Historical tombstones are abundant in New Orleans cemeteries.
A visit to New Orleans is not complete until you take a tour of the city's historic cemeteries. You will find more than 20 above-ground cemeteries in New Orleans, with the oldest dating back to the early 1700s. Take a guided walking tour through the cemeteries so you can learn the historical facts about the cemetery as well as the stories behind the grave sites.
New Orleans Cemetery & Gris-Gris Tour
This two-hour tour visits the St. Louis cemetery, which includes the tomb of Marie Laveau, the voodoo queen of New Orleans. Voodoo practitioners mark Xs on her tomb and leave small gifts, candles and beads. During the tour, the guide will provide interesting information regarding the infamous and famous people who are buried in the cemetery as well as interesting information about voodoo. The tour guide even presents visitors with a gris-gris bag (a voodoo talisman that is kept for good luck or to ward off evil) and provides detailed information about the bag and its ingredients. Telephone ahead of time as the schedule varies. Reservations must be made in advance; the address and directions are provided when you call.
Big Easy Tours
800-301-3184
bigeasytours.us
Lafayette Cemetery Guided Tours
The Lafayette Cemetery is in the historic Garden District and is among New Orleans' earliest above-ground burial sites. It was the city's first planned cemetery and designated as a burial site in 1833. The land was part of the Livaudais Plantation, and the cemetery is on the National Register of Historic Places because of its location, architectural design and history. The original size of the cemetery has been maintained, and it contains tombs in a variety of shapes and styles. The organization Save Our Cemeteries is licensed to provide tour guides and responsible for taking visitors through the historical site. The tours are conducted on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Reservations are not required; however, space is limited.
Save Our Cemeteries
1400 Block
Washington Ave. Gate
New Orleans, LA
504-525-3377
saveourcemeteries.org
Cemetery & Voodoo Tour
The Cemetery & Voodoo Tour takes you through St. Louis #1 cemetery and visits an authentic voodoo temple as well as sites where voodoo rituals continue to take place. The guide will provide interesting and detailed information about voodoo, commonly held misunderstandings about voodoo practices, as well as the origins of voodoo. Advance reservations and tickets are required. The tour is available Monday through Saturday on Saturday and Sunday.
New Orleans Spirit Tours
Royal Blend Coffee and Tea House
621 Royal St. in the French Quarter
504-314-0806
866-369-1224
neworleanstours.net
