5 Cemeteries of New Orleans - Anne Rice's & other famous graves

New Orleans, US
100% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (14 reviews)

Included

  • inclusion
    The fascinating burial procedures of New Orleans, and a visit to six unique cemeteries
  • inclusion
    tour guide is included

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Alcoholic beverages
  • exclusion
    Lunch

Meeting Point

Right in front of Morning Call Coffee Stand, on Canal Blvd, in New Orleans. Bathroom access is free. The beignets and the New Orleans traditional cafe-au-lait coffee are phenomenal at this location.

Meeting point

5101 Canal Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70124 , United States

End point

End Point

Right in front of Morning Call Coffee Stand, on Canal Blvd, in New Orleans. Bathroom access is free. The beignets and the New Orleans traditional cafe-au-lait coffee are phenomenal at this location.

Meeting point

5101 Canal Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70124 , United States

End point

What to expect

1
Cypress Grove and Greenwood Cemeteries

There are 3 cemeteries in this sub-heading. Our first cemetery on the tour is GREENWOOD CEMETERY - a stunningly beautiful cemetery with imposing graves and statues. We will visit several celebrity graves here. Guests will hear fascinating stories of how and why burial procedures in New Orleans are different than anywhere else in the United States. After Greenwood, we will visit CYPRESS GROVE CEMETERY, a Protestant graveyard, where we will visit more celebrity graves, and the two largest and most monumental graves in all of New Orleans. Guests will here the fascinating (and funny) story of the feud between the two families that built these two graves. We will also visit the GATES OF JUHAD CEMETERY - a Jewish cemetery, where guests will hear how Jewish burial practices in New Orleans differ than Catholic and Protestant burial practices.

Duration 30 minutes
2

Lake Lawn Metairie

Really known as METAIRIE CEMETERY, it is dubbed by many as THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CEMETERY IN AMERICA. We'll see the grave of ANNE RICE - the author of INTERVIEW W A VAMPIRE; the grave of Louie Prima (rock-and-roll musician), graves of actors, and some mafiosos as well.

Duration 30 minutes
3
St. Patrick Cemetery

This sub-category is actually THREE different cemeteries. In SAINT PATRICK #1 CEMETERY, guests will see the oldest Irish Catholic Cemetery in the city - a cemetery that was started by immigrants who escaped the Irish Potato Famine. It was the first generation of Irish New Orleanians, and because they were impoverished, they built modest graves in a haphazard manner. Across the street, we'll visit ST. PATRICK #2 CEMETERY, built a generation later, and guests will be see what new money in the Irish-American community meant in terms of a cemetery (imposing, monumental, and very ornate graves). Guests will also hear the story of the struggles of the Irish community in the early days of our city. Next door, we'll also visit CHARITY HOSPITAL CEMETERY - which is a mass burial ground strictly used in the past for victims of YELLOW FEVER. Guests we'll hear the sinister and macabre history of how and why yellow fever was so prevalent in New Orleans.

Duration 30 minutes
4
Hurricane Katrina Memorial

This is not only a beautiful hurricane victims' memorial, but also serves at a cemetery for 80 locals who tragically lost their lives in the 2005 hurricane. Guests will hear the touching story of their lives, and also fascinating detective story of how their bodies were "lost" by the local authorities, only to be "re-discovered" a few years later in an obscure local massive freezer, after which their received a beautiful burial, with all the respect and dignity that they deserved.

Duration 30 minutes

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Provided by Wow Tours of New Orleans

What our experts say

  • icon
    Try beignets at Morning Call Cafe
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    Visit the nearby City Park for a stroll
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    Check out local art at the nearby galleries
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    Bring water; it can get warm walking
  • icon
    Respect the solemn nature of cemeteries

More About this Experience

Introduction

6 Cemeteries of New Orleans: Famous Graves & Fascinating History offers a unique and immersive experience exploring the diverse burial grounds of New Orleans. This tour takes guests on a leisurely walk through six different cemeteries, each with its own history and significance, providing a deep dive into the city's burial traditions and practices.

What to expect?

Guests can anticipate a captivating journey through two Catholic cemeteries, a Jewish cemetery, a Protestant cemetery, a cemetery for Katrina Hurricane victims, and a cemetery for yellow fever patients. The tour includes visits to celebrity graves, offering a glimpse into the lives and legacies of notable figures. Fully narrated, this experience delves into the history of different communities and sheds light on why New Orleans has such unique burial customs compared to the rest of the USA.

Who is this for?

This tour is perfect for history buffs, cemetery enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the cultural and religious diversity of New Orleans. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this experience offers a fascinating insight into the city's rich heritage and traditions. It's a must-do for those seeking a deeper understanding of New Orleans beyond the typical tourist attractions.

Why book this?

Immerse yourself in the captivating history and unique burial customs of New Orleans with this one-of-a-kind tour. From exploring celebrity graves to learning about different religious practices, this experience offers a comprehensive look at the city's diverse communities. The fully narrated tour ensures an informative and engaging journey, providing a deeper appreciation for New Orleans' rich cultural tapestry.

Good to know

Guests will have the opportunity to witness the fascinating burial procedures of New Orleans and visit six distinct cemeteries, each with its own stories to tell. The tour guide will provide valuable insights and information throughout the excursion, making it both educational and entertaining. Conveniently ending in front of Morning Call Coffee Stand, guests can enjoy delicious beignets and traditional cafe-au-lait coffee to round off their experience.

Reviews

Travelers who have taken the 6 Cemeteries of New Orleans tour rave about the informative and engaging nature of the experience. Many appreciate the opportunity to explore lesser-known cemeteries and learn about the city's unique burial practices. Guests praise the knowledgeable tour guides and the chance to visit celebrity graves, making this tour a memorable and enlightening journey for all who embark on it.

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