On the list of cemeteries to visit this one doesn't actually show up on any lists, which is sad as…read morethis is also a very old cemetery that dates back to the early 1800 as well, at least per the headstones. This isn't the above ground tombs that the Catholic ones have, these are in ground. The gate to No 1 was open, but the gate to No 2 was locked. We did walk inside to view names and dates and appreciate the ornate tops on these headstones. It's worth a stop to see another side of the city as well as how a different faith says they need to handle their deceased parishioner's.

Tucked away, just off Elysian Fields Ave, this cemetery does not get as much attention as the ones…read morein the Quarter or the Garden District, but this is one of the best kept cemeteries in the area. Everyone always goes to the big ones, or Metairie Cemetery, which you can see from I-10 on your way into town from the airport. This site was chosen because, according to Jewish custom, the body can not rest unless it is in the ground, and this is high enough to do that. They do have a small mausoleum. There are also burials here from the Jewish community, as this is their dedicated spot. The website https://jewishnola.com/jewish-new-orleans/hebrew-rest-cemetery which gives some useful information. My favorite part is in one of the corners, there is a huge mound where all of the Hebrew texts that were damaged in Hurricane Katrina are buried, also in accordance with their customs. It is about 5 whole city blocks with trees, benches, and room for growth. I really like this particular cemetery because it is so well taken care of, loved, used and maintained. There is plenty of street parking in the area, and being just off the main streets it is nice and quiet. This is one of the most peaceful spots in the city, in my opinion. There is plenty of space in between the graves to walk through and thoroughly appreciate everything, unlike some of the others in the city. It is listed on http://www.neworleansonline.com/neworleans/attractions/cemeteries.html?notmct=15 as one of the major cemeteries. I am so glad to point this cemetery out to others to come and enjoy the sight. Come take a look for yourself!

I imagine that people who have never lived or visited New Orleans may find it odd that we celebrate…read moreour cemeteries down here. It's not odd at all to discover that most of the people who visit the cities of the dead are not necessarily visiting a loved one, they are there admiring the tombs. St. Patrick's is an archdiocesan cemetery meaning it is maintained by the Catholic Church. It is one of the better maintained properties especially when you consider many of these tombs were built back in the mid 1800's. That was a particularly bad time for the Irish who had settled in the city as many succumbed to a Yellow Fever epidemic. Many of those pour souls are forever entombed here and when you visit you will notice many Irish names adorning these graves. I suggest visiting this cemetery before you head to Metairie cemetery as this far less fancy. If you go to MC first you may be a bit disappointed, but there is still plenty to see. My favorite spot can be found at the rear of the cemetery near the old K&B. There is an incredible statue with swords and a crown that I stood and stared at for a long time. You'll know the one I am talking about when you see it.

I happened to have an appointment in the 4 story building adjacent to this cemetery and the windows…read moreallowed for great views down into it. While non of the tombs are super fancy, many are very nice and date back to the mid 19th century. The space is well maintained as this is a diocesan cemetery rather than city owned. I appreciate that they have taken care of the older head stones and that they aren't lying broken in the aisles. As you can imagine from the name, this was originally a graveyard for those of Irish descent in New Orleans.

A great old crumbling cemetery. The cemetery was made possible in 1838 by New Orleans…read morephilanthropist Stephen Henderson whose estate left property to the Firemen's Charitable & Benevolent Association. The charitable association sold this property to fund the purchase of the cemetery site at the very end of the Canal Streetcar Line. Crowning this imposing entrance was the motto: "Here to their bosom mother earth, take back in peace what thou has given, and, all that is of heavenly birth, God in peace recall to heaven." Shortly after opening the cemetery, the remains of volunteer firemen entombed elsewhere were moved to Cypress Grove. Tombs at Cypress Grove are among the nation's leading examples of memorial architecture. Its located a few minutes walk from the Katrina Memorial so a good little twofer.

This is an active cemetery, meaning that people are laying their loved ones to rest here-it's not…read morejust old graves. So when walking through, please be sensitive and respectful of that. It's absolutely fascinating to me how the burial process works here. I'm used to attending funerals where the person is laid to rest in a casket six feet under the earth. Here, it's different. Because you'll hit water after digging two feet (remember, New Orleans is built on top of a swamp), it's not practical to bury people this way. Instead, there are these beautiful and eerie above-ground tombs that people are placed in. I learned that the deceased person is put in a pine box, then put onto a shelf inside the tomb. 366 days later (a year and one day), the person's remains (usually just bones and dust by that point), are pushed to the back of the shelf, falling down to the open ground below (still inside the tomb). This is how the family burial tomb works. It's shared amongst multiple people; often many generations. I also learned that it's not uncommon for a family to have a note ("mortgage") on their tomb. Not surprised, since those things are massive, I'm sure they cost a pretty penny. It was one of the highlights of our trip-visiting the cemetery and learning about how culture, environment and tradition play a role in this process. I'd strongly encourage anyone with a hint of curiosity to take the time to visit.

As of 2026, Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 is currently closed to the public, but it's still worth…read morestopping by if you're exploring the Garden District. Even from outside the gates, the rows of above-ground tombs and weathered stonework create the unmistakable atmosphere that New Orleans cemeteries are known for. It remains one of the most recognizable landmarks in the neighborhood and adds to the character of the surrounding streets. I hope by my next visit to the city, I'll be able to walk through the cemetery and experience the interior for myself.

Lafayette Cemetery opened in 1833 in the New Orleans' Garden District. It is a historic &…read morenon-segregated cemetery known for its above-ground family tombs and cruciform layout. It was the burial place for thousands of New Orleanians, including victims of yellow fever & has served as a filming location for movies and TV programs. The cemetery is currently closed to the public due to ongoing repairs and maintenance, so we walked around the cemetery peering inside.

What a lovely and large cemetery. It was so nice to walk around. There were people around visiting…read moreloved ones, or maybe not so loved ones. Well maintained, very nice. Some monuments, some benches, a lot of flowers, a freshly dug grave here, one over there. Come and walk around. Be respectful to those who live here, they can't leave their forever homes.

This place is touching. Poignant. Heart wrenching. Special. Holt Cemetery, a former pauper's…read morefield, has been a Black cemetery since it's creation in 1879. Oftentimes families bury their loved ones here because they can't afford traditional arrangements. From the research I've found, one man cares for the cemetery and does the burials by hand, and isn't paid or employed by the city. The city does not maintain this cemetery as it does many of the others. Bodies are often buried on top of one another and because NOLA is below sea level, you can often find human remains. In one way, it's tragic evidence of inequality and racism, and in another, it's an example of the resilient spirit, deep love, soul, and devotion of the Black community. Graves date from the 1800s through the 2020s. It's really untelling how many bodies reside within the cemetery, as graves are reused and weather and climate change have ravaged and degraded many of the sites. You'll notice there appears to be a disproportionate number of veteran graves, but that's not because the number is particularly high. Veterans were buried here because they weren't allowed burial in military cemeteries. Their provided stones are sturdier so they just stay around longer. Graves are soul touching memorials to loved ones. Nick names. Misspelled words. Coarse markings on a plain stone for a beloved mother. Stuffed animals. Mardi gras beads. Beer bottles and trinkets. Writing about it now brings tears to my eyes. Another affecting aspect of the cemetery, and it's crudely cut grass and faded historical markers, is the fact that jazz legend Buddy Bolden is in this cemetery in an unmarked grave. A pioneer coronet player, Buddy spent the later years of his life in a mental institution due to schizophrenia, and was buried here because he was indigent. A memorial has been erected for him. The city has threatened to raze the cemetery. They say there is no saving it in the current form. Luckily that plan has never come to fruition. The last time they even attempted to perform some upkeep was 2013. This is a place you shouldn't put off seeing, not only because it's a moving study in Black culture, New Orleans culture, and inequity, but because you never know when it may be gone. We stayed in the French Quarter. We walked up to Canal and caught the outgoing red street car labeled "cemeteries." We got off at the at the intersection of Canal and North Rampart. From there it was a 4/10th of a mile walk. They have limited hours. Closed on Sunday. Saturday 8-4, weekdays 8-2:45.

Great night time adventure! We loved it and our guide. Highly recommended. Started on time and the…read morebeignet stop was delicious!

I have to give Estelle Wilson Funeral Home a 10 out of 10. During one of the most difficult times…read moremy family has ever experienced, they exceeded every expectation and provided exceptional service, compassion, and professionalism. Miss Betty was truly amazing. From the very beginning of the arrangements, through the jazz funeral service, and all the way until the final transition of transferring my loved one to another funeral home for burial out of town, she handled everything with care, patience, and respect. The attention to detail, communication, and genuine compassion shown by Miss Betty and the entire Estelle Wilson Funeral Home team meant so much to our family. They understood that this was more than just a service -- it was about honoring a life, celebrating memories, and giving our loved one the farewell they deserved. They made a difficult process feel easier by being there every step of the way and making sure every request was met. Their dedication and professionalism truly stood out. I highly recommend Estelle Wilson Funeral Home to any family looking for a funeral home that will treat your loved one with dignity and provide your family with the care and support you need during such an important time. Thank you, Miss Betty, and the entire Estelle Wilson Funeral Home family, for going above and beyond. Your service and compassion will never be forgotten.

It's closed, but we looked through the gates. Hauntingly beautiful. A must see in the garden…read moredistrict.

We enjoyed walking around the cemetery and seeing the unique tombs and challenges that Louisiana…read morehas in burying the dead due to their swampy conditions. This cemetery is in the Garden District of New Orleans and was founded in the early 1800s. It is still an active cemetery and currently houses over a thousand tombs. It's one of the unique and historical cemeteries in the area and also one of the less touristy. It's really interesting to read the tombstones and see how many individuals died so young during these centuries due to disease and allows you to really appreciate modern medicine as well as the sanitation conditions that we enjoy here in the United States. We were there about an hour before the gates close and it was rather obnoxious that the security guard started that early driving around on a golf cart and megaphoning at everyone walking about. However, I suppose it must be difficult to get people to comply with the hours. I read online that the cemetery has been closed late last year due to the poor condition of the graves and needing renovation. Hopefully they will be able to restore this beautiful piece of history and reopen it soon.