Top Experiences in Lafayette Cemetery No. 1

Explore the Garden District with the help of a local guide who will tell you about the history of Louisiana's great planter families. You'll see the lavish homes as a shining symbol of their success.
People like Scarlett O'Hara, who lived on the plantation in the summer and in the city in the winter months, in the heart of New Orleans, or Anne Rice, author of the novel "Interview with the Vampire" who lived nearby (Brevard House at 1239 1st Street.) You'll get a sense of the mysterious atmosphere that emanates from these imposing houses lined up next to each other. All that they have seen, the secrets of the aristocracy of the time that they sheltered. The era of masters and slaves, the segregation of the South, the Civil War, the abolition of slavery... The romantic impulses against the cruel historical reality.
Your guide will tell you the history and anecdotes about this popular cemetery, and you will learn about the rites of burial above ground.

A three-hour private city tour of the many beautiful historic districts in and around New Orleans. This tour has both a chauffeur and historian tour guide whom can customize the tour to fit your specific interests whether it be music, history, architecture, horticulture, or all of the above.

The Garden District is known for its grand mansions. It is a place where opulence meets allure. Towering Oaks shade the streets and vibrant Mardi Gras Parades line the Avenue. This area is a true spectacle.
- Since the early 1830s, the Garden District has been the hub of beauty, drama, deception, and wealth, creating an enduring mystique.
- Through the gates of Lafayette Cemetery, see the graves, hear about our family tomb days and why we share an Egyptian belief.
- See how the gardens play a large role in our houses not flooding.
- You will see homes of celebrities and those used in films and tv shows and we will let you in on a few secrets too.
- At the end of the tour, your tour guide will happily give you insider tips on where to eat, what to see and where to enjoy.
_ After the tour, you'll receive follow up information on the Garden District, in case you want to learn about even more.
- So come explore this captivating neighborhood with us, where every home has a story.

What sets this Garden District tour apart is the expertise of a local historian guiding you through its leafy streets. Unlike rushed experiences, this tour encourages leisurely walking along the district's shady sidewalks, allowing you to soak in the ambiance and nuances of this charming neighborhood at your own pace. Moreover, the tour emphasizes intimate, small groups, ensuring a personalized and engaging experience. With the historian's insights, you'll gain a deep appreciation for the district's rich history, architectural gems, and the stories that make the Garden District a truly distinctive destination in New Orleans.

See the gorgeous architecture and lush tropical gardens of the Garden District, as we peer behind the curtain and find the secrets, scandals, and other fascinating history, only whispered about behind closed doors.

» Fun extras like images of the real characters, a polaroid of your group

» Break for coffee and refreshments at the Rink mall -- a historic roller skating rink

» Small groups, 15 guest max

» Fun guides who bring the history to life

Hear the history of gamblers, adventurers, corrupt politicians, con artists, and which rock star wasn't invited back. See filming locations & the homes of movie stars and other celebrities.

We'll see the architecture, discussing the popular styles in the neighborhood's growth, and many unusual homes as well! We'll end at the largest home in the neighborhood -- also a site from the Coven season of American Horror Story.

Enjoy this gorgeous neighborhood, and take home a piece of New Orleans you won't forget!

New Orleans Only Ancestral Witchcraft Tour

Join us for a unique journey into New Orleans Garden District. This area is more than a home for the city's elite; it's a sanctuary for ancestral witches and their families.

While the fictional Mayfair Witches may capture imaginations, our tour delves into the real history of witchcraft among New Orleans oldest Uptown families. Discover the hidden truths behind the city famous for ghosts, vampires, and other supernatural legends.

Our exclusive tour reveals the authentic stories of witches who came before the popular TV series, books, and movies filmed in the city. Learn about the real witches who practiced, healed and changed lives with their services.

Unlike any other tour, we offer a living experience as we guide you through these mystical tales because we live it.

Discover the history of New Orleans through its architecture! On this 2-hour Garden District tour, you'll learn about 19th century New Orleans while admiring the exquisite mansions. Enjoy a leisurely stroll with a passionate, professional guide to explore the many building styles prevalent in this neighborhood, ranging from Greek Revival, Italianate, and Victorian. Hear the stories of the 19th century architects and families who made their mark on this historic area, and see the homes of former and current celebrities.

Also included in this tour is a short stop into Lafayette Cemetery where visitors learn about the fascinating local above-ground burial customs. Starting with a brief introduction to the history of New Orleans Cemeteries, visitors will be treated to a discussion of the various styles and types of tombs seen in this cemetery. Your group will be no more than 14 people allowing for a more intimate, personal experience.

The New Orleans Garden District tour is a two hour leisurely stroll with frequent stops through one of America's most beautiful neighborhoods, the New Orleans Garden District. Enjoy learning the history behind these ancient mansions while resting in the shade of the beautiful centuries-old Live Oak Trees that line the streets of this magnificent ward! See the Buckner Mansion(featured in American Horror Story) and many other celebrity-owned homes.

Why be herded in a large group without getting to know your guide or ask questions? Come explore with us in the Garden District with 9 or fewer people. Discuss such things as architecture, history, or even movie filming locations (especially if you're fans of Anne Rice or American Horror Story!). In addition, once the tour ends your guide will give you personalized suggestions for other attractions or best places for lunch or dinner!

This PRIVATE Garden District Walking Tour, led by a professional guide, accommodates groups of up to 5 travelers. Discover the hidden gem of Lafayette Cemetery #1 (not open to the public), delving into its rich history from the exterior. Then, explore the Historic Garden District and the American Sector in New Orleans, where you'll marvel at the opulent wealth of the early American settlement, surrounded by remarkable Antebellum homes filled with historical significance. Delight in local tales of hauntings, historical insights, and intriguing celebrity and movie-making facts. After your historic journey, your tour guide gladly provides recommendations for dining, drinking, and entertainment, along with local hangouts, celebrity insights, and other delightful tidbits for your magical New Orleans vacation. Discover the best things to do in New Orleans on this engaging **PRIVATE** Journey with TOURS by STEVEN - exclusively your group and our guide! Come and experience it all!

New Orleans' Only Ancestral Witchcraft Tour
Dive into New Orleans' Ancestral Witchcraft on our exclusive tour. This illustrious area, home to the city's affluent, serves as a haven for ancestral witches and their intriguing heritage.

What Will You Discover?
Beyond Fiction: While the Mayfair Witches might bewitch the masses, our tour also explores the genuine history of witchcraft among New Orleans' Uptown families.
Real Witches: Learn about the authentic witches who practiced, healed, and transformed lives long before they were immortalized in TV series, books, and movies.
A Living Experience: Guided by those who live this magick history, our tour offers insights you won't find anywhere else.

Why Choose Our Tour?
Exclusive Access: Delve into secret and private narratives known only to true descendants.
Expert Guides: Your witch guide will immerse you in a world where magic and history intertwine

It is an invitation into our hidden witchcraft legacy.

Produced By DuPont and Company

Discover the Romance and Flavors of New Orleans on a Food and History Tour with a Local Guide.
Home to historic mansions, hauntingly beautiful cemeteries and giant oak trees, this district is the romance of New Orleans. Close to the St. Charles streetcar, you'll meet your host Michelle at Lafayette Cemetery and discuss the history with her. Then it's on to the food at the next 3 stops! Enjoy a favorite neighborhood eatery for a taste of the Italian and Creole roots of the city. Next stop, Dat Dog for sausages like alligator, crawfish and duck (with vegetarian and vegan options available!). You'll finish with a Creole dessert: learn the history of chicory over cafe au lait and delicious filled beignets!

• Enjoy a favorite neighborhood eatery for a taste of Italian and Creole roots
• See the above-ground tombs New Orleans is known for and learn the city's unique traditions!
• More traditional pork and vegetarian/vegan options available
• Hosted by a New Orleans native guide

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 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."

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. For the moment the City has closed the cemetery but we still do the tour from the gates where you can see everything we cover.

Learn the history & architecture of the beautiful Garden District & Magazine Street. Your guide will take you to see residences of Anne Rice, Sandra Bullock, John Goodman, and more. Enjoy a visit to the Lafayette Cemetery & the Coven House of American Horror Story in a small group, walking tour.

Step away from the bustling, boozy French Quarter to join us on a stroll through one of New Orleans’ most beautiful and tranquil neighborhoods - the Garden District. On this tour, your local guide will introduce you to the picturesque and colorful Antebellum homes and architecture that reflect stories of New Orleans through the years, from the enslaved to the working class to the very wealthy of early Louisiana history. In addition to houses that are celebrity-owned or appear in well-known films, we’ll also get a chance to peek into a historic cemetery with a unique burial practice and many notable tombs. Join us as we stroll under Spanish moss, past hanging beads, and through the Irish Channel as we discover the Garden District.

This tour begins with a ride to the famous French Quarter, boasting nearly 300 years of history. Your fully licensed tour guide will take you to popular highlights in "the Quarter" and the Treme, including Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, Congo Square, along with some lesser-known gems, all while telling you fascinating stories about your surroundings.

We then pedal to the charming oak-lined Garden District, stopping to admire the lavish historic homes of New Orleans, and talk about some of their most famous occupants. History, architecture, celebrities; this neighborhood has it all!

Tour length: Approximately 9 mi.

Paved Paradise Tours is a small, owner-operated company that provides a truly local perspective. When you ride with us you are riding with one of the owners, ensuring that your experience is of the highest quality. See the city through the eyes of someone who loves what they do, loves the City of New Orleans, and wants you to love it too.

Experience New Orleans with us on this 2.5-hour sightseeing bus tour. Venture out of the French Quarter to explore the beautiful Garden District, Treme, Marigny, 9th Ward, and many other unique American neighborhoods. Learn about the city's fascinating history and awe in the sights and sounds of America's greatest city. On The 4PM tour enjoy exclusive access to a private cemetery.

Private Driving Tour for up to 4 Passengers
Fully Narrated
Luxury Vehicle
This is a great tour to immerse yourself in the culture of New Orleans. You will have the opportunity to experience over 300 years of Living History! We will go through all the old neighborhoods, French Quarter, Faubourg Marigny, Bywater, Ninth Ward, Garden District, and Uptown Just to name a few. You will learn about the different types of people and their traditions. We will stop by City Park, where you can stroll through one of the most amazing Sculpture Gardens in the World, surrounded by 800 year old Oak Trees.

By the end of this tour, you will feel like a LOCAL!

Get the best of both worlds.  A rich 3 hour bicycle tour, provides you with the sights, sounds and early history of New Orleans. Starting on the Creole side of town in the French Quarter,  From there venture on to the American side of the city, known as the Garden District with it's beautiful 19th century opulent mansions and remarkable stories. This tour is for a maximum of 12 people..

On this tour visit: Banks of the Mississippi, French Quarter, Lafayette Cemetery #1, The Lower Garden District, The Mansions of the Garden District and more.

Home to historic mansions, hauntingly beautiful cemeteries and giant oak trees, this district is the romance of New Orleans. During walks between stops, hear about culture, traditions, architecture and have history fun! (PLEASE NOTE: currently, the cemetery is closed for repairs- we'll still be able to see into the cemetery and discuss the history. I supplement the walking tour to see some of the mansions and historic homes the Garden District is known for). Then it's on to the food at 3 stops- a neighborhood favorite for a taste of our Italian-Creole roots, hear Cajun history through sausage and finish with the Creole history of chicory over cafe au lait and filled beignets! All curated food, cocktails/beer, taxes & tip are included in your ticket so you can sit back and relax! Will accommodate allergies/dietary restrictions if told in advance. Menu & food stops are subject to availability.
Other things to note: Tour is all weather, wear comfy walking shoes & bring a face mask.

Visit three food stops that highlight New Orleans history through flavors on this guided walking tour of the Garden District. After a brief tour of the neighborhood's architecture & history, enjoy a full meal of unique Cajun and Creole specialties, spread out over 3 local eateries. Start at the Lafayette Cemetery to hear the unique funeral customs and traditions of New Orleans and the history of the city's early years. Then explore the architecture of the Garden District, home to historic mansions, colorful shotgun houses, and beautiful oak trees. Your first food stop includes an indulgent taste of Creole fusion and the multicultural influences that shaped the 300-year-old city. Drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) are included. Along the way, check out locally-owned shops, vintage stores, an artist co-op and gallery. Finish with a full stomach and plenty of recommendations for local fun and flavors for the rest of your visit!

See New Orleans at your own pace with this affordable walking tour.

• Go beyond the French District and see the Warehouse District, the Irish Channel, the Lower Garden District, and Uptown from one of the city’s historic streetcars
• Hear from producer Katarina Boudreaux, a local writer, musician and teacher
• Do it all in 35 minutes or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish
• Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it
• Use the virtual tour option at home

Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code.

The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

Please note that this tour doesn’t include the cost of the streetcar ride.

ACCESS TO SOME LOCATIONS, INCLUDING LAFAYETTE CEMETERY MAY BE RESTRICTED DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Boasting the world’s largest collection of 19th century American Southern style mansions, the Garden District of New Orleans deserves special attention and a tour of its own! View unique architecture, oak tree-lined streets, manicured gardens, and the homes of some of America’s most famed celebrities—both past and present—as you leisurely stroll through this neighborhood. Stop at Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, arguably America’s most infamous graveyard. The above ground crypts of this “city of the dead” have appeared in numerous blockbuster films including “Double Jeopardy,” and “Interview with the Vampire.” Other highlights include Briggs-Staub House, Colonel Short's Villa, Commander’s Palace restaurant, Lonsdale House, Musson House, Payne House, The Rink, Robinson House, Toby-Westfeldt House, and celebrity homes of Anne Rice, Sandra Bullock, Ella Brennan, and John Goodman.

Our tour guides are New Orleanians with strong personal connections to the history and have many impressive credentials.

Come on to our haunted walking tour presented by Junket!

The Garden District is a treasure trove hidden away in Uptown, brimming with intriguing stories from the past that still apply to the area today. One of the country's biggest collections of antebellum, pre-Civil War residences is located here. As well as  houses that were owned by slave and plantation owners. It is a magnificent delight for the eyes as well as captivating stories that will excite any visitor to New Orleans.

Perfect for an idyllic stroll down tree-lined boulevards, New Orleans' Garden District is filled with the most beautiful and historic homes, most listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and gardens in the city. See some of the best sights and attractions in the Garden District on this private 2-hour tour.

Though the grandeur of the homes on a street lined with sprawling magnolias and towering oaks feels like a haven, your guide will tell the stories of this amazing city. While on your tour, hear about fascinating families of old and of today’s residents - artists, poets, film stars, and athletes.

Your tour ends with a refreshing drink (house wine, beer, or coffee) at a local spot where your guide will point you in the right direction for the best dining, shopping, and entertainment in the district, giving you the local knowledge you need to enjoy the rest of your time in the area.

Enjoy the stories on a walking tour through New Orleans’ elegant 19th Century garden neighborhood. You will get to look through the gates at Lafayette Cemetery #1, currently closed to the public. This neighborhood and its cemetery tells the story of New Orleans from the Louisiana Purchase to the Civil War. Stunning antebellum mansions, lush gardens, unforgettable stories, and beautiful photo opportunities await! We keep our group size under 12 guests to make in a fun, personal experience.

With our 1 day ticket, sightseers can discover New Orleans on this thoroughly enjoyable unlimited hop-on hop-off bus tour. You'll enjoy access to 19 tour stops along the route where you can experience the very best of New Orleans, including Jackson Square, the French Quarter, Canal Street, the Garden District, the Louisiana Superdome and much more! With the 1-day ticket you can really get stuck in to the local way of life!

This New Orleans Historic Garden District Walking Tour highlights the American settlement and their beautiful homes, gardens, wealth and how life was changed because of their amazing contributions.  This multifaceted tour includes the unique history of our incredible city, culture, and architecture. The Americans early settlements, lavish lifestyles and immense wealth are obvious as we walk through this opulent and super astonishing neighborhood.

Our Tour begins outside of the gates of Lafayette Cemetery #1, as you learn of the basic burial information and customs and discuss why New Orleans cemeteries are so unique (NOTE: PUBLIC ACCESS IS NOT ALLOWED IN THIS CEMETERY) We then walk around the neighborhood where you'll see the architectural styles of the Americans. You will see celebrity homes, perfectly manicured landscapes and movie hotspots as well.  Walk with a local, see it through our eyes!

Note: please do NOT book this tour without contacting me first. Reservations for Commander's Palace must be made about 90 days in advance, making short notice tours difficult. Second, Lafayette Cemetery is closed for repairs and we have to make other arrangements to see another cemetery. If you will accept an alternative restaurant if reservations cannot be made at Commander's, we can discuss the necessary changes BEFORE booking.

This is a walking tour, followed by lunch.  The tour focuses on the homes, architecture and culture in the Garden District and the historical background for its development.  In addition to the neighborhood, we visit the Lafayette Cemetery #1 and explain the customs for burials in New Orleans.  The walking portion takes between 1.5-2 hours.  After the walking segment, we finish with lunch at Commander's Palace (proper attire required). If you choose to finish with lunch, most people spend about $50-60 on lunch in addition to the tour fee.

Experience the charm of New Orleans’ Garden District at your own pace with David, a licensed tour guide eager to share his passion for the city and its history with others.

On this self-guided walking tour, you will stroll picturesque streets, discovering the fascinating stories behind mansions linked to Ann Rice and Nicolas Cage. Uncover the district's Civil War history, its role in slavery, and the survival tales of its stunning architecture. Delve into landmarks like Buckner Mansion and Sandra Bullock's Swiss Chalet. Discover the first home with indoor plumbing, the Walter Grinnan Robinson House, with its unique rain collection tank on the roof.

Get unlimited use of this tour before your booking date and after it. You can use the virtual tour option at home, too.

Once you have booked, you will receive instructions and a unique code to download the tour. The app displays directions to the starting point; when you’re in the right place, tap start.

Discover the magnificent mansions and architecture of the Garden District of New Orleans.

Why Choose Our Tour?
*Architectural Wonders: Marvel at grand homes, with remarkable designs, each opulence and allure.
*Shaded Streets: Walk beneath the large Oaks that gracefully canopy the streets, providing shade and ambiance.
*Mardi Gras: Learn the truths of the family parades that breathe life into this district.
*Secrets Unveiled: Hear the stories of behind the mansion doors, where beauty, drama, deception, & wealth have spun captivating stories since the early 1800s.

What Awaits You on This Exclusive Tour:
*A Journey Through Time: To an era that thrived on elegance & mystery. Every corner whispers a forgotten tale.
*Local Insights: Local guides delve into the stories that make the Garden District a living, breathing piece of New Orleans' history.
*Personalized Experience: Enjoy an intimate tour that prioritizes quality, attention to detail, & small groups.

Produced by DuPont and Company

When Louisiana was purchased by the United States in 1803 the dynamics of the city began to shift. Trace the journey of American settlement in a foreign French Creole world. As we journey into the Uptown American Sector, we stop to learn about the uptown innovators who created Jazz at the Rampart-Perdido Corridor.

From there you're off to learn about the Garden Districts evolution from a sugar plantation through its development after the Louisiana Purchase into the extravagant faubourg that you see today. Trees that grow Mardi Gras beads, American history, antebellum mansions, Lafayette Cemetery #1, and a charm that only our city can bestow on its visitors.

Join us on this urban adventure through one of the most majestic neighborhoods in New Orleans!

Traffic Level:

Heart of the City: Light

Creole Odyssey: Moderate

American Adventure: Heavy

Ready to step into a time machine? Spend two hours with us in one of the most impressive and memorable parts of New Orleans, the Garden District. We will learn about the historic city of Lafayette, various architecture styles, and more. Come experience the large gardens and creative interiors and exteriors of the plantation-like houses. We will also visit the historic cemetery and the famous Commander's Palace and Restaurant. Experience a memorable two-hour walking tour just blocks away from the beautifully oak lined St. Charles Avenue in a varied and important community called the Garden District in New Orleans, USA.

Discover why this historic neighborhood attracts Hollywood stars and lives in the imagination of millions. You’ll see the Old South come to life as you stroll through the heart of the beautiful Garden District. Our expert guides will bring you to the most luxurious Garden District homes as they share historical anecdotes and celebrity insights.

With one look up at the immense mansions and a view down the picturesque tree-lined streets, you’ll see why the Garden District draws tourists and celebrities year after year.

This is a private tour, feel safe touring safe only with the people you are traveling with. We begin in the French Quarter, the most emblematic New Orleans neighborhood. We'll discuss geography, architecture and the folks that made our fabled city in the swamp. Next we’ll head upriver in a mini van to the Garden District. As we proceed through the oak-lined streets we will take in the grandeur of historic mansions and gardens and discuss the political landscape that gave birth to the Garden District. Lafayette Cemetery #1, one of the iconic New Orleans’ above ground “cities of the dead”. From outside the cemetery walls,(all cemeteries are currently closed) we will discuss the unique burial traditions of the Crescent City. We'll have transportation, but some walking, in areas like the Jackson Square & the cemetery, is ideal. This excursion features the highlights of the French Quarter and uptown neighborhoods.

Listed as a National Historic Landmark District the city of Lafayette became known as the American Sector but approaching the 1830's, it was known as the Garden District. Comprised of a close network of several plantations which were parceled, sold and broken into smaller lots in which various ethnic neighborhoods consisting of the American sector, the Irish Channel, and an elite Jewish community to name a few would call home. There was also very large African American & Creole neighborhoods adjacent to the others and together were all a part of the city of Lafayette.

We offer very personalized and detailed tours with guides who are licensed, knowledgable, and bilingual. You will visit the Lafayette Cemetery #1 and learn the burial process of New Orleans' tombs and their significance. Currently the cemetery is closed but we see the tombs from the exterior. You will also visit some of the more famous tombs in the cemetery and hear their stories. Afterwards you will be visiting the beautiful and famous houses of the Garden District and listen to the history of the area. You will pass by Sandra Bullock's, John Goodman's, and Anne Rice's house. You will also visit the 3 confederate houses of the Garden District including where Jefferson Davis, the president of the confederacy, died.

This fast-paced tour is ideal if you are short on time and want to see as much of the city as possible, or if you have taken several longer tours and just wish to see the highlights of the Garden District. It's a fast-paced fun excursion through this unique and historic neighborhood. It is a very visual tour, with less focus on storytelling or history, but your guide will give you a brief rundown of the history and point out architectural elements. We cover all the most impressive homes in the Garden District and include a stop at Lafayette Cemetery #1. The cemetery is closed, but the gates are wide enough to see in and get some great pictures!