St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 - Official Walking Tour

501 Basin Street • New Orleans, LA 70112
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Guests entering the iron gate at the St. Louis Cemetery No.1 on a sunny day.
Tourists taking photo of a tombstone with a tour guide standing next to it.
Close up of the plaque for the tomb of Marie Laveau, the notorious "Voodoo Queen", with white roses next to it.
View of the Italian Benevolent Society Tomb at St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 on a sunny day in New Orleans.
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St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 Official Tour Tickets

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Overview

Explore St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 in New Orleans, renowned for its unique above and below-ground tombs and historic significance since 1789. This revered burial site, rich with the city's multicultural heritage, serves as the final resting place for notable local figures such as Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau, civil rights activist Homer Plessy, and former city mayors.

up to 0.8 hrs 1 or more people

Good To Know

  • Explore St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 established in 1789, one of New Orleans' most popular tourist attractions.
  • The cemetery is a rare and fragile architectural site, still actively used for burials, and accessible only on a group tour.
  • Discover the above-ground crypts and below-ground sites on this exclusive walking tour guided by a local.
  • Paid parking is available at the Park First Parking lot adjacent to the cemetery.
  • If you’re riding the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, Basin St. Station is stop no. 5 (subject to change).
  • Please do not touch, sit, or lean on tombs, fences, or any structures inside the cemetery.
  • Bottled water is allowed but not food.
  • Remember that the cemetery is the final resting place of many people, please be respectful.
  • Tours run rain or shine, so wear weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
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Description

The official walking tour of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 takes you beyond its iron gates for a walk among the tombs of New Orleans' best-known historical figures. One of New Orleans' most famous cemeteries, St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is only accessible as part of a guided tour with a limited number of visitors allowed each day.

On this 45-minute guided tour, you will learn the fascinating history of New Orleans’ unique burial customs and walk up-close among the amazing above-ground burial structures and below-ground sites. Visit the final resting place of Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau, historic figure Homer Plessy, former mayors of the City of New Orleans, and many other notable characters from New Orleans’ past. Photography along the way is encouraged.

Meet your knowledgeable guide across the street from the cemetery at Basin St. Station Visitor Information Center (501 Basin St) at the Cemetery Tour Desk, where you will receive your gate passes and tour wristbands. The guides are locally licensed and specially trained to offer the most accurate and complete tours of the cemetery on behalf of New Orleans Catholic Cemeteries. Please arrive at the visitor center 15 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time.

Book your tour and prepare to be immersed in the legend and lore that exists within the gates of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1.

Patrons for Preservations - Code of Conduct:
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.
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Promotional Images (10)
Rows of tombs stacked on top of each other on both sides of a walk way at St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. Tourists following their guide on a walking tour of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 with tombs all around them. Several white stone tombs belonging to different families lined up next to each other at St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. Aerial view over looking St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 on a sunny day with the city of New Orleans in the background. A woman in a white shirt with long hair taking a photo of the Italian Benevolent Society Tomb on a sunny day.
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St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 Official Tour is located at 501 Basin Street • New Orleans, LA 70112
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Frequently Asked Questions about St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 Official Tour

Where does the St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 New Orleans walking tour depart from?

The tour begins across the street from the cemetery at the Basin St. Station Visitor Information Center, located at 501 Basin St. Meet your tour guide at the Cemetery Tour Desk. Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the tour start time.

Is there parking onsite or nearby?

Park First Parking Lot is located adjacent to Basin St. Station and St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 and offers reasonable rates year-round. Please note that Basin St. Station Visitor Parking Lot is only reserved for temporary 20-minute visitor parking and cannot be used while you are on the tour.

How long is the St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 Official Tour?

The St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 Official Tour typically lasts about 45 minutes. However, depending on the weather and other unforeseen events, the tour could finish later.

Is the tour appropriate for children?

The tour welcomes all ages—additionally, infants ages two (2) and under join free.

Can I bring a pet on tour?

No, sorry. Only ADA-defined service animals are allowed on the tour.

Is the cemetery ADA-accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible and both wheelchairs and scooters are permitted. The pathway is easy to maneuver but note that there are many uneven surfaces that may cause some difficulty for those with mobility issues and wheelchairs.

What should I wear for the walking tour?

Wear light airy clothing in the hot summer months and jackets and hats in the colder winter months. Bring comfortable shoes for walking on many uneven surfaces in the historic site.

What happens if it rains on or before the tour?

The tour operates rain or shine. If the weather forecast calls for rain, please come prepared. There will be no protection from rain inside the cemetery. Tours may be canceled and rescheduled only in the event of unsafe weather conditions.

How many people will be on the tour?

The maximum group size is 20 people per tour.

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