St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is the oldest and most famous cemetery in New Orleans, established in 1789. Known for its hauntingly beautiful above-ground tombs, Voodoo legends, and famous burials, this historic resting place offers a fascinating and eerie look into the city’s unique culture.
Here’s your full guide to planning the perfect St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 Tour in New Orleans. 🪦⛪🌙
📍 Where Is St. Louis Cemetery No. 1?
📍 425 Basin St, New Orleans, LA 70112
Just outside the French Quarter, near Iberville Street and Basin Street Station
🚶♀️ Walking distance from Canal Street (about 5–10 minutes)
🚋 Accessible via the Canal Street streetcar line
🪦 Why Visit St. Louis Cemetery No. 1?
- It’s the oldest surviving cemetery in New Orleans (est. 1789)
- Features above-ground tombs due to the city’s high water table
- Final resting place of:
- Marie Laveau – the legendary Voodoo Queen
- Homer Plessy – civil rights figure from Plessy v. Ferguson
- Etienne de Boré – first mayor of New Orleans
- (And possibly one day: Nicolas Cage, who built a pyramid-shaped tomb here)
🚶 Tour Options
1️⃣ Guided Walking Tour (Required)
🕒 ~45–60 minutes
💰 ~$20–$25 per person
✅ Mandatory — since 2015, you must be with a licensed guide to enter the cemetery
🎤 Learn about:
- Voodoo practices & Marie Laveau
- Burial traditions in New Orleans
- History of yellow fever, flooding, and cemetery design
📌 Book through:
- Save Our Cemeteries
- French Quarter Phantoms
- Ghost City Tours
- Airbnb Experiences
2️⃣ Combo Tours (Cemetery + French Quarter or Voodoo)
🕒 2–2.5 hours
💰 ~$30–$45
✅ Includes the cemetery plus nearby historic streets, Voodoo shops, and cultural landmarks
📌 Great for first-timers wanting a deeper NOLA experience
📸 Best Photo Spots
- Marie Laveau’s tomb (look for offerings and X marks)
- The pyramid tomb built by Nicolas Cage
- Long rows of crumbling and ornate above-ground tombs
- Iron gates and crosses covered in moss and mystery
📌 Always follow your guide’s rules — no touching tombs or disturbing offerings.
❓ St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 Tour – FAQ
1️⃣ Can I go in without a guide?
🚫 No. Access is restricted to licensed tours only for preservation and safety.
🎟 Book a tour in advance online or at Basin Street Station.
2️⃣ Is the cemetery haunted?
👻 According to legend, yes — especially the tomb of Marie Laveau, said to grant wishes or curses.
📚 Many tours include spooky stories, but the vibe is more historical than horrifying.
3️⃣ Is it family-friendly?
✅ Yes, though younger children may prefer the ghost-free or cultural versions of the tour.
📌 Some tours are more intense — ask in advance if it’s suitable for kids.
4️⃣ What should I wear/bring?
👟 Comfortable shoes (gravel/dirt walkways)
☀️ Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
💧 Water bottle (especially in summer)
📷 Camera or phone (photos are allowed, but be respectful)
5️⃣ When is the best time to visit?
| Time of Day | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|
| Morning | Cooler temps, fewer crowds |
| Late afternoon | Mysterious lighting, golden hour shots |
| Evening | Cemetery closes at 3 PM — no tours after that |
📅 Best Season: October–April for comfortable walking weather
✅ Bonus Tips
- 📍 Stop at Basin Street Station for info, restrooms, and local exhibits
- 🎟 Book in advance — tours often sell out during weekends and festivals
- 🍹 Combine with a French Quarter or Voodoo walking tour for the full story
- 🧿 Be respectful — this is still a sacred place for many locals and families
🎟 Want help booking a licensed cemetery tour or combining it with nearby French Quarter sites?
Let me know! I can help you plan a custom experience that’s historical, haunting, and 100% New Orleans 🪦🌙🎷
🪦 St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 Tour – FAQ
Visiting St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 in New Orleans? This hauntingly beautiful and historic site is the oldest cemetery in the city, famous for its above-ground tombs, voodoo legends, and iconic burials. Here’s a quick FAQ to help you plan your tour! ⚰️🎭🌙
1️⃣ Can I visit St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 without a tour?
🚫 No. Since 2015, entry is only allowed with a licensed tour guide due to preservation and vandalism concerns.
2️⃣ Where is it located?
📍 425 Basin St, New Orleans, LA 70112
🗺️ Just outside the French Quarter, near Basin Street Station and Rampart Street.
3️⃣ How much does a tour cost?
💰 Typically between $20–$25 per person
📦 Combo tours (including French Quarter or Voodoo) may cost $30–$45
4️⃣ How long does the tour last?
⏳ Most cemetery tours last 45–60 minutes
🧭 Combo tours with nearby neighborhoods last about 2 hours
5️⃣ Who is buried in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1?
- ⚜️ Marie Laveau – Famous Voodoo Queen of New Orleans
- ⚖️ Homer Plessy – Civil rights figure from Plessy v. Ferguson
- 🏛️ Etienne de Boré – First mayor of New Orleans
- 🪨 Nicolas Cage’s future tomb – Yes, the actor bought a pyramid-shaped tomb there!
6️⃣ Is the cemetery haunted?
👻 Many believe so!
- The tomb of Marie Laveau is said to grant wishes
- Some guides share ghost stories, voodoo legends, and paranormal tales during the tour
7️⃣ Is it safe and family-friendly?
✅ Yes — as long as you stay with your guide
🧒 Most tours are appropriate for families, but some ghost-themed tours may be better for older kids
8️⃣ What should I wear or bring?
- 👟 Comfortable shoes (gravel & uneven paths)
- 🧴 Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
- 💧 Water, especially in warmer months
- 📸 Camera or phone (photos are allowed, but be respectful)
9️⃣ What’s the best time to visit?
| Time | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|
| Morning | Cooler temps, better lighting |
| Afternoon | More atmosphere, but can be hot |
| 🚫 The cemetery usually closes by 3:00 PM, so no evening tours are available |
🔟 How do I book a tour?
You can book through licensed tour operators like:
- Save Our Cemeteries
- French Quarter Phantoms
- Ghost City Tours
- Airbnb Experiences
🎟 Booking online in advance is recommended, especially during busy seasons (Mardi Gras, Halloween, etc.)
✅ Bonus Tips
- 📍 Visit Basin Street Station Visitor Center before or after your tour (restrooms + exhibits)
- 🧿 Don’t touch tombs or leave markings — it’s disrespectful and prohibited
- 🕯️ Some people leave offerings (coins, flowers) at Marie Laveau’s tomb
- 📷 Ask your guide where you can take the best photos — some spots are iconic!
🎟 Need help booking a licensed tour or combining it with a French Quarter or ghost walk?
Let me know! I can help you craft a custom New Orleans experience that’s historical, spooky, and unforgettable 🪦🌙🎷
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