Lafayette Cemetery No. 1

New Orleans, Louisiana, US

Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 in New Orleans is the city’s oldest burial ground, famed for its above‑ground tombs and the legendary resting place of voodoo priestess Marie Laveau. Its compact layout and historic monuments make it a vivid snapshot of the city’s past.

Why choose Lafayette Cemetery No. 1

When you wander its shaded walkways, the cemetery’s towering mausoleums reveal the layered stories of New Orleans’ cultures and families. Few sites blend art, history, and folklore as directly, giving you a tangible sense of the city’s unique heritage.

Best for: History lovers · Architecture · Photography · First-timers

Start your Garden District morning here

Begin at Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, then wander the nearby Garden District before lunch at a local eatery.

Morning — Lafayette Cemetery No. 1
11:00 — Garden District
Lunch — Turkey and the Wolf

Visit tips

Enter through the main gate as soon as it opens to avoid the midday crowd.
Take your camera to the south‑west side; the light highlights the ornate tombs best.
Arrive early; the gate closes at 3 p.m., and mornings are less crowded.
Wear comfortable shoes for uneven ground and bring a camera for striking tombs.

Plan your visit

Recommended duration: 1–1.5 hours
Best time of day: Early morning, before 10:00
Hours: 09:00–15:00
Booking: not required — tickets at the gate
Category: historic site
Rated 3.2 by 24 reviewers
Tags: historical, above-ground tombs, voodoo lore

Nearby attractions

Garden District — neighborhood, 2 min walk
Turkey and the Wolf — restaurant, 13 min walk
Surrey's Café & Juice Bar — restaurant, 18 min walk
Mahony's Po-boys — restaurant, 12 min walk
Molly's Rise and Shine — restaurant, 7 min walk

More things to do in New Orleans

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