The Official St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 Tour:
Discover the Stories behind New Orleans' Most famous cemetery
Step beyond the iron gates of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 and explore historic tombs, learn about legendary New Orleanians, and uncover the traditions that make New Orleans unlike anywhere else.
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 Daytime Tour
Explore St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 with an experienced local guide and discover the stories behind its historic tombs—including figures such as Marie Laveau and Homer Plessy.
Daily
Frequently
20 Guests
$29
55-Minutes
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 After-Dark Tour
Experience golden hour in the City of the Dead: history, beauty and the stillness of night within the walls of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1.
Select Nights
Frequently
20 Guests
$46
55-Minutes
Your Visit Helps Preserve St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is an active Catholic cemetery, owned and cared for by New Orleans Catholic Cemeteries. Together with donations, Official Tour revenue helps fund New Orleans Catholic Cemeteries’ large-scale restoration work, including the Abandoned Tomb Initiative and the restoration of large society tombs in St. Louis Cemetery No. 2. Guided-only access helps protect these fragile tombs.
Unveiling The Lives of New Orleans’ Past Residents
Visiting New Orleans wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the beautiful and historic St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. Learning about a city’s buried residents is like stepping into a hidden world, one populated by the footprints of those who came before. The official St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 Tour introduces visitors to the history and lore within its tombs.
To reserve a spot on one of our daily tours, all guests must book online or in-person before arriving at the cemetery gates. Entry is by guided tour only, so every guest needs a ticket before arriving. Timed entry keeps groups small and the cemetery protected. Book online or at the Cemetery Tour Desk at Basin St. Station.
What To Expect On Your New Orleans Cemetery Tour
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, established in 1789, is a very rare and fragile architectural site, and managed visitation is required to insure the sustainability of this active burial site & historic treasure for generations to come. With each tour, guests will be led by an experienced local guide who is well-versed in the history of New Orleans and St. Louis Cemetery No 1. Learn fascinating facts and surprising stories about the individuals buried within cemetery walls. Fans of architecture can marvel at the many diverse styles of tombs, including ornate family vaults and society tombs.
Come see New Orleans in a whole new way – Reserve a St. Louis Cemetery tour today!
Check-In is at Basin St. Station to receive your Gate Passes and Tour Wristbands from the Tour Desk prior to your tour. While you wait to begin, explore the Visitor Center: home to comfortable seating, a break from the weather, pristine restrooms, the Street Car Gift Shop, and Basin St. Cafe.
Why Tour St. Louis Cemetery No. 1?
Small Groups & Dedicated Guides
At St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, we intentionally keep touring groups small for a more intimate exploration of the grave sites. Create a deeper connection with New Orleans and its inhabitants as you ask questions and receive answers directly from your dedicated guide.
The People Who Shaped New Orleans
Get up close and personal with the final resting places of individuals like Marie Laveau, the legendary Voodoo Queen, and Homer Plessy, the plaintiff who brought the landmark civil rights case Plessy v. Ferguson to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Detailed Historical Commentary
A cemetery tour is a great way to immerse yourself in the past. Get a sense of what life was like for the many generations of people buried in New Orleans. You'll even learn some interesting facts about the cemetery's distinctive above-ground tombs and the reasons that led to this unique regional custom.
Comfortable Check-In & Guest Services
Start your visit in comfort at Basin St. Station, just across from the cemetery at 501 Basin Street. Inside, you'll find air-conditioned space, plenty of seating, restrooms, water and visitor information before your tour begins. Our friendly team at the Cemetery Tour Desk is happy to help with tour information, accessibility questions, and local recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Occasionally yes, but normally No. Each tour departure is limited to 20 persons. Tour departure times should be reserved in advance to ensure a place on the tour. Please arrive 15 minutes early to allow time for ticketing & greeting!
The cemetery is not open to the public – only for our authorized tours.
Private family visitation is authorized by the Archdiocese of New Orleans with Family Pass, available at the New Orleans Catholic Cemeteries Office.
To inquire, you may email NolaCatholicCem@arch-no.org or call 504-596-3050 for more information.
Comfortable shoes are the most important item – many uneven surfaces exist in the historic site.
Light airy clothing in the hot summer months – jackets and hats in the colder winter months.
Booking online is easy. Click here to purchase the Daytime Tour or After-Dark Tour. We recommend booking in advance to secure a convenient tour time for you and your guests. Tours are expected to book up, so it is best to arrive with your tour tickets reserved.
In Person, at the Cemetery Tour Desk at Basin St. Station (501 Basin Street). The Agents there are standing by to help you with your purchase and any other questions. The desk is open Daily 8:30am – 4:00pm, and on Saturdays 8:30am – 9:30pm.
Our company is Cashless – whether booking online or in person, we accept all major credit cards and tap-to-pay.
The walking tour normally lasts about 55 minutes. However, the tour could finish later depending on weather and other unforeseen events.
A City of Above-Ground Tombs
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 hosts hundreds of above-ground tombs unlike any others in the United States. Established in 1789, St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is the oldest extant cemetery in New Orleans. These distinctive above-ground tombs became increasingly popular in the city throughout the late 18th century due to the climate in New Orleans that made traditional underground graves impractical. As time went on, these burial structures evolved into ornate architectural works of art that reflected the social status of the families buried within.
A Time Capsule Etched In Stone
Officially founded in 1718 by the French, New Orleans became famous for its Mardi Gras celebrations, distinct cuisine, and lively music. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 effectively functions as a de facto time capsule for the city throughout different periods of its history. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 holds more than two centuries of the city’s history: Creole families, benevolent societies, civil rights pioneers, musicians, and the mysterious lives of the people who shaped New Orleans. The tour encapsulates the soul of the Big Easy in all its quirks and glory. In short, no trip to New Orleans is complete without a visit to this beautiful historic cemetery.
