St. Louis Cemetery No. 1

The Basics

The final resting place of thousands, St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 occupies one square block just outside the French Quarter. Many notable New Orleans residents are interred here, including Homer Plessy and Etienne de Boré. Famous voodoo queen Marie Laveau is also rumored to be entombed here.

Most tours of the cemeteries are offered as a part of city sightseeing excursions via bike or bus. A guided walking tour through the burial ground is a true trip through Louisiana history and the only way to enter St. Louis Cemetery No. 1.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Roman Catholic Archdiocese has closed St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 to the public due to a rise in vandalism. Visitors must be accompanied by a licensed tour guide.

• These cemeteries still host several funerals per year. Be respectful during an active burial.

• No pets are allowed on tours, with the exception of service animals.

How to Get There

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is located within walking distance of Treme and the French Quarter. The cemetery is accessible via the city's streetcars, buses, or by car, but since you are required to visit with a licensed guide, you may meet your party elsewhere and arrive at the site together.

When to Get There

New Orleans cemeteries are open daily but close weekdays around 3pm and even earlier on weekends. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is only accessible to those on guided tours with licensed tour companies.

Society Tombs

New Orleans cemeteries feature society tombs and wall vaults containing the remains of people who chose to be buried with their social organizations rather than their families. Examples include the French Mutual Benevolent Society, the New Orleans Musicians Tomb, and the Orleans Battalion of Artillery Tomb.

What is St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, and why is it famous?

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is the oldest and most famous graveyard in New Orleans. It was founded in 1789 and is notable for its beautiful and often ornately carved aboveground tombs, many of which contain the remains of well-known New Orleans residents.

Where is St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 located in New Orleans?

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is in the Iberville area of New Orleans, a couple of blocks from Congo Square and on the other side of North Rampart Street from the French Quarter. As such, it’s easy to get there on foot if you’re staying in the French Quarter or by public transportation if you aren’t.

Can visitors explore St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 alone, or are guided tours available?

No, visitors cannot explore St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 independently due to the risk of vandalism. However, you can still visit—you’ll just need to go with a tour guide. Tours typically start every 15 to 30 minutes and operate every day of the week.

What notable graves or tombs can be found in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1?

The cemetery houses the tombs of many famous New Orleans residents, including Etienne de Boré, the first person to process granulated sugar and former politician Bernard de Marigny. Marie Laveau, the famous "Voodoo Queen" of New Orleans, is believed to be buried in the crypt of the Glapion family.

Are there any restrictions or rules visitors should know before entering St. Louis Cemetery No. 1?

Yes, there are rules and restrictions that visitors should be aware of, most of which involve behaving respectfully. Don’t climb on graves, and don’t make a lot of noise. If you see a funeral taking place or people visiting the graves of loved ones, keep your distance.

Are there any nearby attractions or landmarks worth visiting after exploring St. Louis Cemetery No. 1?

Yes, many attractions are near St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. The French Quarter and Louis Armstrong Park, home of Congo Square, are just a few blocks away. The Mardi Gras Museum is two blocks from the cemetery, while the historic Hermann-Grima House is four blocks away.

Ways to explore

Visiting St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is only possible with an official tour guide, and both daytime and nighttime walking tours are offered. Book ahead to secure a spot on the popular tours and hear fascinating stories from Louisiana history as you explore the historic site.

Admire the beautiful above-ground tombs, many designed by 19th-century architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe, and visit the graves of notable New Orleanians, including Marie Laveau, Homer Plessy, and plantation owner Etienne de Boré. Many New Orleans walking, bike, and bus tours also include a visit to St. Louis Cemetery No. 2 and No. 3.

Accessibility

Cemetery tours are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

Age limits

None; children over 13 need an adult ticket, and children 2 and under are admitted free. Use your discretion to decide if the site is appropriate for your kids.

What to pack

Your ticket or e-ticket, camera, reusable water bottle, umbrella, sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat (for day tours)

What to wear

Weather-appropriate clothing (tours take place rain or shine), comfortable shoes for walking over uneven surfaces

Not allowed

Access to the cemetery without a guide, pets (except service dogs), touching or leaving items on tombs

Amenities

Café, gift shop, restroom, paid parking

Address

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is within walking distance of Tremé and the French Quarter, and can be reached by streetcar, bus, or car. Walking tours typically set out from the Basin St. Station Visitor Information Center by the main entrance.

Driving

To reach the cemetery from out of town, take Interstate I-10 to Exit 235A Vieux Carre, merge onto Basin Street, then turn right onto Crozat Street, where you’ll find the Park First parking lot.

Public transportation

Take streetcar 46 to the N. Rampart Stop along Conti Street, a block from the cemetery, or 47 or 48 to Canal at Marais, a less than 10-minute walk. Hop-on, hop-off bus tours of New Orleans also stop outside the cemetery.

Best times to visit

Day tours are held every 30 minutes from 9am to 4pm; earlier slots tend to draw smaller groups, especially in the low season. For an eerier experience, night tours run every 15 minutes from 7:45pm to 9:15pm.

Best days to visit

The quietest days are usually midweek, especially from Tuesday through Thursday. Night tours are only held on select evenings (generally Saturdays), and popular dates often sell out, so book early to secure your spot.

Best months to visit

Cemetery tours are at the mercy of the weather, so plan your visit for spring (March–May) or fall (October–November) for the best chance of a comfortable, dry day.