New Orleans does creepy better after dark. This BYOB cemetery ghost tour takes you beyond the usual French Quarter loop and into “City of the Dead” territory with live commentary and real access to graveside spaces.

I love that it combines above-ground tombs with a BYOB setup so the night feels like a true New Orleans experience, not just a history lecture. You’re also riding out to quieter areas, which helps the whole mood stay more ghost-story than street-performance.

Two things I especially like: the focused stop at Masonic Temple Cemetery #2 (founded by the Masons in 1865, with their famous style of communal tombs), and the chance to use an included EMF reader for extra ghost-hunting fun.

One possible drawback: the total tour time is tight (about two hours), so you may feel rushed if you want long, slow wandering at every stop.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Care About

• Cemetery access at night in a city where daylight tours can’t give you the same atmosphere.
• Masonic Temple Cemetery #2 with compact, elaborate tombs tied to lodge traditions.
• City Park plus a break at Morning Call Cafe for coffee and beignets to reset before the next stop.
• Hurricane Katrina Memorial stop with time to pause and reflect at the memorial cemetery.
• Camera-friendly ghost hunting: you’re encouraged to look at photos for orbs and other signs.
• Small-group feel with a max of 56 travelers, so you’re not swallowed by a huge crowd.

After Dark: Why This Ghost Tour Feels Different

Most New Orleans ghost tours camp out around the French Quarter, where the streets stay loud and tourist-heavy. This one changes the formula by taking you into the cemetery world after nightfall, when shadows actually do their job.

You’ll walk among above-ground tombs, which are a big part of why New Orleans cemeteries look so theatrical compared with what most people expect from “a graveyard.”

The bus element matters too. Instead of hopping through traffic and finding parking yourself, you get a guided ride out to calmer neighborhoods. That keeps the night cohesive, and it saves you from doing logistics while your brain is trying to stay spooky.

Price, Timing, and What $30 Really Buys

At $30 per person for about two hours, you’re paying for more than “a couple scary stories.” You’re buying guided transportation out of the Quarter, live commentary, and pickup/drop-off from a set meeting point.

The itinerary also includes an admission ticket for the Masonic Cemetery stop, and you’re encouraged to bring your own drinks for BYOB fun without paying tour-bundle bar prices.

The time is the main trade-off. With a limited duration, your walking time at each location can feel brisk. If you’re the type who wants 45 minutes to wander slowly and read every marker, plan to treat this as a highlights tour rather than a deep, all-night cemetery marathon.

Starting at Voodoo Tavern: Pickup, BYOB, and the Smart-Casual Vibe

The tour meets at Voodoo Tavern and PoBoys on Decatur Street (1140 Decatur St). Plan to arrive around 30 minutes before departure so you’re not sprinting to check in.

If you want a drink in hand before the ride, this is one of the easiest places to do it since the meeting point is right there.

Dress is smart casual, and comfortable shoes are a must. The walking is described as mostly flat, but you still need to be able to navigate a few steps to get on and off the bus.

Also, service animals are allowed, and the bus tour is near public transportation, which helps if you don’t want to fight parking in the French Quarter.

The Masonic Temple Cemetery #2 Stop: Square and Compass Tombs After Nightfall

This is the star stop. You start at Masonic Temple Cemetery #2, founded in 1865 by the Grand Lodge of the State of Louisiana Free and Accepted Masons, and it’s known for unusual, elaborate tombs.

Unlike the Catholic cemeteries you’ll see advertised everywhere, this space has a distinct Masonic feel, including a layout that echoes the square and compass symbolism used by Freemasons.

The cemetery sits across two oddly shaped city blocks, with Conti Street bisecting it. There are cast-iron picket fences around the sections and oak allées lining the northern and western edges, which makes the surroundings look deliberate even before the ghost stories start.

Inside, tombs are compactly arranged in rows, with a wide paved promenade cutting through the center so you can move between smaller walkways.

A practical note: lighting can make or break the spooky factor. One well-lit moment won’t stop the experience from being interesting, but if you’re chasing maximum creep, you may want to set expectations that the visuals can vary depending on the exact night conditions.

City Park on the Way: Morning Call Beignets as a Reset Button

Between cemetery stops, the bus passes through City Park, one of the nation’s oldest urban parks. It’s a huge 1,300-acre outdoor space with historic oaks and moss canopies, and it’s been enchanting New Orleanians since 1854.

Then you get a break at Morning Call Cafe, where you can purchase coffee and beignets.

This pause is more than a snack stop. It gives you a chance to regroup, use your eyes and not just your imagination, and handle any last-minute camera charging or bathroom needs.

If you’re the kind of person who forgets to eat during sightseeing, this is the moment that can keep the rest of the night fun instead of foggy.

Hurricane Katrina Memorial: Reflection, Not Just Spookiness

The tour ends with a visit to the Hurricane Katrina Memorial, which marks a somber chapter in New Orleans history. You’ll be at a memorial cemetery for 85 unclaimed victims of the 2005 levee failures, with time for a contemplative pause.

Even if you came for ghosts, this stop changes the emotional temperature of the tour in a good way. It reminds you that New Orleans’ cemetery culture isn’t just about haunted legends—it’s about memory, too.

You may also hear about additional reserved spaces tied to organizations mentioned by the tour guide, including the Odd Fellows Rest. Expect the guide to give context on what you’re seeing and why it matters.

And if you want to keep the ghost-hunting theme going, this is where an included EMF reader can add a playful edge to the experience.

EMF Reading and Orb Photos: How to Participate Without Forcing It

This tour doesn’t just hand you a story. The guide helps you use an included EMF reader to locate ghosts that may be hanging around in the cemetery spaces.

You’re also encouraged to bring a camera to check your photos for orbs and other signs of paranormal activity.

Here’s how I’d approach it so you get more fun and less frustration: treat the EMF reader and photo-checking as an interactive game, not a science lab. Keep your focus on the surroundings, listen closely to what the guide points out, and use the tools as a way to stay engaged during quiet moments.

The Bus Ride Experience: Guides, Music, and Group Energy

The tour lives or dies by the guide’s ability to connect facts to atmosphere. Names like Henry, Roy, and Ray come up repeatedly for a reason: they’re praised for turning cemetery history into something you actually listen to, with humor that keeps the night moving.

You might also notice your guide layering interaction into the bus ride—song choices, conversations, and prompts for ghost hunting—so it doesn’t feel like you’re just trapped on the way to the stops.

Still, pay attention to the vibe on the bus. Some guests found the music loud, describing it like a party bus and even mentioning sound sensitivity. If you’re prone to tinnitus or you hate loud audio on trips, bring earplugs and sit where you can control the volume with your body position.

Also keep in mind that the bus size is capped at 56, but capacity pressure can happen. If you really care about your seat, arrive early and don’t treat check-in like optional.

Who This Tour Fits Best (Ages 6+, Walking Required)

This tour is family friendly for ages 6 and up, but it does include morbid tales that can be scary for younger kids. It’s best for families who can handle spooky storytelling with a dose of history.

Strenuous walking isn’t the goal, but you do need to walk and manage a few steps to board and exit the bus.

Accessibility is the one big constraint: the bus used for this tour is not wheelchair accessible. If someone in your group can’t handle steps or regular walking, you’ll want to choose a different format that matches mobility needs better.

Should You Book the Cemetery and Ghost BYOB Bus Tour?

Book it if you want an after-dark New Orleans cemetery experience, with a BYOB-friendly vibe and a structured route that takes you to places most people skip. The Masonic Temple Cemetery #2 stop is exactly the kind of setting that turns the city’s burial traditions into something you can feel, not just read about.

I’d also book it if you like a guided night that’s interactive—EMF reader fun, camera checks for orbs, and a guide who mixes history with entertainment.

Skip it or be cautious if you want the scariest possible ghost show with long time to wander every site. With a tight two-hour schedule, you might find some moments short, and if you’re sensitive to loud music you’ll want ear protection.

If your top priority is Marie Laveau’s tomb, know that this tour does not include it; Marie Laveau’s tomb is located in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, which isn’t part of this route.

If your dream New Orleans night is a mix of cemeteries, local lore, City Park atmosphere, and a Katrina memorial moment, this tour is a strong match.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the Cemetery and Ghost BYOB Bus Tour?

The tour meets at Voodoo Tavern and PoBoys, 1140 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116.

How early should I arrive before departure?

Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

What is the duration of the tour?

The tour is about 2 hours (approx.).

Which cemetery do you visit?

The tour starts at Masonic Temple Cemetery #2. It typically also includes Charity Hospital pauper’s field and other cemetery-related stops.

Does the tour visit Marie Laveau’s tomb?

No. Marie Laveau’s tomb is in St. Louis Cemetery 1, which is not included on this tour.

Do you visit the Hurricane Katrina Memorial?

Yes. You’ll visit the Hurricane Katrina Memorial Cemetery and the guide will explain the lasting effects of Hurricane Katrina.

What is included with the ghost hunting?

The guide helps you use an included EMF reader. The tour also encourages you to bring your camera to look at photos for orbs and other signs.

Is the tour family friendly?

It is appropriate for ages 6 and above, though it includes morbid tales that can be scary for younger children.

Can I bring my own drinks?

Yes, the tour is BYOB, and drinks are not included. You are encouraged to drink responsibly and be respectful of others.

Is parking available near the meeting point?

There is limited parking near the meeting location, and parking rates apply. Because it’s in the French Quarter, it’s recommended to walk or use public transportation, or use a rideshare like Uber or Lyft.

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