Metairie Cemetery Stories: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Exploring Metairie Cemetery with a Self-Guided Audio Tour

If you’re planning to visit New Orleans and want a way to experience its famous cemeteries without the crowds or guided groups, the Metairie Cemetery Stories: A Self-Guided Audio Tour might be just what you need. For $8.99 per person, you’ll get close to 40 minutes of insightful narration, all accessible via your smartphone through the VoiceMap app. The tour takes you through the historic burial grounds that once served as the Metairie Race Course, now affectionately dubbed the City of the Dead. Starting at Washington Artillery Park, you can walk at your own pace, stopping to admire impressive tombs, mausolea, pyramids, and obelisks as you listen to stories that bring this fascinating site to life.

Two things we really appreciate about this experience: first, the ability to control your own timing — pausing or resuming whenever you like — makes it ideal for those who prefer a relaxed, personalized approach. Second, the offline access is a big plus, so you won’t worry about data charges or losing signal in the cemetery’s more secluded areas.

One thing to consider, however, is that this is a self-guided tour, so if you’re expecting a guided group or someone to point out all the graves in person, you might feel a bit on your own. Also, it’s priced quite reasonably, but remember that entrance fees or additional museum tickets are not included if you decide to visit other attractions nearby.

This tour is perfect for history buffs, photography enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a flexible, educational stroll through one of New Orleans’ most iconic cemeteries, especially if you’re comfortable navigating on your own with a smartphone.

Key Points

• Self-Guided Freedom: Explore at your own pace with the ability to pause and revisit narration.
• Rich Narration: Enjoy stories that bring the cemetery’s graves and history to life, with knowledgeable commentary.
• Offline Access: No worries about data — all maps and audio are available without an internet connection.
• Affordable Price: At just under $9, it offers good value for a personalized, educational experience.
• Flexible Timing: Since it’s approximately 35 minutes long, it’s perfect for a quick yet meaningful visit.
• Ideal for Self-Starters: Best suited for independent travelers comfortable using a smartphone and GPS.

Detailed Review of the Metairie Cemetery Self-Guided Tour

The Location and Starting Point

The tour kicks off at 5510 Pontchartrain Blvd, a spot that’s fairly accessible and near public transportation, according to the provided info. From there, you’ll head into the meticulously kept grounds of the Metairie Cemetery, which is renowned for its spectacular tomb architecture and historical significance. The cemetery itself is a photographer’s paradise, with mausolea and monuments ranging from classic pyramids to Elaborate obelisks, making it a visual feast.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

One of the most praised aspects, according to reviews, is the easy-to-follow narration. Michele from her review mentions, “The app was easy to follow and the narrating was perfect.” You’ll appreciate how the app’s GPS triggers stories as you reach each point of interest, such as notable graves or unique monuments. This feature makes it feel like having a personal guide in your pocket, without the hefty price or group constraints.

Another highlight is the ability to enjoy the tour without rushing. Nicole noted, “Loved geolocation feature and the fact that we could enjoy the tour at our own pace.” Whether you want to linger over a particularly striking tomb or take a quick pass by less interesting features, the control is yours.

What You Can Expect on the Itinerary

Starting at Washington Artillery Park, the tour guides you through the cemetery’s most notable graves and sections. While the exact details of every stop aren’t listed, the general content covers the history of the site’s transformation from a race course to a cemetery, along with stories about famous local figures and the symbolism behind the elaborate tomb designs.

You’ll be encouraged to pause for photos of the various mausolea, pyramids, and obelisks. It’s a visual experience as much as an auditory one. The narration provides context, explaining “the significance of certain symbols” and stories behind the graves.

Pros and Cons Based on Reviews

Many users rave about the knowledgeability of the narration. Carolee appreciated “the very informative and fun” storytelling, which added to her trip highlights. Others, like dmgoettler, mention that “some key graves were not pointed out,” which is a common challenge with self-guided tours — they rely on the app’s content rather than in-person guidance.

The price point offers fantastic value, especially considering the lifetime access and offline availability. For just under $9, you get the flexibility to explore on your own time and revisit the stories later.

A few reviewers, though, have encountered technical hiccups. Rob’s experience points out that “the tour never worked” initially, but this seems to be an exception rather than the rule. The company’s support likely helps with such issues if contacted.

Practical Benefits and Limitations

The main advantage of this tour is its flexibility. You can start and stop as you please, making it perfect for an afternoon stroll or a quick visit during a busy day. The offline access means you don’t need to worry about spotty signal or data overages, which is especially helpful in a large, tree-shaded cemetery.

However, since the tour is self-guided, it requires a bit of independent navigation and an interest in reading or listening to stories via your phone. If you’re expecting a live guide or a more immersive experience, this might not meet your expectations.

Who Would Love This?

This tour suits travelers who enjoy walking at their own pace, are comfortable with using a smartphone, and love to combine history with photography. It’s also a good option for those who want an affordable, flexible experience without the commitment of a guided tour. If you’re eager to learn about local stories and architecture in a relaxed environment, this tour should be on your list.

In-Depth: What the Tour Brings to Your Visit

Exploring the Cemetery’s History

While the tour is self-guided, it offers a narrative that explains how the Metairie Cemetery evolved from being part of a racecourse to one of the most distinctive burial sites in New Orleans. The stories about the graves, the symbolism of the tombs, and the notable figures buried here give you a richer understanding of local culture and traditions.

The Visuals and Photo Opportunities

Every stop is an Instagram favorite. The mausolea, with their intricate carvings and historic design, are a photographer’s dream. You’ll love the way the app encourages you to pause and appreciate the craftsmanship, making this more than just a walk — it’s an opportunity to connect visually with the city’s unique customs.

The Audio Narration: Engaging and Informative

The narration is praised for being clear and well-paced, adding context to each site. As Michele notes, “the narrating was perfect,” showing how the app’s storytelling enhances your understanding. The stories cover local legends, architectural styles, and the significance of symbols seen on tombs.

The Flexibility of a Self-Guided Tour

Unlike guided tours, this one lets you spend as much or as little time on each grave as you wish. Annette enjoyed the tour despite the rain, emphasizing that the ability to go at her own pace made the experience still worthwhile.

Potential Drawbacks

The main consideration is that some graves might be missed if you’re not diligent, or if the app doesn’t highlight every key site — as some reviews suggest. It’s also crucial to have a decent smartphone battery or backup power since the tour is app-dependent.

The Sum Up

The Metairie Cemetery Stories: A Self-Guided Audio Tour offers a cost-effective, flexible, and educational way to explore one of New Orleans’ most notable cemeteries. Its narration and geolocation features make it a strong choice for independent travelers who want to learn about local history without sticking to a group schedule. The visual opportunities for photography and the offline access are big pluses.

This tour is best suited for those who are comfortable exploring on their own, enjoy audio-guided storytelling, and want a personalized experience. If you’re a history enthusiast, a photographer, or simply curious about New Orleans’ unique burial customs, you’ll find this experience rewarding.

While it may not satisfy those looking for a guided in-person experience or a deep dive into every grave, it provides a solid, enjoyable overview at an unbeatable price. It’s a great addition for a day in the city, especially if you want to avoid crowds and enjoy the cemetery’s spectacular architecture and stories at your own pace.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and it’s suitable for anyone comfortable using a smartphone and interested in history or photography.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Just your smartphone charged and ready. No additional equipment is necessary, but a backup power source can be helpful for longer explorations.

Can I start and stop the tour whenever I want?
Absolutely, the app’s GPS feature will trigger narration as you reach each point, and you can pause or resume at will.

Are entrance fees or tickets included?
No, the tour price covers the narration and app. Any additional tickets or entrance fees to other attractions are separate.

Is the tour accessible for people with limited mobility?
Since it involves walking in a cemetery, it’s best suited for those who can manage some walking. The app can be used from a vehicle if you prefer to drive through certain parts.

How long does the tour take?
Approximately 35 minutes, but you can extend or shorten your visit depending on how long you linger.

Is the app easy to use?
According to reviews, very easy — just download, enter your code, and follow the GPS.

What happens if the app doesn’t work?
Most users report smooth operation, but if issues occur, support is available. As with any app-based tour, technical problems can happen.

Can I revisit the tour later?
Yes, your access is for life, so you can enjoy it again whenever you like.

Is this tour recommended for photography?
Definitely. The cemetery’s monuments are stunning, and the tour encourages stopping for photos.

In essence, this self-guided audio tour provides a practical way to enjoy New Orleans’ historic cemeteries with a personal touch. It’s ideal for those who want independent exploration, great value, and a chance to learn and photograph in a relaxed setting.