Night Cemetery Insiders Bus Tour- New Orleans

Experience the eerie charm of New Orleans’ historic cemeteries on the Night Cemetery Insiders Bus Tour. For just $55, you’ll spend about two hours with a lively guide, visiting two notable sites—the Masonic Cemetery #1 and the Katrina Memorial at Charity Hospital Cemetery—while learning about the city’s unique burial customs, its Masonic traditions, and the tragic aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The tour promises captivating storytelling, a comfortable bus ride, and a chance to see some of the city’s most intriguing cemeteries with a knowledgeable guide leading the way.

Two things we particularly appreciate about this experience are the informative narration—it’s clear the guides know their stuff and add personal touches—and the thoughtful visit to lesser-known sites like the Katrina Memorial, which offers a reflective, quiet moment away from the usual tourist crowds. The tour’s focus on authentic history and customs creates a more meaningful connection to the city’s past.

A possible consideration is the limited physical activity involved—most of the tour is on a bus and seated for the cemetery visits—so it’s ideal for those who prefer a relaxed pace. Visitors should also be prepared for some morbid tales and the solemn atmosphere at the cemeteries, which can be intense for sensitive travelers or young children.

This tour suits history enthusiasts, those interested in local funeral traditions, and anyone curious to see a different side of New Orleans beyond the vibrant French Quarter. It’s especially great if you appreciate narrative storytelling and want to learn about real people and events that shaped the city.

Key Points

• Visit two historic cemeteries in New Orleans, including the Masonic Cemetery #1 and the Katrina Memorial.
• Learn about burial customs and traditions specific to New Orleans’ above-ground tombs.
• Guided by a knowledgeable storyteller who makes history engaging and accessible.
• Comfortable bus transportation makes the experience easy and hassle-free.
• Reflect on the Katrina tragedy at the memorial site, offering a poignant pause.
• Suitable for all ages (recommended ages 6+) with a mostly flat, seated experience.

A Deep Dive into the Night Cemetery Insiders Bus Tour

If you’re looking for a way to combine history, storytelling, and a touch of the spooky, this 2-hour bus tour provides plenty of both. Starting at the Voodoo Tavern and PoBoys in the French Quarter, the tour is easy to access thanks to its proximity to public transit options and its walkable location—though parking is limited, so public transit or rideshare might be best.

What You’ll See and Learn

The tour kicks off with a visit to Masonic Cemetery #2, founded in 1865 by the Grand Lodge of Louisiana. It’s an unusual spot compared to the city’s more common Catholic cemeteries, with its elaborate, communal tombs and distinctive triangular layout that symbolizes the Masonic square and compass. Enclosed by cast-iron fences and lined with oak trees, this cemetery offers a glimpse into the secrets of Masonic burial traditions. You’ll learn how lodge members pooled resources to create large, shared tombs—something unique in New Orleans’ burial scene.

The guide’s storytelling shines here; many reviews mention guides like Henry and Trish who add personality and humor, making the history come alive. As one reviewer notes, “Henry was a fun guide! Info was very interesting and I wouldn’t change it—only add more ghost stories.” This mix of fact and fun makes the visit both educational and entertaining.

Next, the tour moves to the Katrina Memorial at Charity Hospital Cemetery, a stark but meaningful site. It’s a quiet circle of graves on the site of the old Charity Hospital’s pauper’s field, where 85 unclaimed victims of the 2005 levee failures are buried. The memorial’s design, with a storm-shaped pathway, underscores the destructive power of Hurricane Katrina, and many find it a deeply moving place for reflection. Tour guides explain the lasting effects of the hurricane and the tragedy of those who perished without families or fame.

The Experience and Atmosphere

Most of the tour is on the bus, giving you a comfortable space to relax and take in the sights. The cemeteries themselves are accessible, with flat walkways, but keep in mind the uneven ground in some areas. The tour is suitable for most travelers, including families, with a recommended age of 6 and above, though some morbid stories may be intense for very young children.

The timing means you can do this tour in the evening, which adds to the atmosphere—many reviews mention the quiet beauty of the cemeteries at night, with some guests wishing they could do it in the dark, too. Evening or night tours tend to feel more atmospheric, but even in daylight, the stories and history remain compelling.

Value and Price

At $55 per person, the price is quite reasonable considering it includes transportation, entry fees, and a lively guide. The small group size (up to 32 travelers) ensures a more personal experience, where questions are welcome and stories can be tailored. If you’re interested in history, local customs, and some eerie tales, this tour offers good value—especially when you compare it to more expensive ghost or haunted tours.

Authentic Stories and Personal Touches

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides for their ability to share stories with clarity and enthusiasm. One says, “Trish was knowledgeable and fun. We enjoyed the tour and would recommend her to everyone.” These personal anecdotes make the history stick, giving the cemeteries a human story that’s often missed in guidebooks.

The tour also provides insight into New Orleans’ burial customs, such as the above-ground tombs that are distinct from most places. Understanding why New Orleans uses these elaborate vaults—due to the high water table and French influence—adds a layer of appreciation to the experience.

Practical Details

• The departure point is centrally located, making it accessible for most hotel guests.
• Arrive at least 30 minutes early to ensure a prompt start.
• The tour runs rain or shine, but bad weather might cause cancellations or rescheduling.
• Service animals are welcome, and the tour is wheelchair-unfriendly due to uneven cemetery ground.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If history and local traditions fascinate you, and you enjoy stories told with passion and humor, you’ll appreciate this tour. It’s excellent for families (with some discretion), history buffs, and those wanting a more serious but accessible look at New Orleans’ cemeteries. If you’re intrigued by Hurricane Katrina or the city’s Masonic history, this tour hits those points well.

Travelers who prefer active walking tours or want to explore famous cemeteries like St. Louis #1, might want to consider additional or different options, as this tour focuses on lesser-known sites and offers a relaxed, storytelling approach instead of a physically demanding walk.

Final Thoughts

The Night Cemetery Insiders Bus Tour provides a well-balanced mix of history, storytelling, and reflection set against the backdrop of New Orleans’ haunting cemeteries. It’s a solid choice for those who want to learn about the city’s burial customs, its role during Katrina, and the stories of the people laid to rest here—all delivered with a dash of humor and personal insight from passionate guides.

For an affordable, storytelling-focused experience that offers both educational value and a sense of connection to the city’s past, this tour hits the mark. It’s particularly suited for curious travelers who enjoy hearing stories that bring history to life—without the hassle of strenuous walking or overly commercialized ghost hunts.

FAQ

Which cemeteries are visited during the tour?
The tour visits Masonic Cemetery #1 and the Katrina Memorial at Charity Hospital Cemetery. These sites highlight both the city’s Masonic traditions and the tragic consequences of Hurricane Katrina.

Does the tour include Marie Laveau’s tomb?
No, Marie Laveau’s tomb is located in St. Louis Cemetery #1, which this tour does not cover. Instead, you’ll explore other significant resting places and learn their stories.

Is the Katrina Memorial part of this tour?
Yes, the guide explains the lasting effects of Katrina, and you can pay respects at the memorial site, which commemorates unclaimed victims of the storm.

Can I park near the meeting point?
Parking is limited, but the location is in the French Quarter, so walking or public transportation is recommended. Rideshare options like Uber or Lyft are also convenient.

Is public transportation a good way to reach the tour?
Absolutely. The meeting point is near the Ursulines Trolley Station and within walking distance from most hotels in the area.

How early should I arrive?
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start to settle in and be ready on time.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 6 and above can participate, but parents should be aware of the morbid stories that may be unsettling for younger kids.

How strenuous is the tour?
It involves mostly seated transportation and some light walking on flat surfaces. It’s not physically demanding.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately, no. The cemeteries have uneven ground that makes wheelchair access difficult.

In choosing the Night Cemetery Insiders Bus Tour, you’re opting for an authentic, well-narrated journey into some of New Orleans’ most compelling and less commercialized burial sites. It’s a chance to connect with the city’s past while enjoying the comfort of a guided bus experience—an excellent addition to any cultural or historic New Orleans visit.