St. Louis Cemetery No. 3

As someone who grew up in New Orleans, visiting St. Louis Cemetery #3 was a meaningful experience that reconnected me with the city's rich history. While I had visited St. Louis #1 many years ago, access to that cemetery is now limited to specific tours, making #3 an excellent alternative that's both open to the public and completely free. What sets this cemetery apart is how well-maintained it is, offering visitors countless interesting nooks and crannies to explore. The above-ground tombs, a necessity due to the city's high water levels, create a unique atmosphere that you won't find in many other places. This architectural feature alone makes the cemetery a distinctive experience. One of the most fascinating aspects of wandering through St. Louis #3 is reading the names on the headstones and piecing together family histories. The cemetery serves as a living record of New Orleans' diverse cultural phases, with distinct areas reflecting the city's varied communities. You'll find sections where restaurant chefs are laid to rest, areas dedicated to Greek Orthodox families, and plots for those who immigrated from France, among others. This organization tells the story of the city's evolution and the many cultures that have shaped its identity. I highly recommend making a stop at St. Louis Cemetery #3 when you're in New Orleans. It offers an authentic glimpse into the city's past and present, allowing you to connect with the generations who built and sustained this remarkable place.

Beautiful, historical, well-preserved cemetery. It features many important people and stunning tombs.

St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 is very well kept. It is so beautiful. We wish we had more time to spend exploring and paying our respects but it started pouring down rain while we were visiting. It’s definitely worth checking out.

I feel odd rating a cemetery. But St. Louis #1 and #2 are by paid tour only and you can drive through this one for free. It was cold and wet so we didn't get out to walk around. There were still guided tours, but we had fun looking for the oldest tomb and mispronouncing the names. Hopefully no one took home any vengeful spirits.

It’s really peaceful on a Sunday morning. There were a few tour groups going around. I overheard some of the tours and the explanations and stories about the cemetery were pretty great. It’s pretty big so you can easily spend a couple of hours here if you really wanted to! I’d say it’s a nice post-museum activity for a nice stroll!

Such a beautiful historic cemetery, located near New Orleans City Park. The cemetery itself is well maintained and the time of day that I went, there were almost no tourists. Certainly a great place for some beautiful photography. Many will appreciate the craftsmanship put into the stone. So glad that I went to visit.

Lot of old soul is rested in peace, huge cemeteries. Well organized and maintained. Can be toured only on available hours, need not necessary that you need a guide to tour. Easy accessible and visible from main road as well. It’s a huge area. Takes 1-2 hrs to check till end. Can be accessed with own also.

Really cool cemetery like all cemetery in New Orleans, everything is buried above ground in order to prevent them from coming up during big floods. Unfortunately one of the only ones we actually got to go into. Mainly due to the amount of time we had and all the other stuff that we wanted to do. I will say though make sure you at least check out one of the top cemeterys if you are visiting!!!

This one is open to the public before 4 pm, unlike No 1 which requires permission or a tour ticket. We stopped in around 3:30 pm and there were a few tour buses parked at the curb. Parking is along the street, tho there are some streets inside that allow the width of a vehicle. The care taker has his truck inside as does security. We had arrived the day before reading the times on the website, tho the sign on the gate stated otherwise for access to non family members. After 4 pm family members are still allowed in but lookers are not. Sadly, the gentleman at the gate providing security on the day prior was EXTREMELY rude complaining that no one reads the sign, apologies pal, but the WEBSITE stated different times, he wasn't hearing it. This one has a lot more room especially in between the rows of tombs than No 1 has. There isn't any shade, so if in the day take an umbrella to block the shade. Tombs date back to the 1800, there are some society tombs, some especially large ones for priests and nuns. Aging and erosion has taken its toll on many. Very neat place to visit, just come at the correct time so you don't get verbally berated by the only person in this city that we've found to be unpleasant.

I know lots of tourists visit this cemetery the same way they visit the Père Lachaise and Montmartre cemeteries in Paris, France. From what I understand, St. Louis Cemeteries No. 1 and No. 2 are not as accessible as No. 3. My familiarity with the cemetery has to do with the fact that my Grandma is buried here. We were actually able to drive into the cemetery on the day of her service at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church on Paris Avenue. Trust me, there's nothing like an old, revered New Orleans cemetery. There's a uniquely surreal atmosphere and beautiful aspect to it. A stateliness and impressive architecture throughout. So, I can kind of understand why tourists would want to visit in droves. However, for me, of course, this is more of a personal thing because of my Grandma. It's cool to know Ragtime composer Paul Sarebresole is also buried here. I listened to Sarebresole's "Roustabout Rag" while typing this review. It's actually comforting to know that with all the constant ongoing helter-skelter changes in this crazy world, there are places which will always be around. I definitely plan to visit again when I return to New Orleans.

Located down the street from city park and across from a gas station. When we arrived there was plenty of parking surrounding the cemetery. It's also a quick Lyft ride from the quarter. Also locate on the Transit Line, you can use your Jazzy pass from the quarter. We took a tour with Save our Cemetery. A non profit that uses all of the fees collected for the tour to upkeep and restore the cemetery. The tour was very informative and worth the time and money. You can also tour the cemetery on your own. You don't need a tour guide as it's open to the public. The above ground graves are fascinating. Some are so ornate. The biggest plot was in the shape of a castle. It was deeded to the human society. Some of the plots are over grown and falling apart. It's sad that some plots seem so neglected. There are other plots that have paid for continuous care. We're not sure what that includes, but those are more cared for than the others.

We took a bus tour of New Orleans, and our bus driver stopped here and let us get out and walk around inside. It was a lovely cemetery!

We were able to visit St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 since we had booked a "City and Cemetery" tour through Cajun Encounters Tours. The history behind the Cemeteries is quite fascinating. Our tour guide explained the unique process of cremation and burial in the region. Also from what I've been told and read, the cemetery is quite large and expansive. Unfortunately, we were only on the grounds for about 20-25 minutes with 10 minutes time to explore. I would have definitely wanted more time to explore. The grounds are obviously well maintained and kept very clean. I really enjoyed walking around and seeing some of the sculptures and statues and all of the different styles of mausoleums that lined the Cemetery. I'm glad I was able to visit St; Louis Cemetery and learn more about the fascinating history of the area! I would absolutely recommend visiting when you have an opportunity. 5 stars.

We did a ghost tour in our guide was Geoff. He was a great host and super informative. We thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Highly recommend.

Thankfully, the dead are still dead at St. Louis Cemetery No. 3. The splendid faded glory of New Orleans is on display here. Unlike some of the cemeteries that are impossible to find parking near and have been relegated entirely into tourist spots, this is still very much a "working cemetery" for the city. Recent tombs commingle with two hundred year old tombs, and one quickly gets the sense that people from all walks of live cohabitate tranquilly here. The church's burial records for this cemetery have been put online ... and while translating "cemetery speak" into "where the heck do I go?" takes a bit of practice, one can traverse the cemetery like an old pro in short order. And it's still free to get in, thankfully!

We booked this walking tour with the Viator App and were set up with Sally from Red Sash Tours. It was 90 minutes of tremendous local history and New Orleans anecdotes. Sally was wonderful and filled with information. The cemetery is just beautiful clean, easy to walk through and massive. It's amazing to look at these tombstones and learn about the symbolism attached to them via their presentation. Stuff you would never know without a guide. We are so glad we did this and learned so much I believe it's a must do while in New Orleans

Must do when in NOLA Did not disappoint. So much history, the cemetery is beautiful and well manicured. Lots of interesting things to see

I've always heard of "The Crypt Keeper". but never actually knew how crypts system actually worked. Nor did I know that the coffins are stored above ground for a year (and a day) and then they are lower to the ground. In my State, all coffins are buried 6 feet under, so this was educational for us. I believe Catholics have to be laid to rest in crypts. Your family can purchase a family crypt and they have the right to choose what family and friends are involved. If your family didn't purchase a crypt, you can join a crypt Association.

If you are a tourist in New Orleans, this is the St. Louis cemetery that the busses drop you off at. No.1 is limited access now (it's the one by the FQ). No.2 is currently closed unless you are visiting a loved one or having a funeral because the tourist crowds were too much for the small space. No.3? It is huge. And it's where my Dad is. My family bought a plot here in the 1880s. So when I go visit my Dad now, I can also say hello to a few generations of family. One of the benefits of this cemetery is that you are allowed to drive in which is really helpful when Mom wants to visit Dad. Luckily we are along one of the main roads near the front. The grounds are well kept and there are trash cans and some faucets (aka hose pipes) scattered around if you need water for your flowers/vases. There are no bathrooms. Fun fact: there is still space available if this is where you or a loved one would like to spend eternity. Plus I found out the open space next to my family's tomb was sold in the 1880s but never used so we will probably always have a nice grassy sideyard. Tourists were mostly respectful since we were clearly family members.

Really cool place to visit! Lots of history and reverie. Loved the statue of Saint Pio. A local sells homemade pecan pralines outside the gate that several people raved about. Can't wait to visit No 1 to see Marie Laveau's grave!

"Getting the shaft"... you'll see why This cemetery located on Esplanade Avenue is the largest, real estate-wise, than the other two counterparts, St Louis Cemetery No 1 and 2. It is also less visited. I know it's probably unusual and strange to give a cemetery a 5-Star review but I found the place fascinating with the elaborate above-ground mausoleums, tombs and gravestones that are made of marble and stone that are themselves works of art. It's very historic. Not very far from the French Quarter, located about some 2 miles back. You see, New Orleans is below sea level so underground cemeteries cannot be managed successfully which is why the vaults and tombs are above ground. We came here as part of a tour stop but you can pull right into the cemetery and park along the roads in the cemetery. Hubby and I did a self-guided tour and wandered freely in the aisles. This cemetery is huge! There is no fee to enter. Amazing history and the tombs are still used today by the families. Our city tour guide gave us the lowdown on the three-chamber above ground burial system and how vaults stay in the family for eternity giving future generations the right to use. She also mentioned that in order to save space and cost, after one year, the crypt is reused by pushing the remains to the back where they fall through a chimney and collect in a space under the structure. Hence the phrase, "Getting the shaft". By the way, Marie Laveau, the voodoo queen isn't buried here. She is buried at St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. The walking pathways are paved. Hope to come back with a guided tour of the cemetery itself next time we visit NOLA. Review #1503

This was my introduction to the iconic cemeteries of New Orleans. New Orleans history, culture and funerary practices are so intertwined with each other. Walking among the tombs is not as unnerving as you would think. Most of the vaults were well maintained and the architectural diversity and small tales of family history make it absolutely fascinating. Each structure is a work of art and reflect the taste and fashion of the era. It felt peaceful walking along the groomed paths and park-like setting. It truly is a "city of the dead." This cemetery is open, accessible, and one of the best free touristy things to do while in NOLA.

This Catholic cemetery was established in 1854. It's called Number 3 as cemetery number 1 and number 2 were already full. The cemetery is free to enter. It's less busy than the first one, which has its own tours. Small tour companies stop here as it's less crowded and easier to walk around in. It's located about 2 miles from the French Quarter. There are mausoleums and tombs in neat rows. As Catholics had to be interred on holy ground and cremation was not then permitted, the above ground burials were necessitated by the low sea levels of the city. The size and materials of each tomb reflect the wealth of the family or group. You can easily visit here on your own; however, if you are unfamiliar with the process, you may benefit from have a guide. As part of the city tour I took, we were lucky enough to have a former history major as our guide. He explained the procedure of above ground burial in plain pine boxes and how each tomb is reused and the names of those interred are engraved on the outsides of the structures. Without going into too much detail here (it may be a bit macabre to some), they also used a "wall" behind the rows as a temporary storage place in case the tomb was full at the time until the body had disintegrated enough to be bagged up and dropped down below. Enough said. It's not uncomfortable to visit here during the day. It's interesting to see the dates and history of some of the "occupants".

I have been here on 3 tours and it never disappoints. I wonder if the wandering spirits mind all of the tourists? It is well maintained considering the climate which is tough on cemeteries. Tons of history, Lots of interesting things to see. Glad I got to visit again as there is nothing sadder than a cemetery that no one visits!

" Very Well Maintained Cemetery " My wife and I visited the St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 in New Orleans. The cemetery is very clean and well maintained . Visiting this cemetery is so interesting to see the different types of statues, ground tombs, and mausoleums. It is one of the nicest cemeteries I have seen.

This was a cool place to visit and see what fancy cemetery looks like. The cemetery is open to the public and does not require a tour. It's pretty hot during the day and there are no shades. There is street parking available. ....| \ _ , , , - - , , _ , .../ , ` . - ' ` ' . _ \ - ; ; ; , _ ..| , a - ) ) _ . ; . ( ` - ` - ' - ' ' - - - ' ' ( _ / . _ ) - ' ( _ \ _ )

My friend and I took a city tour during which we stopped here. I only took a picture at the entrance. I immediately felt that I was on sacred ground upon entering. A feeling of tranquility fell over me was I walked through. The experience was one I'll never forget.

This cemetery could take hours to fully appreciate. Dia de los muertos resting comfortably here. With each turn is an historic site exciting and rejuvenating your senses for the great lives laid to rest before you. The sculptures are most magnificent. To appreciate your present life the past needs to be also celebrated. This cemetery with its mausoleums and stone carvings does just that. Thanks for reading. Avram Beetlejuice

Learned a lot about the history of this Catholic cemetery. Historically, small crypts along the wall were rented for year and a day. That period of time was deemed by the church, the amount of time it would take for a body to cremate in the small crypt. After that period of time, they would use a long pole to push the body out the back of the crypt and another body would be inserted. You can see these along the left side of the cemetery where there is a wall of crypts. There is a mix of older crypts and tombs on the left with newer ones to the right.

First, the hours are incorrect. I walked to this Cemetery to check it out, I made sure to get there before it closed and the gates were locked. A security guard told me that the gates were always locked and only opened when a family member comes to visit the grave of their loved ones and they have to call an arrange the visitation. I never found this info on any of my research, it always says they close at 3. In fact while I was talking to the guard, 2 other people came to visit and they were also turned away. Maybe I can save you the wasted walk to this Cemetery and the neighboring Cemetery (#2 and #3). At least with St Louis #1, you need an approved tour company to visit there. I was only able to snap a few pics from the gates

This cemetery was a stop on a city tour that we took. We learned about the burial process and how multiple generations of families are buried together. It's a quick but interesting stop in NOLA. I would recommend you go with a tour company. It's interesting to walk around but with a tour company they give you some background information and history.

Seems odd to be giving this review of a cemetery... Now, I'm not typically into touring cemeteries but while in NOLA is seemed appropriate. There is so much history & so many people recommended it. I'll start with, I did not go alone, I went with a scheduled Grayline Tour. It would be the only way I would go & feel comfortable. I read a lot about other local cemetery being in bad neighborhoods & dangerous. This was apparently the most quiet & rather small. I found it interesting to learn about the burials. With low sea level they are above ground graves. There is also a process with families. The bodies disintegrate in 366 days so another can be placed inside after. Was a bit creepy & eerie but what else can you expect?

The more I visit and explore this cemetery, the more I love it! It's not the oldest, or the prettiest, or the fanciest, but for me it is the closest to home and often gets added to my daily walks. The layout is long and skinny, so if you walk all the way to the back and then return to the street, it is a pretty respectable hike. There is many fascinating tombs and interesting family trees to discover. As with all of the cemeteries in this city, tons of photo ops. As a fun tour outside of the French Quarter, take the Esplanade bus away from the river ($1.25), get out and explore this cemetery (FREE) and then walk across Bayou St. John to the art museum ($10) then the sculpture garden (FREE). Then finish your day with food and drinks in the 3000-3200 block of Esplanade (many restaurants to choose from), you can thank me later. (wink)

I think our cemeteries are extremely intriguing. This cemetery is my favorite of all the ones in the area. I've been here several times unfortunately, lots of my catholic maternal family members are buried here, and I haven't heard of not one complaint from our family. The grounds are well kept by the archdiocese and the tombs also by the families who also have loved ones here. This cemetery has lots of tour buses that stop here on their daily stores, so one who enters with a vehicle must be careful. Most cemeteries have sad vibes, but this one is so nice that its more peaceful then scary. Very cool, mix the old with the new. Along the walls on both sides of the cemetery are very old crypts. At the front is the more expensive of the crypts, and toward the back of the cemetery is the mausoleums I'm not quite sure of the costs associated with the plots at this particular cemetery, but i'm pretty sure its a bit more then the below the ground cemeteries throughout the area. Hey, if you are ever in search of me after I pass on, you will most definitely find me resting somewhere on these grounds. I went to elementary school right behind here, jr high and high school a few blocks down the street on Esplanade, and my church is directly across the street from the cemetery. Fitting LOL

Only after a trip to New Orleans will I ever find myself writing a Yelp review for a cemetery. Honestly, I can't even rate this cemetery anything but 5 stars out of respect lol. This place was pretty cool. Although It did give me the heebie jeebies, some of the tombstones date back to the 1800s. After a while, I stopped reading the tombstones and just looked at the area around the cemetery. Some tombstones were deteriorating, some were newer. It's surrounded by newer buildings, so it kind of says a lot about the place of cemeteries/death in local culture. It was nice seeing that the cemetary was there and surrounded by life. I think it's worth a visit if you understand the history behind the cemetery or maybe perhaps if you enjoy the tranquility of one. It's not particularly interesting if you just walk around on your own, but then again, I didn't do a tour. It is actually very quiet but not as far away from the city as I thought it would have been. There is also a statue of Padre Pio at the entrance, and even his history is interesting to have as part of the cemetery.

A huge, stoic and beautiful (and free) cemetery to visit. To see the history, names of the families and ornate carvings, you get a small glimpse in the to past... To post on Instagram and review on Yelp, of course :) This cemetery is close to City Park, so you can make a whole day of walking and exploring the MidCity area

Good, but I must admit it is a bit odd to be giving a review of a cemetery. That's because here in New Orleans it is more of an attraction and common for groups of people to go there and take pictures. As eerie as it may seem, it's worth going there on a tour and learning the history behind it.

Peaceful, quiet, beautiful, and clean. The word cemetery comes from the Greek word "" meaning "sleeping place". Yes, I did the Greek root word thing. When I think of cemeteries, I think of above the ground tombs and mausoleums. New Orleans is an amazing place, but it's nice to get away from all the rush of things to visit a quiet resting place. These tombs are intricate in design and immaculate. From stone to marble, their presence is just beautiful. Yes, I'm one that appreciates architecture, stone carvings and more. Walking slowly down the grassy paths, reading each tomb and how far they date back is calming. Loved taking the street cars along Canal to the end of the line to visit. Trash cans on every corner to keep the place clean and respecting those who lie here. I look forward to coming back to NoLa and visiting the others.

"Here the living find comfort and are consoled by visiting the burial places of their loved ones and praying for them." So says the plaque near the Esplande Ave entrance to St Louis No. 3, a far less visited place than St Louis Cemetery No. 1, which is nearer to the French Quarter and boasts twice daily tours. But this cemetery, near to the wonderful City Park and NOMA sculpture garden, is utterly enchanting as a destination for the living to visit. Even if they are living beings of the tourist variety. The dead don't mind; the cemetery isn't really for them, anyway, other than to preserve their remains beneath rock, stone, and marble. It's the living things here that matter: the people who tend the grave sites, the flowers they leave behind, and the wonderful combinations of light and shadow, heat and cool, wind and calm, that make this one of NOLA's most intimate and expressive of venues. There is a lot of history here, multigenerational families of Catholic (and Greek Orthodox) faith. But also city history written and contained in stone: of floods and famines and yellow fever outbreaks. Hurricanes, too. Through it all, St Louis No 3 survives. So come and visit. Find comfort. You can always visit the French Quarter later.

Although I don't play with the dead, this was a really cool place to visit and reflect on how cremation is a better option! The stories they tell you about being buried in New Orleans is enough for you to change your mind!

Our tour of the St. Louis cemetery was very enlightening. We knew they buried above ground because of the water table but weren't aware of the family vault aspect as well as the pushing of the remains into a pit after a year. This is a very efficient method with a rich history of tradition.

Cemetery is privately owned and hours vary according to season. It is the newest of the three St Louis Cemeteries and in the best shape. Parking is very hard to find, I have seen people driving cars in there. They have some very elaborate memorials and most are in good shape.

I am a cemetery nut and for sure I like all the cemetery's in Nola but of the St Louis's this one is the least interesting to me. It's small but doesn't have much in the way of statues or unusual monuments. The coolest part was the second floor of the mausoleum had a balcony that gave a nice view of the cemetery. The metal statue was also one of the few things in the cemetery that I thought was interesting. This is free to visit and felt safe here and didn't feel it was Necessary to take a tour here. there is a sign saying no driving tours but we sorta ignored that and did a quick drive by. Didn't see much to stop and see but the mausoleum balcony was worth a look .. nice view there.

I never thought of visiting a cemetery. I can see why this is a stop along the tour. The beautiful way the dead are cared for is absolutely heartfelt to witness.

So yeah, NOLO is seriously different than California in terms of burying our dead. They bury families together, I'm talking generations and you see how the grave sites look. They're buried above ground because the cemeteries are below sea level and the bodies will come up if buried under the ground.

I would never dream of coming to New Orleans without seeing the above ground crypt's you see all of the names of people you read about. Seeing the names of the men & woman who shaped to unique landscape you know and love.

This is a pretty accessible and gorgeous cemetery within an easy walk of the big central park and art museum. Add all these together and you've got a really nice afternoon ahead of you.

It is worth a visit to see one of the 3 cemeteries that are just outside the French Quarter. We visited number 1, and I believe this is where to post the review. A unique glimpse into the folks who shaped the city. You can even see some Voodoo alters set up as well. I have always been intrigued, I had never seen a cemetery of this type until I watched the movie Easy Rider. Since then I have always wanted to visit whenever possible.

We had a pleasant leisurely morning at St Louis 3. It was free and beautiful! I'm happy we chose this cemetery to visit. Very spiritual and quiet place to meditate.

The graveyard is interesting, but far from the best I've seen. It's look is so New Orleans! Nowhere else in the world tombs look like this. I didn't take a tour so I didn't realize till after I left that here we have Nickolas Cage's future final home (with kisses all over it) and the tomb of Marie Lavaue. The tombs are on a whole pretty damaged (presumably from Katrina 9 years ago), but some people would prefer that. It gives it a unique picturesque air. Finally I would like to note, it was very crowded for a Monday morning.

This cemetery is interesting if you haven't visited a cemetery in the south because the toombs are above ground but if you are looking for history, I suggest visiting an older cemetery. I'm from a city that buries people below ground so it's fascinating to me.