Viator Rating : 5 (443 reviews)
Dyvarcity Score : 8.6/10 (Verified Excellent)
New Orleans
NOLA Garden District & Cemetery Tour: See Famous Homes!
120
Overview
Explore New Orleans' beautiful Garden District and Lafayette Cemetery on this walking tour. See grand homes and learn about famous residents.
This tour takes you through the Garden District, one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the world. You'll see stunning mansions, learn about famous people who lived there, and hear stories about New Orleans history. Even though Lafayette Cemetery is currently closed for repairs, the tour still happens outside the gates, where you can see and learn everything.
The tour guide will point out places like St. Charles Avenue, homes of celebrities like Anne Rice and Sandra Bullock, and movie locations from films like "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button." This tour includes a local guide, but does not include hotel pick-up or drop-off, gratuities, food and drinks, or entrance to Lafayette Cemetery. See the Jefferson Fire Company No. 22 Tomb & Mayfair Family Tomb at Lafayette Cemetery No. 1. 
Experience DNA Fingerprint
Scores are shown on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = lowest score, 10 = highest score.
What People Love
Crowd Density (8 - Empty / Light) : Very few people, free movement
Safety (9 - Secure) : Strong feeling of safety and control
Upsell Risk (10 - Transparent) : No upsells or hidden costs
Logistics (8 - Seamless) : Smooth and well executed
Mobility (8 - Easy / Accessible) : Comfortable for most people
Pacing (8 - Balanced) : Smooth and comfortable timing
Instagram Factor (8 - Iconic) : Highly photogenic and memorable
Guide Quality (9 - Exceptional) : Engaging and memorable
Guide Reliability (9 - Dependable) : On time with strong follow-through
Highlights
See Stunning Mansions: Walk through the beautiful Garden District and admire the grand homes.
Learn About Famous Residents: Hear stories about celebrities and historical figures who lived in the area.
Explore Movie Locations: See where famous films like "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" were filmed.
Discover Unique Burial Practices: Learn about New Orleans' above-ground tombs and funerary customs outside the Lafayette Cemetery gates.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers loved the guide's knowledge and storytelling.
-
Many enjoyed seeing the beautiful homes and learning about the history.
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Visitors found the tour interesting and a great way to explore the Garden District.
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Customers appreciated that the tour still ran outside the cemetery gates when the cemetery was closed.
Some were disappointed that they couldn't go inside the cemetery.
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A few found it difficult to hear the guide at times.
The Journey
Garden District and Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 Walking Tour
Step back in time with a guided walking tour through New Orleans' elegant Garden District and the historic Lafayette Cemetery No. 1. Admire the majestic antebellum mansions that showcase the rivalry between Creole and American residents, reflecting a blend of architectural styles and cultural influences. Explore the above-ground tombs and elaborate monuments of Lafayette Cemetery, an atmospheric city of the dead. Hear fascinating stories of the cemetery's notable 'residents' and trace Louisiana's history etched in the gravestones, gaining unique insights into the city's past. While public access to the interior of Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 is currently restricted, the tour provides an in-depth experience and historical background from the gates, making it a memorable and informative exploration.
Lafayette Cemetery No. 1
Discover the eerie allure of Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, an iconic New Orleans landmark renowned for its distinctive above-ground tombs. While interior access is restricted, the cemetery remains a captivating site, famed for its appearances in movies like 'Interview with the Vampire,' 'Double Jeopardy,' and 'Déjà Vu.' Learn about the city's unique burial customs influenced by the high water table and cultural traditions, as well as the different societies represented within the cemetery. Although entry is no longer permitted, the history of the cemetery, including the elaborate tombs, can be explored from outside the gates. Engage with the fascinating history, folklore, and architectural significance of the cemetery.
Jefferson Fire Company No. 22 Tomb & Mayfair Family Tomb
Explore the literary connection and architectural splendor surrounding Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 by viewing the Jefferson Fire Company No. 22 society tomb, located directly across from the site of the fictitious Mayfair family tomb featured in Anne Rice's 'The Witching Hour'. Experience the atmospheric combination of history, architectural style, personal anecdotes, and lush tropical plant life, which showcases the spirit of the city. The tour reveals the captivating stories of the Garden District/Cemetery, enriching it with a touch of fiction and imagination.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes a local guide to show you around the Garden District and explain the history and culture. It does not include hotel pick-up or drop-off, any food or drinks, gratuities for your guide, or entrance into Lafayette Cemetery. The meeting point for the tour is [object Object].
Hot Tip
Wear comfortable shoes because you will be walking for a couple of hours. Also, bring water, especially on hot days. Even though the cemetery is closed, the tour outside the gates is still very informative and interesting.
Review Summary
Customers find this tour highly engaging due to knowledgeable and entertaining guides who share unique stories about celebrity homes, architecture, and cemetery history. Positive feedback highlights the small-group format and perfect pacing for the 2-hour walk, though some note the cemetery is only viewed from the gates due to closures. Minor complaints mention no hotel pickup included.[1][2]
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