New Orleans Metairie Cemetery Tour: Millionaires and Mausoleums

The Metairie Cemetery in New Orleans is a captivating destination for those intrigued by the city’s rich history and lavish architecture. This 2-hour tour promises an intimate exploration of the cemetery’s opulent tombs and tranquil grounds, led by the knowledgeable guide Sally. Travelers will discover the resting places of notable figures like Al Copeland and Anne Rice, while delving into the local culture, stunning design, and fascinating stories that make this cemetery truly one-of-a-kind. With limited group sizes, visitors can expect an immersive and personalized experience – but the true allure lies in what awaits beyond the cemetery’s sphinx guardians.

Key Points

• 2-hour guided tour through the lavish Metairie Cemetery, featuring the elaborate tombs and mausoleums of prominent New Orleans figures.
• Learn about the history and stories behind notable personalities buried in the cemetery, including Al Copeland, Anne Rice, and Ruth Fertel.
• Explore the peaceful grounds and sphinx guardians that contribute to the cemetery’s unique and captivating atmosphere.
• Tour with a maximum of 18 travelers for a personalized experience, led by an expert guide praised for their historical knowledge and storytelling abilities.
• Convenient meeting point, on-site parking, and hassle-free booking and cancellation policy make this tour an accessible option for visitors.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The Metairie Cemetery Tour is a 2-hour excursion that takes visitors through the iconic final resting place of notable New Orleans figures.

With 231 reviews and a 100% traveler recommendation, the tour boasts a Badge of Excellence.

Guests will marvel at the lavish tombs, peaceful trees, and sphinx guardians as they learn about the lives of figures like Popeyes founder Al Copeland, novelist Anne Rice, and Ruth’s Chris Steak House creator Ruth Fertel.

The tour includes entry, an expert guide, bottled water, and insider tips on local culture.

Meeting and Pickup Information

Travelers meet at the Law Enforcement Memorial, located at 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70124.

It’s recommended to arrive 10 minutes early. Parking is available on-site.

At the conclusion of the tour, guests are returned to the meeting point.

With a maximum of 18 travelers per tour, the experience is intimate and allows for personalized attention from the guide.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is stroller-friendly. Service animals are permitted.

While suitable for most, the tour may not be recommended for those with back problems due to the walking involved.

Tour Experience and Accessibility

With a maximum of 18 travelers per tour, the experience offers an intimate setting that allows for personalized attention from the guide.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it remains stroller-friendly, accommodating visitors of varying mobility. Service animals are also welcomed on the tour.

Though not recommended for those with back problems, the tour is suitable for most travelers looking to explore the cemetery’s lavish tombs, peaceful trees, and enigmatic sphinx guardians.

• The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is stroller-friendly.
• Service animals are allowed on the tour.
• The tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems.
• The tour is suitable for most travelers.

Guest Reviews and Tour Guide Praise

Consistent high ratings and abundant praise for tour guide Sally underscore the informative, engaging, and overall enjoyable experiences that guests consistently highlight in their reviews.

Reviewers praise Sally’s wealth of historical knowledge and captivating storytelling, which bring the cemetery’s past to life.

Many comment on the beauty of the lavish tombs and peaceful grounds, while appreciating the depth of insights provided.

Common themes include descriptions of the tour as "fascinating," "beautiful," and "highly recommended."

The consistently positive feedback and Sally’s reputation as an exceptional guide have undoubtedly contributed to the tour’s 100% traveler recommendation.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

The Metairie Cemetery Tour is priced from $35.00 per person. Guests have the flexibility to cancel their booking up to 24 hours before the tour starts without any penalty.

Plus, a "Reserve now and pay later" option is available, allowing visitors to secure their spot and pay closer to the tour date.

The key booking and cancellation policy details are:

1. Price: From $35.00 per person
2. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour
3. Reserve now and pay later option
4. No refunds for no-shows or last-minute cancellations

This straightforward and transparent policy ensures a hassle-free booking experience for travelers interested in exploring the captivating Metairie Cemetery in New Orleans.

The Opulent Tombs of Metairie Cemetery

Stepping through the gates of Metairie Cemetery, visitors are immediately struck by the opulence and grandeur of the tombs that dot the landscape.

Ornate mausoleums, some resembling miniature castles, showcase the wealth and status of New Orleans’ elite. Intricate carvings, towering columns, and stained glass adorn these elaborate resting places.

The most notable is the Copeland Family Tomb, a lavish structure featuring a sphinx guarding the entrance.

These ostentatious monuments reflect the pride and vanity of the city’s high society, offering a glimpse into the extravagant lives and legacies of the individuals buried within Metairie’s hallowed grounds.

Honoring the Legacy of New Orleans Notables

Beyond the lavish tombs, Metairie Cemetery honors the legacies of several notable figures who’ve left indelible marks on New Orleans’ history and culture.

Among them are:

1. Al Copeland, the founder of the iconic Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, who built an empire from a single restaurant.
2. Anne Rice, the acclaimed vampire novelist whose dark and captivating tales brought international fame to New Orleans.
3. Ruth Fertel, the creator of the renowned Ruth’s Chris Steak House, a culinary institution that expanded globally.

These visionaries’ final resting places within the cemetery serve as a testament to their enduring impact on the city they loved.

Uncovering the Cemetery’s Captivating History

Beneath the stately obelisks and intricate mausoleums of Metairie Cemetery lies a captivating history that transcends the boundaries of the final resting place.

The cemetery serves as a testament to the lives of New Orleans’ most influential figures, from the founder of Popeyes Chicken to the creator of Ruth’s Chris Steak House.

Sphinx guardians keep watch over the ornate tombs, which showcase the wealth and grandeur of the city’s elite.

As visitors explore the serene grounds, they uncover the stories that shaped New Orleans’ rich cultural tapestry, leaving with a deeper appreciation for the city’s past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Photography and Video Recording Allowed During the Tour?

Photography and video recording are allowed during the tour. The tour overview indicates that the admission includes entry to the Metairie Cemetery, so visitors can capture the lavish tombs and peaceful surroundings to their heart’s content.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs or Gifts at the Cemetery?

The tour does not provide an on-site shop for purchasing souvenirs or gifts. However, visitors can explore local shops and markets in the surrounding New Orleans area after the tour to find unique mementos from their cemetery experience.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available On-Site?

Yes, there are restroom facilities available on-site at the Metairie Cemetery. Guests can use the restrooms located within the cemetery grounds during the tour, providing a convenient option for all visitors.

Is the Tour Guide Able to Accommodate Multiple Languages?

The tour guide can accommodate multiple languages on request. Guests should let the tour company know in advance if they require a specific language, and the guide will do their best to provide a bilingual or multilingual experience.

What Is the Dress Code for the Cemetery Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but visitors are advised to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes for walking through the cemetery. There’s no need to dress up, as the focus is on the informative tour experience.

The Sum Up

The Metairie Cemetery Tour in New Orleans offers a captivating exploration of lavish tombs and tranquil grounds, led by a knowledgeable guide. Visitors can discover the resting places of notable figures, learn about the cemetery’s rich history, and appreciate its unique architectural features. With a maximum of 18 travelers, the tour provides an intimate setting for an unforgettable journey into the city’s fascinating past.