New Orleans’ cemeteries offer a unique window into the city’s rich history and diverse cultural traditions. Visitors can explore ornate tombs, discover connections to voodoo practices, and learn about the wealth and social stratification reflected in the cemetery designs. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, the "6 Cemeteries of New Orleans" tour promises an immersive experience that reveals the captivating stories behind these hallowed grounds. From the historic St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 to the organized grid of Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, each site holds its own fascinating secrets waiting to be uncovered.
Key Points
- The tour explores six of New Orleans’ most fascinating cemeteries, showcasing their unique burial history, architecture, and cultural significance.
- Highlights include the historic St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, and St. Roch Cemetery, known for their intricate tombs and connections to voodoo.
- Knowledgeable guides provide an immersive experience, sharing captivating stories about the cemeteries and the individuals buried within them.
- The tour offers opportunities to visit the St. Roch Market, a lively Creole food and culture hub, complementing the cemetery exploration.
- The tour is not wheelchair accessible but offers considerations for most travelers, with a recommended level of mobility required.
Tour Overview and Details
This tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore six of New Orleans’ most fascinating cemeteries.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour showcases the city’s rich burial history and traditions. Highlights include alcoholic beverages and a lunch stop.
The meeting point is the iconic Morning Call Coffee Stand, and the tour returns to the same location.
With a maximum of 22 travelers, the experience provides an intimate and immersive look into New Orleans’ iconic cemeteries.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is near public transportation, making it accessible for most.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in New Orleans.
Pricing and Booking Information
The tour is priced from £28.30 per person. Customers have the option to reserve now and pay later. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts. After booking, travelers will receive confirmation immediately.
Pricing | Booking |
---|---|
£28.30 per person | Free cancellation up to 24 hours |
Reserve now, pay later | |
Confirmation at time of booking | |
Near public transportation |
Most travelers can participate, though the tour is not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for pregnant individuals.
Accessibility and Recommendations
Although the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s located near public transportation.
Pregnant travelers may want to avoid this tour, as it can be physically demanding. However, most travelers are able to participate.
The cemeteries feature uneven terrain and narrow pathways, so a reasonable level of mobility is required. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
The tour provides a unique opportunity to explore New Orleans’ captivating burial practices and history, making it a suitable activity for the majority of visitors.
Accessibility considerations should be taken into account when deciding whether to join this immersive cemetery exploration.
Tour Experience and Reviews
What do the reviews say about the tour experience?
The New Orleans cemetery tours receive overwhelmingly positive feedback, with an impressive overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.
Reviewers praise the engaging nature of the tours and the knowledgeable guides who bring the city’s fascinating burial history to life.
There are no negative reviews rated 1-3 stars, indicating a consistently high-quality experience for all travelers.
Guests highlight the uniqueness of the cemeteries visited and the opportunity to enjoy alcoholic beverages and a local lunch during the tour.
The Historic St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
One of the most famous and historically significant cemeteries on the tour, the Historic St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 dates back to 1789.
This above-ground cemetery is renowned for its intricate tombs, unique burial traditions, and association with voodoo priestess Marie Laveau.
Visitors can explore the labyrinth of alleyways and discover the final resting places of notable figures from New Orleans’ history.
The cemetery’s distinctive architecture and cultural significance make it a must-see for those interested in the city’s rich heritage.
With its fascinating past and eerie ambiance, the St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 captivates all who explore its hallowed grounds.
The Unique Design of Lafayette Cemetery No. 1
The Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 stands out for its distinct architectural design and layout.
Unlike the crowded and haphazard appearance of the St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 features a more organized grid pattern. Its tombs and vaults are arranged in neat rows, creating a sense of order and symmetry.
Many of the tombs display intricate carvings and decorative elements, reflecting the wealth and status of the families interred within.
Visitors can explore the various family tombs, each with its own unique architectural style and history, providing a glimpse into the diverse culture and history of New Orleans.
Visiting St. Roch Cemetery and St. Roch Market
After exploring the orderly layout of Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, the tour often proceeds to the St. Roch Cemetery.
Its aboveground vaults and mausoleums stand in stark contrast to the previous stop. Guides share the cemetery’s history, including its role as a yellow fever burial ground.
Nearby, the St. Roch Market offers a lively respite, known for its beignets and café-au-lait. Travelers can wander the market’s stalls, sampling Creole cuisine and browsing local crafts.
The tour provides a unique opportunity to experience both the solemn and celebratory sides of New Orleans’ rich cultural tapestry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Take Photographs Inside the Cemeteries?
Yes, you can take photographs inside the cemeteries during the tour. The tour overview confirms that the experience includes a tour guide, indicating they likely allow and encourage photography as part of the experience.
Are the Tours Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s suitable for most travelers. Those with mobility issues should consider the stairs and uneven ground during the cemetery visits. Participants can discuss any concerns with the tour guide before the experience.
What Items Should I Bring on the Tour?
The tour doesn’t recommend bringing anything specific, but visitors should wear comfortable walking shoes, bring sun protection, and carry a water bottle. Bringing a camera is also a good idea to capture the unique cemetery sights.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
The tour has no age restrictions and is suitable for most travelers. Children are welcome, though the tour may not be appropriate for very young children due to the cemetery visits and alcoholic beverages served during the experience.
Can I Purchase Souvenirs at the Tour Locations?
The tour doesn’t mention any opportunities to purchase souvenirs at the cemetery locations. However, the meeting point of Morning Call Coffee Stand may offer some local items for visitors to buy as mementos of their tour experience.
The Sum Up
The "6 Cemeteries of New Orleans" tour provides a captivating exploration of the city’s rich burial history and cultural traditions. Visitors can discover the iconic St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, the organized grid of Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, and the serene St. Roch Cemetery, all guided by knowledgeable experts. This immersive experience unveils the solemn yet celebratory tapestry that defines New Orleans’ fascinating necropolis.
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