Should You Take a Cemetery Tour in New Orleans?

New Orleans cemetery tours are mostly outdoor walking experiences that last about two hours. You'll stroll through above-ground tombs, hear stories about yellow fever epidemics, voodoo legends, and local history. Expect heat, uneven pavement, and a mix of respectful history with some theatrical storytelling. The experience feels more like a history walk than a spooky ghost tour, though many guides add flair. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is the most popular because it's the oldest and has the strongest restrictions on who can enter.

Go in fall or winter (October to March) if you can. Summers are brutally hot and humid, making the tour exhausting. Expect to pay around $25–$40 per person for a standard group tour. Private tours run higher. Book ahead, especially if you want the official tour of St. Louis No. 1, which is the only one allowed inside without special permission.

Pick the official or historically focused tour if you want accuracy. Skip anything that leans too heavily into ghost hunting or voodoo theatrics unless that's your thing; they often sacrifice facts for entertainment. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and remember it's an active cemetery—stay respectful and on the paths.