Cemetery and Ghost BYOB Bus Tour in New Orleans

After dark, New Orleans cemeteries feel even more alive. This Cemetery and Ghost BYOB Bus Tour trades the usual French Quarter ghost run for a “City of the Dead” night walk with above-ground tombs and real burial customs. You ride out by bus, stop in quieter spots, then end with a reflective visit tied to Hurricane Katrina.

What I like most is the cemetery access after nightfall. You’re not just hearing spooky stories from a street corner—you’re walking among tombs while a guide explains the traditions that shaped them. Second, I like that the tour doesn’t ignore the city’s big picture: it includes time at the Hurricane Katrina Memorial, so the night has more meaning than jump-scare scares.

One thing to consider: the vibe can swing. Some departures feel story-heavy and fun; others lean more party-bus (loud music, less time wandering). If you want quiet, candlelight seriousness, you’ll want to plan accordingly.

Key highlights worth planning for

• Masonic Temple Cemetery #2 at night: unusual tombs and a layout tied to Masonic symbolism
• BYOB on the bus: bring drinks, but expect a social atmosphere and follow the group rules
• A ride beyond the French Quarter: quieter routes plus City Park scenery breaks up the night
• Ghost hunting tools: the guide helps you use an included EMF reader
• Meaningful stop at the Hurricane Katrina memorial: a somber pause for unclaimed victims of 2005

Why this New Orleans ghost tour feels different at night

Most ghost tours in New Orleans keep things convenient. They circle famous streets where you can hear a story and keep moving. This one changes the setting. You’re taken into a cemetery—the city’s “City of the Dead”—where above-ground burial is part of daily reality, not a weird urban legend.

That shift matters. In daylight, tombs and monuments can look like architecture. At night, you see shadows. You notice how narrow walkways funnel you forward. And when someone explains how these burial practices work—how families pooled resources, how communal tombs were built—it turns the spooky tone from generic horror into something specific to New Orleans.

The bus piece also helps. You’re not stuck trying to coordinate multiple cemetery visits on your own, and you get taken past more residential neighborhoods rather than staying locked in the same tourist corridor. For a first trip, that route gives you a wider feel for the city.

Price and value: what $30 buys you (and what it doesn’t)

At about $30 per person for roughly 2 hours, you’re paying for three things: guided night access to major burial sites, transportation between locations, and live commentary all the way through. That’s decent value if you’re the kind of traveler who wants structure and context instead of researching tomb history alone.

You’re also getting a social twist: BYOB is part of the format, and the bus becomes part of the experience (music, jokes, and a guide who keeps the energy moving). If you go in expecting a quiet, slow cemetery tour, you might feel the pacing is too quick or too fun-for-partygoers. If you go in wanting a night out that’s still tied to local history, the price starts to make more sense.

Finally, time matters. You will walk, but the cemetery stops aren’t long enough to treat this as a full self-guided photography session. Think of it as guided entry plus controlled exploration—not a half-day independent cemetery marathon.

Getting on board: pickup at Voodoo Tavern and the early-arrive trick

The night starts at the meeting point in the French Quarter: Voodoo Tavern and PoBoys, 1140 Decatur St. Plan to arrive about 30 minutes before departure—this isn’t just a polite suggestion. It gives you time to find the exact pickup area, get settled, and avoid the kind of stress that can mess with the whole experience.

Parking is limited around the French Quarter, so it’s smart to use public transit, walking, or a ride-share if you can. The area is busy, and you don’t want to spend your spooky night hunting for a curb.

Once you’re loaded, the bus ride is where the guide builds momentum. Guides associated with this tour—people like Henry, Roy, Ray, and Marcus—are often described as entertaining and interactive, with a mix of humor and cemetery context. That matters because the tour is partly about storytelling and partly about atmosphere.

BYOB etiquette: how to keep the night fun without ruining it

This is a BYOB tour. Drinks aren’t included, but you can buy something at the meeting spot (the Voodoo Tavern and PoBoys is part of the setup). The key thing: the operator explicitly asks you to drink responsibly and be respectful. If you cause problems, you can be asked to leave.

So I’d treat it like a group dinner, not a frat party. Keep your drinks manageable. Don’t make it a distraction for the guide or the people around you. If you’re sensitive to loud audio, know this style of tour sometimes includes music on the bus—some people find it fun, others find it too loud, especially from the back.

One practical move: bring what you need to stay comfortable—layer for night air, and consider earplugs if you’re tinnitus-prone. A BYOB night plus loud music can be rough if you’re not expecting it.

The main stop: Masonic Temple Cemetery #2 and its above-ground tombs

The tour’s signature cemetery stop is Masonic Temple Cemetery #2, founded in 1865 by the Grand Lodge of the State of Louisiana Free and Accepted Masons. This place is different from the Catholic cemeteries most visitors picture in New Orleans.

Here’s what makes it worth your attention:

• The cemetery is enclosed and organized in two distinct sections, with cast-iron picket fences separating them.
• The layout is triangular, with Conti Street bisecting the area.
• Internal walkways mimic the Masonic square and compass concept, which is a cool detail if you like symbolism.
• Oak allées line parts of the edges, creating that classic cemetery feel—dark branches, repeating paths, and a sense of order.

Most New Orleans cemetery tours explain the city’s above-ground burial tradition in broad terms. This one spends time on why these tombs look the way they do—how communal planning and pooled resources shaped large group tombs and tight layouts.

And you’ll likely get a guided hunt vibe during the walk. The tour includes an EMF reader (and the guide can help you use it), which turns the cemetery from history-only into an interactive experience. If you’re into photography, bring your camera. The tour format encourages you to check for things like orbs or other signs you capture in the dark.

City Park pause: Morning Call Cafe break and the change of mood

Between cemetery stops, the tour passes through City Park, one of the country’s oldest urban parks, with a history stretching back to the mid-1800s. Even when the tour is leaning spooky, the City Park segment gives your brain a small reset.

There’s also a break at Morning Call Cafe, where you can buy coffee and beignets. This is a practical win. Night tours can mess with hunger and energy, and the ability to grab a warm drink and snack is a big quality-of-life upgrade.

If you’re traveling with someone who gets cranky when they’re hungry, this stop often becomes the saving grace of the entire night. Just remember: this isn’t a full meal break. It’s more of a quick recharge.

Hurricane Katrina Memorial: why this stop matters

Not every ghost tour makes room for grief and civic memory. This one includes a visit to the Hurricane Katrina Memorial, a contemplative stop at the site of 85 unclaimed victims from the 2005 levee failures.

Even if you came for the supernatural angle, this part shifts the emotional register. It’s a reminder that New Orleans’ haunting isn’t only ghost stories. Disasters leave physical markers, and a good tour should let you see how the city remembers.

If you prefer your night strictly lighthearted, this stop can feel heavy. But if you want a New Orleans experience that feels real—history, architecture, and hardship together—this is the moment that gives the tour weight.

Pacing, wandering time, and what to do if you want more than a quick look

Here’s the honest trade-off with a bus tour: you’re moving fast. Even with guided walking, you may not get the long, slow wandering time you’d expect from a dedicated self-guided cemetery day.

Some departures can feel like a short guided loop, then a quick “look around on your own” window. Other departures may feel more story-driven and keep the group engaged throughout. Either way, you’ll want to control what you can:

• If you want photos, be ready to shoot quickly. Bring your camera settings and keep batteries charged.
• If you want to spend time lingering, choose your moment when your guide finishes a key point. Don’t get stuck at the back where you can miss explanations.
• If you get motion-sensitive, the bus ride is part of the schedule—plan for that.

This is also a tour where being punctual matters. A couple experiences suggest the bus can be crowded, and the last seat on the bus can be the one that disappears. Arrive early so you’re not stuck negotiating your spot.

How scary is it, really?

This is called a ghost tour, but it’s not an all-out horror show. The focus is on cemetery lore, burial traditions, and paranormal-style tools like the EMF reader. You’ll hear chilling stories, but the “scare” factor comes from the setting, the tone of the guide, and your own willingness to look for signs.

That’s actually a good approach for most visitors. New Orleans doesn’t need fake jump scares to feel haunted. It has real architecture, real superstition, and real ritual burial practices that make the whole place feel charged even without theatrical frights.

If you want maximum terror, you might find this more spooky-history than scary. If you want spooky plus context, it can be an excellent night fit.

Who should book this cemetery ghost BYOB bus tour

Book this if you:

• Want cemetery access after dark without building your own route
• Like the combination of local burial traditions + ghost hunting tools
• Enjoy a social night out with a guide who mixes history and humor
• Are okay with some variability in music volume and how much time you get to roam

Skip it (or adjust expectations) if you:

• Prefer a quiet, museum-style cemetery experience
• Want long independent time at each cemetery
• Are sensitive to loud audio on shared buses

It’s also a better fit for adults and older kids. The tour is for ages 6 and above, but it does include morbid tales that may not be ideal for younger children.

Should you book NOLA GhostRiders? My quick take

If you’re doing New Orleans for the first time and you want something that feels different from the standard night-out routine, I’d consider this a solid pick. The Masonic Temple Cemetery #2 stop and the Katrina Memorial give you a blend of eerie atmosphere and real local meaning that most short ghost tours lack.

Just go in prepared for a social BYOB bus vibe and a schedule that prioritizes multiple stops over endless wandering. If that sounds fun, you’ll likely have a night you remember—and you’ll come away with a better grasp of how New Orleans burial culture shapes its haunting folklore.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the Cemetery and Ghost BYOB Bus Tour?

The tour starts at Voodoo Tavern and PoBoys, 1140 Decatur St, New Orleans. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What places does the tour visit?

The tour includes Masonic Temple Cemetery #2 and visits other locations such as Charity Hospital pauper’s field, plus stops that include the Hurricane Katrina Memorial and Odd Fellows Rest.

Is Marie Laveau’s tomb included?

No. Marie Laveau’s tomb is not included on this tour. Her tomb is located in St. Louis Cemetery 1, which is not part of the itinerary.

Is there an EMF reader or ghost-hunting equipment?

Yes. The guide helps you use an included EMF reader to look for signs of paranormal activity.

Is the tour BYOB and are drinks included?

Drinks are not included, but you’re welcome to bring your own. The tour encourages you to drink responsibly and be respectful of others.

Is this tour family friendly and what age is allowed?

The tour is appropriate for guests ages 6 and above. It includes some morbid tales that can be scary for younger kids, so discretion is advised.

Is the bus wheelchair accessible?

The bus is not wheelchair accessible. The tour is mostly on flat surfaces, but guests must be able to walk and navigate a few steps to board and exit.