Best Cemetery In New Orleans

I enjoyed both, and you can only visit S.L. #1 with a guided tour. Information is here:

https://nolacatholiccemeteries.org/st-louis-cemetery-1

It's the oldest (extant) cemetery and closest to the French Quarter so the one visitors are usually most interested in. We took a tour back when you were allowed to see it on your own but it wasn't considered particularly safe so tours were recommended. Unless you've done quite a bit of reading on NOLA's cemetery history and customs, you'll get some interesting info. It is one REALLY hot place in the summer, though: our guide for a morning tour said that they'd nicknamed the afternoon session "The Death March". :O)

I did Lafayette (out in the Garden District) on my own but they can close that one for funerals.

http://www.saveourcemeteries.org/lafayette-cemetery-no-1/

For a first-timer, I'd probably say S.L. #1.

Yes, as above. Dont walk around that area alone or especially be near it at night. The garden district cemetery should be fine on your own in daylight.

I've only done Lafayette, but with a tour guide. It was amazing and she brought so much to the tour. This was when some of the vampire movies came out and Anne Rice lived in the neighborhood.

I would suggest whichever one you decide to visit, you take a tour. I think it will be very much worth the price.

The best tour is run by Save Our Cemeteries.

Thank you all Rick Steves fans, great forum!

Jean

I suggest you combine a visit to Lafayette Cemetery with brunch at Commander's Palace across the street (both on Washington Ave, just off Prytania street). You can get there by taking the St. Charles Ave. streetcar uptown; get off at Washington and walk down Washington one block. Just note that the cemetery closes mid-afternoon (I just don't remember the exact hour) so if you are indulging with a second or third 25 cent daiquiri (Commander's weekday special!) you might miss the hours that the cemetery is open.

I would not recommend staying in any of the cemeteries in New Orleans. :)