Metairie Cemetery Stories: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Exploring the Historic Metairie Cemetery with a Self-Guided Audio Tour

The Metairie Cemetery Stories: A Self-Guided Audio Tour offers a flexible and engaging way to explore one of New Orleans’ most iconic cemeteries. Priced at $8.99 per person, this approximately 35-minute tour is designed for those who prefer to take their time, with the freedom to start, pause, and stop whenever they like. The tour begins at Washington Artillery Park and ends back at the same point, making it a convenient and straightforward experience.

What makes this tour stand out is its private nature, allowing only your party to explore the cemetery guided by the VoiceMap app. With offline access to narration, maps, and geodata, you don’t need to worry about data charges or internet access during your walk. The tour’s flexible schedule and easy-to-use app make it suitable for those who want to enjoy a personalized, unhurried exploration of the City of the Dead.

Key Points

• Affordable price of $8.99 per person provides lifetime access.
• Self-guided experience with offline capability ensures no data worries.
• Private tour only for your party, giving you control over pacing.
• Starts at Washington Artillery Park and is accessible any day between 12:00 AM and 11:59 PM.
• Duration of around 35 minutes makes it an easy addition to a day’s sightseeing.
• Ideal for history lovers, those interested in cemetery architecture, or self-guided explorers.

How the Tour Uses the VoiceMap App to Guide You

This tour uses the VoiceMap app to deliver narration triggered by GPS geolocation. Once you download the free app and purchase the tour, it becomes accessible for life. The app works offline, so you can enjoy the stories without worrying about your cellular data. The narration is praised for storytelling quality and ease of following, making the experience straightforward and enjoyable.

Travelers can pause and resume the narration at any time, enabling them to take photos or linger at particularly striking tombs like mausolea, pyramids, and obelisks. This flexibility allows for a tailor-made experience suited to individual interests and pace, which many reviews highlight as a major plus.

The Significance of the Cemetery’s History and Architecture

Metairie Cemetery, known as the City of the Dead, is celebrated for its beautifully crafted tombs and historical significance. The tour provides stories about the cemetery’s past, including its connection to the Metairie Race Course. Visitors will learn about notable graves, including famous local figures and architectural marvels.

The visually stunning tombs are a major highlight. Reviewers often mention the variety of structures, such as obelisks, pyramids, and mausolea, which offer excellent photo opportunities. The stories presented by the app enrich the visual experience, adding context and background that deepen the appreciation of what surrounds you.

Starting Point and Accessibility

The tour begins at 5510 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans, and is conveniently located near public transportation. The meeting point is clear, and the activity is designed to be accessible to most travelers. Service animals are allowed, and the pacing is flexible, making it suitable for a broad range of physical abilities.

The most travelers find the process of downloading the app and starting the tour to be super easy. The timing is flexible — you can join the tour any day between 12:00 AM and 11:59 PM, which makes it easy to fit into your schedule.

Highlights of the Key Stops: From the Cemetery Entrance to the Iconic Tombs

While the tour does not specify every individual stop in detail, it emphasizes notable graves and architecture along the route. The initial stop at Washington Artillery Park offers an introduction to the history of New Orleans’ military and wartime figures. As you proceed, you’ll encounter various tombs and monuments, each with their own stories.

The geolocation feature ensures narration is triggered exactly as you approach specific sites, allowing for a seamless storytelling experience. This means you can focus on exploring without missing out on key historical details. Many reviews appreciate how the app’s guide enhances the visual experience, making even familiar structures more meaningful.

Practical Details: Booking, Duration, and Cost

The tour costs only $8.99, offering lifetime access to the content once purchased. It is typically booked six days in advance but can be enjoyed any time during its long availability window, from March 2019 to June 2026.

The duration is just about 35 minutes, making it a short but enriching activity that can easily be combined with other sightseeing in New Orleans. Since the tour is self-guided, there’s no need for a group or guide, and you can take it at your own pace.

What Reviewers Say About the Experience

Many reviewers praise the storytelling quality of the narration and the ease of use of the app. One reviewer describes the app as “easy to follow”, highlighting the geolocation feature as a major plus. The ability to pause and explore at leisure is frequently mentioned as a key advantage.

While most find the visuals and stories captivating, a few note the possibility of missing some graves if not explicitly pointed out. One reviewer with a car experience mentions that some graves near the start and stop points could have been better highlighted, but overall, the tour remains highly rated.

Limitations and Considerations

The tour does not include access to museums or other attractions along the route, nor does it provide transportation or tickets. It’s purely an audio-guided walk with no physical guide, so it’s best suited for those comfortable exploring independently.

Some users have experienced technical issues such as the audio looping bug, but these are not widespread according to the overall high ratings. The non-refundable policy means travelers should be confident in their plans before purchasing.

Comparing Similar Experiences in New Orleans

This self-guided tour complements other popular options such as Steamboat Natchez cruises or haunted walking tours focusing on supernatural legends. However, it offers a more contemplative, historical perspective on New Orleans’ rich cemetery traditions.

For those interested in historic tombs and architecture, this tour provides an educational and flexible experience. Its low price point and self-paced nature make it an attractive choice for visitors seeking a personalized exploration of the city’s cemetery culture.

Final Thoughts on the Metairie Cemetery Self-Guided Tour

The Metairie Cemetery Stories tour is a cost-effective, easy-to-use, and informative way to explore one of New Orleans’ most iconic cemeteries. Its private format and offline functionality appeal to travelers who like to take their time and soak in the scenery at their own pace.

While it may not cover every grave in detail, the narration and architecture combine to create a meaningful experience, especially for those interested in cemetery design, history, and local stories. The affordable price and flexible scheduling make it an excellent addition to any trip to New Orleans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the tour is accessible to most travelers and suitable for a wide range of ages, as it involves walking and listening to narration.

Do I need a smartphone?
Yes, a smartphone is necessary to download and run the VoiceMap app, as it delivers the entire experience.

Can I join the tour at any time?
Yes, the tour is available any day between 12:00 AM and 11:59 PM, allowing you to pick a time convenient for your schedule.

How long does the tour take?
The approximate duration is 35 minutes, but you can take longer if you wish to explore certain graves more thoroughly.

Is the tour guided by a live person?
No, it is self-guided, with narration delivered via the app based on your GPS location.

Does the tour include access to museums or other attractions?
No, admission to museums or other sites is not included.

What if I experience technical issues?
Most users find the app functions well, but some have reported audio looping bugs. Contact support if technical problems occur.

Is the tour refundable?
No, the purchase is non-refundable and cannot be changed once bought.

Can I bring service animals?
Yes, service animals are allowed during the tour.

What makes this tour different from other cemetery tours?
Its self-guided format, offline access, and private experience allow for personalized pacing and exploration, unlike group guided tours.