5 Cemeteries of New Orleans – Anne Rice’s & other famous graves

Discover the Secrets of New Orleans’ Cemeteries with This Engaging Tour

When thinking about New Orleans, most people imagine jazz, vibrant street life, and spicy cuisine. But the city’s cemeteries tell their own captivating stories, blending history, culture, and a dash of the supernatural. For $29 per person, this two-hour walking tour takes you through five distinct cemeteries, each with its own character and significance, including the famous Metairie Cemetery—often called “the most beautiful cemetery in America.” Your guide, whose knowledge and storytelling skills shine through in reviews, will lead you past impressive tombs, celebrity graves, and poignant memorials.

What we love most about this experience is the variety of cemeteries covered—from Catholic to Jewish to Protestant, reflecting New Orleans’ diverse communities. Plus, the fully narrated tour ensures you’ll learn about the distinct burial customs that set New Orleans apart from the rest of the United States. And you’ll get a chance to see graves of notable figures like Anne Rice, Louie Prima, and other local icons, making it both an educational and emotionally resonant outing.

One potential consideration is the leisurely pace and walking distance involved, so travelers with mobility issues or those looking for a quick, bus-based tour might want to consider their options. However, for those who enjoy walking and seeing local history, this tour promises a memorable experience. It’s particularly suited for history buffs, literary fans, and curious travelers wanting an authentic glimpse into New Orleans’ unique burial traditions.

Key Points

• Diverse Cemeteries: Visit five different cemeteries covering various religious and cultural traditions.
• Celebrity Graves: See the final resting places of author Anne Rice, musicians, and more.
• Cultural Insights: Learn about the distinctive burial customs and history of New Orleans’ communities.
• Beautiful Settings: Greenwood Cemetery and Metairie Cemetery are especially noted for their stunning monuments and landscape.
• Engaging Guides: Guides are praised for their knowledge, storytelling, and friendly approach.
• Accessible & Walkable: The tour is a gentle walk through nearby cemeteries, ideal for those comfortable with light strolling.

Exploring New Orleans’ Cemetery Tour: A Deep Dive

An Introduction to the Experience

This tour offers a richly detailed exploration of six unique cemeteries in New Orleans, crafted especially for those interested in the city’s distinctive approach to burials and the stories behind the stones. For a modest fee of $29, you’ll spend about two hours walking through neighborhoods that showcase imposing statues, elaborate mausoleums, and poignant memorials. The tour is fully narrated, meaning you’ll get an expert’s perspective on each site, bringing history, culture, and personal stories alive.

Your journey begins at the Morning Call Coffee Stand, a convenient starting point in the city’s Lakeview area. From there, your guide—who has earned glowing reviews for their knowledge and friendly demeanor—will lead you through an engaging narrative about New Orleans’ burial customs, notable graves, and vivid local history.

Why This Tour Is Worth Your Time

What makes this tour stand out is its breadth and depth. Visiting five cemeteries in just two hours means you’ll get a rundown without feeling rushed. Each cemetery has its own flavor: Greenwood Cemetery’s stunning statuary and notable graves, Metairie Cemetery’s notoriously beautiful landscape, and the Irish Catholic cemeteries that reflect the city’s immigrant roots.

Two aspects we particularly appreciate are:

• The variety of burial traditions explored—each cemetery representing different communities, from Catholic to Jewish to Protestant—which enriches your understanding of New Orleans’ multicultural fabric.

• The stories of fame and tragedy connected to the graves, like Anne Rice’s resting place and the Katrina victims, which humanize the history behind the stones.

What to Expect at Each Stop

Stop 1: Cypress Grove and Greenwood Cemeteries
Here, you’ll see some of the most striking monuments in New Orleans. Greenwood Cemetery is famed for its imposing graves and elegant statues. According to reviews, the guide’s storytelling about the familial feuds over the largest graves adds a lively touch to the otherwise somber setting. One reviewer noted, “Chris was prompt, welcoming, and friendly…with lots of time to ask questions and take photos.” Expect to learn about the unique burial customs—like above-ground tombs designed to withstand the city’s floods.

Stop 2: Lake Lawn Metairie Cemetery
This is often called “the most beautiful cemetery in America,” and it lives up to that reputation. You’ll see the famous grave of Anne Rice, the author of Interview with the Vampire, along with Louie Prima, the jazz musician. Visitors have praised this spot for its stunning landscape, offering a peaceful walk among vivid statuary and lush landscaping. It’s a favorite among fans of literature and music alike, making it a highlight for many.

Stop 3: St. Patrick Cemeteries #1 and #2
These Irish cemeteries tell two different stories: the modest graves of Irish immigrants fleeing famine and the more elaborate monuments of later generations who gained wealth and influence. Visitors often find the contrast fascinating—seeing how Irish families expressed their identity through their final resting places. The guide shares stories about Irish immigrant struggles and changing burial customs over the years.

Stop 4: Hurricane Katrina Memorial
The final stop is both a tribute to the victims of the 2005 hurricane and a symbol of resilience. The memorial honors 80 locals who lost their lives, with stories of how their bodies were “lost” and later found—an emotional highlight of the tour. It’s a reminder of how history, tragedy, and dignity are intertwined in this city’s landscape.

The Value of the Tour

At $29, this tour offers exceptional value. You’re getting guided access to sites that are usually closed to casual visitors, along with entertaining and informative narration that turns a simple walk into a vivid history lesson. The small group size (limited to 22) ensures you get plenty of attention, questions answered, and photo opportunities.

The reviews reflect this value, with many praising the knowledgeable guides like Christopher and Bobby. One reviewer said, “It was educational as well as entertaining,” highlighting the balanced approach of the tour. Many noted its walkability and well-paced structure, making it suitable for most travelers with moderate mobility.

Practical Tips

• Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking through several cemeteries, often on uneven ground.
• Bring water and sunscreen, especially if the weather is warm.
• Photography is encouraged, so don’t forget your camera or smartphone.
• The tour begins promptly at 11:00 am, so arriving a few minutes early is advisable.
• The tour ends back at the starting point, so plan your day around this schedule.

The Sum Up: Who Should Take This Tour?

This cemetery tour is perfect for history lovers, literary fans, and those interested in New Orleans’ multicultural makeup. If you appreciate stories about famous authors like Anne Rice, or if you simply want a respectful, insightful look into the city’s burial customs, this tour hits the mark. It’s a good fit for travelers who enjoy walking, learning, and authentic local experiences.

Given the glowing reviews of guides like Christopher and Bobby, you can expect a friendly, engaging experience that balances facts with storytelling. The stunning cemetery scenery combined with the stories of resilience and community make this a meaningful activity that extends beyond sightseeing.

While it’s a leisurely walk, be prepared for some standing and light walking—not suitable for those with mobility challenges. The value for money is high considering the depth of information, the variety of sites, and the chance to see some of the city’s most beautiful and historically significant graves.

In short, this tour offers a unique window into New Orleans’ soul—its past, its people, and its enduring traditions—and it’s a memorable experience for anyone curious about the city behind the clichés.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, including families and history enthusiasts. The tour involves walking between cemeteries, so those comfortable with light strolling will enjoy it most.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately two hours, which provides enough time to explore five cemeteries without feeling rushed.

Are the cemeteries easy to access?
The tour is designed as a leisurely walk through nearby cemeteries, but some sites may have uneven ground or steps. The group size keeps it manageable.

What’s included in the price?
Your guided narration and visits to six unique cemeteries are included, making it good value. Additional expenses like food and drinks are not included.

Will I see Anne Rice’s grave?
Yes, her grave is located in Metairie Cemetery, one of the stops, and is often a highlight for fans.

Can I take photos during the tour?
Absolutely. The scenic cemeteries are perfect for photography, so bring your camera or smartphone.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, water, sunscreen, and a camera. Also, a notebook or phone for notes or photos if you like.

This tour offers a compelling way to understand New Orleans beyond its famous jazz and food. It’s an honest, respectful, and beautifully narrated journey into the city’s unique burial traditions and stories—a memorable experience for those eager to see a different side of New Orleans’ vibrant history.