Metairie Cemetery Tour: Historic Tombs and Tales

Join the Metairie Cemetery tour and uncover the secrets of historic tombs, from Popeyes’ founder to vampire novelist Anne Rice. Explore untold stories and scandalous narratives of New Orleans!

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Lake Lawn Metairie - Metairie Cemetery (actually located in New Orleans) is home to some of the most elaborate and artistic marble tombs and funerary art in the city. This former racetrack is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is frequently ranked as one of the top cemeteries in the world. Metairie Cemetery has everyone from…
What's Included
  • Admission to Metairie Cemetery
  • Guidance from an expert guide
  • Insider tips for local food, music, and culture
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Bottled water
Additional Information

Metairie Cemetery is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places and is often highlighted as one of the world’s must-visit cemeteries. As visitors stroll under the canopy of nearly 1,000 trees, they can admire the lavish tombs of notable figures such as Al Copeland, founder of Popeyes, Ruth Fertel, founder of Ruth’s Chris Steak House, and the…

Location
5100 Pontchartrain Blvd
Pontchartrain Boulevard
Please meet at least 10 minutes early from the start time at 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., at the Law Enforcement Memorial to the right of the funeral home. Any of the entry gates will lead to the memorial. You just need to make a right at the stop sign. If you drive, you can park in the lot.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(313 Ratings)
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Jeremy_m
Apr 17, 2026
This is a very... - This is a very informative and she did an amazing job. She was able to include tons of history as well as specific information about the cemetery and its residents.
Review provided by Viator
Joey_p
Apr 16, 2026
Sally was the best! - We had Sally as our tour guide. She was very outgoing, and knowledgeable about the Metairie Cemetery...more especially since she has written books on the cemeteries in the area and beyond. We are tourist and took the streetcar to the cemeteries Transit station. Not knowing exactly were to go, Sally texted us walking directions from the streetcar stop, all the way to our meeting point. That was 6 star service! My partner didn't have a hat, so Sally offered her an umbrella to deal with the Louisiana sun. 6 stars! Overall, we really enjoyed our tour. Good pacing, good information! If you can get her, book with Sally.
Review provided by Viator
Molly
Apr 6, 2026
The best tour in New Orleans - My friend and I had the absolute best time on our tour with Sally. We had a smaller group, which was so ideal. Sally was incredibly knowledgeable on everything New Orleans Cemetaries and the people buried there. Shared a wonderful story about Anne Rice, who’s tomb I was most excited to see. Can’t recommend enough. Spend your money here!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Toniea2022
Apr 4, 2026
Great tour of the cemetery. Kathy is very knowledgeable and entertaining. - This tour with Kath was amazing. Highly suggest you take her tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
266yingc
Apr 4, 2026
Metairie - Sally was so knowledgeable about the city and the true history of the city plus little surprise on the tour it is by far the best tour ever. I would recommend this to everyone. It’s amazing. Best tour ever.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jennifer_f
Mar 25, 2026
Cemetery Tour - This tour was very informative and also entertaining. Our guide Sally with Red Sash Tours is truly an expert in the field and shared knowledge about burial practices, historical lore, symbolism in decor of tombs, and strangely enough… about crows. She is a published author / speaker and podcaster and is a treasure trove of info. We loved it and would recommend this tour for all ages.
Review provided by Viator
Jack_n
Mar 21, 2026
Metairie Cemetery Tour - Fascinating history lesson. Lots to see and lots to learn. Fantastic guide walked us through several of the Mausoleums which was very interesting. I can’t say how much we appreciated our guide Sally. The knowledge she had about this cemetery was incredible!
Review provided by Viator
Lexio458
Mar 20, 2026
Sally Rocks! - Sally is incredible! She has such an incredible sense of humor, and she's very well-informed. MY family and I had a blast with her!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jeannie_f
Mar 20, 2026
Sally Knows A LOT of Dead People - Wandering through the Spanish Moss covered, live Oaks of the Metairie Cemetery with Sally was an experience like no other. Every single mausoleum had a story, and Sally knew them all! From Confederate generals to hated Fried Chicken Moguls to wealthy liars who bought it as a race track turned cemetery, her enthusiasm for the topic was second to none. From how they were built to materials used, with what felt like sneaky access to the interiors, we received a degree level education in two hours. And at our age, waking up this morning and remembering details was a real treat. It seemed very apt that she had even befriended a murder of crows. An historical experience not to be missed. And as Sally says, “Eat, Drink, and Be Buried”.
Review provided by Viator
Kathyrz6688oy
Mar 12, 2026
Would highly recommend - Absolutely amazing tour!she was knowledgeable and gave all the hot gossip about the dead. Would 1000% do it again! Thanks so much Sally!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $35
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).