Wander the leafy boulevards of the Garden District with a local historian, then enter the hauntingly beautiful Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 — the above-ground city of the dead that inspired Anne Rice. An intimate, expert-led portrait of New Orleans' most elegant neighbourhood.
What to expect
The tour opens on Prytania Street, where your guide frames the Greek Revival and Italianate mansions in their historical context — the cotton fortunes, the Creole dynasties, and the celebrity residents of today. A detour through Commander's Palace's garden wall sets the scene for a short stop at the famous turquoise restaurant itself. Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 is entered through its wrought-iron gates to reveal above-ground tombs dating to 1833, the humid air thick with history and the distant sound of a brass band practising nearby. The guide closes with New Orleans' fascinating funeral traditions, from jazz funerals to the Voodoo rites still observed at certain tombs.
Good to know
The Garden District is a 15-minute ride from the cruise terminal; arrange a private car or rideshare in advance. Cemetery hours close at 3 pm — book a morning slot. The tour is mostly shaded but wear sun protection and carry water. Advance booking essential to secure a private guide.