New Orleans Dead of Night: Ghosts and Cemetery Bus Tour
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
No special fitness required—short walks at each stop; participants should be mobile for brief on-foot segments.
Overview
Board an air-conditioned bus after dusk and travel Esplanade Avenue to lesser-known cemeteries where guides weave history, voodoo lore, and eyewitness accounts into a two-hour haunted excursion. Expect above-ground tombs, whispered stories, and camera-ready moments.
New Orleans Dead of Night: Ghosts and Cemetery Bus Tour
Select participants and date
You step onto an air-conditioned bus as the sky goes from bruise to black and the city’s edges sharpen. Headlights carve a path down Esplanade Avenue where moss-draped oaks lean close and seem to murmur warnings. The guide’s voice slices through the hush—measured, archival, hungry for the details that make New Orleans one of America’s most haunted cities. The bus moves like a slow, deliberate heartbeat, crossing the Magnolia Bridge over Bayou St. John where, the guide says, the water still keeps secrets and rituals return every St. John’s Eve.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive Early and Check In
Plan to arrive at least 20 minutes before departure to secure your seat and receive any last-minute instructions.
Dress for Night Weather
Nights can be humid in summer and cool in winter—layers and a light, water-resistant jacket are smart choices.
Bring a Charged Camera or Phone
Low-light shots capture atmosphere and reported anomalies; a phone with night mode and a backup battery will keep you shooting.
Respect the Sites
Stay on paths, don’t touch markers or vaults, and keep noise to a minimum when the group is on foot.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bats that hunt over the bayou at dusk
- Raccoons and night birds in parks near the cemeteries
History
Many New Orleans burial grounds expanded rapidly during 19th‑century yellow fever outbreaks; above‑ground tombs are a practical response to a high water table and reflect the city’s unique funerary culture.
Conservation
Cemeteries are fragile historic sites—stay on paths, don’t remove artifacts or touch old masonry, and follow guide instructions to limit wear on stones and vaults.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in New Orleans
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Charged Smartphone or Camera
Captures low-light scenes and any unexpected photo anomalies.
Layered Jacket
Keeps you comfortable as temperatures drop after sunset.
fall specific
Insect Repellent
Useful during warmer months when mosquitoes are active at dusk.
summer specific
Compact Flashlight or Phone Light
Helps you navigate steps and paths during short after-dark walks.