A ghost tour in a cemetery is fun; this one is different. You’ll ride beyond the French Quarter and get real time in the dark among Masonic above-ground tombs and eerie walkways. I like how the night setting turns ordinary burial facts into something you can feel in your gut, not just read on a sign, and the tour leans into the idea of City of the Dead history at human scale.

I also like the way it mixes sightseeing with a guided “do it yourself” vibe. You’ll hear stories on the bus, then you’re given a chance to look closely with a camera and even use an EMF reader at the cemeteries. One drawback to keep in mind: it can feel more party-leaning than strictly scary, and a few people have found the time on site shorter than they wanted.

If you’re after a mellow, respectful evening with spooky atmosphere and lots of local detail, this tour can hit the mark. If you want nonstop jump-scares or long wandering time, you’ll want to set expectations ahead of time and bring your patience for a tight schedule.

Key Things You’ll Notice on This BYOB Cemetery Tour

• After-dark cemetery access with above-ground tombs and night-quiet vibes
• Masonic Temple Cemetery #2: unusual design, communal tomb history, and guided stops in the dark
• City Park timing: a real break at Morning Call Cafe, with iconic oak-and-moss scenery
• Hands-on ghost hunting: you can use an EMF reader and try camera checks for effects like orbs
• A Katrina memorial stop that slows the mood and adds meaning to the route

Why the Night-Access Cemetery Part Matters

New Orleans does cemeteries right, but most “haunted history” tours keep you in the street-level drama of the French Quarter. This tour takes you out toward quieter areas and, more importantly, gives you time in a cemetery when most other tours are finished. That darkness changes everything: shadows feel deeper, sound carries differently, and even a simple walkway becomes part of the story.

I like that the tour frames the experience around what you can actually see. You’re not just hearing paranormal talk—you’re standing in the places where burial traditions are visible. Above-ground tombs in New Orleans are already unusual in daylight; after dark, they become something else entirely. And because the tour also includes guided history, you get context for why these cemeteries look the way they do, not just a list of spooky labels.

Price, Timing, and What You’re Really Getting for $30

At about $30 per person for roughly 2 hours, this tour is priced like a solid evening activity rather than a full-day excursion. You’re paying for three things that are hard to recreate on your own:

• Transportation by bus beyond the core area
• A live guide with stories plus ghost-hunting prompts
• Coordinated access and timing for cemetery stops

The value is strongest if you want a guided route without doing the planning puzzle yourself. The value is weaker if you’re expecting a long, slow cemetery stroll with lots of free-roaming time. Several experiences on similar tours can vary by group energy and schedule, and this one keeps things moving.

Also note the practical timing: pickup is from the French Quarter meeting point, and you’re told to arrive 30 minutes before departure. Build in time for walking to the bar/meeting area and getting settled, especially if you’re carrying a drink.

Pickup at Voodoo Tavern and the BYOB Rules That Keep the Night Fun

The tour starts at Voodoo Tavern and PoBoys, 1140 Decatur St. This matters because it’s not a random curb stop—you’re right in the French Quarter, surrounded by people and energy, and you can grab drinks there before you board.

This is a BYOB tour, so you bring your own beverages. But the key here is how the operator frames it: drink responsibly, be respectful, and if you’re disruptive you’ll be asked to leave. That rule isn’t just legal paperwork. It’s there because a group bus can turn into a loud party fast, and the guide’s job depends on everyone staying at least somewhat tuned in.

From the experience info, the vibe can swing. Some people loved the music on the bus; others found it too loud or too “party bus.” My practical advice is simple: if you’re sensitive to noise (or you want to focus on stories), try to sit where you’ll get less of the sound system. If you want the best balance of spooky and chatty, arrive on time so you aren’t rushed into wherever the last seat happens to be.

Masonic Temple Cemetery #2: The Above-Ground Tomb Stop

The main cemetery start is Masonic Temple Cemetery #2, founded in 1865 by the Grand Lodge of the State of Louisiana Free and Accepted Masons. This is one of the big reasons the tour feels different. New Orleans cemeteries often get discussed through the lens of Catholic tradition, but the Masons tell another story—more communal, more structured, and visually distinctive.

Here’s what you’ll be looking at:

• The cemetery occupies two oddly shaped city blocks with Conti Street bisecting it
• The layout uses a triangular plan and angular walkways that mirror the Masonic square and compass idea
• Tombs are arranged in compact rows, with a wide central promenade for access to smaller walkways
• Cast-iron picket fences and oak alleés frame the space

The guide’s job in this stop is to connect those details to real burial practice. I like tours that show you why a cemetery looks like this, not just that it looks old. When you understand the communal nature of lodge tombs, the cemetery becomes less random and more intentional. In other words: it reads like architecture, not just graves.

Time here is about 30 minutes, and the tour includes admission ticket for this portion. That’s a short window for deep exploration, so listen closely when the guide points out specific spots—and then use the time to wander with purpose rather than aimlessly drifting.

Camera tip for the spooky-minded

Bring your camera. The tour specifically encourages checking photos for things like orbs or other signs. You don’t need to treat every effect as a ghost. But doing a photo review later turns the visit into a shared game and gives you something concrete to do during the quieter moments.

City Park and Morning Call Cafe: A Break That Helps You Stay in the Mood

Between cemetery walking, the tour passes through City Park, one of the nation’s oldest urban parks, established in 1854. This stop is more than a breather. The setting gives your brain a reset: you swap the tight cemetery geometry for open paths under historic oaks.

The tour also builds in a break at Morning Call Cafe, where you can purchase coffee and beignets. I like this because it grounds the night in real New Orleans routines. You’re not only chasing chills; you’re experiencing the city’s habit of turning a snack run into a culture moment.

What to watch for: some people have wanted more bathroom time or additional breaks. The schedule can feel tight, so if you know you’ll need a stop, don’t wait until you’re desperate. Grab what you need during the café break.

Katrina Memorial: Why This Stop Changes the Tone

The end-of-route emotional anchor is the Hurricane Katrina Memorial, with a focus on the 85 unclaimed victims from the 2005 levee failures. This isn’t played like a horror set piece. It’s more of a pause—an acknowledgment that the city’s “city of the dead” story includes very modern tragedies.

The tour also mentions Odd Fellows Rest, described as reserved for members of a little-known group. Even if you don’t know the names going in, this kind of stop gives you a wider view of how New Orleans organizes remembrance.

If you’re only in it for ghost stories, this part might feel like a mood shift. I see that as a plus. It’s one of the reasons cemetery tours can matter beyond scare factor: the details connect to how people cope, mourn, and remember.

Guides Like Henry, Ray, and Roy Make or Break the Experience

Live commentary is the heart of a guided ghost-and-cemetery tour, and the feedback you’re given strongly emphasizes guide energy. Names that come up often include Henry, Ray, and Roy. People describe them as funny, engaging, and strong at blending local burial history with story delivery.

You’ll also notice two different approaches in the feedback:

• Some guides steer you toward interaction: tools, prompts, and active listening while you walk
• Some guides keep it more scenic and let the cemetery “do the work,” which can feel light if you wanted more narrative

In practice, you’ll do best if you treat the tour like a guided hunt for meaning. Ask questions if your guide welcomes them. If you’re offered an EMF reader, use it. If you’re told how to look at tomb features, do that. The more you participate, the more you’ll get from the limited time on foot.

Walking Level and What to Wear on a Night Cemetery Route

This tour includes a fair amount of walking, but it’s mostly on flat surfaces, and it’s not described as strenuous. Still, it’s a night cemetery setting, so wear comfortable shoes and layered clothing based on weather. Smart casual fits the dress code, but comfort matters more than style.

A practical heads-up: the bus used for this tour is not wheelchair accessible, and the tour requires guests to be able to walk and navigate a few steps to board and exit.

Service animals are allowed, and the tour is listed as suitable for ages 6 and up. The content includes morbid tales, so for younger kids, discretion is smart.

Is This Tour Scary or More Spooky History?

It’s both, but the balance can tilt. The “ghost” part is real in the sense that you’ll hear paranormal-style stories, check for visual effects in photos, and use an EMF reader. Some people absolutely want that supernatural framing.

But the tour also includes a lot of burial tradition, cemetery architecture, and New Orleans memorial context. If your personal definition of scary is jump-scares and nonstop fear, you might find it more atmospheric than intense. If your definition is hands-on ghost hunting plus a guided history walk in the dark, you’ll likely enjoy it more.

Also, remember the BYOB element. A few comments describe loud music on the bus and a party energy at times. That doesn’t mean the tour is unsafe or disrespectful. It does mean you should go in ready for a night social atmosphere, not a hushed séance.

Who Should Book This Tour (and Who Might Want a Different Option)

Book it if:

• You want cemetery time after dark with a guide steering the experience
• You like above-ground tombs and want the burial-practice context
• You’re interested in a small, guided ghost-hunting style experience using an EMF reader
• You want a short, affordable evening outing without doing the route planning

Consider a different type of tour if:

• You want long free-wandering time in the cemetery
• You’re sensitive to noise and want a quiet, spooky narration
• You’re hoping for a strictly serious horror experience with minimal social energy

This tour caps at 56 travelers, which usually helps with manageability, and it can also mean seating can matter. If you’re picky about where you sit for sound levels, arrive early and board calmly.

Should You Book the Cemetery and Ghost BYOB Bus Tour?

If you want a night tour that mixes New Orleans cemetery design, Masonic burial tradition, and a meaningful memorial stop—while adding ghost-hunting prompts and the fun of checking photos later—this is an easy yes. The $30 price feels fair for what you get: transportation, live guidance, timed cemetery access, and a break that keeps the night moving.

I’d book it especially if you enjoy guided storytelling more than you enjoy quiet DIY exploring. And if you’re going for maximum spook factor, go in with the right expectation: it’s spooky, but it’s also history and atmosphere, with a BYOB party edge that may or may not be your ideal.

FAQ

Is parking available near the meeting point?

There is limited parking near the French Quarter departure location (parking rates apply and may vary). Because it’s in a busy area, the recommendation is to walk or use public transportation, or consider a ride share like Uber or Lyft.

Can I use public transportation to reach the meeting location?

Yes. Public transportation is available with stops near the departure location.

How early should I arrive before the tour starts?

Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time, since pickup happens from the meeting area in the French Quarter.

Which cemetery does this tour visit?

This tour typically visits the Masonic Temple Cemetery #2, and it also may include other cemetery locations such as the Charity Hospital pauper’s field, depending on the route.

Does this tour include Marie Laveau’s tomb?

No. Marie Laveau’s tomb is in St. Louis Cemetery 1, and that location is not included on this tour.

Does the tour visit the Hurricane Katrina Memorial?

Yes. The route includes a visit to the Hurricane Katrina Memorial.

Is the tour family friendly?

Yes, the tour is appropriate for guests ages 6 and above. The stories can include morbid details, so discretion is advised for younger kids.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

No. The bus used for this tour is not wheelchair accessible, and guests must be able to walk and navigate steps to board and exit.

Are drinks included, and where can I buy them?

Drinks are not included. You can bring your own, and you can also pick up drinks at the meeting location at Voodoo Tavern and PoBoys. The tour encourages responsible drinking and respectful behavior on the bus.