New Orleans: Garden District and Lafayette Cemetery Tour

Exploring the Garden District and Lafayette Cemetery Tour: A Detailed Experience Review

If you’re planning a trip to New Orleans and want to wander beyond the bustling French Quarter, the Garden District and Lafayette Cemetery Tour offers a captivating glimpse into the city’s elegant residential past. While it’s not a huge time investment—just two hours for $30—it promises a blend of historic architecture, celebrity homes, and film locations, all led by knowledgeable guides who bring the neighborhood’s stories to life.

From the picturesque St. Charles Avenue Streetcar to the hauntingly beautiful Lafayette Cemetery, this tour packs a lot of sights and stories into a compact package. It’s especially appealing for history buffs, architecture lovers, and anyone fascinated by the cultural clash between Creole and American influences. However, a key consideration from recent reviews is that you can’t actually enter Lafayette Cemetery as it’s permanently closed to the public, so the tour focuses on seeing the exterior and learning about its significance.

This experience suits travelers seeking an authentic, informative walk through one of New Orleans’ most iconic neighborhoods, with plenty of opportunities to snap photos, learn about famous residents, and enjoy the stunning architecture.

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Good To Know

• Beautiful Architecture: See a mix of Greek Revival, Italianate, Gothic, Queen Anne, and Swiss Chalet styles, reflecting New Orleans’ diverse cultural influences.
• Celebrity & Film Ties: Homes associated with Anne Rice, Nicolas Cage, and the Manning brothers, plus filming locations like The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
• Historic Landmarks: Important sites such as Jefferson Davis’ death spot and Buckner Mansion from American Horror Story.
• Transportation & Convenience: The tour starts at a charming bookshop within walking distance of the St. Charles Streetcar, making it easy to access.
• Value for Money: At $30, the tour offers a solid introduction to the district, especially considering the expertise of guides who share lively stories.
• Limitations: Lafayette Cemetery is not accessible for entry, which might disappoint those expecting an inside look.

An In-Depth Look at the Garden District and Lafayette Cemetery Tour

Starting Point and Getting There

The meeting point is inside the Garden District Book Shop at 2727 Prytania Street, located in The Rink at the corner of Washington and Prytania. If you’re coming from the French Quarter, the easiest way is to hop on the historic St. Charles Streetcar from Canal and Carondelet. It’s a scenic 15-minute ride, and travelers should aim to board at least 30 minutes before the scheduled tour to ensure they arrive on time. Exiting the streetcar at Washington Avenue places you right at the meeting spot, giving you a chance to soak in the neighborhood’s charm even before the tour begins.

The Guides and Tour Atmosphere

Tour guides like the one described in recent reviews are often praised for their informative and engaging storytelling. One traveler mentioned, “Our tour guide was very informative,” emphasizing the value of a guide who can articulate the neighborhood’s layered history and architectural details with enthusiasm. It’s clear that guides who have a knack for sharing lesser-known stories or highlighting interesting details—like the origins of certain fences or the stories behind celebrity homes—enrich the experience considerably.

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The Architectural Marvels

The Garden District is truly a feast for the eyes. As you stroll along broad, tree-lined streets, you’ll see homes that are live museum pieces, showcasing styles like Greek Revival, Italianate, Gothic, and Queen Anne. Many of these properties are former or current residences of notable figures like the Manning brothers (Peyton, Eli, and Archie), Anne Rice, Trent Reznor, Nicolas Cage, and John Goodman.

One particularly notable site is the Buckner Mansion, which gained fame as Miss Robichaux’s Academy in American Horror Story. While you can’t go inside, the exterior alone is a jaw-dropper, with its grand façade and lush gardens. The Cornstalk Fence House is another standout, offering insight into period-specific decorative fencing that adds a touch of mystique to the neighborhood.

Film and Celebrity Connections

For fans of Hollywood and pop culture, this tour offers a chance to see the homes of celebrities and film locations. The mention of Brad Pitt’s The Curious Case of Benjamin Button film site, in particular, adds a cinematic dimension to the walk. You’ll learn how the neighborhood’s architecture has served as a backdrop for many productions, making it feel like a living film set.

Lafayette Cemetery and Its Limitations

One of the most anticipated stops on any Garden District tour is Lafayette Cemetery, famous for its historic tombs and ghost stories. Unfortunately, recent reviews clarify that the cemetery is permanently closed to visitors, meaning you won’t be able to enter or explore the tombs firsthand. Guides will still point out the notable graves and share stories about the burial customs and history, but this can leave cemetery enthusiasts a bit disappointed if they expected to wander among the tombs.

The Historic and Cultural Context

One of the tour’s strengths is highlighting the contrast between the Creole and American sectors of New Orleans. The streets are like open-air museums, showcasing architectural styles that reflect the neighborhood’s complex cultural fabric. Guides often explain how these styles symbolize different social and cultural influences, providing deeper understanding beyond the visual spectacle.

The Cost and Value

At $30, this tour offers a cost-effective way to get a rundown of the neighborhood. While it’s primarily a walking tour, the guide’s storytelling and the visual feast of architecture make it worth the price. Just keep in mind that the tour is focused on exterior views—so if you’re interested in interior access or a cemetery visit, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

Additional Considerations

The tour lasts about two hours—a manageable duration that allows for a relaxed pace without feeling rushed. The group size tends to be small to medium, fostering an intimate environment for questions and personal observations. The tour is available in the morning and afternoon, offering flexibility for your sightseeing plans.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect for architecture buffs, history lovers, and fans of pop culture. It suits those who enjoy guided storytelling and want a snapshot of New Orleans’ elegance and cinematic appeal without committing to longer or more intense excursions. It’s especially good for travelers staying near the French Quarter or those looking for an easy, accessible introduction to the Garden District.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth Your Time and Money?

If you want a balanced, engaging overview of the Garden District with friendly guides and a focus on architecture, celebrity homes, and film sites, this tour delivers well for its $30 price tag. The experience best suits those interested in visual beauty and cultural stories, rather than interior visiting or cemetery exploration.

While the permanent closure of Lafayette Cemetery is a drawback, the exterior views and storytelling still provide a meaningful glimpse into New Orleans’ historic neighborhoods. It’s a good choice if you want a short, informative walk that can be easily incorporated into a day of exploring the city.

For travelers who prefer a more comprehensive cemetery experience or interior access, consider supplementing this tour with other options, but for a quick, visually appealing introduction—this tour hits the right notes.

FAQ: Common Questions About the Garden District Tour

Is the Lafayette Cemetery included in the tour?
No, Lafayette Cemetery is permanently closed to visitors, so the tour focuses on viewing the exterior and learning its history.

How long is the tour?
The walking tour lasts approximately 2 hours, providing a relaxed pace to enjoy the scenery and stories.

Where does the tour meet?
It starts inside the Garden District Book Shop at 2727 Prytania Street, near the corner of Washington Avenue.

How do I get to the meeting point?
From the French Quarter, take the St. Charles Streetcar from Canal and Carondelet, exiting at Washington Avenue—about a 15-minute ride.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, there’s free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers the tour guide and the walking tour itself. Food and drinks are not included.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The focus on architecture and history makes it suitable for older children, but it may be less engaging for very young kids.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews highlight guides who are both informative and entertaining, enhancing the experience with lively stories.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, especially since it’s an outdoor tour.

Can I join if I don’t speak English fluently?
The tour is conducted in English, so some proficiency is helpful for fully appreciating the commentary.

In The Sum Up

The New Orleans Garden District and Lafayette Cemetery Tour offers a beautiful, manageable way to see one of the city’s most elegant neighborhoods. It’s ideal for those interested in architecture, celebrity homes, and film locations, all delivered through engaging guides. While cemetery access is unavailable, the exterior views and storytelling compensate with plenty of visual interest and historical context.

This tour provides excellent value for travelers who want a quick yet enriching glimpse into New Orleans’ character, without breaking the bank. It’s best suited for curious visitors who enjoy a leisurely walk with plenty of stories and photo opportunities along the way. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for a second look, this experience adds a charming layer to your New Orleans exploration.

Enjoy discovering the elegance and stories of the Garden District—your perfect introduction to this historic neighborhood.

You can check if your dates are available here: