“Who gives the best cemetery tour?”
“What’s the best cemetery to visit?”
These questions come up all the time, so I’m going to try to give you a thorough answer.
New Orleans’ cemeteries—and our distinctive burial customs—are among the most unique in the country. They draw visitors from all over the world. But when it comes to “the best cemetery tour,” the answer depends on your expectations and your goals. Let’s explore.
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Why is it so popular? Three main reasons:
Proximity – It’s just outside the French Quarter, making it incredibly accessible.
The Tomb of Marie Laveau – All hail. This legendary community leader continues to inspire reverence. But please, for the love of mercy, do not mark her tomb—or any tomb. Defacement is not part of any authentic New Orleans tradition.
The "Easy Rider" Scene – This counterculture film shot a (then-illicit) scene here, which rocketed the cemetery’s fame.
Only one company has access to lead tours in this cemetery. That’s due to past vandalism and efforts to protect the site. Tours are 45 minutes long and follow a script approved by the Archdiocese.
🔗 Here’s the link to the only company allowed to give tours.
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Lafayette Cemetery No. 1
Located in the Garden District, this gem is currently closed due to damage and vandalism. There’s constant debate about reopening, but there are no confirmed plans.
St. Louis Cemetery No. 2
This cemetery is deeply significant to the history of Free People of Color. It’s undergoing slow, painstaking restoration and is not expected to reopen for years.
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St. Louis Cemetery No. 3
A gorgeous, peaceful site that’s often overlooked. It’s walkable from the French Quarter with a scenic stroll up Esplanade—better yet, take a pedicab for a delightful ride! While you can explore on your own, you’ll get far more out of a guided tour.
📍 Tour recommendation: DuPont & Company
Mid-City Cemeteries
Often centered around the beloved Morning Call beignet spot, these cemeteries are local favorites. Several companies run thoughtful tours here. Haunted History does a good job—and I’ll humbly throw my hat into that ring as well. I especially love sharing stories that connect these cemeteries to my own Irish heritage. Our tours also stop at the Katrina Memorial, which is deeply moving and sacred.
St. Roch Cemetery
Known for its miraculous backstory and home to a beautiful chapel, this one is often missed by tourists. It’s easy to explore, approachable, and well worth your time.
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No matter where you go, do not deface, steal, or disturb anything. What’s left on a grave is sacred to someone. Please, honor that. Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but your love.
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Now, let’s talk about night tours.
Yes, there are night cemetery tours—and they can be a beautiful way to experience these spaces. But I’m going to ask you to take a moment, breathe deep, and listen with compassion.
Our cemeteries are not playgrounds. They are not bathrooms.
If you see a night tour that advertises BYOB, bar hopping, or "party vibes"—please choose something else.
I used to treasure leading night tours. I’m an experienced ghost investigator (and it’s okay if that’s not your thing—let’s just respect each other’s beliefs). But I stopped offering those tours because I saw other companies disrespect these sacred spaces. Guests were allowed to walk over mass graves with no reverence… and yes, even use them as toilets. That was my line.
So I don’t recommend a company.
I recommend individual guides I trust.
For Ghost Adventures:
→ P. Daniel Jeffreys or Carlos Fundora — both lead with respect and passion.
For Haunted History:
→ Moira McCarthy — thoughtful, reverent, and knowledgeable.
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New Orleans’ cemeteries are windows into our soul—filled with history, resilience, beauty, and pain. Enjoy learning about our customs, and know that the best way to honor these places is with care.
To follow my journey as a tour guide here in New Orleans, find me on Instagram:
📸 @nawlins_crawlins
Take nothing but pictures.
Leave nothing but love.