Tour St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 in New Orleans

You should NEVER visit New Orleans without touring a cemetery. They’re almost synonymous with the Crescent City. The most famous cemetery is St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. In fact, it’s so popular that the only way to visit this New Orleans cemetery is through an official guided tour.

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 offers guided tours during the day. They also offer a night tour, but there are fewer tour times to choose from, and usually only on Saturday nights.

Here’s everything you need to know if you plan to tour St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 during your next visit to New Orleans.

Why St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is a Must-See

This historic burial ground, established in 1789, is the city’s oldest cemetery and one of its most fascinating attractions. From the legendary tomb of Marie Laveau, the famed Voodoo Queen, to the intricate above-ground vaults that tell stories of generations past, this is more than a graveyard — it’s a walk through New Orleans’ historic soul.

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Unlike traditional cemeteries, St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is filled with above-ground tombs, which are a necessity in a city built below sea level. These ornate structures, some centuries old, are a blend of French, Spanish, and Creole influences. As you walk the narrow aisles, you’ll pass the resting places of notable figures like:

• Marie Laveau – The legendary Voodoo Queen of New Orleans
• Homer Plessy – Civil rights pioneer from the landmark Plessy v. Ferguson case
• Nicholas Cage’s Pyramid Tomb – A modern curiosity among historic vaults

It was interesting to learn that Nicholas Cage had a piece of the story at the St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. That’s one of the best parts about a guided tour – You get to learn some pretty cool facts about what you’re looking at.

You Can’t Just Wander In — Tours Are Required

One of the most important things to know: you cannot enter St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 without a licensed tour guide. The Archdiocese of New Orleans implemented this rule to protect the fragile site from vandalism and overcrowding. While having to book a tour can be an inconvenience, I’m fully supportive of them requiring tours.

Booking your St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 tour in advance is essential — spots are limited, and same-day tickets often sell out. Tours typically last about 45 minutes to an hour and are offered both during the day and, for a more atmospheric experience, in the evening.

What to Expect on Your Tour

A guided walking tour will take you through the cemetery’s most famous tombs while sharing stories of New Orleans’ history, culture, and legends.

Here are a few key things you’ll notice during your tour:

• Small group sizes (often capped at 20 guests) for a more personal experience
• Expert storytelling from licensed guides who know the history inside and out
• Plenty of photo opportunities, but remember to be respectful — this is still an active burial site

The stories are probably the best part of the tour. They bring the history and culture of New Orleans to life… even in a cemetery. (See what I did there? Haha!)

Tips for Visiting St. Louis Cemetery No. 1

I often look for checklists when I plan to take a tour. I hate forgetting things or get frustrated that I didn’t prepare in a way that made the tour uncomfortable. Here are a few things you should plan for in advance – either before you head to New Orleans or before you depart your hotel that morning.

• Book early – Especially during Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, or Halloween season
• Wear comfortable shoes – The pathways are uneven and can be hot in summer
• Bring water and sun protection – Shade is limited
• Arrive 15 minutes early – Tours depart promptly from Basin St. Station
• Be respectful – This is a sacred place for many families

I need to emphasize that the tours of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 don’t begin at the cemetery. Plan to meet at Basin Street Station, because that’s where they check you in for the tour.

How to Book Your St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 Tour

To secure your spot, book directly through an official New Orleans cemetery tour provider. Search for terms like St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 tickets, New Orleans cemetery walking tour, or Marie Laveau grave tour to find reputable companies. Many also offer combo packages with French Quarter or Garden District tours.

RELATED ARTICLE: Book a guided nighttime cemetery tour around New Orleans

Final Thoughts

A visit to St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is more than sightseeing — it’s stepping into the layered history of New Orleans. Whether you’re drawn by the architecture, the famous names, or the city’s unique burial traditions, a guided tour will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the Crescent City’s past.

The Details

Address: 501 Basin Street, New Orleans, LA 70112

How long to spend: Arrive 15 minutes before your tour. The tours last about 45-60 minutes. Overall, plan on roughly 60-90 minutes from start to finish.

Cost: Ticket prices vary depending on the day of the week. Adult (ages 13+) ticket prices range from $28-$33, while tickets for seniors & military range from $25-$30. Tickets for children (ages 3-12) range from $20-$25. Tickets prices for evening tours are about $15 more.

Hours: Open 7 days a week. Day time tours generally start at 9 a.m., with the last booked tour starting at 4 p.m. Evening tours begin around 7:45, with the last tour starting at 9:15 p.m. Evening tours are generally only available on Saturday nights, though sometimes they offer them on other nights.

Website: https://cemeterytourneworleans.com/

Phone: (504) 777-3027

DISCLOSURE: I received three complimentary guided tour tickets to St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 for the purpose of review. All opinions are my own.

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