New Orleans: Night Cemetery Bus Tour & Exclusive Access

Summary

Moonlit New Orleans cemeteries, ghost stories, private access and laughter

You’ll step into New Orleans’ cemeteries at night with exclusive access, guided by a local historian who brings every story alive. Use real EMF readers to hunt for ghosts among mossy tombs, pause at the Katrina Memorial’s quiet beauty, and share laughs (and maybe chills) with fellow travelers under moonlight.

What’s the experience like?

We climbed onto the bus just off Bourbon Street, drinks in hand (I went for something neon green—no regrets), and it was already buzzing with people swapping ghost stories. Our guide, Andre, had this way of talking that made you lean in—like he’d seen things he couldn’t quite explain. He pointed out the old streetlamps flickering as we rolled past them, saying something about how the city’s always felt “a little sideways at night.” I didn’t expect to feel nervous before we even got to the first cemetery.

The air changed when we stepped through the gates of Odd Fellows Rest. It’s hard to describe—the smell was kind of sweet and mossy, like wet stone after rain. Andre handed out these EMF readers (they beeped at random, which made me jump more than once), and told us not to wander too far from the group. There were these above-ground tombs everywhere, some with faded names and chipped angels watching over them. Someone in our group tried asking a question in French to whatever spirits might be listening; I don’t know if it worked but it got a laugh out of Andre.

We stopped by the Katrina Memorial next—quiet there, except for distant music drifting from somewhere deeper in the city. Andre explained how this place held those lost and unnamed after the hurricane. People went silent for a minute or two; it felt right. I kept thinking about how many layers New Orleans has—joy right next to grief—and how you can feel both on a night like this. The bus ride back was lighter somehow, everyone sharing photos and swapping stories about what their EMF thing did or didn’t do. I still think about that hush at the memorial sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — New Orleans cemetery bus tour

• Start in French Quarter with drink
• Bus to Odd Fellows Rest cemetery
• Enter Odd Fellows Rest cemetery
• Drive by above ground tombs
• Exclusive access to private cemetery
• Quick restroom break
• Pass Katrina Memorial cemetery
• Walk by additional cemetery

Top questions

Is this cemetery tour really at night?

Yes, this New Orleans cemetery bus tour takes place after dark for a unique nighttime experience.

Do you actually go inside an above-ground cemetery?

Yes, you get exclusive access to Odd Fellows Rest cemetery—the only company allowed inside at night.

Are EMF readers provided on this tour?

Yes, each guest can use an EMF reader during the tour to try detecting paranormal activity.

Does the tour include a visit to the Katrina Memorial?

Yes, there is a stop at the Katrina Memorial where your guide shares its history and significance.

Is there time for restroom breaks?

Yes, there is a quick restroom break included during the tour route.

Can I buy drinks before or during the tour?

You’ll have an opportunity to purchase a drink before boarding the bus in the French Quarter.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet in the heart of the French Quarter for departure.

Does this run in all weather conditions?

The tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for New Orleans weather.

What’s included

Your evening includes exclusive nighttime entry into an above-ground cemetery with only your group allowed inside, use of real EMF readers for ghost hunting fun, air-conditioned transport between sites including Odd Fellows Rest and Katrina Memorial, plus live commentary from a local historian guide—and time to grab a drink before setting off together.