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

Summary

Walk storied paths in New Orleans’ oldest cemetery with tales of voodoo and history

You’ll walk with a local guide through St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 in New Orleans, hearing real stories about Marie Laveau and Homer Plessy as you move between old tombs and sunlit paths. The tour starts at Basin St. Station with your group before crossing over together — expect moments of quiet wonder mixed with laughter or small surprises along the way.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I thought cemeteries were just quiet places for the dead — but St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 in New Orleans is nothing like that. We started at Basin St. Station, which smells faintly like chicory coffee and old wood, and our guide (her name was Tanya — she had this easy laugh) handed out stickers while telling us not to wander off once we got inside the gates. “It’s easy to get lost in here,” she said, and I could see why once we crossed the street and stepped into that maze of whitewashed tombs.

The air felt thick, almost humming with stories. Tanya pointed out Marie Laveau’s tomb — people had left little offerings there, beads and coins, even a half-melted candle that smelled sweet and sharp at the same time. She told us about Homer Plessy too, how he changed American law from right here in New Orleans, though I’ll admit I mostly remember her voice echoing off the stone more than all the dates she rattled off. Some parts were quieter; you could hear a streetcar bell in the distance or someone humming behind a wall somewhere (or maybe that was just my imagination). The main keyword for this tour is St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 walking tour, but honestly it felt more like stepping sideways into another world for an hour.

I tried to pronounce “Laveau” right (Tanya smiled but didn’t correct me), and the sun kept darting behind clouds so everything looked different every few minutes — sometimes harsh, sometimes soft grey. There’s something strange about seeing so many names carved into stone above ground; it makes you think about who gets remembered and who doesn’t, you know? By the end I felt both curious and weirdly comforted — like maybe all these stories are still hanging around under the moss and chipped paint.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 Walking Tour

• Arrive early at Basin St. Station
• Collect tickets and tour stickers
• Meet guide at Cemetery Tour Desk
• Walk to cemetery front gates
• Enter gates for guided tour

Top questions

Where does the St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 walking tour start?

The tour begins inside Basin St. Station in New Orleans.

Is entry to St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 included?

Yes, entry to the cemetery is included with your guided tour ticket.

Who leads the cemetery walking tour?

A local guide leads each official walking tour through St. Louis Cemetery No. 1.

How long is the walk from Basin St. Station to the cemetery?

The cemetery is just across the street from Basin St. Station; it’s a short walk.

Are children or strollers allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; strollers are allowed.

Is this cemetery tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 walking tours are wheelchair accessible.

Can service animals join this guided cemetery tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

Will I learn about Marie Laveau on this tour?

Yes, your guide will share stories about Marie Laveau during your visit.

What’s included

Your day includes gathering at Basin St. Station where you’ll meet your group and guide before heading over together for a guided walk through historic St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 — entry fees are covered so you can focus on listening to stories instead of logistics.