New Orleans: St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 Night Walking Tour

Walk the old cemetery at night hear stories of marie laveau and creole families under lanterns

You’ll walk through St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 after dark with a local guide—lantern in hand—hearing real stories about New Orleans’ famous residents like Marie Laveau and Homer Plessy. Expect quiet moments among old tombs, honest history (not ghost tales), and time to feel the weight of this city’s past under the stars.

Step-by-step itinerary

After-Dark Tour of St. Louis Cemetery

• Check in at Basin St. Station Visitor Center
• Explore New Orleans exhibits and gift shop
• Join guided lantern-lit cemetery tour
• Learn history of tombs and famous residents

The Experience

The first thing I noticed was how quiet everything felt once we stepped through the gates of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1—like the city sounds got swallowed up by all that stone and history. Our guide, Marcus, handed out little lanterns (not as heavy as I expected) and started off with a story about Marie Laveau that made someone behind me gasp. The air was thick, humid but not too hot, and I kept catching whiffs of sweet olive trees mixed with something older—maybe just moss or old marble? Hard to say.

We wandered between the tombs, some cracked and leaning, others still sharp-edged and white in the lantern glow. Marcus pointed out the family vaults with names I couldn’t pronounce (he tried to teach us—Li laughed when I butchered “Plessy”), and explained how these above-ground tombs were built for the city’s floods. It’s strange seeing so many stories stacked on top of each other like that—generations in one place, right there in front of you. Someone asked about voodoo rituals; Marcus answered carefully, not sensationalizing it at all—just honest history mixed with a little local pride.

I remember the way my footsteps echoed on the stones, and how everyone got quieter near Marie Laveau’s tomb—even people who didn’t seem superstitious before. There was this moment when Marcus stopped talking and let us just stand there in the dark for a bit, listening to nothing but distant streetcars rattling past Basin Street outside. I still think about that silence sometimes—it felt heavy but kind of peaceful too.

What’s included

Your evening includes entry to St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 after dark, all taxes and fees covered up front, plus a guided walk led by a knowledgeable local who shares real stories—not legends—with your small group before you return to Basin Street again.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Basin St. Station

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Top questions

Is this St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 night tour a ghost tour?

No, it’s a historical walking tour focused on real stories and cultural traditions—not ghost tales or paranormal themes.

How long does the after-dark cemetery tour last?

The walking tour lasts around 45 minutes from start to finish.

Where does the night tour start?

The tour starts at Basin St. Station Visitor Center at 501 Basin Street in New Orleans.

Are children allowed on this night cemetery tour?

Yes, children are welcome—ages 3-12 need a child ticket; under 3 are free.

Is St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible throughout the tour route.

Are strollers or prams allowed during the cemetery night tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the walk.

Are service animals permitted on this night walking tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed to join you on the cemetery walk.

Does this after-dark cemetery tour include pickup?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet your guide at Basin St. Station Visitor Center.