New Orleans: Night Cemetery and Ghost BYOB Bus Tour

Exploring New Orleans after dark offers an atmosphere unlike any other. This Night Cemetery and Ghost BYOB Bus Tour, operated by NOLA Ghost Riders, promises an experience filled with eerie stories, illuminated tombs, and the thrill of ghost-hunting tools like EMF readers and dowsing rods. It’s a popular choice for travelers eager to combine history, mystery, and a dash of supernatural fun into an evening outing.

What we love about this tour is how it balances entertainment with educational insights, making it engaging even for those who might not normally go for ghost stories. Plus, the chance to sip your own drinks on the bus adds an enjoyable, laid-back vibe. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that the tour isn’t suited for people with limited mobility or those who prefer a more walking-focused experience.

This tour is best suited for curious visitors interested in the ghostly side of New Orleans, history buffs who want a different perspective on the city’s cemeteries, or anyone looking for a lively, interactive nighttime adventure. It’s a great choice if you’re after a combination of spooky stories, local charm, and a touch of the supernatural — all with a good dose of humor.

Key Points

• Evening Exploration: You visit multiple cemeteries after dark, heightening the spooky atmosphere.
• Interactive Elements: Use of EMF readers and dowsing rods makes ghost hunting fun and engaging.
• Expert Guides: Well-reviewed guides bring history and stories to life with humor and insight.
• Value for Money: At $45 for two hours, it offers a memorable experience at a reasonable price.
• Comfort & Convenience: The bus is comfortable, and the tour includes entry to several cemeteries.
• Flexible Booking: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and pay later options provide peace of mind.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why You’ll Love This Tour

Traveling through New Orleans’ historic cemeteries at night offers a uniquely atmospheric experience. The city’s above-ground burial sites, with their elaborate mausoleums and moss-draped oaks, look especially haunting when lit by moonlight or street lamps. This tour transports you out of the busy French Quarter into neighborhoods like Mid-City and City Park, historically on the city’s outskirts but now vibrant parts of town.

The guides, praised for their knowledge and humor, do a wonderful job of weaving together ghost stories, local traditions, and cemetery history. We loved the way guides like Kendall, Roy, and Trish inject personality and wit into their narration, making the tour feel like a shared adventure rather than a scripted presentation. As one reviewer put it, “Kendal was so much fun,” and “Trish our guide was amazing.”

Another major highlight: the use of ghost-hunting tools. EMF readers and dowsing rods turn the tour into an interactive quest, heightening the fun and mystique. While some might be skeptical about supernatural encounters, many reviews express delight at unexplainable moments — such as one visitor noting, “we definitely had some pretty unexplainable supernatural encounters at our last spot!”

The cost of $45 is quite reasonable considering the length (about two hours) and the experience offered. You get to visit several cemeteries, each with its own distinct style and stories, without the hassle of walking long distances or navigating unfamiliar neighborhoods at night. The entry fee to each graveyard is included, which simplifies the experience.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The tour begins at the Voodoo Tavern & Poboy’s, a lively meeting spot that already sets a fun, casual tone. From there, the bus heads out of the French Quarter, traveling along Esplanade Avenue — a street famous for its historic homes and spooky ambiance. The route takes you to cemeteries that are historically significant and visually captivating under the night sky.

You’ll visit several cemeteries—though the exact number varies depending on the night’s pace, traffic, and weather. Each stop offers an up-close look at the ornate tombs and above-ground vaults that define New Orleans’ burial traditions. Guides share stories about ghost sightings, burial rituals, and the local legends that surround each site, making your visit both spooky and enlightening.

Throughout the tour, your guides discuss unique burial practices like above-ground tombs designed to withstand Louisiana’s high water table, which can be quite different from traditional subterranean graves elsewhere. The guides also highlight notable ghosts and paranormal tales, often supported by the use of their ghost-hunting equipment.

Highlights of the Cemeteries

• St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 — Known worldwide, home to the famous voodoo priestess Marie Laveau. The guide’s stories about her hauntings and her burial site add an extra layer of mystique.
• Other Historic Cemeteries — Each has its own character, from elaborate mausoleums to weathered stones, offering an authentic look into New Orleans’ end-of-life rituals.

The Ghost Stories and Equipment

Expect to hear chilling tales of ghostly apparitions, mysterious noises, and legends of spirits lingering among the tombs. The use of EMF meters and dowsing rods provides a tangible connection to the supernatural, making the experience more interactive and fun. Several reviews highlight how guides like Steven and Rard make the ghost-hunting segments both humorous and slightly spooky.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Atmosphere

Traveling at night, surrounded by the calm of the city’s historic cemeteries, creates a hauntingly beautiful setting. The bus itself is described as comfortable and conducive to conversation, music, and drinks — it’s BYOB, which many travelers appreciate for the relaxed vibe it fosters.

The Guides: Knowledgeable and Entertaining

One of the standout features, based on hundreds of reviews, is the quality of guides. People frequently mention how guides like Kendall, Trish, Fernando, and Steven combine history, humor, and personal anecdotes to keep everyone engaged. Their ability to answer questions, share local insights, and keep the mood light, even when discussing spooky topics, is often praised.

For example, a reviewer said, “Our guide, Roy, was so kind and knowledgeable, making the experience fun and informative.” Another noted, “Kendall was an excellent guide who brought humor and insight into every story,” highlighting how important good storytelling is to the overall experience.

Value and Practical Aspects

At $45 per person, this tour is quite reasonable when you consider the two-hour duration, the entry to multiple cemeteries, and the entertainment value. It’s a good deal, especially since you get to enjoy a guided experience with expert narration and interactive ghost-hunting tools.

The tour’s flexibility—with options to cancel up to 24 hours in advance and pay later—adds peace of mind for travelers who are still finalizing plans. The group size appears to be manageable, ensuring everyone can see and hear comfortably.

Note that the tour is not recommended for those with limited mobility and will proceed rain or shine. This means if you’re sensitive to weather or have mobility concerns, you might want to prepare accordingly.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect if you’re looking for a spooky, fun, and engaging evening that combines history and ghost stories with a lively atmosphere. It appeals most to those who enjoy interactive storytelling, are open to supernatural tales, or simply want a different perspective on New Orleans’ cemeteries. If you’re traveling with friends or family who appreciate humor and a slightly adventurous spirit, this tour will likely be a hit.

It’s less suitable for travelers with mobility issues, or those seeking a quiet, contemplative cemetery visit. The emphasis on ghost-hunting tools and lively guides makes it more of a party atmosphere, which some may prefer to keep a little more subdued.

This Night Cemetery and Ghost BYOB Bus Tour offers a compelling way to explore New Orleans’ haunted side. The combination of beautiful cemeteries, engaging storytelling, and interactive ghost-hunting tools makes it a memorable experience for many. It strikes a nice balance between informative and entertaining, with guides who keep the mood light and fun.

For those interested in local legends, ghost stories, and spooky sights, this tour delivers a well-rounded, value-packed evening. The $45 price point is fair considering the access to several cemeteries and the interactive elements. It’s particularly suited for travelers who enjoy a lively, social atmosphere and aren’t bothered by a little supernatural mystery.

If you’re in New Orleans and craving a nighttime adventure that’s both fun and a little eerie, this tour is a solid choice. It’s an opportunity to see a different side of the city — one filled with stories of spirits, legends, and the city’s unique burial customs. Just remember to bring your sense of humor and maybe a bug spray for those mosquitoes!

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, this tour is not recommended for those with limited mobility, as it involves visiting cemeteries that may require walking and navigating uneven terrain.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, covering multiple cemeteries and stories, leaving plenty of time for ghost-hunting and sightseeing.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Voodoo Tavern & Poboy’s, a lively spot in the French Quarter, perfect for meeting your guide before heading out.

Do I need to bring my own drinks?
Yes, the tour is BYOB, so you can bring your own alcohol or beverages to enjoy on the bus.

What is included in the ticket price?
Your ticket covers the guided tour, entry to several cemeteries, and use of ghost-hunting tools like EMF readers and dowsing rods.

Is the tour available rain or shine?
Yes, the tour proceeds regardless of weather, so come prepared for rain or shine.

How many cemeteries will we visit?
Several cemeteries are visited during the tour, though the exact number can vary depending on conditions and timing.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and there’s a pay later option to keep your plans flexible.

Are ghost encounters guaranteed?
Not guaranteed, but many participants report unexplainable moments that add to the fun and mystery of the experience.

In all, the New Orleans Night Cemetery and Ghost BYOB Bus Tour scores highly with reviewers for knowledgeable guides, engaging stories, and a memorable spooky atmosphere. For travelers eager to combine history, fun, and a little supernatural thrill in one evening, it offers genuine value and authentic adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby