If you’re coming to New Orleans and planning on visiting the cemeteries, here’s what you need to know:

• WATER!  This cannot be stressed enough- no matter the time of year, hydration is essential. Most of the cemeteries are all marble and concrete- you’ll get thirsty and tired sooner than you’d expect. We’ve seen too many people pass out simply because they hadn’t prepared, particularly if they’ve been partaking of Bourbon Street the night before and low on sleep. If you’re able, throw a couple of water bottles in a freezer for several hours to keep them fresh and cool longer. There aren’t many places nearby the cemeteries to buy more, and although there are faucets in the graveyards, the water is not potable.
• Be aware of the neighborhood- If you’re planning to go further afield than the French Quarter, it’s imperative that you have an idea of how safe the neighborhood is. Cemeteries here aren’t called ‘Cities of the Dead’ for nothing- it’s very easy to hide amongst the tombs and cause mischief. Check the cemetery listing here to get a basic idea of what to expect. Always err on the side of caution.
• Keep your important numbers with you-  energy can fall unexpectedly in the heat and it can be easy to get turned around and lost. Streetcars can get delayed for long stretches of time and you may not want to wait. Being able to fall into a temperature controlled cab can feel like a godsend. Two of the most reputable in the city are United Cabs ((504) 522-9771) and White Fleet ((504) 822-3800), and many of the hotels have shuttles that may be willing to come pick you up as well.
• Consider an organized tour on your first time out- if you’re new to the strange local burial customs, you might want to take a professionally organized tour. They typically can be had for under $30 (less for children and students) and can provide a good overview in a few hours. Afterward you can take what you’ve learned and feel more confident farther afield.
  • But do not, under any circumstances, mark stupid X’s on any tomb, any where! This is a custom started by some mercenary tour guides trying to inject some voodoo and mystery into the tour. It’s hooey, of course, but the practice is quickly destroying tombs, particularly in vulnerable St. Louis No. 1 and Lafayette Cemetery. Read this for more info.
• Size matters! Some of the smaller cemeteries, like St. Louis No.1 and  Lafayette No. 1 are easily explored on foot, while others like St. Louis No.3 and Lakelawn require a car to see more than a tiny fraction. Check the map for an idea of how best to tour each one. 
• Hours matter, too! Most of the cemeteries the Catholic Archdiocese oversee close at 4pm, and some aren’t open on Sundays at all. Those that are overseen by the city theoretically close then at 4pm, too, but they’re considerably more lax and many don’t have proper gates to lock anyway. Those overseen by private clubs or organizations have their own schedules as well, so it’s always a good idea to check before setting out.

Don’t let the list scare you off- our cemeteries are amazing places full of grace and beauty; as long as you remember to put safety first you’ll have a great time exploring, and if you have any questions, please feel free to email me and I’ll do my best to help!

Tess