New Orleans: Garden District Walking Tour & Lafayette Cemetery

Summary

Garden District stories, cemetery secrets and those porch swings

You’ll walk New Orleans’ Garden District with a local guide who knows every story behind those grand homes and iron fences. Peek through Lafayette Cemetery’s gates, hear about burial customs, spot celebrity houses, and pick up real food tips along the way. Expect unexpected moments—a neighbor’s wave, sunlight through magnolias—that stay with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect the iron gates of Lafayette Cemetery to feel so… heavy. We couldn’t go in (they’re closed for repairs), but our guide—Steven, green polo and all—stood there telling us about above-ground tombs and how families share them. The air smelled faintly of gardenias from somewhere nearby, mixing with that mossy damp you only get in New Orleans after rain. A streetcar rattled past as Steven explained why the city buries its dead this way. I caught myself staring through the bars at names etched in stone, some faded, some fresh. It made me think about time differently.

We wandered into the Garden District next. I kept craning my neck at those porches—columns everywhere, all these pastel houses with their paint just a little chipped (in a good way). Steven pointed out one where Sandra Bullock supposedly lives; I tried not to gawk but failed. There was this moment when an older woman waved from her porch swing and called out “Good morning!” in that slow Southern drawl. The sun came out then, lighting up the magnolia trees and making everything look sort of golden for a second. I don’t know if it was the light or just being there, but it felt like stepping into someone else’s memory.

There were bits I didn’t expect—like learning how American settlers tried to outdo each other with bigger houses (and fancier ironwork). Steven had stories about duels fought over garden fences and which movie shot on what corner; he laughed when we mixed up street names (I still can’t pronounce Tchoupitoulas). He gave us tips on where to find real po’boys nearby—not tourist stuff—which honestly might’ve been my favorite part.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Garden District and Cemetery Tour

• Meet local licensed tour guide
• Discuss Lafayette Cemetery history outside gates
• Learn about New Orleans burial traditions
• Walk through Garden District mansions
• Explore architecture and early residents
• See celebrity homes and movie spots
• Observe manicured gardens and landscapes

Top questions

Is entry to Lafayette Cemetery included?

No, public access to Lafayette Cemetery #1 is not allowed due to repairs. The tour discusses its history from outside the gates.

Where does the Garden District walking tour start?

The tour meets across from Lafayette Cemetery #1 at 1427 Washington Ave, New Orleans (Le Petit Blue).

Is this walking tour suitable for kids or strollers?

Yes, children are welcome if accompanied by an adult; strollers are allowed but sidewalks can be uneven.

Will we see celebrity homes during the tour?

Yes, your guide will point out several celebrity homes as part of the Garden District portion.

How long is the walk? Is it difficult?

The walk covers a moderate distance with some uneven surfaces; suitable for most fitness levels but may be tricky for wheelchairs in spots.

Are food or drinks included?

No meals are included, but your guide will recommend local places for food and music after the tour.

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to the meeting point on Washington Ave.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided walking tour through New Orleans’ Garden District with stories about its architecture and residents, time spent outside Lafayette Cemetery #1 learning about unique burial traditions, plus insider recommendations for food spots and music venues before you head off on your own adventure.