New Orleans: Metairie Cemetery Walking Tour & Untold Stories

Stories of Metairie Cemetery’s wild past and famous tombs

You’ll wander under live oaks in Metairie Cemetery with an expert guide who shares wild tales of New Orleans’ millionaires, madams, writers, and gamblers. Expect laughter, odd details (like pyramids with sphinxes), and space for quiet reflection among marble angels. Entry is included. Just bring your curiosity.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Metairie Cemetery's notable tombs

• Walk through Metairie Cemetery
• See marble tombs and funerary art
• View pyramids and Greek temples
• Spot Islamic pavilions and mausoleums
• Discover graves of famous locals
• Learn stories from guide Sally Asher

The experience

You know that feeling when you step somewhere and it just… hums? That’s how Metairie Cemetery felt as soon as we passed the iron gates. The air was thick, a little sweet from the magnolias, and Sally, our guide, was already waving us over to this marble pyramid guarded by a stone sphinx. She grinned and said, “That one’s got a story,” which pretty much set the tone for the next two hours. I kept glancing up at those huge oaks overhead, their branches tangled like old hands.

Sally has this way of talking about New Orleans history that makes you forget you’re on a tour. We stopped at Anne Rice’s tomb (I didn’t expect to feel anything but… I did), then she pointed out Ruth Fertel’s grave (yeah, the steakhouse founder), and told us how Ruth once snuck her dog into her own restaurant. There were these moments where the sun would hit the white marble just right, almost blinding, while Sally spun tales about gamblers who never smiled or Storyville madams who got kicked out of their own mausoleums. I tried to pronounce one family name in French. Li laughed so hard I nearly dropped my water bottle.

It’s not all big names though. There was this tiny angel statue, blue from years of weather, that made me stop for a second longer than I meant to. You could hear cicadas buzzing somewhere far off. Sally handed out tips for po’boys and jazz bars between stories: honestly, it felt more like wandering with an old friend than following a guidebook. The whole place is both grand and quietly strange. I still think about that weeping angel sometimes when things get too loud back home.

What’s included

• Your day includes entry to Metairie Cemetery itself plus two hours exploring with an expert local guide who shares stories you won’t find in any book.
• you’ll also get insider tips for food, music spots, and culture around New Orleans before heading off on your own adventure.

Information

Lasts 2h, runs every day except Tuesday and Wednesday at 10:00 and 13:30, from US$ 35 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery day except Tuesday and WednesdayDepartures at 10:00 and 13:30Another day? ›

GroupUp to 18

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomeNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Red Sash Tours

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the Metairie Cemetery tour?

The tour covers about 2 miles and lasts around 2 hours.

Is Metairie Cemetery actually in New Orleans?

Yes, despite its name, Metairie Cemetery is located within New Orleans city limits.

Who leads the cemetery tour?

The tour is led by Sally Asher, a local writer and photographer known for her storytelling.

Are there famous people buried in Metairie Cemetery?

Yes, tombs include Anne Rice, Al Copeland (Popeyes), Ruth Fertel (Ruth's Chris Steak House), politicians, musicians, and more.

Is entry to Metairie Cemetery included in the tour?

Yes, entry/admission to the cemetery is included with your booking.

Are service animals allowed on this cemetery walk?

Yes, service animals are welcome on the tour.