Lafayette Cemetery No. 1

The Basics

Lafayette Cemetery is one of the most popular historic sites in New Orleans, and it is frequently featured on area sightseeing tours. Visit the cemetery as part of a walking tour of the Garden District, or take a deeper dive into the cemetery’s history on a dedicated tour with a guide who’ll cover everything from burial procedures to notable ghost stories.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The cemetery is free and open to the public.

• Plan to spend about 90 minutes touring the cemetery grounds.

• The cemetery grounds are accessible to wheelchairs, though some of the terrain is uneven.

How to Get There

Lafayette Cemetery is on Washington Avenue in the Garden District. You can get there by taking the St. Charles Streetcar to Washington Street stop. From there it’s a short walk to the cemetery.

When to Get There

The cemetery is open on weekdays from morning until early afternoon and on weekends from morning until noon. It’s a popular attraction, so visit early in the day to avoid crowds.

The History of Aboveground Cemeteries

Many parts of the city of New Orleans sit below sea level, so early settlers to the area had trouble with the bodies of their recently interned washing away during the summer rains. The settlers quickly learned that the only way to properly keep their dead in place was to build raised cemeteries, and this form of internment became a New Orleans tradition.

What is Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, and why is it significant in New Orleans?

Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 is New Orleans's oldest cemetery and a popular tourist attraction, particularly among those interested in architecture or spooky experiences. This aboveground graveyard was built in 1833 and is significant for its numerous beautiful tombs, designed to withstand the city's frequent storms.

Where is Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 located in New Orleans, and how can visitors access it?

Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 is located on Washington Avenue in the Garden District of New Orleans. Many hotels in the neighborhood are within walking distance, and if you're coming from the French Quarter, you can take the St. Charles Streetcar to the Washington Street stop, a short walk away.

Are guided tours available for exploring Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, and what do they typically cover?

Yes, tours are available to explore Lafayette Cemetery No. 1. Many guided tours combine a visit to the cemetery with a tour of other parts of the Garden District. These tours typically cover everything from history to architecture, and guides often cover subjects such as burial rites and ghostly rumors.

What are the architectural and historical highlights of Lafayette Cemetery No. 1?

Lafayette Cemetery No. 1's aboveground tombs are its biggest draw, with distinctive tombs designed to weather rainstorms. The remains of upwards of 7,000 people are interred in the cemetery, including Homer Plessy, a civil rights activist and the plaintiff in the US Supreme Court case Plessy v. Ferguson.

Are photography and videography allowed inside Lafayette Cemetery No. 1?

Yes, photography and videography are allowed inside Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, as long as it’s non-commercial. If you plan to do a photo shoot for fashion or editorial purposes or want to film a movie at the cemetery, you’ll need to obtain permission from the city.

Are there any nearby attractions or points of interest to visit after exploring the cemetery?

Yes, there are historic houses worth visiting after exploring Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, many of which feature on Garden District walking tours. Popular spots include the Buckner Mansion, Morris-Israel House, and the Seven Sisters houses. Book lovers should check out the Garden District Book Shop before leaving the historic neighborhood.

Ways to explore

Spanning a city block and featuring New Orleans’ characteristic above-ground tombs, Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 has long been associated with the city’s ghostly lore. Although the cemetery has been closed for ongoing renovations since 2019, it remains a major historic monument in the Garden District, you can get a glimpse of it as you stroll through the neighborhood.

Alternatively, you can learn more about its past on a history- or architecture-themed neighborhood walking tour. For a more macabre experience, book a spooky evening tour with a focus on witch, vampire, or ghost stories.

Accessibility

When it was last open, Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 was only partly wheelchair-accessible, owing to uneven ground. Surrounding sidewalks are generally flat and level.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, water bottle, sun protection, umbrella

What to wear

Loose, lightweight clothing is the best bet for beating the heat and humidity.

Not allowed

While the rules vary by tour, most don’t allow smoking, pets, or alcohol.

Amenities

Proximity to public transportation, proximity to stores and restaurants

Address

Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 is located in the Garden District in Uptown New Orleans. To get there, you can use local streetcars, opt for taxis and rideshare services, or choose a tour with transportation.

Driving

Owing to limited parking in the Garden District, it's usually preferable to use taxis and rideshare services rather than driving yourself.

Public transportation

To get to Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, take the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar. Local bus routes also serve the neighborhood.

Best times to visit

Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 is currently closed to all visitors. Visit in the daytime to catch a glimpse of it from outside the gates.

Best days to visit

The Garden District is likely busier and more in demand on weekends; you may have an easier time booking a tour on a weekday.

Best months to visit

Spring is a great time to visit the Garden District (and stop outside Lafayette Cemetery No. 1)—the neighborhood will be at its scenic best, and you’ll miss the peak heat of summer.

Special events

For a particularly atmospheric experience, book a spooky-season ghost tour that stops outside Lafayette Cemetery No. 1.