Beignets and Burials Tour of New Orleans Iconic Cemeteries
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Start your morning with beignets and coffee at the famed Morning Call while learning about the general history of New Orleans cemeteries. We venture into Greenwood Cemetery, home of the largest assemblage of iron tombs, as well as local and national celebrities, such as a Pulitzer-prize winning writer and the man who spiced up New Orleans. Afterward, journey into Cypress Grove, the first cemetery built to honor New Orleans volunteer firemen and their families. Get exclusive access into the large society tomb built for the temporary burial of Chinese citizens, and view many original tombs crafted in granite, marble, and cast-iron that hold some of New Orleans’ earliest prominent citizens. We then visit the Hurricane Katrina Memorial located in the spot where Charity Hospital used to bury the poor and indigent. The tour ends back at the Morning Call. This is the only private tour company allowed to give tours in Greenwood Cemetery and the only company allowed in Cypress Grove.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Cypress Grove and Greenwood Cemeteries
Start off with beignets and coffee at the famed Morning Call. Next, we venture into Greenwood Cemetery (1852), home of the largest assemblage of iron tombs in the city, unique monuments and funerary symbols, as well as local and national celebrities, such as a Pulitzer-prize winning writer and the man who spiced up New Orleans. Afterward, journey into Cypress Grove (1838), the first cemetery built to honor New Orleans volunteer firemen and their families. Learn the connection between Tabasco sauce and nutria, the large, orange-toothed, semi-aquatic rodent. Get exclusive access into the large society tomb built for the temporary burial of Chinese citizens, and view many original tombs crafted in granite, marble, and cast-iron. Next visit the Hurricane Katrina Memorial and Charity Hospital Cemetery. The tour ends at the Morning Call. Red Sash Tours is the only private tour company allowed to give tours in Greenwood Cemetery and the only company allowed in Cypress Grove.
Options
Beignets and Burials Tour of New Orleans Iconic Cemeteries
What‘s Included
Beignet
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
10 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
An Exceptional Cemetery Tour!
NorthStar31919822877,Jun 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00With so many tours in New Orleans, it’s hard to separate fact from fiction. If you are looking for a legitimate historical cemetery tour, look no further than Geoff at Red Sash. Geoff is kind, humorous and remarkably approachable. Unlike many guides who rush you along, he welcomes every question and provides deep, accurate historical context. Our tour included three adjacent cemeteries, including the poignant Hurricane Katrina memorial. Because Geoff has special access to two of these sites, we were able to see the stunning tombs in Mid-City up close. This tour is an absolute must-do—you won't regret it.
One of a kind experience!
Nicole K,May 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was an amazing experience! He was super informative and had so much information on the types of grvea and whose graves they were! I cannot recommend this experience more!
Great tour!
Emily T,May 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour! Geoff is enthusiastic and knowledgeable. He’s also funny! These are rarely open cemeteries so it’s a unique experience.
Well researched and interesting tour!
EmilyP130,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I've been to NOLA more times than I can count since 1999, yet this city always manages to surprise me! I joined a NOLA travel group on FB to get recommendations for current restaurants, tours and things to do. NOLA is a city that is always changing and places open and close frequently. I often take family and friends to NOLA, so having a local's current latest and greatest recommendations is essential for me. That is how I connected to Red Sash Tours and Geoff Polson. He was highly recommended by numerous people and the tour was created by Sally Asher who is a local academic. Geoff has a background in mortuary science and is a member of The Oddfellows Society, so his knowledge of burial and funeral customs is top notch. My husband and I took his Beinets and Burials tour which is a walking tour of three cemeteries in the French Quarter. I am mobility impaired and use a cane and I easily kept up with Geoff and he always made sure I was okay and had opportunities to rest. He even had a binder with photos and umbrellas for us. Geoff is a magnificent storyteller, he has a background in mortuary science but never comes across as over the top or ridiculous. I've been on other tours that offer stories that are more fiction than fact or rely on costumes or gimmicks to attract guests. Geoff was very down to earth, fun and interesting. Even with my extensive background in NOLA history, he managed to teach me things I was unaware of. I learned so much about the different types of burials and the symbols used on grave markers. During and after the tour, Geoff gave us a variety of recommendations on restaurants, bars, museums, art galleries and other places of interest. I'm really glad that I was able to connect to Geoff online and schedule a tour, I highly recommend Geoff Polson for anyone looking to experience the unique burial culture of NOLA.
Great way to start your New Orleans Day!
Getaway65761234714,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My wife and I are New Orleans enthusiasts and cemetery lovers, this couldn’t have been a more perfect morning tour. Delicious coffee paired with the best beignet sin New Orleans and Private exclusive tour access to Greenwood? Remarkable! Geoff was well spoken, considerate and a terrific guide!
Fantastic Tour
V6830IMnatalien,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic tour! Geoff makes sure each guest feels welcome to ask questions and is happy to share his immense knowledge of the beautiful cemeteries. This tour covered burial practices, the famous inhabitants, and the symbolism on the tombs.
Highly recommend!
carolorange,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highly recommend this tour. Geoff knows about every tomb and the three cemeteries we visit are unique with lots of symbols and varying styles. It was invaluable to hear about them
Excellent tour
erictP3731UC,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide, Geoff, did a superb job in educating our group. The experience was top notch as he recounted the history of the foundation of the cemeteries, the iron tombs, and histories of some of the "residents". Highly recommended.
Explore cities of the Dead
mchosers99,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a one of a kind tour. This is the only company allowed in these 2 HUGE cemeteries. Geoff our guide was incredibly knowledgeable of the history and of it’s occupants. He was funny, yet serious when he needed to be. He was very respectful of the dead. I would recommend this tour and Geoff to anyone that wants a tremendous cemetery tour.
Tour with Geoff
laurentP4489CN,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a great tour!! I learned so much and now I cant wait to do that again! Very informative, very educational!! loved it!
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Operated by Red Sash Tours