Metairie Cemetery
A sprawling 'city of the dead' featuring stunning mausoleums and the final resting places of New Orleans' elite.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Metairie Cemetery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling 'city of the dead' featuring stunning mausoleums and the final resting places of New Orleans' elite.
"Metairie Cemetery is a breathtaking architectural marvel, a true city of the dead."
Wear Comfortable Shoes! 👟
You'll be doing a lot of walking to see the incredible tombs. Prioritize comfort!
Consider a Guided Tour 🚶♀️
Tours offer deep historical context and help you find hidden gems.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Flaming Tomb of Josie Arlington
Metairie Cemetery
A legendary tomb rumored to have a perpetual flame, built for a wealthy bordello owner.

Anne Rice's Final Resting Place
Metairie Cemetery
Visit the peaceful resting spot of the acclaimed author of 'Interview with the Vampire'.

The Egan Family Abbey Tomb
Metairie Cemetery
An incredibly detailed tomb designed to resemble crumbling medieval abbey ruins.

Millionaire's Row Mausoleums
Metairie Cemetery
Marvel at the opulent and diverse mausoleums of New Orleans' most prominent families.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating New Orleans' Grand Necropolis
Respectful Exploration is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes! 👟
You'll be doing a lot of walking to see the incredible tombs. Prioritize comfort!
Consider a Guided Tour 🚶♀️
Tours offer deep historical context and help you find hidden gems.
Respectful Conduct is Crucial 🙏
Remember this is a place of rest. Be quiet and avoid touching the tombs.
Photography Opportunities 📸
The ornate architecture is stunning, especially during golden hour.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes! 👟
You'll be doing a lot of walking to see the incredible tombs. Prioritize comfort!
Consider a Guided Tour 🚶♀️
Tours offer deep historical context and help you find hidden gems.
Respectful Conduct is Crucial 🙏
Remember this is a place of rest. Be quiet and avoid touching the tombs.
Photography Opportunities 📸
The ornate architecture is stunning, especially during golden hour.
Open to the Public 🚶♂️
Unlike some other NOLA cemeteries, Metairie is generally open without a tour.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Metairie Cemetery for its stunning and diverse mausoleum architecture, often comparing it to a city of miniature palaces. The historical significance and the opportunity to see the final resting places of notable figures like Anne Rice are major draws. While generally open and accessible, some find the sheer size overwhelming without a guide.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Metairie Cemetery from the French Quarter by car, taxi, or rideshare service, which typically takes about 15-20 minutes depending on traffic. Public transportation options are also available, though they may involve transfers and longer travel times. Check local transit apps for the most up-to-date routes and schedules.
Yes, there is typically ample parking available within Metairie Cemetery. Visitors can usually find spaces along the main roads and near the larger mausoleums. It's advisable to arrive earlier in the day, especially on weekends, to secure a convenient spot.
Metairie Cemetery is located a few miles outside of the immediate downtown area, so walking from the French Quarter or other central tourist hubs is not recommended due to the distance and traffic. It's best accessed by vehicle or public transport.
Metairie Cemetery has multiple entrances along Metairie Road. The main entrances are well-marked and provide access to the vast network of roads within the cemetery.
If you don't have a car, the most convenient ways to explore Metairie Cemetery are by taking a taxi or rideshare service, or by joining a guided tour that often includes transportation or starts from a central location.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Metairie Cemetery is generally open to the public and does not require an admission ticket. You can walk through and explore the grounds freely.
Metairie Cemetery is typically open daily from dawn until dusk. It's always a good idea to check for any specific holiday hours or unexpected closures before your visit.
Yes, unlike some other historic New Orleans cemeteries, Metairie Cemetery is open for self-guided exploration without the need for a tour.
There are no entrance fees to visit Metairie Cemetery. However, if you choose to take a guided tour, there will be a fee for that service.
Information regarding purchasing plots or crypts is not readily available to the public and would require direct contact with cemetery management or a funeral home specializing in cemetery arrangements.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Key highlights include the 'Flaming Tomb' of Josie Arlington, the tomb of author Anne Rice, the unique Egan Family Abbey tomb, and the grand mausoleums of the city's wealthy families.
While generally safe during daylight hours, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings. Visiting during peak hours or with a group can enhance your sense of security.
The cemetery is laid out like a city with roads and avenues. A map can be helpful, but simply wandering and taking in the sights is also a rewarding experience. Comfortable shoes are essential!
Restroom facilities are not widely available within the cemetery grounds. It's advisable to use facilities before entering or plan accordingly.
Yes, photography is generally permitted in Metairie Cemetery. It's a popular spot for photographers due to its unique architecture and atmosphere.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography, casting long shadows and highlighting the intricate details of the tombs.
While general photography is allowed, it's important to be respectful. Avoid intrusive photography, especially if there are any ongoing services or visitors paying respects. Drone photography is typically prohibited.
Architectural photography, historical documentation, and atmospheric or 'dark tourism' style shots are very popular. The unique tombs and mausoleums provide endless subjects.
Tripods are generally allowed, but it's always best to be mindful of other visitors and ensure you are not obstructing pathways. Check with cemetery staff if you have specific concerns.
Beyond the famous tombs, look for unique statues, intricate ironwork, aged marble, and the overall 'cityscape' of the mausoleums. The Egan Abbey tomb is particularly striking.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider a guided tour that is geared towards a general audience, as they can often make the history more accessible and engaging for younger visitors. Emphasize the 'city of the dead' aspect, which can be intriguing. Pack plenty of water and snacks, as amenities are scarce. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for everyone.
👻 Ghost & History Enthusiasts
Many local ghost tours include Metairie Cemetery, offering insights into its haunted reputation and the legends surrounding its tombs. Even without a dedicated ghost tour, exploring the cemetery with a focus on its history, the lives of its inhabitants, and the unique architectural styles will satisfy any history buff. Look for tombs of notable figures like Anne Rice, whose work is intertwined with the cemetery's mystique.
📸 Photographers
Focus on capturing the intricate details of the stonework, the aged patina of the marble, and the unique designs of each tomb. The 'cityscape' of the cemetery, with its rows of ornate structures, is also a compelling subject. Be mindful of respectful photography practices and avoid disturbing other visitors or any ongoing services.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Burial Practices of New Orleans
The construction of these above-ground tombs varies greatly, from simple family vaults to elaborate, multi-story structures resembling houses or churches. Many are made of brick, marble, or granite, designed to withstand the humid climate. Some tombs even feature intricate carvings, stained glass, and personal mementos, offering a glimpse into the lives of those interred within. The sheer scale and artistry involved in building these final resting places are a testament to the importance placed on honoring the deceased in New Orleans culture.
This tradition also influences the social and historical narratives associated with the cemeteries. Famous figures, wealthy industrialists, and notable artists are often memorialized in grand mausoleums, making cemeteries like Metairie a living museum of the city's past. Exploring these tombs allows visitors to connect with the history and stories of New Orleans in a profound and tangible way.
Architectural Wonders and Notable Residents
Among the most famous structures is the 'Flaming Tomb' of Josie Arlington, a wealthy bordello owner, which is said to have a perpetual flame. Another striking sight is the Egan Family tomb, designed to mimic the ruins of a medieval abbey, complete with crumbling towers and hand-carved stonework. Visitors also flock to pay their respects at the tomb of acclaimed author Anne Rice, whose gothic novels were deeply inspired by the atmosphere of New Orleans cemeteries.
Beyond these individual landmarks, the sheer variety of architectural styles—from neoclassical to Victorian and Art Deco—makes a stroll through Metairie Cemetery a captivating experience. It's a place where history, art, and remembrance converge, offering a unique insight into the lives and legacies of New Orleans' past residents.
Guided Tours vs. Self-Exploration
However, a guided tour can significantly enhance your understanding and appreciation of the cemetery. Tour guides are often local historians or enthusiasts who can share fascinating stories, historical context, and architectural details that you might otherwise miss. They can point out the most significant tombs, explain the unique burial practices, and bring the history of the cemetery and its inhabitants to life. This is particularly valuable for understanding the cultural significance of the site.
Many visitors find that a combination of both is ideal. You might take a tour to get an overview and learn the key stories, then spend additional time revisiting favorite spots or exploring areas that piqued your curiosity. Regardless of your choice, comfortable shoes are a must, as the cemetery is extensive.
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