New Orleans: Cemetery Tour

New Orleans is renowned for its rich history and cultural diversity, which is nowhere more evident than in its captivating cemetery tours. These guided excursions offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore the city’s iconic "cities of the dead" – above-ground tombs and mausoleums that stand in stark contrast to the lush, vibrant landscapes. As you wander through these hallowed grounds, you’ll uncover the stories behind the ornate structures, explore the enduring influence of voodoo, and gain a deeper understanding of the profound role that the afterlife plays in local traditions. Step into the haunting beauty of New Orleans‘ oldest cemeteries, where the past and present converge in a spellbinding display.

Key Points

• The New Orleans cemetery tour is a 2-hour walking experience that explores the city’s connection to voodoo and its unique above-ground burial practices.
• The tour visits several renowned New Orleans cemeteries, including the oldest, St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, and provides insights into the stories behind the ornate tombs and burial rituals.
• The tour highlights the significance of the afterlife in local traditions and the enduring influence of voodoo on the city’s culture.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible and recommended by Travel and History Channels, with a knowledgeable live guide providing commentary in English.
• The tour starts at the Morning Call Coffee Shop, a convenient and accessible meeting point where visitors can grab a coffee before the tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Details

The cemetery tour offers a 2-hour walking experience that skips the ticket line and provides a live tour guide in English for visitors.

Priced at SEK 290 per person, the tour is wheelchair accessible, allowing everyone to explore the unique above-ground tombs that New Orleans is known for.

Visitors will journey back in time and learn about the city’s connection to voodoo, as well as the history and famous tombs of several cemeteries.

The tour is recommended by the Travel and History Channels, providing an insightful glimpse into the reasons behind New Orleans’ unique burial practices.

Guests are advised to bring umbrellas or ponchos, as the tour operates rain or shine.

Highlights

The cemetery tour takes visitors on a journey back in time, offering a chance to learn about New Orleans’ captivating connection with voodoo.

The tour visits several of the city’s famous above-ground tombs, known as the ‘cities of the dead.’ Guests will explore these historic cemeteries, uncovering the stories behind the famous tombs and the unique burial practices of New Orleans.

The tour provides insight into why the city buries its dead above ground, a fascinating aspect of the local culture. Recommended by both the Travel and History Channels, this tour offers an immersive experience, allowing visitors to step into the past and gain a deeper understanding of New Orleans’ rich heritage.

Inclusions

The tour includes visits to several of New Orleans’ renowned cemeteries, allowing participants to explore the city’s historic ‘cities of the dead.’ During the tour, visitors will see above-ground tombs and learn about the unique burial practices that have shaped the landscape of these cemeteries.

Cemetery	Features
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1	Oldest and most famous cemetery, home to the tomb of Marie Laveau, the "Voodoo Queen"
Lafayette Cemetery No. 1	Serves as a backdrop for many films, showcasing ornate, intricate tombs
St. Roch Cemetery	Designed to resemble a small village, with family tombs lining the walkways

These cemeteries offer a glimpse into the rich history and cultural traditions of New Orleans.

Meeting Point

Participants meet their guide at the Morning Call Coffee Shop located at 5101 Canal Blvd.

This is the designated meeting point for the cemetery tour.

From there, the group will set out to explore the above-ground tombs and historic cemeteries of New Orleans.

The coffee shop provides a convenient and easily accessible starting point for the tour.

Guests can arrive a few minutes early, grab a coffee, and meet their knowledgeable guide who’ll lead them on a journey through the ‘cities of the dead.’

The meeting location is wheelchair accessible, ensuring the tour is inclusive for all participants.

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Important Information

Regardless of weather conditions, the cemetery tours operate rain or shine, so visitors are advised to bring umbrellas or ponchos for protection.

The tours are wheelchair accessible, ensuring that everyone can participate and explore the unique above-ground tombs and cities of the dead.

It’s important to note that the tours cover several cemeteries, allowing participants to learn about their history and discover famous tombs.

The cemetery tour is highly recommended by both the Travel and History Channels, making it a must-see experience for anyone interested in New Orleans’ rich cultural heritage and its fascinating connection to voodoo.

With a knowledgeable live guide, visitors can expect an informative and engaging tour.

Voodoo and the Cities of the Dead

New Orleans’ long-standing connection to voodoo plays a central role in the cemetery tours, as participants journey back in time to explore the above-ground tombs and ‘cities of the dead‘ that dot the city’s landscape.

Voodoo, a syncretic religion blending African and Catholic traditions, has been intertwined with New Orleans’ history for centuries. During the tour, guides share insights into the voodoo rituals and beliefs that shape the unique burial practices of the region.

Visitors learn about infamous voodoo queens, the significance of the above-ground tombs, and the enduring influence of voodoo on the city’s culture. Through this immersive experience, the tour offers a glimpse into the mystical and captivating world of New Orleans’ voodoo legacy.

Above-Ground Burials in New Orleans

Across New Orleans’ historic cemeteries, visitors often encounter the city’s distinctive above-ground burial practices, where tombs and mausoleums rise up from the earth rather than being interred below.

This unique approach to interment is a consequence of the area’s high water table, which makes traditional underground burials impractical. Instead, the dead are entombed in elaborate aboveground structures, creating the iconic ‘cities of the dead‘ that have become a hallmark of New Orleans’ cemeteries.

These elaborate tombs and monuments serve not only as final resting places but also as a reflection of the city’s rich cultural heritage and the enduring significance of the afterlife in local traditions.

Exploring New Orleans’ Oldest Cemeteries

On a cemetery tour through New Orleans, visitors can explore the city’s oldest and most historic burial grounds, each with its own distinct character and significance. From the iconic St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, where the famous voodoo queen Marie Laveau is buried, to the tranquil Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, these cemeteries offer a glimpse into the city’s rich history and cultural traditions. Visitors can marvel at the ornate above-ground tombs, discover the stories behind famous residents, and gain a deeper understanding of the unique burial practices that have shaped the character of New Orleans.

Cemetery	Highlights	Known For
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1	Voodoo queen Marie Laveau’s tomb	Oldest and most famous cemetery in New Orleans
Lafayette Cemetery No. 1	Ornate above-ground tombs	Quiet, peaceful setting
St. Roch Cemetery	Haunting and atmospheric	Unique architecture and history

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no specific dress code for the cemetery tour. Casual, comfortable clothing and walking shoes are recommended, as the tour involves extensive walking through outdoor cemeteries. Bringing an umbrella or poncho is also suggested in case of inclement weather.

Are Pets Allowed on the Tour?

Pets are generally not allowed on the tour for safety and accessibility reasons. The tour takes place in cemeteries, and the guide needs to ensure the group can move through the sites comfortably. Check with the tour operator for any exceptions.

Can Participants Take Photographs During the Tour?

Participants are generally allowed to take photographs during the tour, as long as they do not disrupt the guide or other participants. However, some cemeteries may have restrictions on photography, so visitors should check with the tour guide beforehand.

Is There an Age Limit for the Tour?

The tour does not have an age limit. Children are welcome to join, though the content may not be suitable for very young participants. Families should use their discretion when deciding if the tour is appropriate for their children.

Is the Tour Offered in Languages Other Than English?

The tour is offered only in English, according to the provided information. There is no mention of the tour being available in any other languages. The tour details specify the tour is conducted in English.

Recap

The captivating cemetery tour in New Orleans offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the city’s rich history, enduring voodoo traditions, and distinctive burial practices.

From the iconic above-ground tombs to the haunting stories of influential voodoo queens, this immersive experience provides a fascinating insight into the cultural significance of the afterlife in the ‘cities of the dead.’

You can check availability for your dates here: