NOLA Garden District and Gates of Lafayette Cemetery Tour

New Orleans , United States

NOLA Garden District and Gates of Lafayette Cemetery Tour

Active

(438 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The City of New Orleans has temporarily closed Lafayette Cemetery for repairs but we still do the cemetery tour from the gates. Explore one of the world's most dazzling residential neighborhoods with knowledgeable and entertaining guides. Highlights include the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar; the current & former homes of Anne Rice, Trent Reznor, Archie and Peyton Manning; Nicolas Cage, John Goodman and Sandra Bullock; the cornstalk fence; and death site of Jefferson Davis; and film site of Brad Pitt's "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button."

See the famed aboveground tombs of Lafayette Cemetery #1. Learn about New Orleans’ peculiar burial practices and funerary customs. The City has closed the cemetery but we still do the tour from the gates where you can see everything we cover.

Available options

11:00am Tour

Garden District / Cemetery Tour. Departs at 11:00am.

2:00 PM Tour

Garden District / Cemetery Tour. Departs at 2:00 PM.

What's included

Local guide

Detailed itinerary

Take a walk through New Orleans’ history and culture with a 2-hour walking tour of the Garden District and Lafayette Cemetery #1 with an experienced guide. Visit streets lined with gracious, antebellum homes, and learn how the city’s Creole and American residents competed. Discover the elaborate crypts and monuments of one of New Orleans’ oldest and most beautiful cemeteries, hear stories about Lafayette’s most famous ‘residents,’ and trace Louisiana history through the names on the gravestones. Enjoy personalized attention from your guide on this small-group tour.

Stop 2

Note: The City of New Orleans has closed Lafayette Cemetery to the public but we still do the cemetery tour from the gates.

Explore the famed aboveground tombs of Lafayette Cemetery #1, including the Interview with the Vampire, Double Jeopardy, and Deja Vu film sites. Learn about New Orleans’ peculiar burial practices and funerary customs.

Jefferson Fire Company No. 22 society tomb, situated across from the fictitious Mayfair family tomb featured in Anne Rice's The Witching Hour.The Garden District/Cemetery tour emphasizes history, architectural style, personal anecdotes, and tropical plant life.

What's not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Gratuities

Food and drinks

Entrance to Lafayette Cemetery

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7

217 reviews

5★

179

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.7

221 reviews

5★

186

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The City of New Orleans has temporarily closed Lafayette Cemetery for repairs but we still do the cemetery tour from the gates

Meeting point

INSIDE the Garden District Book Shop inside The Rink, 2727 Prytania Street, near the corner of Washington Avenue. We only tour the cemetery from outside the gates.

Important notes

Please arrive 15 to 20 minutes early

About New Orleans

New Orleans is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant music scene, and unique Creole and Cajun cuisine. It's famous for its annual Mardi Gras festival, historic French Quarter, and the lively atmosphere of Bourbon Street.

Top Attractions

French Quarter

The heart of New Orleans, the French Quarter is known for its vibrant nightlife, historic architecture, and cultural landmarks.

Historical Half day to full day Free to explore, attractions vary

Garden District

A picturesque neighborhood known for its antebellum mansions, oak-lined streets, and historic cemeteries.

Historical Half day Free to explore, tours available

National WWII Museum

A world-class museum dedicated to the history of World War II, featuring immersive exhibits and personal stories.

Museum 2-3 hours Moderate to expensive

City Park

A vast urban park featuring lush gardens, walking paths, and cultural attractions.

Nature Half day Free to enter, attractions vary

Frenchmen Street

A lively street known for its live music venues, art galleries, and vibrant nightlife.

Entertainment Evening Varies by venue

Must-Try Local Dishes

Gumbo

A rich and flavorful stew made with a dark roux, meat or seafood, and the 'holy trinity' of vegetables (onions, bell peppers, and celery).

Main Course Can be made with chicken, sausage, or seafood, and may contain gluten and dairy.

Jambalaya

A one-pot dish made with rice, meat or seafood, and the 'holy trinity' of vegetables, seasoned with a variety of spices.

Main Course Can be made with chicken, sausage, or seafood, and may contain gluten and dairy.

Beignets

A deep-fried pastry dusted with powdered sugar, often served with café au lait.

Dessert Contains gluten and dairy.

Po' Boy

A classic New Orleans sandwich made with French bread, filled with fried seafood, meat, or vegetables, and topped with lettuce, tomatoes, and mayo.

Sandwich Can be made with various fillings, and may contain gluten and dairy.

Popular Activities

Swamp tours Kayaking Biking Spa treatments Park picnics Café hopping Museum visits Historic site tours

Best Time to Visit

February to April

This is the best time to visit New Orleans, with pleasant weather and major events like Mardi Gras. The city is lively, but also more crowded and expensive.

15-25°C 60-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: French, Spanish, Vietnamese
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Central Time Zone (CT) (GMT-6)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

New Orleans is generally safe for tourists, but visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to avoid theft and other crimes.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use licensed taxis and rideshare services
• Be cautious of strangers offering services or assistance

Getting there

By air

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport • 15 miles (24 km) from downtown

By train

New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal

By bus

Greyhound Bus Station, Megabus Stop

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is affordable and covers most of the city, but can be slow due to traffic.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

French Quarter Garden District Warehouse District Faubourg Marigny Mid-City

Day trips

Plantation Country

30-40 miles (48-64 km) • Full day

Explore the historic plantations of Louisiana, with tours and exhibits showcasing the region's complex history.

Swamp and Bayou Tours

30-50 miles (48-80 km) • Half day to full day

Take a boat tour through the Louisiana swamps and bayous, with opportunities to see alligators, birds, and other wildlife.

Baton Rouge

80 miles (129 km) • Full day

Explore the capital of Louisiana, with its historic sites, museums, and universities.

Festivals

Mardi Gras • February or March (varies by year) Jazz & Heritage Festival • Late April to early May (two weekends) French Quarter Festival • April (four days)

Pro tips

Visit during the off-peak season for fewer crowds and lower prices
Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and attractions
Try local cuisine and support local businesses and restaurants
Use public transportation, such as buses and streetcars, to get around the city and save money
Be cautious of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid theft and other crimes