Metairie Cemetery can feel like New Orleans art class—under a tree canopy. This guided walk takes you through marble tombs and funerary symbols that tell stories about power, faith, and the city’s oddball characters.

I especially love how the tour turns famous graves into real context. One guide I learned from, Sally, is big on turning architecture and burial customs into sharp stories you can actually picture, and her extra nuggets go beyond names on stone. I also like the add-on value of insider tips on food, music, and culture, so you leave with ideas for the same night, not just cemetery trivia.

One consideration: you’re walking paths on cemetery terrain for about two hours, and that can be a lot if you’re slow on your feet. The tour also does not include bottled water, so plan to bring a reusable bottle if you run warm.

Key things you should notice before you go

• Metairie’s “millionaires and mausoleums” theme is really about how people wanted to be remembered
• Former racetrack history adds a surprising layer to what you see on the grounds
• Ornate funerary art includes things like weeping angels, Greek Temples, Islamic pavilions, and more
• Small group size (max 18) keeps the pace conversational instead of rushed
• Guide storytelling can be huge: Sally’s style is story-forward; Glenn is noted for a quick pace
• Good-weather dependent: you’ll enjoy it more when the weather plays along

Entering Metairie: why this cemetery feels like a New Orleans destination

Metairie Cemetery is one of those places that stops you mid-sentence. Not because it’s scary, but because it’s so extra—white marble, dramatic shapes, and symbolic details that look more like monuments than simple burial markers. The tour name says millionaires and mausoleums, and that’s part of it, but the bigger point is how this city uses art, religion, and status to frame death.

You’re not just touring tombs. You’re reading a past that New Orleans never fully stopped talking about. The grounds cover 127 acres of pastoral space, and the cemetery’s design leans hard into theatrical symbolism: shining pyramids, Greek Temple-style structures, Islamic pavilion details, and mausoleums with weeping angels. Even the animal statues—like the crying dogs—feel like they belong to a story, not a brochure.

And yes, you’ll see political figures, jazz musicians, Storyville figures, mob bosses, and famous names connected to popular culture. Metairie has always functioned as a burial destination, where legacy is displayed as carefully as it is laid to rest.

Meeting at 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd and how to use the first 10 minutes

The tour meets at 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70124 and ends back there after about two hours. This matters because you’re not wandering on your own before you get oriented—you start in the right place with an expert guiding your eyes.

In the first chunk of the walk, your guide usually sets the “how to read Metairie” framework: how burial customs differ from what many visitors expect, and how symbols work on the tombs. If you’re the type who likes meaning behind details, this is where the experience starts paying off.

Also, check the practical stuff early. You’ll use a mobile ticket, so have it ready on your phone before you arrive. And since bottled water is not included, I’d treat this like a small walking outing—comfortable shoes, a bottle you can sip from, and something for sun or rain.

Lake Lawn Metairie: the stop that makes the whole tour worth it

Your main stop is Lake Lawn Metairie, and this is where the tour earns its name. The cemetery is also known for being a former racetrack and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. That’s a wild combo when you first hear it, because the grounds don’t feel like a relic. They feel curated—like the city kept its grand instincts and just repurposed the space.

Here’s what you’ll focus on while you walk:

Ornate marble tombs and funerary art you can actually “read”

You’ll see elaborate marble tombs and funerary details that go beyond decoration. Your guide helps you make sense of why the stone looks the way it does—through symbolism, style, and the customs behind how people were interred.

Expect to spot:

• Weeping angels on mausoleums
• Temple-like forms, including Greek Temple-style elements
• Islamic pavilion architectural details
• Shining pyramids
• Symbolic sculptures, including crying dogs
• More mausoleum features that make the cemetery look like a sculpture park with backstory

Famous names, but with the “why”

Metairie is famous for who is buried there, but the real value is connecting those names to the city they belonged to—New Orleans culture, reputations, and the social world that shaped lives and legacies.

If you’re into New Orleans’ music and nightlife history, this stop is especially satisfying. The cemetery includes people connected to jazz history and to Storyville-era lore. If your interest runs to crime and power, you’ll hear about figures tied to mob life. And if your curiosity reaches literature and pop culture, you’ll pick up the story around famous writers people come specifically to see.

A cemetery that feels shaded and walkable

The tour highlights the chance to visit under the shade of a thousand trees. In plain terms: it’s a better experience when the weather is mild, because you’ll actually enjoy lingering at tombs instead of rushing between them.

Walking pace, terrain, and what to wear for a comfortable 2-hour loop

Two hours in a cemetery sounds simple until you’re on the ground. The experience is built around walking between tombs and side paths, and the terrain can be uneven. One guide note specifically calls out that the cemetery includes bumpy sections in some side areas, and a quick pace may not suit everyone. That’s not a reason to skip—it’s a heads-up to plan.

Here’s what I’d do so you’re not thinking about your feet:

• Wear shoes with solid grip (not dress shoes or smooth-soled sneakers)
• Skip strollers if you can, or be ready for awkward going on uneven ground
• If you use mobility aids, consider that the tour can involve side paths and a brisk pace depending on the guide

Weather matters too. The experience requires good weather, so plan for flexibility. If conditions are bad, you’re set up for a different date or a full refund.

Your guide makes or breaks the stories (Sally vs. Glenn style)

The most consistent praise in the tour experience is the guide—especially Sally. When Sally is your guide, the vibe is story-forward and detail-rich. People describe her as passionate about cemetery history and symbolism, and she’s not just reciting dates. She turns stone details into scenes, including the kind of context that makes you understand why certain tombs look the way they do.

Sally also has a podcast called Eat, Drink, and Be Buried, and that shows up in the way she frames the past: food, culture, local references, and the personalities behind the monuments. If that kind of storytelling appeals to you, you’re going to click with her style.

If Glenn is your guide, there’s a separate practical note: he moves at a quick pace, and the cemetery’s terrain may not be ideal for people who use mobility devices or for strollers. The upside is that you likely cover a lot of ground quickly, but go in knowing you may need to keep up.

Either way, the tour is designed for a small group—up to 18 people—so it’s easier to ask questions and get answers tied to what you’re looking at right now.

The culture bonus: food, music, and local tips you can use immediately

One of the clever things about this tour is that it doesn’t stop at stone. You also get insider tips about local food, music, and culture. That’s the kind of practical add-on that makes a tour feel worth paying for, because you can apply it the same day.

Here’s how it tends to land for you:

• You learn a bit of New Orleans context that helps you understand what you’ll see later in neighborhoods and venues
• You get suggestions that make it easier to pick where to eat or what to do next
• You leave with a sense of the city’s personalities—how the “famous and infamous” side of the past connects to the present

And yes, you may get fun nature moments too. One of the recurring comments is about crows showing up during the tour, including a sense that they’re friendly company rather than an annoyance. In a place built for stories, even the wildlife feels like part of the show.

Price and value: why $35 can make sense for this experience

At $35 per person for about two hours, the value comes from three things working together:

First, the tour includes admission to Metairie Cemetery. You’re not paying just for narration; you’re paying for entry plus the guide time.

Second, you get an expert guide and a focus on interpretation—symbols, burial customs, and what all those architectural features mean. If you’ve ever looked at historic sites and thought, I wish someone would tell me what I’m actually seeing, this tour aims right at that problem.

Third, the local culture tips turn the cemetery visit into a broader New Orleans planning tool. For some visitors, that means fewer wasted hours choosing dinner or a music stop at random.

You also get a real small-group feel with a maximum of 18 travelers, which helps the guide keep the pace and answer questions.

What’s included (and what you should plan to bring)

Included:

• Expert guide
• Admission/entry to Metairie Cemetery
• Insider tips on local food, music, and culture

Not included:

• Bottled water

Practical takeaway: bring your own water. Even if it’s cooler, cemetery walks can still take it out of you.

You should also confirm you have the basics covered for comfort: phone brightness for your mobile ticket, sun protection if it’s bright, and a light layer if evening air bites.

Who should book this tour, and who might want a different pace

This tour is a strong match if you:

• Like history, but want it told through stories and symbolism
• Enjoy architectural details and funerary art you can interpret with help
• Want a smaller-group walk that includes New Orleans culture tips afterward
• Appreciate tours that focus on context, not just names

It may be less ideal if you:

• Need a fully level, easy-surface route and you’re sensitive to uneven terrain
• Get exhausted by brisk walking, since pace can vary by guide

If you’re a slow-and-steady walker, you can still do it—just pick comfortable shoes and be ready to take your time when you can.

Should you book Metairie Millionaires and Mausoleums?

I’d book it if you want New Orleans in a different form: not just balconies and jazz, but how the city remembers its people in stone. The combination of ornate mausoleums, symbolism explained in plain language, and a guide who adds local culture tips makes this more than a quick cemetery photo stop.

If you’re cautious about walking terrain or you hate damp weather, keep an eye on conditions and plan for flexibility. But if the weather cooperates and you can handle two hours of walking, this is a memorable, story-heavy experience at a price that feels fair.

FAQ

How long is the Metairie Cemetery Millionaires and Mausoleums tour?

It runs for about 2 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $35.00 per person.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70124, USA.

Is admission to Metairie Cemetery included?

Yes. Entry/admission to Metairie Cemetery is included.

What do I need to bring?

Bottled water is not included, so I recommend bringing your own. Also wear comfortable shoes since it’s a walking tour.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 18 travelers.

What’s the weather situation and cancellation options?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.