New Orleans: St. Louis Cemetery #3 Guided Walking Tour

Explore the Unique St. Louis Cemetery #3 in New Orleans

The St. Louis Cemetery #3 Guided Walking Tour offers an in-depth look at one of New Orleans’ most fascinating burial sites. Spanning 1854 since its hotel, this active cemetery is twice as large as its older sister cemeteries, St. Louis #1 and #2. The tour lasts about 1.5 hours and takes place entirely on foot, making it an accessible option for most visitors.

This tour is perfect for those interested in notable architecture, local history, and the stories of famous residents. The cemetery is an active site, with roughly one burial per day, so visitors get a chance to see a working cemetery rather than a purely historical monument. The tour’s main focus is on the rich variety of tombs, vaults, and mausoleums, giving insight into different burial practices and architectural styles.

While the tour is well-suited for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts, it also offers a chance to hear intriguing stories about local figures, civil rights leaders, and even some more notorious residents. The knowledgeable guides truly elevate the experience with research-based insights and engaging storytelling.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Guided walking tour lasting 1.5 hours around St. Louis Cemetery #3
• Learn about the cemetery’s history since its founding in 1854
• See a variety of tomb styles, including vaults, mausoleums, and columbariums
• Discover architectural styles like Greek, Roman, Gothic, Egyptian, Baroque, and Byzantine
• Hear stories about notable and infamous residents, from chefs and architects to civil rights leaders
• Meet at the front gates, with wheelchair accessibility and free cancellation

The Location and Meeting Point for Your Cemetery Walk

The tour begins at the front gates of St. Louis Cemetery #3, located at coordinates 29.982749938964844, -90.08744812011719. This easily accessible spot serves as the starting point for an engaging journey through one of New Orleans’ most vibrant burial sites.

Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes, bring sunscreen, water, and comfortable clothing, as the tour takes place rain or shine. The walking pace is manageable for most visitors, and the site remains operational, giving a glimpse into current burial practices.

Highlights of the Cemetery’s Architecture and Tomb Types

During the tour, visitors encounter a wide array of tombs and architectural styles. You will see wall vaults, family tombs, and public mausoleums. The style diversity includes Greek, Roman, Gothic, Egyptian, Baroque, and Byzantine elements, showcasing the city’s eclectic taste and cultural influences.

Vaults and mausoleums are often decorated with symbolic motifs that carry specific meanings, and guides provide explanations of these symbols. The active nature of the site means new burials are still happening, keeping the cemetery lively and historically relevant.

Stories of Notable and Notorious Burials

The tour features stories about prominent New Orleans residents, including chefs, architects, and civil rights leaders. You might also hear about unusual society tombs and local legends—such as the hunchbacked photographer who secretly took photos of prostitutes. These narratives add a layer of local flavor and intrigue to the walk.

Guides share research-based stories, emphasizing facts and meaningful histories rather than gimmicks. This approach ensures the tour remains informative and engaging for all participants.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Guide: Knowledgeable and Passionate

The tour is led by Sally, a guide praised repeatedly for her deep research, friendly demeanor, and storytelling skills. She offers detailed explanations, even overcoming language barriers with patience and clarity, making the experience enjoyable for English-speaking visitors.

Guests consistently note how well her enthusiasm and knowledge enhance the experience. Her ability to share stories about individual tombs and the symbols on them truly brings the cemetery’s history to life.

Accessibility and Practical Information

The tour is wheelchair accessible, allowing a wide range of visitors to participate comfortably. It runs rain or shine, so travelers should prepare accordingly with comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and water. The short duration of 1.5 hours makes it a manageable activity, even for those with limited time in New Orleans.

Booking is flexible with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, and the option to reserve now and pay later offers added convenience.

Comparing This Tour to Other Cemetery Tours

While there are other tours available in New Orleans, this particular experience stands out for its focus on St. Louis Cemetery #3, the largest sister cemetery established in 1854. Many similar experiences explore St. Louis #1 or #2, but this tour provides a more detailed look at a still-active burial site with a variety of tomb styles.

It shares some similarities with other local ghost or heritage tours, but the emphasis on architecture, history, and stories of individuals makes it unique. The reviews highlight the guide’s expertise and engaging storytelling, which adds value to the experience.

Final Verdict: A Rich Journey into New Orleans’ Burial Traditions

This guided walking tour of St. Louis Cemetery #3 delivers a well-researched, engaging, and visually impressive experience suitable for history lovers, architecture fans, and curious visitors alike. The knowledgeable guides and variety of tombs make it a worthwhile addition to any trip to New Orleans.

The active status of the cemetery provides a sense of current life amid the history, making the tour both educational and authentic. While it is a relatively short activity, the depth of stories and architectural sights ensures a memorable visit.

Perfect for those looking for a meaningful, well-organized tour led by experts, this experience earns a full five-star rating from numerous satisfied guests. Just remember to dress comfortably and be prepared for the weather, and you’ll get a fascinating glimpse into New Orleans’ unique burial culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the tour’s walking pace and duration make it suitable for most ages, but children should be comfortable walking and standing for about 1.5 hours.

Is there any transportation involved?
No, the tour is strictly a walking experience starting at the cemetery gates.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, water, and suitable clothing for weather conditions, as the tour takes place outdoors.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the cemetery still active?
Yes, about one burial per day occurs at St. Louis Cemetery #3, making it a working cemetery during your visit.

Are there any language restrictions?
The tour is conducted in English, and guides are adept at explaining the details clearly.

How accessible is the tour?
The tour is wheelchair accessible, ensuring accessibility for most visitors.

How long does the tour last?
The tour duration is approximately 1.5 hours.

Where exactly do I meet the guide?
At the front gates of St. Louis Cemetery #3, located at coordinates 29.982749938964844, -90.08744812011719.

What makes this cemetery tour different from others?
Focusing specifically on St. Louis Cemetery #3 allows for a detailed exploration of its architecture and ongoing use, with a knowledgeable guide providing research-based stories that enrich the experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby