A tour of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is one of the most sought-after experiences in New Orleans, offering visitors exclusive access to the city’s most historic cemetery while supporting its preservation. More than a New Orleans cemetery tour, it is a living archive of the city’s culture, spirituality, architecture, and resilience. And the best, and only, way to experience it is through the St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 Official Tour — an expertly guided journey that balances history, preservation, and deep respect for one of the most sacred spaces in New Orleans.
From Voucher to Veneration
For many visitors, planning a cemetery tour can feel overwhelming. Questions about accessibility, parking, pets, safety, and authenticity often overshadow the excitement. But the Official Tour transforms that uncertainty into a seamless and meaningful experience.
Take the Miller family, for example. Traveling with a service dog, a pet cat in a stroller, and a grandmother using a walker, they worried whether a historic cemetery dating back more than two centuries could realistically accommodate their needs. Instead, they discovered a professional, welcoming, and thoughtfully organized experience from beginning to end.
Why Basin St. Station Makes Visiting Easy
Their experience began at Basin Street Station, where guests check in before entering the cemetery grounds. Convenient nearby parking and an air-conditioned waiting area offered comfort and ease before the tour began.
Unlike crowded tourist experiences, the St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 Official Tour emphasizes organization and preservation. Visitors receive official wristbands and paper tickets, complete required waivers, and learn about the cemetery’s strict group-size limits designed to protect the fragile historic site from vandalism and overcrowding.
The guided escort process also helps visitors navigate the transition from the station to the cemetery gates smoothly — especially important for guests traveling with mobility devices, service animals, or children.
More than A New Orleans Cemetery Tour – A Lesson in Respect
Once inside the gates, guests quickly realize this is not a typical sightseeing attraction. The cemetery is treated as sacred ground and as a protected historical archive.
Throughout the experience, visitors learn the importance of respecting the tombs and pathways by avoiding touching, leaning, or sitting on the historic structures. Guests are also educated about preservation rules, including the cemetery’s “No-Leave” policy prohibiting offerings such as candles, coins, or markings that could damage the aging stonework.
One of the most powerful moments comes when the tour reaches the tomb associated with Marie Laveau. Here, guides explain the truth behind the famous “XXX” markings — clarifying that these are acts of vandalism rather than authentic spiritual traditions. Guests seeking to honor Marie Laveau respectfully are encouraged to visit nearby spiritual centers instead of damaging the historic tomb.
How Your Ticket Helps Preserve St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
The Official Tour lasts approximately 55 minutes and operates rain or shine, offering visitors an immersive education in New Orleans history, burial traditions, and cultural legacy. Families leave with a deeper understanding of above-ground burial practices and the important civil rights history connected to Homer Plessy.
Equally important, visitors learn that their ticket purchase directly supports preservation efforts, including the cemetery’s Abandoned Tomb Initiative. In other words, every guest becomes part of protecting New Orleans history for future generations.
As Mrs. Miller reflected after the tour: “We tipped our guide generously because this wasn’t just a walk; it was a masterclass in New Orleans soul.”
Why The Official Tour Matters
In a city overflowing with ghost stories and legends, the St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 Official Tour stands apart because it combines authenticity, education, and stewardship. It is not simply about seeing famous tombs — it is about understanding the people, faiths, and traditions that shaped New Orleans itself.
For visitors seeking the most respectful and enriching way to explore the legendary “City of the Dead,” the official experience remains the gold standard. Ready to experience New Orleans history firsthand?
Reserve your Official St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 Tour today and discover why this legendary cemetery continues to captivate visitors from around the world.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can you visit St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 without a tour?
Access to the cemetery is available through authorized guided tours, helping preserve this National Historic Landmark.
Where can I purchase tickets?
Online here – Book Now -or- at the Cemetery Tour Desk at Basin St. Station (501 Basin St.) just across the street from St. Louis Cemetery #1. Tours are expected to book up – Don’t wait until the last minute!
Are there openings on all tours? Can I just book when I arrive?
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.
How many people can be on one tour?
A maximum of 20 persons are allowed for each tour departure. That’s why it’s so important to purchase tickets in advance. Infants 0-2yrs do not require a ticket or reservation, and may accompany adults for Free.
How long is the tour?
Approximately 55 minutes. However, the tour could finish later depending on weather and other unforeseen events.
Where does the tour begin?
Basin Street Station – adjacent to the French Quarter.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is wheelchair accessible. The pathway throughout the cemetery is easy to maneuver with a wheelchair or scooter.
Who is buried in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1?
The cemetery contains the tombs of notable New Orleanians, including Marie Laveau and Homer Plessy.
