone seeking to uncover the rich and sometimes somber history of New Orleans.

Directions

Meeting at 5101 Canal Boulevard in New Orleans provides the starting point for this immersive cemetery walking tour.

From there, the guided exploration takes participants through the historic graveyards, ultimately returning to the same location at the tour’s conclusion.

This convenient meeting and ending point makes it easy for visitors to find the tour and return to their starting destination.

By gathering at 5101 Canal Boulevard, the group can then embark on the two-hour journey to discover the secrets of New Orleans’ oldest cemeteries.

Whether arriving by car, public transportation, or on foot, you will find the meeting location accessible and well-suited for the beginning and end of this captivating cemetery tour.

Burial Practices

The unique above-ground burial practices found throughout New Orleans’ historic cemeteries offer a fascinating glimpse into the area’s rich cultural heritage. Ornate tombs and mausoleums showcase the wealth and status of prominent families, while more modest graves provide insight into the lives of ordinary citizens.

Exploring these distinctive burial methods is a central focus of the New Orleans Cemetery Walking Tour, allowing participants to gain a deeper understanding of the city’s longstanding traditions.

The tour highlights various burial customs, such as:

• Aboveground tombs and vaults, a necessity due to the city’s high water table
• Elaborate crypts and monuments reflecting the deceased’s social status
• Reuse of burial spaces, a practical solution in crowded cemeteries
• Unique symbols and epitaphs that convey personal stories

Famous Sites

The New Orleans Cemetery Walking Tour takes visitors to some of the city’s most iconic and historically significant gravesites, including the Hurricane Katrina Memorial, which stands as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of the 2005 storm. During the tour, guests can explore the elaborate tombs and crypts of some of New Orleans’ most prominent historical figures, showcasing the grandeur and wealth of the city’s past. The tour also offers the chance to visit the resting places of literary icons, such as author Tennessee Williams, and other notable personalities who have left an indelible mark on the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Famous Site	Historical Significance	Key Highlights
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1	Oldest and most famous cemetery in New Orleans	Ornate above-ground tombs, voodoo rituals, and the burial site of famous voodoo queen Marie Laveau
Lafayette Cemetery No. 1	Picturesque 19th-century cemetery in the heart of the Garden District	Elaborate family tombs and the final resting place of many prominent New Orleans families
Hurricane Katrina Memorial	Dedicated to the victims of the devastating 2005 hurricane	Solemn and moving tribute to those who lost their lives in the disaster

Hurricane Katrina Memorial

During the cemetery tour, visitors can pay their respects at the poignant Hurricane Katrina Memorial, which stands as a solemn tribute to the victims of the devastating 2005 storm that ravaged the city.

The memorial features:

• A large granite wall engraved with the names of over 1,800 individuals who lost their lives
• A sculpture depicting a family seeking refuge from the floodwaters
• A reflecting pool symbolizing the immense grief and loss experienced by the community

Informative placards detailing the timeline and impact of the disaster, serving as a powerful reminder of the city’s resilience in the face of adversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour, as long as they do not disrupt the experience for others. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator for any specific policies.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed on the tour, but visitors should be respectful and avoid disrupting the experience for others. Check with the tour guide for any specific photography guidelines or restrictions at the start of the tour.

How Accessible Is the Tour for People With Disabilities?

The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed. However, a moderate level of physical fitness is required due to the walking involved. Visitors with disabilities should speak to the tour operator about their needs.

Do the Tour Guides Speak Languages Other Than English?

The tour guides typically speak English, but may accommodate other languages if requested in advance. Visitors should inquire about language availability when booking the tour to ensure their needs are met.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no official dress code for the tour, but the tour operator recommends wearing comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for the weather. Guests should dress to explore outdoor cemeteries while maintaining a respectful atmosphere.

Recap

The New Orleans Cemetery Walking Tour offers a captivating exploration of the city’s iconic graveyards, providing an educational and visually stunning experience.

With over 570 positive reviews and a prestigious Badge of Excellence, the tour is led by licensed guides and caters to those with accessibility needs.

Whether you’re interested in the city’s burial practices, architectural grandeur, or the impact of Hurricane Katrina, this tour promises a unique insight into New Orleans’ rich history.