St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 After-Dark Tour
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 Night Tour
The Journey Beyond the Gates
Step into history on an exclusive 55-minute night tour of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, where the legends of New Orleans come to life under the night sky. Led by expert guides, this unique experience offers a rare chance to explore the city’s most famous resting place in a peaceful, reflective atmosphere. Perfect for history lovers and those seeking an authentic, educational, and unforgettable evening in New Orleans, this guided tour provides a rare opportunity to see New Orleans’ most famous cemetery in a whole new light.
Become immersed in the deep cultural traditions and mysterious beauty of the New Orleans cemetery. Walk through the elegant Greek Revival architecture of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 and marvel at the stately society tombs of New Orleans’ crème de la crème. Hear captivating stories of New Orleans’ most infamous characters and visit the tomb of legendary Voodoo Priestess Marie Laveau!
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- Meet your tour guide across the street from the cemetery at Basin St. Station Visitor Information Center (501 Basin Street).
- Please check-in 15 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time to receive your wristbands and tickets to enter the Cemetery.
Advanced booking recommended
Small group tours available every 15 minutes
Only Available on Saturday Nights (Weekdays may be added during peak seasons)
Tour Highlights
With this exclusive tour, you’ll learn about New Orleans’ unique history and burial traditions. You’ll also gain insight into how St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is cared for and protected as an important part of New Orleans’ cultural legacy.
Understand why New Orleans is relatively unique in the United States for its above-ground burials and discover the artistry of above-ground tombs, elaborate family vaults, and intricate ironwork that define burial traditions.
Visiting With Respect
Remember, the cemetery is sacred hallowed ground, the final resting place of thousands of New Orleanians for over two centuries. It is also a very rare and fragile architectural site, still actively used for burials. Therefore, managed visitation is required to ensure the sustainability of this treasure for generations to come.
Cemetery Tour staff members will enforce the following Policies:
- No touching, sitting or leaning on tombs, fences, or other structures
- Marking or rubbing on tombs is prohibited.
- Vandalism and theft are illegal and will be prosecuted.
- Deposit of any items on tombs or in the cemetery is prohibited (such as candles, beans, coins, shells, rocks, figures, pictures, images, etc.).
- No eating in the cemetery - water bottles with lids are encouraged.
- Photography is welcome; please refrain from taking video.
WHAT TO EXPECT
- Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit.
- Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit.
- Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit.
- Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit.
- Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit.
WHAT TO BRING
- Bottled Water (Example)
- Candle (Example)
- Handkerchief (Example)
- Bible (Example)
- Bag (Example)
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.Â
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.
The walking tour normally lasts about 55-minutes. However, the tour could finish later depending on weather and other unforeseen events.
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your selected tour time and check in at our Cemetery Tours Desk inside of Basin St. Station Visitor Center (501 Basin Street).
