Beyond the Grave Cemetery Tour
Duration
1 hour(s) 30 minute(s)
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Languages
English
Live tour guide available in the language you select
Skip the line
Included
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Explore historic tombs and understand unique burial traditions
Discover family stories passed down through generations
Enjoy a guided walk led by a true local descendant
Learn fascinating customs of rotation within family tombs
€ 29.5
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New Orleans offers a rich and meaningful connection to its past, and this cemetery walking tour provides an authentic look into the citys unique burial traditions. Over ninety minutes, you will discover how family tombs hold generations through a process of rotation and recycling, allowing hundreds to rest in a space built for only a few. As you walk through the historic grounds, your guide will share stories of the families who shaped the city and explain why these customs remain an important part of local culture. This experience brings you closer to the history, beliefs, and respect that define New Orleans relationship with its ancestors.
Led by a guide with ancestors buried in the cemetery, the tour gives a personal and heartfelt perspective rarely found elsewhere. You will explore the necropolis, understand the meaning behind its architecture, and learn how tradition and community continue to keep memories alive. Walking among the tombs offers a powerful sense of connection, and you may find that honoring the past brings a deeper appreciation for the present. This is more than a tour; it is a visitation that leaves you feeling both grounded and uplifted.
Guided cemetery walking tour
Local guide with ancestral ties
Personal expenses
Gratuities
Weather appropriate clothing
Comfortable shoes
Bottle of water
Umbrella
Uneven paths may require careful walking
Tour runs in most weather conditions
Arrive a few minutes early for check in
This experience operates with a maximum of 14 participants
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Type in your hotel/accommodation to see how far the attraction or departure point is.
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Activity Provider: DuPont & Company Tour Experiences, LLC
Customer Reviews
Mike
Visiting St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 was one of the absolute highlights of our trip, and that was entirely thanks to Mama Nita. She’s soulful, hilarious, wildly knowledgeable, and brings the history of this sacred place to life in a way that feels truly special. Every story she tells—whether about the city’s past, the iconic figures buried here, or the deep cultural roots of New Orleans—comes with heart, respect, and charisma. If you want a tour that’s equal parts meaningful, entertaining, and unforgettable, book with Mama Nita. She doesn’t just guide you through the cemetery—she makes you feel it. Highly, highly recommend.
ellen
TLDR: If on the day tour, go early and take water. I always wanted to go on a tour of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, but never was brave enough. Finally, on my ump-teenth visit to the city, my work bestie Sara and I decided to go while in town for a conference. The experience was amazing. Our tour guide, Will, was knowledgeable and funny. He did his best to engage our mostly quiet, reserved group of visitors. He shepherded us between shady spots and famous tombs while sharing how the process worked to continue to accommodate new burials on limited space. The visitor center, gift shop, staff and restrooms were perfect, too. Bring or buy water since there’s not much shade and NOLA humidity is usually high.
Heather
What an amazing tour!!!! Buddy was an amazing guide. We really had a great time. I loved hearing about all the people who are buried here. Ever since I learned about Marie Laveau I have wanted to see where she was buried. Buddy had tons of information about her and even has his own special story. Thank you for the amazing tour Buddy we had a great time!!!!
christina
Right before our tour I partnered with a supervisor, Mae, with a request: I wanted to propose to my partner in front of Nicolas Cage's mausoleum (he's a weird theme that pops up often in our relationship, i dont make the rules). She swiftly helped me with a plan without him being the wiser. During the tour with their help i was able to make an honest man out of my partner- i asked him to be my national treasure and he said YES. Who's going to say no in front of the future ghost of Nic Cage??? Everything was perfect. I am so happy and thankful for them helping me for my proposal! 10/10 would recommend this tour and their awesome staff. Aside from the proposal, This tour was amazing- our guide Richie was incredibly knowledgeable and engaging, and revealed information about the mausoleums and tombs that only a local can know. The staff was incredibly welcoming and accommodating- we will book with them again for an anniversary trip! ***no declaration of independences were harmed or stolen in the execution of this proposal
Daniela
⭐ Five Stars - Truly the Most Authentic Tour We Have Ever Experienced! To: Zelda and the entire team, My partner and I have taken countless sightseeing tours all over the world—from historical sites in Europe to major landmarks across Asia and the Americas. Because of this, we often feel like we've "seen it all," and it's rare to be genuinely surprised by a tour's quality or depth. However, our experience on the St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 tour was a profound exception. This was, without a doubt, the most authentic and professionally informative tour we have ever taken. The guide (and honestly, all the staff we encountered) was a true expert. The amount of detailed, well-researched information we received was exceptional, covering not just the famous figures like Marie Laveau, but the history of New Orleans' unique burial customs, architecture, and the broader social context. What made it stand out was the authentic manner in which the information was delivered—it was respectful, historically accurate, and felt like a genuine conversation with a local historian, not a rehearsed script. It was a professional masterclass in storytelling that brought centuries of history to life. If you are looking for a tour that goes far beyond the surface level, even if you are an experienced traveler, we cannot recommend this highly enough. This is an absolute must-do in New Orleans.