Difficulty

easy

Duration

2 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for all fitness levels with a moderate amount of walking on mostly flat terrain.

Overview

Discover New Orleans’ unique "Cities of the Dead" on a 2-hour walking tour featuring above-ground tombs, coping tombs, and the Katrina Memorial. Experience rich local history, masterful storytelling, and a deep connection to the city’s burial traditions.

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans Cemetery Tour

2 Hours • All Ages • New Orleans Cemetery Tour

City Tour

Select participants and date

Date

Fri, Oct 17

Travelers

2

Adventure Photos

About This Adventure

Embark on a captivating journey through New Orleans' unique "Cities of the Dead" on this two-hour tour. Discover ornate above-ground tombs, coping tombs, and the poignant Katrina Memorial, all while delving into the city's rich burial traditions and folklore. Experience masterful storytelling that brings history to life in an unforgettable way.

A Tour like no other, focusing on several different historical CITIES OF THE DEAD at the end of Canal Street, including:

Gates of Prayer
St. John's Cemetery & Crematory
Hope Mausoleum
Dispersed of Judah Cemetery
St. Patrick Cemetery
Charity Hospital Cemetery
Cyprus Grove Cemetery
Katrina Memorial
And MORE Historical Sites

Duration

2 Hours

A short streetcar ride down scenic Canal Streeet gets you there!

Meeting Place:

Morning Call Coffee Stand
5101 Canal Blvd

Adventure Tips

Wear comfortable walking shoes

The tour involves walking along paved and uneven cemetery paths—sturdy shoes will keep you comfortable throughout.

Bring water and sun protection

Canal Street can be sunny and warm; hydration and sunblock will help you stay comfortable.

Allow extra time for streetcar transit

The streetcar to the meeting point runs slowly, so plan ahead to arrive on time for your tour.

Respect cemetery rules and customs

Stay on designated paths and avoid touching tombs to preserve the sanctity of the sites.

Local Insights

Wildlife

Eastern gray squirrels often seen scampering in cemetery trees
Various native songbirds that inhabit the green spaces between tombs

History

The nickname "Cities of the Dead" originates from author Mark Twain and reflects New Orleans’ distinctive above-ground burial tradition dating back to the colonial period.

Conservation

Tour operators emphasize respectful visitation and have implemented guidelines to minimize impact on these historic cemeteries, preserving them for future generations.