One Hour Saint Louis Cemetery Number One Walking Tour

New Orleans’ historic Saint Louis Cemetery Number One offers a captivating glimpse into the city’s past. The One Hour Walking Tour guides visitors through this iconic site, showcasing the resting places of notable figures like the legendary voodoo queen Marie Laveau. Though the cemetery itself is currently closed, the tour provides an engaging exploration of the diverse Christian denominations represented in the tombs, making it an accessible way to uncover the cemetery’s fascinating history. With a 4.4 rating and over 600 reviews, this $10 tour promises a memorable experience for all.

Good To Know

• A one-hour guided walking tour of the exterior of Saint Louis Cemetery Number One in New Orleans, focusing on notable residents and Christian denominations.
• The tour has a 4.4 rating with 642 reviews and costs $10 per person, with a maximum group size of 14.
• The tour involves moderate walking of about one mile and is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
• Guests should arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure and may join within the first 10 minutes if late.
• While the cemetery remains closed, the tour provides an overview of the site’s history and culture.

Tour Overview

The One Hour Saint Louis Cemetery Number One Walking Tour offers visitors an opportunity to explore the historic cemetery located in New Orleans, USA.

This highly-rated tour, with 642 reviews and a 4.4 rating, provides an in-depth look at the cemetery’s notable residents, including the "Voodoo Queen" Marie Laveau.

Priced at $10 per person, the guided walking tour takes guests outside the cemetery gates, highlighting the diverse religious sections and sharing stories about the city’s colorful characters.

With a maximum group size of 14, the tour lasts approximately one hour and covers about one mile of moderate walking.

Tour Details

A guided walking tour outside the gates of Saint Louis Cemetery #1 comprises the format of this experience.

The highlights include stories about New Orleans’ colorful characters, the tombs of notable citizens like Marie Laveau, and explorations of the city’s history and culture.

The tour focuses on the various Christian denominations represented in the cemetery’s sections.

With a maximum group size of 14 travelers, the tour lasts approximately one hour and involves a moderate amount of walking, around one mile.

Comfortable shoes and hydration are recommended for this experience.

Meeting Information

Participants meet at 710 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA, located between Royal and Bourbon Streets.

The tour ends at 400 Basin St, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.

Guests should arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time, as the tour leaves promptly. Late arrivals may join within the first 10 minutes.

The tour lasts approximately one hour and covers about a mile of walking.

Key meeting information:

• Meeting point: 710 St Louis St, between Royal & Bourbon St.
• End point: 400 Basin St, New Orleans
• Check-in: 15 minutes prior to start
• Late arrival: Join within first 10 minutes
• Duration: Approx. 1 hour
• Distance: Around 1 mile of walking

Accessibility and Requirements

The walking tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, as the surfaces throughout the tour route are suitable for mobility devices.

Guests are required to wear masks during the COVID-19 pandemic, and social distancing protocols are in place. For the tour, comfortable walking shoes and hydration are recommended.

While the cemetery itself remains closed to visitors, the guided experience provides an opportunity to explore the area’s history and culture from the outside.

Guests should arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time, as late arrivals may only be able to join within the first 10 minutes.

Customer Feedback and Issues

While the tour generally receives positive feedback for its knowledgeable guides, some guests have expressed disappointment regarding their inability to enter the cemetery due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Key customer feedback and issues include:

• Miscommunication about the cemetery’s closure, with some guests unaware prior to arrival

• Lack of access to the cemetery leading to a less immersive experience

• Requests for refunds or rescheduling due to the limited tour experience

• Appreciation for the guides’ storytelling and insights into New Orleans’ history and culture

• Suggestions for virtual tours or access to the cemetery in the future.

New Orleans’ Colorful Characters

As the tour winds through the historic Saint Louis Cemetery Number One, guides captivate visitors with tales of New Orleans’ most colorful characters.

From the notorious Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau, whose tomb remains a pilgrimage site, to the eccentric Reverend Jasper Belyeu, who built his own tomb surrounded by ceramic figures, the cemetery’s occupants come alive through the guide’s vivid storytelling.

Guests learn about the city’s vibrant history, its unique religious traditions, and the enduring legacies of its larger-than-life personalities whose final resting places continue to fascinate and intrigue.

Tombs of Notable Citizens

Among the most captivating sights within Saint Louis Cemetery Number One are the tombs of the city’s most notable citizens.

The tour highlights several prominent figures, including:

• Marie Laveau, the famed "Voodoo Queen" of New Orleans
• Homer Plessy, a civil rights pioneer whose case led to the "separate but equal" doctrine
• Bernard de Marigny, a prominent landowner and developer
• Samuel J. Peters, a former mayor and humanitarian
• Louis Moreau Gottschalk, a renowned 19th-century composer and pianist.

These tombs offer a glimpse into New Orleans’ rich history and the lives of its most influential residents.

Christian Denominations in Louisiana

The cemetery also features sections dedicated to the various Christian denominations that have shaped Louisiana’s religious landscape.

From the ornate tombs of prominent Catholic families to the modest markers of Protestant congregations, the grounds reflect the diversity of faiths that have taken root in the region.

Visitors can explore the final resting places of devout Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, and more, each section offering a glimpse into the beliefs and practices that have coexisted and sometimes collided throughout New Orleans’ storied history.

This aspect of the tour provides a deeper understanding of the city’s cultural complexity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour does not specify a dress code. However, it’s recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring hydration, as the tour involves moderate walking around one mile in duration.

Are Photography and Videography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography and videography are generally allowed during the tour, but participants are advised to check with the tour guide for any specific restrictions or instructions. The tour focuses on the cemetery’s exterior and notable historical figures.

What Happens if the Tour Is Canceled Due to Weather?

If the tour is canceled due to weather, guests will receive a full refund. The tour operator is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience and won’t run the tour in inclement conditions that could jeopardize guest safety.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

According to the tour details, there are no age restrictions for the One Hour Saint Louis Cemetery Number One Walking Tour. The tour is suitable for all ages, though comfortable walking shoes and hydration are recommended.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?

The tour can be customized for private groups, though details like group size, pricing, and itinerary may vary. Interested parties should contact the tour operator directly to discuss their specific needs and options.

The Sum Up

The One Hour Saint Louis Cemetery Number One Walking Tour offers a captivating exploration of New Orleans’ rich history and culture. Despite the cemetery’s current closure, the guided tour provides an accessible and engaging experience, showcasing notable figures like Marie Laveau and the diverse Christian denominations represented. With a 4.4 rating and 642 reviews, this $10 per person tour is a must-do for anyone interested in the city’s vibrant past.