garden tours in new orleans

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Garden Tours

Abundant and exotic landscapes thrive in this tropical climate. explore some of the best.

Lushly green, brilliant with color, shaded by Live Oaks dripping Spanish moss and punctuated with art: gardens in New Orleans are an oasis of beauty in a city already extraordinary. Seeing behind the garden walls, touring hidden courtyards and landscaped swathes of year-round horticulture adds a verdant dimension to any New Orleans visit. Visitors can tour both public and private gardens by taking one of these tours below:

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Exploring New Orleans Homes and Secret Gardens

New Orleans is known for many things, not the least of which is her architecture . With an abundance of homes from the 19th century, many of which historic, and the secret gardens to complement them, it's no wonder why one of the favorite pastimes of visitors is to go on a tour of homes. What makes New Orleans home and garden tours so special is that most of the historic housing stock is privately owned and lived in by New Orleans families. Every year, different homes are opened for a rare chance to see inside.

The Preservation Resource Center Holiday Tour of Homes

Every year the private homeowners of several of the mansions in the Garden District of New Orleans  open their homes for a good cause. The Preservation Resource Center, a group dedicated to preserving the unique architectural heritage of New Orleans, sponsors the Holiday Tour of Homes. The tour is self-guided and the homes are beautifully decorated for the holidays. The tour is in early December on a Saturday and Sunday and also includes a cafe and holiday boutique with many vendors. Taking the tour and buying gifts at the holiday boutique makes for a fun day in New Orleans.

Faubourg Marigny Tour of Homes

Tim Graham/Getty Images

Faubourg Marigny, the second oldest faubourg (neighborhood) in New Orleans , sponsors two tours annually, one in spring and one in fall. These tours all start in Washington Square Park on the corner of Royal Street and Esplanade Avenue. They have guided tours of the area, which is the most Creole faubourg in New Orleans. It's a great chance to learn a little history as you walk. There are entertainment and a kids area set up in Washington Square Park to enjoy while you wait for the next tour. The tour in spring takes you inside some of the Creole homes, while the tour in fall is longer, but usually, doesn't go into the homes. Tickets usually run about $20.

The Secret Garden Tour of French Quarter Homes

Jared422/Flickr/CC BY 2.0

This tour, on a weekend in mid-October, lets you into some of the hidden gardens of the French Quarter homes. It's a chance to see some of the secret sanctuaries of the families who live in the French Quarter. Many visitors to New Orleans are surprised to learn that the French Quarter is a living, breathing neighborhood. The gardens, in the tradition of Creole architecture, are hidden from the street. Once a year some of these doors are open to the public for this self-guided tour.

Secret Gardens of Uptown Tour

This tour is also a garden tour that happens in March . Spring comes early to New Orleans and by March our gardens are alive and fragrant with azaleas, camellias, sweet olive trees, jasmine, and more. Every year there are several gardens of Uptown New Orleans homes open for viewing. You can purchase a box lunch to take with you. There is also a garden boutique, and some high-end artworks to purchase. Tickets are usually about $60 for the guided tour and $25 for the self-guided tour.

Algiers Point Tour of Homes

Infrogmation of New Orleans/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 4.0

Algiers is a part of New Orleans that lies on the West Bank of the Mississippi River. It's a neighborhood of tree-shaded streets and 19th-century homes. Every October, the Algiers Point Neighborhood Association offers a tour of homes. You can get there by taking the Canal Street Ferry (be sure to get the one to Algiers. There is another ferry from Canal Street that goes to Gretna.) It's free and about a 6-minute ride across the river. The tour is within walking distance of the ferry landing.

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GARDEN DISTRICT TOUR

Pick A Tour

Pick from our wide range of walking New Orleans tours below. 

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INTERNET SPECIAL - ONLY $22.00! 

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No need to print - your tickets will be at our box office inside the Voodoo Lounge. 

GARDEN DISTRICT WALKING TOUR / LAFAYETTE CEMETERY TOUR

SEE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL HOMES IN NEW ORLEANS

We invite you to join us on a leisurely stroll through the stunning " Garden District " of New Orleans . See the stomping ground of authors, poets, movie stars, artists, and sports legends such as Anne Rice , John Goodman, and Archie Manning, including the Benjamin Button House and home to the "Coven" in American Horror Story as well as many mysterious and loved fictional characters. 

Enjoy the towering southern live oak trees, magnificent crepe myrtles, and the stunning magnolias that some have said make walking tours through the garden district neighborhood akin to walking through a fairy tale. Learn the deep and rich history of the area and how it fits into the overall story of New Orleans, including the jealousy and mistrust that led to the "new money" of the "garish" Americans trying to show up the splendor and glory of the "old money" Europeans on the other side of town.

Points of Interests

On your tour to the Garden district, you will enjoy seeing the following locations: 

Garden District Anne Rice House/House on 1st Street/Mayfair Mansion Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 Commander's Palace Garden District Book Shop Magazine Street St. Charles Avenue

TOUR THE LAFAYETTE CEMETERY

Along with your garden district walking tour, you will also get a chance to visit the oldest Municipal Cemetery in New Orleans , Lafayette #1, the site of filming for many famous movies and TV shows, including Interview with a Vampire and Double Jeopardy. Learn about New Orleans’ above-ground burial practices, and join us in some gossip about dead people!

** Note: Lafayette Cemetery is closed on Municipal Holidays such as Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Labor Day. The tour will not include the cemetery on those holidays.

Tour Information

  WHEN :   Everyday 10am

  LENGTH :   2 hours

  STARTS FROM:  INSIDE Starbucks Coffee located at 2801 Magazine St (corner of Magazine and Washington Streets)

  ENDS AT:  1403 Washington Ave

  DISTANCE:   1 mile

 INTERNET SPECIAL: $22

Over 20 Years of Excellence!

Worth the trip to new orleans by itself, luke is great, charm, professionalism, knowledge & fun, it was amazing and very informative, great start tge trip, enjoyed it so much we booked another tour, great tour, best walking tour ever.

Not Just Your Ordinary Cheap Thrill!

Fun French Quarter Walking tours led by Master Storytellers. Choose from our Ghost & Vampire walking tour, Garden District walking tour, Tour Tremé or Saints and Sinners: a Dirty little French Quarter History tour. Who knew history could be so much fun? All tours are about one hour forty-five minutes, walking distance is just under one mile. Bring your camera (and your friends), wear comfortable shoes, and be prepared to have fun! Established in 2006. Locally owned and operated. We love entertaining you and it shows. Join us for the best walking tours New Orleans has to offer. Book online for $22 per person and you receive a discount of $3 per ticket! (Regularly $25 per person).

THE VOODOO LOUNGE, 718 N RAMPART STREET, NEW ORLEANS LA 70116 504-666-8300 | PRIVACY POLICY

Garden District Tours

No trip to New Orleans would be complete without a tour of the Garden District. The most impressive neighborhood in New Orleans, you'll be amazed by the architecture, historic homes, and stories of the people who called the Garden District home

Get to know the characters who built the Garden District into what it is today

You can’t visit New Orleans without spending some time walking the tree-lined streets of the Garden District. Stroll around one of the most beautiful and historically rich neighborhoods in America. The Garden District is known for its amazing architecture, intriguing past, and interesting characters who have lived and played in old “Lafayette City.”

Our Garden District Tour takes the unique angle of focusing on the influential people and historic figures who have lived in the Garden District. Of course, you are still going to see the famous homes and the amazing architecture; However, we tell the story of the Garden District through the stories of the people who helped make the Garden District what it is today. Eccentric characters, Plantation owners and Military Generals have all lived in the Garden District. History is much more interesting when told through the stories of the people.

The Garden District Tour is a 90-minute walking tour that covers about 1 mile. We meet at The Rink Shopping Center and finish the tour less than a block away, inside of Lafayette Cemetery.

• Historic Homes of the Garden District
• You'll learn about the unique Architecture found throughout the Garden District
• Our Garden District Tour also includes a walk through Lafayette Cemetery
• and much more!

Garden District Tour Info

7 days per week

10am and 4pm | 90 Minutes

Ages 12+: $19.99 | Ages 6-11: $9.99 | Ages 5 & under: Free

Why are Garden District Tours so popular?

It is hard to think of a more relaxing way to spend a morning or evening than on a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Garden District. Of course the homes and amazing architecture tend to be the main draw for our Garden District tours, but there is so much more waitinf for you.

Our guests truly enjoy hearing the stories of those who played our their days in the Garden District. We take tremendous pride in telling the stories of these inspiration (and sometimes kooky) people.

Famous Residences

Jefferson Davis

Lafayette Cemetery

Buying tickets for our garden district tour.

You must purchase tickets in advance - we often sell out

Buy Tickets Online

Buying tickets online is fast and secure with Gallivanter. Just click the button to buy tickets online, select your tour, and enter your info. Your tickets will be emailed to you immediately.

Our friendly Guest Services Reps are available from 9 am - 1 am, 7 days per week at 1-855-938-2211 . We can answer any questions you may have, take your order, and email your tickets right away!

The beauty of Lafeyette Cemetery

Lafeyette Cemetery, located in the heart of the Garden District, makes up a portion of our tour. You'll learn about the history and the people of Lafayette Cemetery

The Garden District was amazing! One day I'd love to own a home there - until then I will have to settle for this great tour.

Real TripAdvisor Review

I'm a big Anne Rice fan and seeing her home was a highlight of my trip to New Orleans. I can recommend this tour to anyone.

I bought tickets for this tour as a surprise for my wife, who is a fan of all things Southern. She enjoyed it and I did too.

Our Tour Guide for the tour was great. He answered all of our questions, was funny, and knew everything. We'd do any tour with him!

Where does the Garden District Tour start?

The Garden District Tour meets at the intersection of Prytania and Washington Streets, in the heart of the Garden District. Our starting location is conveniently located next to The Rink Shopping Center, located at 272 Prytania Street. You are able to grab drinks inside before the tour starts or use the restroom.

What about parking?

Parking isn't usually much of a problem in the Garden District. Within a few minutes of driving, you should easily find on street parking with the immediate vicinity of the starting location.

If you are running late or need directions please call our office at 855-938-2211 .

Looking for a different tour? Try one of these.

New Orleans Cocktail Tour

Discover New Orleans' cocktail history while trying them

French Quarter History Tour

Hear the secrets of the French Quarter's history

St. Louis Cemetery Tour

Explore St. Louis Cemetery on this guided tour.

Book your Tickets now

Our Garden District Tour often sells out. Don't lose out on the best tours in New Orleans, get your tickets now.

Book Online or Call 504.777.7769

Tours Daily: 10am

Ages 13–64:  $37.00 each Ages 65+:  $30.00 each Kids 6-12:  $18.00 5 and under:  Free

Set Your Eyes on the Beauty of New Orleans.

New Orleans’ Garden District is one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in the nation.

If you’re looking to explore outside of the French Quarter area and see how our people live and have lived, this excursion is perfect for you. See the neighborhood’s gorgeous mansions and their notable large, opulent lawns.

You’ll see residences of Anne Rice, Sandra Bullock, and John Goodman. As well, houses featured in movies such as The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and the Buckner Mansion of American Horror Story fame.

Garden District Tour FAQs:

• Content is for all ages.
• Tour is designed to be 2 hours but, can run over.
• Check in is 15 minutes prior to start.
• For everyone’s courtesy, tours leave on time.
• Tours go on rain or shine.
• Tours are about a mile walk.
• Tour does not end where tour starts. Guest will be helped after the tour with directions to where they are going next.
• Easy to get to with the St Charles Streetcar. (Leave extra early streetcar is really slow.)

Check out our longer Garden District FAQ here

How long is the tour? Is it a difficult walk?

The tour is around two hours and the streets are flat. There are a couple of sidewalks ravaged by the roots of the trees, but it’s a simple matter to safely circumvent them. Mobility-challenged guests can easily get around.

How do we get there?

Guests can take the Saint Charles streetcar to stop 12, Washington Avenue. They can also take the Magazine bus to Washington Avenue. Finally, an Uber is around $10 – 12.

Is there a bathroom?

At the beginning of our Garden District there is a lovely coffee shop with clean restrooms. Better go then!

Is there anything else to do around there?

The riverside border of the Garden District is Magazine Street. “Magazine” means “store” in French, as in military store, today it means shopping! Boutiques, galleries, restaurants all line up for a lovely, post tour walk. Another fine thing to do would be to take the streetcar and continue up magnificent Saint Charles Avenue past more grand mansions, up to the University area.  

The best Garden District walking tour!

Garden district walking tour, why take a garden district walking tour.

“Majestic,” “elegant,” “breath-taking” – these words are how guests describe their experience of the Garden District. “Wow” is a pretty common word as well. And what better way to enjoy it than a tour?  You could rent a car, or take a van tour, but that would miss the magical ambience and the effect the original residents wanted to make. A tour of the Garden District puts you right there amidst the sprawling live oak trees, the fragrant magnolias and the resplendent flowering plants. The Garden District predates cars and was meant to be admired on foot.

What to expect

A tour with a local !  Another wonderful thing about the Garden District is the unique feeling there. There is literally no other neighborhood like it, where history, culture and art come together in a lovely symphony. The original folks here were immigrants, new Americans who wanted to celebrate their newfound opportunities. Each house is a statement. In a way, the Garden District is the largest art gallery in the world. A tour should be intimate. We do not send out large groups and do not yell out random facts. You should expect your tour to be urbane, informative and fascinating. After a couple of days of partying in the raucous French Quarter, a Garden District walking tour is a welcome respite, a noble escape.  Here’s some more info on what to expect on the tour . 

Garden District history primer

In the early days the Garden District was just a bunch of sugar fields . We were French and Spanish when all of a sudden the worst thing in the world happened: Napoleon sold us to the Americans! Mon Dieu! All of a sudden, these rough and tumble, buckskin wearing dudes came down the river and it was instant dislike on both sides.

Then a funny thing happened – everybody got rich! This gentleman figured out a way to granulate sugar for the first time on American soil. What’s good about that? Granulated sugar never goes bad, you can send it to Australia and it will make it. 

The Americans didn’t want to live downtown with the Frenchies, so they bought an enormous plantation from a rich old family. They placed a cemetery in the middle and laid out a twelve block by five block grid around it. Every resident got a quarter block and they built castle-like mansions in the middle of their quarter block.

Because, unlike the secretive French Quarter, you could see the trees and flowers around each mansion, the neighborhood is called the Garden District. They also thought to line the wide streets with shady live oaks that are green year round, therefore it’s cooler during our hot days/ Think of it as a developed neighborhood that is older than the Civil War. 

The only business in the Garden District is stately Commander’s Palace restaurant, therefore the neighborhood has little traffic and might be the most tranquil area in town. Many athletes, movie stars and celebrities in general have a residence here. A pleasant way to take our walking tour of the Garden District would be to take the Saint Charles streetcar up to Washington Avenue, where we meet every morning.

Starting Location:

2800 St Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70115

On the corner of Washington Ave and St. Charles Ave.

View on Google Maps

• 504.777.7769
• [email protected]
• 815 Toulouse St. New Orleans, LA 70112

Customers receive 20% off coupon for second activity!

Private tours, Garden District, French Quarter New Orleans, LA

Two chicks walking tours, garden district, french quarter tours | new orleans, la, garden district, french quarter and private tours in, new orleans, la, public garden district walking tours.

Explore live oak-lined streets in the opulent Garden District and learn of its complex past.

Public French Quarter Tours

Wander the streets of New Orleans accompanied by an expert tour guide.

Private Tours

We curate experiences to align with our guest’s vision of time well spent in our magnificent city.

Brothels, Bordellos and Ladies of the Night Tour

Trace the world’s oldest profession from the founding of New Orleans through the infamous Storyville district during this adult-only French Quarter walking tour.

Garden District Tours

Learn More »

French Quarter Tours

“The stylish insider’s guide to New Orleans”

-Marie Claire, 2018

“New Orleans: A definitive city guide”

–  Harper’s Bazaar, 2018

“America’s 20 Greatest Cities and how to do them,”

– Sunday Times Travel Magazine, 2019

“Garden District insights on Two Chicks walking tour.”

–  Travel Weekly, 2018

Spring 2024 Tours

Check bubble locally owned, check bubble  tour guide owned, check bubble woman owned.

Small group walking tours specialized in the Garden District and French Quarter

Cancellation Guidelines

Guests may cancel with 24-hour notice and receive a full refund. Book your tour as soon as possible, so you can secure the day and time you desire.

Email us through the website or at  [email protected]  for additional information.

COVID Guidelines

An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present.

Voted Travelers' Choice

Only 10% of businesses on TripAdvisor receive this honor and we’re delighted to be in this category.

About Two Chicks Walking Tours

Explore history with a team that’s nerdy by nature. Our talented and sassy NOLA walking tour guides at Two Chicks Walking Tours are storytellers who serve you history with a side of little-known facts and shocking tales. We’re enthusiastic cultural ambassadors standing by on the banks of the Mississippi waiting for your arrival.

Whether you’re interested in booking a corporate event, or you’re in town looking for a fun way to explore this cultural jewel of a city, contact us! We offer both private and public New Orleans tours, and we’re the perfect choice for bachelorette parties, birthdays, anniversaries, and any other celebration you can dream up.

We Love What We Do and it Shows

The Garden District Tour with Betsy was better than we expected. Lots of great, fun facts & history, along with getting to see the magnificent homes. Really appreciated Betsy keeping us in the shade and the bathroom break with air conditioning. Small group was also a bonus. We were booked for the Brothel Tour as well (discount for 2nd booking!), but had to cancel because of flight change. Two Chicks was so gracious. Easy cancellation and refund. Another nice feature was the ability to add tip when booking. Great to not have hassle of finding (or remembering to find) an ATM before the tour.

If I could give a higher review, I would. My friends and I spent the week in New Orleans and booked all the available tours that Two Chicks had to offer: the Brothels, Bordellos, and Ladies of the Night; the French Quarter Stroll; and the Garden District Tour. We had Karen for all three tours, and fantastic wouldn't even begin to describe her. Not only did we have a great time on the tours seeing so much and learning about the history of New Orleans, but she also went out of her way to reach out throughout the week with dining and activities suggestions and she even sent me a message on my birthday. We never felt rushed on our tours and having locals say hi to her & jokingly call her "Mom" as we walked by was a glowing review in and of itself. I wish they had even more tours because if we could have spent the whole week with Karen, we would have! We look forward to going back to New Orleans soon and using Two Chicks again!

We visited NOLA last week and I am so happy I found 2 Chicks Walking Tours! We originally booked the French Quarter tour. Karen was our guide and she is amazing! She took us to areas that we would not have seen on our own. Her knowledge of the area is unmatched! We then booked the Garden Quarter tour for another day with Karen and that was equally as wonderful! She was so informative of the current areas as well as their history. She gave us some lunch and dinner recommendations in both areas and we tried several of them - they were all fantastic as well! I highly recommend, Thank you! Debbi & Ron

I learned a lot. Dannal was very informative and answered all questions. The walk was just the right amount of time. There were many interesting facts learned.

I took the French Quarter and Garden District tours. Both tours were great, as was our tour guide. Highly recommended.

"We had a blast on Christine’s French Quarter tour! She was incredibly knowledgeable, kind, adaptable, and professional. She showed us some real New Orleans magic. I would take any of these tours and recommend them to everyone I know! Truly a wonderful experience, there couldn’t be a better way to see New Orleans. It’s an afternoon I will always treasure. Thank you again!"

"We made this stroll through the French Quarter at our first day in New Orleans. It was a very nice overview for the beginning. The group had only 6 people thought we could ask a lot of questions. Our tour guide was very well informed."

"Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly. Took time to connect with all of us and answer our questions. Ended at a nice local book shop and gave me a few recommendations. Great way to start your New Orleans trip."

"We had a wonderful tour with Christine at Two Chicks Walking Tours. She is very knowledgeable of New Orleans and it’s history. She was a pleasure to work with. Please support her business. If you're lucky (like us) you might meet a celebrity."

"I recommend this tour to everyone! First timers to been to NO before wanting to see more! Kristine was our tour guide and this is her company! She knows a lot about New Orleans and has a cool map to show you the growth of the city through hundreds of years. The Garden District is a must see. My friends and I loved it and could not stop talking about it. The flowers blooming everywhere were so beautiful as we went end of April/early May. Well worth the money to go with a tour guide who is as passionate as Kristine! (*Covid 19 rules still in play and safety/ social distancing* and we went with a nice small group, Kristine made us feel comfortable getting to know the other couples that went with us)Informative and fun tour of the Garden District. Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly. Took time to connect with all of us and answer our questions. Ended at a nice local book shop and gave me a few recommendations. Great way to start your New Orleans trip."

Looking for a shorter walking tour? Check out www.shorttoursnola.com!

Lucky Bean Tours

Small groups and great stories, some of the great ways we explore new orleans.

• Most Popular!
• Clock 10AM , 1PM , 4PM
• Hour Glass 2 Hours

French Quarter Tour

New Orleans has grown in 300 years, but its Creole heart still beats in the French Quarter. Explore the oldest, most vibrant neighborhood in the city with your guide.

Garden District Tour

Explore the sights and stories of the elegant Garden District with your expert local guide. Your guide shares recommendations for shopping, dining, and sightseeing in this gracious area of town!

Private Walking Tours in New Orleans, LA

Do you want to customize your New Orleans walking tour? Lucky Bean guides can craft a GREAT private tour for your specific needs.

• Users All Ages

Marigny Triangle Tour

We’ll meet at the lower end of the French Quarter and head downriver to the next neighborhood, the first faubourg (suburb) of New Orleans which was laid out in 1806 by our most famous bon vivant of the time, Bernard de Marigny.

• Users Age 12+

French Quarter Ghosts and True Crime Tour

Explore New Orleans’ “darker side” on a nighttime tour of the French Quarter. THIS is the sacred ground where centuries of unforgettable, intense characters have lived, loved, fought, celebrated, made music, and taken their last breaths.

About Lucky Bean Tours

Lucky Bean Tours was created by passionate New Orleans tour guides who are eager to show off our most beloved aspects of our city. When you are on a Lucky Bean walking tour of New Orleans, there are no scripts. You are being shown around by the creator of that tour, the person who had the passion that produced the idea.

Libby was great and showed us the french quarter alongside stories about the amazing history of New Orleans. That's the way to get to know a city, and in NOLA every house has a story. Would defently recommend this tour to anyone coming to the city as the first thing to do before you decide what to do next. Enjoy!

Libby was everything you would want out of a tour guide: personable, professional, and knowledgeable. The stories she told were both entertaining and informative. I highly recommend this tour to anyone who would like to add a layer of culture and history to their New Orleans trip. Thank you, Libby!

We joined the French Quarter tour on July 5 and it turned out it was just the two of us and our guide, Josh. Josh provided information and shared many stories about New Orleans in general and the French Quarter in particular. He really provided a sense of the city historically and in the present. We could answer questions about lots of topics and were given great answers. We highly recommend this tour and company.

James is the best tour guide ever, he’s hilarious! My husband and I could not stop laughing, we had a wonderful time. We would honestly take this tour again just for James because it felt like we were with a long-time friend, who knew a lot of history!

Our guide Suzanne Stone was absolute wonderful. She was very knowledgeable of the history and identity of buildings where strange things happened in NOLA. We loved hearing her stories and information of the people and development of the French Quarter. We would definitely request her and recommend her to all our friends.

Libby was truly amazing. Her depth and breadth of knowledge about New Orleans history was inspiring, and her passion for sharing it all with us kept us enthusiastically engaged the entire time. Our 10 year old daughter truly loved your storytelling, too! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

Never been to New Orleans before and decided to take the family and kids tour. Ms. Libby is a one of a kind lady! She brought the kids little gifts that with their simplicity and the stories they carry open all our hearts. The candy, the food and most of all Ms. Libby's stories made us full in love with New Orleans and we will be coming back for more. Thank you so much Ms. Libby we will never forget you."

Ms. Peak was so kind and informative, the crafts were cute and the kids enjoyed them. She definitely made the best out of a rainy situation and made what could have been a bad thing a good one!! Loved her energy and I will definitely be recommending the tour to my friends with kids! Great job!

THE 10 BEST Tours & Activities in Garden District (New Orleans)

Tours & activities in garden district.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. New Orleans Ghost, Voodoo and Vampire Walking Tour

2. Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option

3. New Orleans Food Walking Tour of the French Quarter with Small-Group Option

4. Large Airboat Swamp Tour with Transportation from New Orleans

5. Swamp Boat Ride and Oak Alley Plantation Tour from New Orleans

6. Adults-Only New Orleans Ghost, Crime, Voodoo, and Vampire Tour

7. New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise

8. New Orleans City and Cemetery Tour

9. New Orleans True Crime and Coffee Walking Tour: Adults Only

10. New Orleans Airboat Ride

11. New Orleans City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

12. New Orleans Cemetery Bus Tour After Dark

13. New Orleans Garden District Walking Tour Including Lafayette Cemetery No. 1

14. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 Official Walking Tour

15. Oak Alley Plantation Tour with Transportation from New Orleans

16. Small-Group Airboat Swamp Tour with Downtown New Orleans Pickup

17. Self Guided Walking Tour of New Orleans' Historic Garden District

18. New Orleans Adults-Only Ghost, Voodoo and Vampire Tour

19. New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour with Transportation

20. French Quarter Historical Sights and Stories Walking Tour

21. New Orleans Swamp Tour Boat Adventure

22. New Orleans Small-Group Haunted History Carriage Tour

23. New Orleans Small-Group City Tour by Van

24. Whitney Plantation Tour with Transportation from New Orleans

25. New Orleans Hands-On Cooking Class with Meal

26. Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise

27. New Orleans Dead of Night Ghosts and Cemetery Bus Tour

28. French Quarters Best Food Tour: Signature Tastes of New Orleans

29. Whitney Plantation Tour with Transportation from New Orleans

30. New Orleans Food and History Walking Tour

What travelers are saying.

• Jason F 1 contribution 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles Third Time is a charm! This is the third time I took this tour and I learned so much more because of my amazing tour guide Harris who goes by Cousin Harris. He was very knowledgeable, funny and great to listen to. His animated discussion about New Orleans history and specifically regarding the Garden District made me want to research more on my own. I would definitely recommend this tour! Read more Review of: New Orleans Garden District Walking Tour Including Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 Written June 9, 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Garden district walking tour.

Step back in time to New Orleans in the mid 1800’s on our Garden District Walking Tour.

The Garden District began as the city of Lafayette in 1833 and became part of New Orleans in 1853. Because the wealthiest of the newly arriving Americans called this area home, they were able to build the mansions that remain proudly standing today.

This 2-hour tour gives guests a crash course in New Orleans Architecture from 1838-1884. We cover the features of  Greek Revival ,  Italianate , and  Victorian Era  architecture. You will leave the tour knowing how to spot these styles and therefore distinguish between them. The neighborhood comes alive with stories of the people who lived here and the architects who designed these incredible mansions. We also can’t forget the majestic Oak trees that line the streets! They are not only beautiful but they provide shade with their massive branches and evergreen crowns.

Included in the Garden District Walking Tour is a discussion about  Lafayette #1 Cemetery . Dating back to 1833, this cemetery was the first non denominational cemetery in New Orleans. It remains one of the most popular cemeteries to visit today. Learn about the three most common types of tombs and the truth about why New Orleans buries above ground. It’s not what you might think!  Note: Lafayette #1 Cemetery is closed to the public h owever, it i s visible to view.

Our Garden District tour guides are experts in the area’s history and architecture and they will engage you with information about the grandiose homes. These were a staple of society and wealth in 19th century New Orleans. You will witness the results of our remarkable preservation efforts. As a result of those efforts, our historic neighborhoods not only maintain their integrity but continue to thrive today.

There is no better way to see the Garden District than on our tour so be sure to reserve your spot.

**Let Mark Twain’s words explain. “Those in the wealthy quarter are spacious; painted snow-white usually, and generally have wide verandas, or double-verandas, supported by ornamental columns. These mansions stand in the center of large grounds, and rise, garlanded with roses, out of the midst of swelling masses of shining green foliage and many-colored blossoms. No houses could well be in better harmony with their surroundings, or more pleasing to the eye, or more home-like and comfortable-looking.” ( Life on the Mississippi )

So what are you waiting on? Join us by booking now to take part in our exclusive Garden District Walking Tour!

Tour Details

• Every day 10am and 1pm
• 2 hour tour

Things you’ll see

• Celebrity Homes
• Antebellum Mansions
• Lafayette Cemetery #1
• Shotgun Houses
• Center Hall Cottages
• Commander’s Palace

Architecture styles

• Greek Revival
• Gothic Revival

Entertaining and Educating Travelers Since 1995

Great garden district walking tour new orleans.

“This tour was outstanding! We met our tour guide, Nita, at the Garden District Book Shop. She was extremely knowledgeable, entertainingly, funny, and very in tune with her group. The information about the cemetery was fascinating, and she spoke st length about some of the famous houses in the district including lots of local lore. The pace was easy for anyone to keep up with, yet moved along to keep it very interesting. I highly recommend this tour!”

– baney3, Fairfax, Virginia

Garden District Walking Tour

• Wear comfortable shoes, stay hydrated, bring a raincoat
• We do many tours in the rain but reserve the right to cancel if there's lighting or if the rain is too loud to speak over.

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NEW ORLEANS MUSIC TOUR Today with DAVID HIGGINS, 2 PM “The Last Rose of Summer” at the French Opera House https://www.tourneworleans.com/music-tour/

NEW ORLEANS MUSIC TOUR Today with DAVID HIGGINS, 2 PM How the St. Aug Marching 100 brought their spirit from New Orleans to France for D-Day https://www.tourneworleans.com/music-tour/

Great tour! Garden District tour with Dave was very enjoyable and we learned a lot! Dave was knowledgeable in all things New Orleans and was able to answer all questions. He clearly loves his job and his city and I highly recommend! - Andrea H

'Live and Let Die' brought James Bond to New Orleans https://www.tourneworleans.com/private-film-tour/

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How can it be free, what tours do we offer and when.

You are not allowed to reserve more then six adults on a Free Walking Tour. If you have a large group please be considerate and consider private tour! . We reserve the right to ask large groups of over six adults to leave our free tours.

Learn what makes New Orleans so unique

Take yourself on a tour with our self-guided tours, all tours are in english.

Learn more about our tours in this video:

The French Quarter: New Orleans oldest neighborhood . Established in 1718, the French Quarter, is perhaps America’s oldest neighborhood. It should be at the top of everyone that’s visiting New Orleans list. The French Quarter is a place of constant change, settled by the French, ruled by the Spanish, occupied by the Americans, and the second-largest port of entry for Italian immigrants in the 19th century. In the 20th century, it became a haven for artists, musicians, and bohemians. Then one of the hottest tourist destinations in the world. Often looking down on for being so “touristy” The French Quarter might be the oldest neighborhood in the United States. It has been continually occupied since the cities founding in 1718 and it features countless surviving examples of intact 19th century architecture. After our free tour by foot in New Orleans’ French Quarter, it will become apparent why New Orleans is Americas’ Most Interesting City.

Free French Quarter Tour is Daily at 10am book here

Historic Garden District walking tour

Nola Tour Guy is proud to offer a New Orleans Walking Tour of the historic Garden District as a free tour. This unique part of the city is made easily accessible from the French Quarter by use of the famous St Charles Street car as well as an array of other services. A stroll through The Garden District is a must for everyone and anyone who visits New Orleans. Nola Tour Guy presents our Historic Walking Tour of the Garden District at 3pm check out our schedule to find out what days. Book Now !

Free Cemetery Tours in New Orleans

Nola Tour Guy is proud to offer New Orleans’ only FREE! “pay what you feel” cemetery tour . It is the best deal in the city!

T he tour meets outside the cemetery at 3421 Esplanade Avenue

Join us as we traverse Bayou St. John, one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, as well as the mysterious city of the dead, St. Louis Cemetery #3. St Louis Cemetery #3 dates back to 1852 and is one of the best historic cemeteries that is still open to the public. This NOLA walking tour is riddled with unique architectures, histories and landscapes found nowhere else in the world.

We are excited to share this amazing part of New Orleans through our entertaining and comprehensive hour-long tour. Follow us back in history as we walk the city’s oldest road which houses the city’s most historic plantation house, as well as, the site of New Orleans’ largest Voodoo ritual conducted by Marie Laveau II.

We are also excited to share with you a FREE self-guided version of this tour if you can’t join us for our tour.

This is still an active cemetery, please be respectful while visiting any cemetery.

Mark Twain famously referred to New Orleans cemeteries as “cities of the dead” and they are a must see for anyone visiting New Orleans. What Cemeteries are open in New Orleans? We think St Louis #3 is one of the best options and Nola Tour Guy offers Free Walking Tours of New Orleans St Louis #3 at 1pm.

Can’t make it to our 1pm Free Cemetery Tour? Check our our FREE Self-guided St Louis #3 tour .

These Cemeteries are still active and still visited by families of the departed so we ask you to act respectfully while you are in the cemeteries. Learn more about New Orleans Cemetery Etiquette

How can we offer this for Free? We are so sure you will love our tours you will gladly pay what you feel the tour is worth ($15-25 per person is suggested.

Free Self-Guided Tours in New Orleans

We think our free “Pay what you feel” walking tours offer a great way to learn about New Orleans unique history for a price everyone can afford. But we understand that not everyone can join us for our excellent free “pay what you feel like” walking tours. With this in mind, we have created the following self guided versions of our tours that you can take at your own pace anytime you’d like. Scroll down and read about each of these tours, if you seen one you’d like to do click on the button and you’ll be taken to the page. These guides will give you a great way to see some of New Orleans most important neighborhoods, which include the French Quarter, the Garden District and our cemeteries. These can also serve as companion pieces to our free guided NOLA walking tours. Each one includes written directions and a custom Google Map which you can use to follow along.

Our guide to Planning your Trip to New Orleans

Let us help you plan your trip to New Orleans. We are experts of all things New Orleans and we’ve been putting our knowledge together into a guide. This guide is a collection of articles that can act as a free trip planning guide giving you an idea of some of the best things to do, tours that are worth your time and money, places to see and where to eat. So check out our free trip planning guide.

What we are about:

Nola Tour Guy is a collective of passionate guides, both men and women, who are experts in the history of New Orleans. Our goals are to give New Orleans walking tours that are intellectually stimulating, historically accurate and FUN. We only offer walking tours because we believe that walking is the best way to see a city and learn about it and at a price everyone can afford. Nola Tour Guy offers no novelty tours only the real history brought to life by our passionate guides. Join us, you won’t be disappointed..

Contact Nola Tour Guy today to learn more about the options we offer for free walking tours in New Orleans. See the city in a new light when you let our experts guide you through some of the most fascinating and historical parts of New Orleans.

Nola Tour Guy is a proud member of thee Free Tour Community, find out more: https://freetourcommunity.com/.

Here’s the Best Way To Take a Walking Tour of the New Orleans’ Garden District, According to a Local

M ost people who come to New Orleans come to see the French Quarter. Many skip the tree- and mansion-lined streets of the city’s Garden District, either not knowing about it or not realizing how easy it is to get there without a car. 

Fans of Anne Rice are already familiar with the Garden District in New Orleans, whether they realize it or not. Once a resident of the neighborhood, Rice even used her then-home as the basis for the Commander’s Palace in Mayfair Witches . 

One of the best ways to cool off in the Big Easy is find some shade. The Garden District has plenty, along with great architecture, shops, and, of course, gardens. Here, we’ve curated the best spots in the neighborhood you can’t miss. 

A Short History of the Garden District New Orleans

In 1803, Napoleon Bonaparte sold Louisiana to the Americans, and in 1812, it entered the union, becoming the 18th state. After this time, Anglo-Americans started to populate the area, so they needed land.

The area known as the Garden District was once a large sugar plantation known as Livaudais. In 1832 the land was sold and divided to make way for the mansions that line the streets still. This area stretches several blocks to the west of the French Quarter, past Canal Street. This area became the City of Lafayette in 1833 before merging with New Orleans in 1852.

Garden District Architecture

Architecturally, the Garden District unfolds its history across five periods, from the 1840s construction boom to sporadic developments in the last century.

Its urban form showcases houses on double lots with ornate cast iron fences and a mix of architectural styles — from Greek Revival two-story mansions to more modest shotgun cottages in the late 1840s and then Queen Anne and Eastlake styles from 1873 to 1910.

The properties are shaded from the heat and humidity of a New Orleans summer by large living oak trees that line the streets. 

See Garden District by Walking Tour

While guided tours are on offer, if you’d prefer a more leisurely pace without the crowds, you can map out your own tour. If you can, avoid traveling to the area in July and August, as the heat and humidity make it unpleasant walking weather.

The other thing to remember is that the sidewalks easily fall into disrepair due to the poor soil conditions and low elevation that the roads have been built on. Make sure you look out for uneven ground and navigate around it.

Must Visit Mocktail Bars With Non-Alcoholic Drinks

St. charles street cars.

If you’re staying in the French Quarter, the no. 12 St. Charles Streetcar will take you over to the Garden District. This experience should be part of your tour. This historic streetcar is the oldest continuously operating line in the world, starting in 1835.

There are a few options for fares. You can download the Le Pass app from the Regional Transit Authority and pay for and display your tickets for the bus, streetcar, or ferry. If you’d rather pay with cash, each streetcar trip costs $1.25 in exact change.

Get off at the corner of Washington and St. Charles Street.

Lafayette Cemetery No. 1

Lafayette Cemetary No. 1 is the best place to start your Garden District New Orleans tour. While exploring a cemetery might seem a bit grim, the history of this place will leave you in reverent awe. Founded in 1833, the above-ground crypts house 500 wall vaults and 1,100 family tombs.

The wall vaults serve the purpose of temporary accommodation for the deceased until space becomes available in the family tomb or a cheap resting place for a group of people who don’t own a family spot. 

The resting places of the initial settlers in this region lie within the family crypts. Despite the dilapidation of numerous 19th-century structures, their decay exudes an undeniable beauty, resembling miniature historical houses adorned with columns.

The cemetery not only served as inspiration for Anne Rice’s literary works but has also played a prominent role in various films and TV series, including The Originals ,  Interview With The Vampire , and The Mayfair Witches .

For more information on the various tombs, you can take a free walking tour with informative guides. A minimum tip of about $10 per person is suggested. 

Commander’s Palace

Coming out of the cemetery’s main gates, you’ll see the prominent, blue-striped building on your right. This is the famous New Orleans restaurant Commander’s Palace.

First established in 1893 as a saloon by Emile Commander, it is now a fine-dining restaurant beloved by locals and tourists alike. 

The cuisine is described as Haute Creole and boasts a range of award-winning chefs. Recommended dishes include the Pecan Crusted Gulf Fish, Mardi Hog, and the Strawberry Salad. If the food here isn’t your thing, the exterior of the building is a great photo opportunity as you continue your tour.

Magazine Street

If you continue south down Washington Ave, you’ll come across Magazine Street. This street runs six miles through the Garden District and towards the French Quarter.

This is a great hang-out spot for people watching from the cafes and bakeries that line the street or for browsing vintage stores and other boutique shops.

Notable Houses of Garden District New Orleans

Continuing east down Magazine Street, turn left at First Street. Several blocks up at 1239 First Street, you’ll find Anne Rice’s old house, dating from the 1880s. The home inspired the story of the Mayfair Witches .

Further up First Street at 1331, you’ll find an example of Italianate style in the Morris Israel House. For football fans, the former New Orleans Saint, Archie Manning owns the house at 1420. 

Turning right into Prytania Street, you’ll see the oldest still-standing residence, which was built in 1838 at 2340. Across the street, an example of Second Empire-style architecture is the Louise S. McGehee School. The building dates back to 1872.

Continuing back west, you’ll find the notable Opera Guild House at 2504, the beautiful Our Mother of Perpetual Help building at 2523, and the only example of Gothic Revival architecture in the Garden District, which was built in 1854.

Garden District Bookshop and the Chicory House Coffee Shop

You’re now back at the start near the Layfayette Cemetery. This stop makes the perfect place to end your Garden District tour. The bookshop is located in a building originally built as a roller skating rink in 1884, known as The Rink.

This independent bookshop is a great place to while away some time browsing through their reading selections, bringing kids to story time, or attending a book signing . Anne Rice was famous for often having signings here. 

At the front of The Rink, you’ll find The Chicory House, which opened in 2022. It’s a great stop for brunch, afternoon tea or lunch.

Menu items include New Orleans’s famous chicory coffee, salads, and hot sandwiches. They also serve beer, wine, and canned cocktails. The coffee house is closed on Tuesdays.

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The 7 best new orleans cemetery tours.

These tours will enlighten you and frighten you in the best possible way.

Best New Orleans Cemetery Tours

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Of all the city's attractions , New Orleans' cemeteries are a one-stop shop for learning about family traditions, history, Voodoo, jazz music and burial practices for above-ground tombs. However, some cemeteries, such as St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, require you to join a guided tour to visit. These tours differ from New Orleans' ghost tours , which tell spooky stories of NOLA's legendary spirits and visit haunted spots around the city.

To help you select which tour is right for you, U.S. News created this list of the best New Orleans cemetery tours, informed by both expert and traveler opinion. No matter which outing you choose, you're sure to have a ghoulishly good time.

Cemetery Tours NOLA – The Official Tour of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1

Price: Adults from $25; kids from $18 Duration: 45 minutes

If you want to see the inside of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, this tour is the only way to walk through the premises (it's not open to the general public). Licensed guides delve into the unique burial customs and above-ground crypts found throughout the famous 18th-century cemetery. Among the tombs you'll spot are those belonging to Voodoo queen Marie Laveau, numerous New Orleans city mayors, as well as Homer Plessy (plaintiff in the United States Supreme Court decision Plessy v. Ferguson). Reviewers appreciate that the cemetery is restricted to guided tours and praise the experienced and humorous guides for their vast knowledge of the cemetery and the city in general.

Tours depart daily every 15 minutes from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Advance reservations are recommended. Groups are limited to 20 guests per tour.

Check prices & availability on:

Save Our Cemeteries – Lake Lawn Metairie Cemetery Tour

Price: Adults from $35; kids from $17.50 Duration: 2 hours

By signing up for a tour with Save Our Cemeteries, you'll play a small part in helping the nonprofit preserve the city's cemeteries. Proceeds from the tours go directly to cemetery restoration efforts. Picturesque Metairie Cemetery is home to some of the most awe-inspiring funerary architecture and sculpture in the country, not to mention the graves of some of the most famous New Orleanians, including Louisiana governors, Confederate generals, writer Anne Rice and former New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans owner Tom Benson. You'll learn all about the elaborate tomb styles and the cemetery's history as a former racetrack on this tour. Reviewers say this experience is led by passionate guides, who provide an informative, respectful and fun experience. Tourgoers also praise the guides' fact-based storytelling.

This tour is accessible and conducted on paved pathways. Save Our Cemeteries also operates tours of St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 and St. Roch Cemetery, among others.

NOLA Ghost Riders – Cemetery Bus Tour

Price: Adults from $45; kids from $30 Duration: 2 hours

Explore the city's storied past under the cover of darkness with this nighttime cemetery and ghost tour from NOLA Ghost Riders. Unlike other tours that focus on a single cemetery, this bus tour takes you to several of the city's most famous cemeteries, and participants ages 21 and older can bring their own alcohol along for the ride. Reviewers describe the experience as fun, thanks to the insightful, entertaining guides. However, a few travelers warn that intoxicated tourgoers can hamper the fun.

Tours depart nightly at 5, 8 and 11 p.m., though the 5 p.m. tour is usually available Friday to Sunday only. NOLA Ghost Riders also operates a ghost walking tour and a cemetery walking tour, among others.

New Orleans Ghost Adventures Tours – Haunted Cemetery City Bus Tour

Price: From $56 Duration: 2 hours

If you're missing the paranormal, consider signing up for this tour. In addition to visiting cemeteries (such as Odd Fellows Rest), you'll stop by a few places that are reportedly haunted to look for ghosts. Reviewers praise the company's guides for their knowledge and passion for New Orleans history. The add that despite the ghostly name, the tour provides tons of information about cemeteries

Tours depart daily at 4:15, 7 and 9:30 p.m. The company also runs Voodoo tours and several spooky bar crawls.

TOURS by STEVEN – Garden District & Lafayette Cemetery Walking Tour

Price: Adults from $35; kids from $27 Duration: 2 hours

Multiple guides from this company win praise for their informative and enthusiastic retelling of New Orleans history. You'll start your tour outside the gates of Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, where you'll learn about the burial customs that make the city's cemeteries so unique. (Note that you won't actually go inside the cemetery as it's closed to the public). Then, you'll walk around the Garden District, an opulent neighborhood known for its celebrity homes and manicured landscapes.

This walking tour runs daily at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. TOURS by STEVEN also runs a tour of the French Quarter.

Haunted History Tours of New Orleans – New Orleans Daytime Cemetery Tour

Price: Adults from $30; kids from $20 Duration: 2 hours

Calling all history buffs! This tour is for you. Along this stroll down Canal Street, you'll hear about the folklore, customs and superstitions of the city's unique burial practices, and visit Charity Hospital Cemetery, as well as the Hurricane Katrina Memorial. According to the company, this tour is less about getting spooked, and more about providing a historical and cultural context to those interested in these "cities of the dead." Tourgoers praise guides for their educational and insightful storytelling, and appreciate the opportunity to visit the Hurricane Katrina Memorial.

Tours are available daily at 10:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. If you didn't get your fill of thrills, consider the company's nighttime bus tour or true crime tour.

Bloody Mary's Tours – Dead & Famous: Sinners Saints Secrets

Price: From $89 Duration: 3 hours

You'll visit 20 cemeteries and six neighborhoods on this tour, which covers everything from Voodoo queen Marie Laveau to the history of jazz. In addition, you'll go inside at least two cemeteries to get a better look at the intricate above-ground tombs. While you'll be chauffeured in a van, keep in mind walking is involved on this tour. Reviewers describe guides as knowledgeable and say this tour covers a lot of history in a short amount of time.

Trips depart at noon Monday and Friday. There are also private versions of this tour. For even more thrills, check out the company's ghost-hunting tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cemetery tours are popular in New Orleans because cemeteries here are unlike most cemeteries in the U.S. Many of the departed are buried above ground in tombs that range from simple to ornate. Plus, these sites are reportedly haunted, making cemeteries all the more popular with ghost hunters.

There are some cemeteries you can visit on your own. Others, such as St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, can only be viewed on an official tour. It's a good idea to find out whether your cemetery requires a tour guide before your visit; call the cemetery or speak with your hotel's concierge.

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is the most famous cemetery in the city. In part, this is because of the numerous important figures buried here. It's also the oldest existing cemetery in New Orleans; in fact, people are still laid to rest here each year.

Voodoo practitioner Marie Laveau, activist Homer Plessy, writer Anne Rice and Popeyes founder Al Copeland are just a few of the celebrities buried in the most famous cemeteries in New Orleans. There are other famous individuals (such as politician Huey Long and musician Fats Domino) who are buried in other sites around the city. Actor Nicolas Cage will also be buried here; he has already built a pyramid tomb for himself in St. Louis Cemetery No 1.

You may also be interested in:

• Take a Photo Tour of New Orleans
• The Best Ethical New Orleans Plantation Tours
• The Best New Orleans Swamp Tours

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