Cemetery and Ghost BYOB Bus Tour in New Orleans

New Orleans has plenty of spooky stories, but this experience is interesting because it takes you into the quiet “City of the Dead” world after nightfall, with guided access to one of the city’s most unusual graveyards. You’re not just hearing tales from behind the French Quarter crowds, you’re walking among above-ground tombs when the lighting changes everything.

I especially like two parts. First, the stop at Masonic Temple Cemetery #2 is visually different from the Catholic cemeteries most people expect, with its organized layout and striking monuments. Second, the tour leans into hands-on ghost chasing, including an EMF reader moment and prompts to check your photos for orb-type possibilities.

One thing to consider: this is a BYOB format, so the vibe can be more party-leaning than you might want if you’re hunting for quiet, spine-chilling horror. If you want a very serious, hush-your-voice-only atmosphere, you may find you need to tune out some of the bus energy and focus on the walking stops.

Key points to know before you go

• After-dark cemetery access plus a guided walk where the tombs and shadows are part of the atmosphere
• Masonic Temple Cemetery #2 starting point, founded in 1865 by Louisiana Masons, with an unusual above-ground style
• EMF reader and photo checks so you can play along with the paranormal angle
• City Park timing includes a break at Morning Call Cafe for coffee and beignets
• Hurricane Katrina Memorial stop at a site honoring 85 unclaimed victims

Meeting at Voodoo Tavern, then heading out beyond the French Quarter

The tour meets at Voodoo Tavern and PoBoys, 1140 Decatur St. Plan to arrive early, and give yourself that full 30-minute cushion before departure, since pickup begins before you roll out. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not left figuring out late-night transit.

I like this meeting setup because it’s easy to orient yourself with other popular French Quarter stops nearby. And because the group rides together, you get that New Orleans “we’re going somewhere different tonight” feeling without paying for separate transport.

This is also where you should set expectations for the night. It’s a bus tour with live commentary, and the maximum group size is listed at 56, which means you’ll hear the guide clearly while still having enough people to create energy.

The Masonic Temple Cemetery #2 walk: above-ground tombs and Masonic geometry

Your first real stop is Masonic Temple Cemetery #2, founded in 1865 by the Grand Lodge of the State of Louisiana Free and Accepted Masons. This cemetery has a character that feels different from the more famous Catholic cemeteries you hear about in guidebooks. The design is tied to Masonic symbolism, and that shows up in the layout.

Here’s what you’ll notice as you walk:

• The cemetery occupies two oddly shaped city blocks, and Conti Street bisects the area.
• The grounds follow a triangular plan, and the interior paths mimic the Masonic square and compass idea.
• Cast-iron picket fences divide the two sections, and oak allées line the northern and western edges.
• A wide paved promenade runs through the center, with tombs arranged in compact rows parallel to Bienville Street.

Practically, this matters because your guide can lead you through the layout without constantly saying, “Over there, no, the other left.” You also get a real sense of how these communal lodge burial plans shaped the look of the cemetery.

The time on-site at the first stop is listed at about 30 minutes, with admission included. That’s enough time to pause for photos, read the tomb details your guide calls out, and still feel like you did a walking tour rather than a quick roadside photo stop.

City Park and Morning Call Cafe: a mid-tour reset you will appreciate

After the cemetery time, the route passes City Park, which is one of the nation’s oldest urban parks. The tour description frames it as a long-running local stage for dances, concerts, and even duels, and once you’re there at night, it can feel like the city quiets down around you.

This part of the experience is where the tour gives you a break. You stop at Morning Call Cafe, where you can buy coffee and beignets. I like this because it’s not just a sales stop, it’s a practical pause. Night tours can make people tired fast, and a warm drink and a sugar hit can keep you focused for the next walk.

One drawback to plan for: the tour is fairly short overall, so the breaks are still limited in time. If you’re the type who needs lots of restroom time, bring patience and handle it whenever the tour gives you that chance.

Ghost-hunting mode on a bus: EMF, interaction, and camera habits

This tour calls itself a cemetery and ghost BYOB bus experience, and the paranormal angle is part of how the guide tells the story. The tour uses live commentary on board, and the provided information also notes an included EMF reader so you can try locating ghost activity while you’re in the cemetery.

I like when a tour gives you something to do besides standing in place and listening. It turns the night into an active game: you watch for signs, you compare your notes with the group, and you try the photo habit that many guides encourage.

Bring a camera if you want to follow the theme. The tour highlights checking photos for orbs and other signs of paranormal activity. Even if you’re skeptical, it’s fun to compare later and see what you actually captured under night lighting.

A heads-up from the vibe side: the tour format is lively, and music on the bus can be loud depending on the guide and the specific departure. If you have tinnitus or are sensitive to loud audio, you may want to sit closer to the front where you can control the sound better with your own earplugs.

Hurricane Katrina Memorial: a quiet stop with real weight

The final featured stop is the Hurricane Katrina Memorial. It’s a contemplative pause in an otherwise spooky-themed night, and that contrast is part of the value. You’ll be paying respects at a site honoring 85 unclaimed victims from the 2005 levee failures.

I appreciate this stop because it anchors the night in New Orleans reality. The cemetery walking portion is about local burial traditions and ghost stories, but Katrina is about how the city faced tragedy and loss. That shift keeps the tour from feeling like a theme park.

If you’re taking photos, keep it respectful. This is not the time to chase only “creepy lighting” shots. Let the memorial moment be what it is, and use your camera with care.

Price and what you actually get for $30

At $30 per person, the value depends on what you want from the night. You’re not paying just for narration. Your ticket includes driver and live commentary, pickup and drop-off from the meeting area, and admission for the cemetery stop segment listed at about 30 minutes.

You’re also getting night access to a cemetery walk that you would not casually do on your own. That’s the big value driver. A lot of cemetery tours in New Orleans are either day walks or limited-access experiences, and this one is built around after-dark atmosphere plus guided storytelling.

Then there’s the BYOB element. Drinks are not included, but you are allowed to bring your own. That can cut costs if you planned ahead, but it also means the group’s energy depends on how everyone handles it. The tour information encourages responsible drinking and respect for others, and you should assume the guide will keep order if the vibe gets out of hand.

Who should book, and who might want a different night

This tour is a great match for you if:

• You want cemetery time after dark with a guide.
• You like unusual local burial traditions and above-ground tombs.
• You enjoy ghost-hunting as a playful activity, including EMF checks and photo prompts.
• You’re fine with a bus ride that includes live commentary and a lively group atmosphere.

You might want to pick a different style tour if:

• You’re looking for scare-only, jump-scare horror with minimal history.
• You need very long walking time in multiple cemeteries, since the main on-foot block is listed at about 30 minutes at the first cemetery.
• Loud music on the bus could be a deal-breaker for you.

Family planning note: the tour is listed as limited to ages 6 and above, but the content includes morbid tales that can feel scary to younger kids. If you’re bringing children, decide based on your child’s comfort level with ghost stories and darker themes.

Quick packing and behavior tips for a smoother night

A night cemetery tour is simple on paper, but you’ll enjoy it more if you prepare like it’s a real outing, not just a quick stop.

What to bring:

• Comfortable shoes for walking among uneven graveyard surfaces
• A light layer, since night air in New Orleans can change fast
• A camera if you want to try the orb and photo check theme
• Your own drinks if you want BYOB, and stick to responsible pacing

How to behave:

• Arrive early so you’re not stuck rushing at pickup.
• Be respectful of others, especially during the BYOB portion.
• Keep your voice down during memorial moments, and treat the Katrina stop with care.

Should you book the Cemetery and Ghost BYOB Bus Tour?

If you want a guided after-dark cemetery experience that also includes City Park snacks and a Katrina memorial stop, I think this is a solid pick. The Masonic Temple Cemetery #2 walk is the kind of New Orleans contrast that makes night touring worth it: organized symbolism, above-ground tombs, and stories that fit the shadows.

I’d only hesitate if you’re chasing pure terror without much history, or if bus audio and group-party energy would annoy you. If your goal is spooky atmosphere plus local burial tradition, with a bit of ghost-hunting play, this $30 night outing is easy to recommend.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet, and where does it end?

The tour meets at Voodoo Tavern and PoBoys, 1140 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116. It ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the cemetery and ghost BYOB bus tour?

The tour duration is listed as approximately 2 hours.

What stops are included on the tour?

The tour starts at Masonic Temple Cemetery #2 and also includes a stop at the Hurricane Katrina Memorial. The tour information also notes that it typically visits Charity Hospital pauper’s field as well as Masonic Temple Cemetery #2, plus other locations.

Is Marie Laveau’s tomb included?

No. Marie Laveau’s tomb is in St. Louis cemetery 1, and that cemetery is not included on this tour.

Are drinks included, or is BYOB allowed?

Drinks are not included. BYOB is allowed, and you are encouraged to bring your own, with an emphasis on drinking responsibly and being respectful.

How old do you need to be to join?

The tour is limited to guests ages 6 and above, and younger guests are not permitted.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

The bus used for this tour is not wheelchair accessible. You must be able to walk and navigate a few steps to board and exit the bus.

What is the cancellation policy if weather is bad?

There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The experience requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.