New Orleans Garden District and Lafayette Cemetery Tour

Exploring New Orleans’ Garden District and Lafayette Cemetery: A Genuine Walk Through History and Charm

Stepping into the Garden District of New Orleans feels like entering a living postcard—big, beautiful antebellum mansions, lush English gardens, and streets lined with history. For just $25 per person, you get about two hours of wandering through this elegant neighborhood with an experienced guide who brings stories of the past alive. The tour also includes a visit outside the gates of Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, famous for its stunning aboveground tombs and filming appearances, although the cemetery itself remains closed to the public.

What we love about this tour is the personal touch of a small group (maximum 14 travelers) and the chance to see some of the city’s most iconic architecture and stories without feeling rushed. Our guide’s enthusiasm made history engaging, and the sights were genuinely fascinating. That said, if you’re expecting to go inside the cemetery, be aware that it’s currently closed for repairs, so this tour focuses on the exterior and the stories behind the tombs.

This experience suits history buffs, architecture lovers, and anyone eager to see a quieter, more refined side of New Orleans away from Bourbon Street’s hustle. It’s especially perfect for those who want a personal, relaxed introduction to the city’s upscale neighborhoods and its unique burial customs.

Key Points

Beautiful architecture: You’ll see some of the most impressive antebellum homes in the city.
Famous film sites: The cemetery’s tombs featured in movies like Interview with the Vampire.
Knowledgeable guides: Guides like Muriel and David make history and architecture come alive.
Small-group intimacy: Personalized attention makes for a more engaging experience.
Exterior cemetery tour: Currently, the cemetery is closed, but the outside visit still offers plenty of stories.
Value for money: For $25, this is a solid, well-rounded experience of one of New Orleans’ most charming areas.

An In-Depth Look at the Garden District and Lafayette Cemetery Tour

What the Tour Covers and Why It Matters

Beginning at the Garden District Book Shop, the tour kicks off with an overview of the neighborhood’s history and architecture. Unlike more commercialized tours, this one emphasizes authentic stories about the residents—both Creole and American—and their colorful pasts. The architecture is a highlight: grand mansions, Greek Revival facades, and lush gardens, many of which belonged to notable figures in New Orleans history.

Having a guide who knows the neighborhood intimately transforms a simple walk into a storytelling session. We loved the way the guides explained the competition between Creole and American residents, revealing subtle architectural differences and regional influences that shape the neighborhood’s charm.

Lafayette Cemetery No. 1: Famous but Currently Closed

The cemetery is a major highlight, especially since it’s appeared in several well-known films. We learned that aboveground tombs reflect the local adaptation to the swampy ground and high water table—an interesting twist on traditional burial customs. Our guide shared stories about Lafayettes’ most famous residents, and pointed out the Jefferson Fire Company No. 22 society tomb, located right across from the fictional Mayfair family tomb from Anne Rice’s The Witching Hour.

While the cemetery is closed for public access, standing outside the gates still provides a sense of place. We appreciated how the guide explained the funerary customs and the tropical plant life that surrounds the tombs, making the visit visually interesting even from the outside.

The Homes and Streets of the Garden District

Walking through the streets, you’ll see imposing mansions, many dating back to the 19th century, highlighted by their Greek Revival, Italianate, or Victorian styles. Guides like Muriel and Dave are skilled storytellers, sharing anecdotes that bring the homes and their former residents to life. Several reviews mention how much they enjoyed hearing about the celebrity owners or the notable figures who once lived here.

The tour also touches on how the neighborhood’s cultural mix—Creole, Cajun, Anglo—shaped the architecture and community fabric. This isn’t a tour that just points at pretty houses; it explores their history, social context, and what makes them unique.

The Practicalities and Experience

The walk is about two hours, with some standing and light walking on uneven ground. As one reviewer pointed out, there are no restrooms along the route, so bringing water and wearing comfortable shoes is wise. The group size is limited, which allows for more interaction, and your guide’s enthusiasm and knowledge shine through in the detailed stories.

Since the cemetery is currently closed, some visitors might feel disappointed, but most agree that the outside view still offers plenty of storytelling potential. The tour ends back at the meeting point, making logistics simple.

What We’ve Heard from Travelers

• “Delightful guide, perfect amount of walking, great historical information! We loved the beautiful homes.”
• “David was a great tour guide and very knowledgeable about the garden district. Would definitely recommend.”
• “Rob’s storytelling made the walk very interesting, and the architecture is stunning.”

A few reviews mention that some guides focused more on celebrity homes or filming locations, which may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but most appreciated the authentic historical insights.

The Value of This Tour

For just $25, you’re getting expert commentary, a stunning visual tour of architecture, and a personalized experience that’s hard to match in larger tours. Considering the neighborhood’s value as a film location and a snapshot of Southern elegance, the price provides genuine value.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you enjoy historic architecture, you’re likely to find this tour fascinating. It’s ideal for travelers who want a relaxed, small-group experience that balances storytelling with sightseeing. If you’re keen on understanding the culture and history behind New Orleans’ most elegant homes, this tour will serve you well.

Those interested in film sites will enjoy the stories about movies like Interview with the Vampire, but if your main focus is inside the cemetery, keep in mind it’s currently closed. This tour is perfect for history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, or anyone in search of a peaceful, visually stunning walk through a neighborhood that whispers stories of the past.

Practical Details

• Price: $25 per person (a surprisingly good deal for what you get)
• Duration: About 2 hours
• Meeting Point: The Garden District Book Shop at 2727 Prytania St
• Group Size: Limited to 14 travelers, ensuring personalized attention
• Accessibility: Most travelers can participate, but be aware of uneven ground
• Cemetery Access: Outside the gates only, as the cemetery is temporarily closed
• Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, making it a low-risk choice
• Weather Dependency: The tour requires good weather; if canceled, a full refund or alternative date is offered

FAQ

Is this tour suitable if I have mobility issues?
The tour involves standing and walking on uneven ground for about two hours, so it might not be ideal for those with mobility challenges.

Can I visit Lafayette Cemetery inside?
No, the cemetery is currently closed for repairs, so the tour is conducted from outside the gates.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, covering the neighborhood and the exterior of the cemetery.

Do I need to book far in advance?
Most travelers book about two weeks ahead, but availability can vary depending on the season.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so bring water for the walk.

Is transportation provided?
No, the tour starts at the meeting point and ends there; transportation is not included.

What makes this tour different from others?
Its focus on architecture, personal stories, and film sites, combined with small-group intimacy, provides a more authentic and engaging experience.

Will I get inside any buildings or the cemetery?
No, the cemetery is closed, and the tour only visits from outside. The homes are also viewed from the street.

Is this a good value for the price?
Absolutely. For just $25, you get expert storytelling, beautiful sights, and a relaxed pace—an excellent deal considering the quality.

Wrapping It Up

This Garden District and Lafayette Cemetery tour offers a quietly elegant way to experience some of New Orleans’ most visually stunning neighborhoods. With knowledgeable guides, a small group setting, and a focus on history and architecture, it’s a delightful way to understand the city’s genteel side. While the cemetery visit is limited to the exterior, the stories and sights you’ll see are worth every penny.

If you’re a lover of history, architecture, or movies, this tour will enrich your visit with insights that go beyond just looking at beautiful homes. It’s an ideal choice for those who want a personal, relaxed, and visually rewarding experience of New Orleans’ upper crust and its fascinating stories.

Plan ahead, wear comfortable shoes, and bring a sense of curiosity—you’re in for a memorable walk through the city’s refined and storied past.