New Orleans: St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 Tour with Author Guide

Summary

Stories, secrets & laughter among New Orleans’ marble angels

You’ll wander St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 alongside author Sally Asher, hearing wild tales of eccentric locals, secret photographers, and legendary chefs as you explore marble tombs and angel statues. Expect laughter, unexpected details, and a side of New Orleans history that feels personal—plus insider tips for food and music when you’re done.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it’s like to walk through a place where the air feels thick with old stories? That’s how St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 hit me — not spooky, exactly, but sort of humming with all these lives stacked together in stone. Sally, our guide (she literally wrote the book on this place), met us under some big oaks on Esplanade Ave, right by the gate where the shade makes everything smell faintly green and damp. She started off with a story about a hunchbacked photographer who’d sneak around at night — I laughed out loud, honestly didn’t expect to hear about secret brothel photos before noon.

The cemetery itself is less crumbling than I pictured; lots of white marble and little angels everywhere (Sally said there are so many you can almost hear their wings beating — I tried to listen). We wandered slowly, stopping at tombs that looked like miniature castles or old puzzle boxes. There was this one grave for an architect whose ship went down in a hurricane with circus performers and… well, let’s just say New Orleans never does boring funerals. At one point a gust of wind kicked up and you could smell sweet olive trees mixed with something musty — like paperbacks left in the sun too long.

Sally kept tossing out wild facts — legendary chefs who helped push civil rights forward (and also invented turducken, which she admitted was controversial). She’d point out little details on the tombs or tell us who left flowers last week; it felt more like walking around with an old friend than a “tour.” I tried saying one of the names in French and totally butchered it; Sally just grinned and told me everyone does. The whole thing took maybe an hour and a bit, but I still think about those oddball stories every time I pass Esplanade now. Funny how places stick with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided walking tour of St. Louis Cemetery No. 3

• Meet at 3421 Esplanade Ave gate
• Walk through St. Louis Cemetery No. 3
• Learn about burial practices and tomb types
• Visit graves of notable citizens
• Hear stories of photographers and architects
• Discover chefs' impact on Civil Rights and cuisine
• Complete tour in approximately 90 minutes

Top questions

How long is the St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 walking tour?

The tour lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Where does the tour start?

The group meets at 3421 Esplanade Ave, by the gate farthest to the right under the trees.

Is this cemetery tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 is wheelchair accessible.

Who leads the cemetery tour?

The tour is led by local author and historian Sally Asher.

What will we learn about during the tour?

You’ll hear stories about unique burial practices, notable citizens, chefs, architects, and quirky local legends.

Are infants or small children allowed?

Yes, infants and small children can join in a pram or stroller.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to the meeting point.

Does this New Orleans cemetery tour include insider tips for food or music?

Yes, your guide shares tips for local food, music, and culture during your visit.

What’s included

Your experience includes a guided walk through St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 led by expert author Sally Asher—along with her best insider tips for New Orleans food spots and live music haunts to try after your stroll among the city’s most memorable characters.