St. Louis Cemetery Tour: Unveiling New Orleans' Secrets
5.0
260 Ratings
New Orleans
Explore the secrets of New Orleans on a guided cemetery tour with local author and historian Sally Asher. Uncover fascinating stories of notable citizens buried in St. Louis Cemetery and learn about the city's burial practices and tomb types. Book now!
Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 - Local author and historian Sally Asher will take you on a journey of a famous New Orleans cemetery.

It’s been written that St. Louis Cemetery #3 has so many angels that one can “almost hear the beat of their wings.” You’ll visit the graves and learn about some of the city’s notable (and notorious) citizens including the first businesswoman to have a public statute erected in her honor, the hunchbacked photographer who secretly photographed prostitutes, the woman behind the quirky castle, the famed architect whose ship went down in a hurricane with over a hundred prostitutes and circus performers, and some legendary chefs who collectively advanced the Civil Rights movement, restored horse racing in New Orleans, and (for better or worse) introduced the turducken to the U.S..

This tour takes approximately an hour and a half and covers roughly a half mile.

The tour meets in front of the cemetery on 3421 Esplanade Ave at the gate farthest to the right underneath the trees.

What's Included
  • Insider tips for local food, music, and culture.
  • Expert guide
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Bottled water
Additional Information

The renowned local author and historian, Sally Asher, will guide you through a notable New Orleans cemetery, which was the subject of her book ‘Stories from the St. Louis Cemeteries of New Orleans.’ This walking expedition offers a learning opportunity into burial customs, various tomb structures, and a visit to the final resting places of some of the city’s famous and infamous people. These include a hunchbacked photographer known for covertly photographing prostitutes, the woman infamous for her eccentric castle, the well-known architect who perished with over 100 prostitutes and circus entertainers on his ship, and renowned chefs whose collective efforts contributed to the Civil Rights Movement, revived the city’s horse racing, and brought the turducken delicacy to the U.S. This engaging tour spans 1:15 minutes and covers less than a mile. Sally’s passion lies in uncovering and sharing the peculiar, shocking, and unheard tales of New Orleans, believing that history extends beyond mere dates and facts to the subtle intersection of truth and storytelling - complete with all its scandals!

Location
3421 Esplanade Ave
Esplanade Avenue
Meet at the front gates of St. Louis Cemetery #3 at 3421 Esplanade Avenue.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(260 Ratings)
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Brandi_d
Apr 22, 2024
I learned a lot. - Sally was so knowledgeable about the cemetery and its inhabitants. I would highly recommend her and this tour for any one wanting to be informed about New Orleans cemetery history.
Review provided by Viator
Niki_p
Apr 22, 2024
Take a tour with a real expert! - Our tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable, not in a "memorized a tour speech" kind of way, but in the way of a true expert. She is obviously a master of this information, who loves what she does and keeps up with her research. We overheard a different tour with a different company near the end of our experience, and it was obvious that our guide was so much more knowledgeable and thorough. I'd recommend this tour to anyone!
Review provided by Viator
Venessa_r
Apr 21, 2024
THE standard for an accurate cemetery tour. - I saved the best for last, even though I didn’t know it at the time. This tour was the reason I went to New Orleans. I have always been fascinated with the history, architecture, and emotions the cemeteries of New Orleans’ invoke. Ms. Sally Asher of Red Sash tours is THE standard of accuracy and storytelling those entombed in the St. Louis Cemetery deserves to share their history. I would do it again to have the pleasure of learning more from Sally
Review provided by Viator
Annebg5134dc
Apr 21, 2024
Don't Miss Tour with an Amazing & Knowledgeable Tour Guide - This was a super informative and fascinating tour. Sally is so knowledgeable and shared both lot of information into how New Orleans Cemetaries operate and interesting stories surrounding some of the people interred there. Highly recommend any tour Sally runs!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sharonl1256
Apr 19, 2024
Highly Recommend - Sally was a wealth of knowledge and an enjoyable guide . She had great stories and historical information to share Highly recommend
Review provided by Tripadvisor
S707ovtinah
Apr 17, 2024
A must do in New Orleans! - Sally was absolutely amazing from start to finish! She was down to earth, funny, kind and extremely knowledgeable in the history of New Orleans, burial information and stories about the deceased. She is also quite passionate and excited about all of it which for me keeps me engaged and gets me just as excited about it all. We honestly had no real expectations for our tour. I just wanted my husband to see how cool the local cemeteries in Nola looked. But man did we get way more than expected! We learned so much! I won’t spoil any details for anyone. But I will say, book it! You won’t regret it! Thanks again for everything Sally! You really made our trip to Nola a great one! - Tina & Brian
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Daniele_s
Apr 16, 2024
The best cemetery tour! - This was one of the best tours of our trip. The knowledge and time that was shared with us was amazing. If you really want to know and understand the burial practice, symbolism, and history, this is the tour to go on.
Review provided by Viator
Rhondagn1592kh
Apr 15, 2024
A great tour with fascinating history. - We took this cemetery tour with a small group. Sally did not disappoint. She was knowledgeable about the history, symbolism and made it such a fun learning experience. A true professional with such passion for the city. It was one of the best tours we have ever taken and I intend to buy her book. Thanks for a peak at the rich history of New Orleans.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Melissa
Apr 13, 2024
Fabulous tour and so much more than just ghost hunting.... - My sister and I had an absolutely wonderful time this morning taking this tour with our expert guide, Sally. What a treat. She is extremely knowledgeable on the topic and shared so much local history with us it was fabulous. It was a real honor to have someone who has quite honestly written books about New Orleans history share her knowledge with us. We would recommend this tour to everyone!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Martha_j
Apr 11, 2024
Memorable Tour - Sally shared so much more than just basic information. The stories about New Orleans characters were fascinating. Her contacts and research made the time spent memorable. Would do it again in a heartbeat.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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