Historic Cemetery Guided Walking Tour in New Orleans
Walk three historic cemeteries with a narrated guide in 1.5 hours
Duration
1.5 hours
Includes
Guided walking tour, Narration
Highlights
Explore three New Orleans cemeteries on a narrated 1.5-hour walking tour led by a master storyteller. Learn about above-ground tombs, burial customs, and the history tied to the Hurricane Katrina Memorial.
- Walk through St. Patrick Cemetery #1, #2, and Charity Hospital Cemetery
- Explore above-ground tombs and cemetery layouts with your guide
- Learn about burial customs, traditions, and local history
- Hear stories connected to the Katrina Memorial graveyard
- Meet at 4840 Bienville Street at G's Pizza before departure
Things to know
Rated PG-13 and may not suit some children under age 10 due to traumatic and violent topics. Gratuity is not included; tips are appreciated (general range $5–$10 per person).
Cancellation Policy
Cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours prior to tour departure.
FAQs
Arrive 30 minutes before departure to check in. The tour leaves on time, and late arrivals may not be able to attend.
The tour is rated PG-13 and may not suit some children under age 10 due to traumatic and violent topics.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring plenty of water. You can also bring a camera.
Meeting details
4840 Bienville Street
More about the Hurricane Katrina Memorial
The Hurricane Katrina Memorial sits within the historic grounds explored on this New Orleans cemetery tour, offering a powerful and reflective stop that connects the city's storied past with one of its most defining modern chapters. Located in the Charity Hospital Cemetery area along Canal Street, the Hurricane Katrina Memorial honors the victims of the 2005 storm whose remains went unclaimed or unidentified, giving them a permanent and dignified resting place. For visitors who want to understand New Orleans beyond the music and the cuisine, this stop reveals a deeper, more human layer of the city's resilience and memory.
As you walk the cemetery grounds with your guide, the contrast between centuries-old above-ground tombs and the contemporary design of the Hurricane Katrina Memorial becomes part of the story. The memorial's curving black granite mausoleums form a hurricane-shaped path, leading visitors through quiet, contemplative space framed by mature oaks and the soft hush of Canal Street beyond. Your guide shares the history of the storm's impact on local burial traditions, the painstaking effort to identify victims, and the community-led push to create a place of remembrance. It is a striking change of pace from the older sections of the tour, where weathered marble and family crypts speak to generations of Creole, French, and Spanish heritage.
This stop is perfect for history lovers, thoughtful travelers, and anyone curious about how New Orleans processes loss and rebuilds identity. Families with older children, photographers drawn to architecture and atmosphere, and visitors who appreciate context over spectacle will all find the Hurricane Katrina Memorial deeply moving. Pairing it with the surrounding historic tombs gives you a fuller picture of how this city honors its dead, from 18th century pioneers to the neighbors lost in 2005. Come ready to listen, observe, and leave with a richer understanding of the soul of New Orleans.
