Cemetery and Ghost BYOB Bus Tour in New Orleans

New Orleans keeps its dead above ground, and this two-hour BYOB bus tour lets you see that unusual tradition after dark. You leave the French Quarter for Masonic Temple Cemetery #2, where compact tombs, iron fences, oak trees, and narrow paths create a very different setting from the city’s lively bars.

I like the chance to walk inside a cemetery at night, and I like the mix of history, ghost hunting, and a stop for coffee or beignets at Morning Call Cafe. Guides such as Henry, Roy, and Ray have been singled out for their humor and energy. The catch is that the tour can feel more like a party bus than a carefully built ghost story, especially when loud music takes priority over narration.

Key points to know before booking

• Night access to a cemetery: You walk among above-ground tombs after sunset, something most New Orleans ghost tours do not offer.
• Masonic cemetery focus: Masonic Temple Cemetery #2 has unusual group tombs and a triangular layout based on the Masonic square and compass.
• BYOB format: You may bring your own drinks, but disruptive drinking is not accepted.
• History mixed with atmosphere: The tour covers burial customs, cemetery design, City Park, and the Hurricane Katrina Memorial.
• Guide quality matters: Henry, Roy, Ray, Marcus, and other guides have received very different reactions, so the tone can vary from informative to party-like.
• Arrive early: Pickup is at Voodoo Tavern and PoBoys on Decatur Street, and arriving late can cause seating and departure problems.

What the $30 price buys you

At $30 per person, this is one of the less expensive evening activities in New Orleans. You get transportation from the French Quarter, a driver-guide, live commentary on the bus, cemetery access, and return transportation to the starting point.

That price makes sense if you want a short introduction to New Orleans burial customs with a social night out. It is less compelling if you expect a long, carefully researched paranormal investigation with many cemetery stops. The tour lasts about two hours, and some of that time is spent driving, listening to music, stopping for snacks, or walking without a guide beside you.

The value depends heavily on your expectations. Think of this as a casual historical ghost ride with cemetery access, not a museum-quality cemetery lecture. A strong guide can turn the same route into a funny, memorable evening. A weaker one can leave you feeling that the bus ride and BYOB element took up too much space.

The company sets a maximum of 56 people, though the actual group may be smaller. That limit matters because the walking portions are more enjoyable when you can hear the guide and move between the tombs without crowding. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure, as requested, and get settled before the bus fills.

Meeting at Voodoo Tavern on Decatur Street

The tour begins at Voodoo Tavern and PoBoys, 1140 Decatur Street, in the French Quarter. This is a practical meeting point because you can reach it on foot from much of the Quarter, and public transportation stops are nearby.

You can also buy a drink at the bar before departure and bring it along. The BYOB rule is part of the tour’s identity, but it comes with a clear limit: drink responsibly and respect the people around you. If someone becomes disruptive, the guide can remove that person from the tour.

The meeting point is not ideal for everyone. Parking nearby is limited and costs vary, so walking, public transportation, or a rideshare is the sensible choice. One poor experience also involved road construction and concern about the pickup area. For that reason, I would not cut your arrival close. Get there in daylight if you can, locate the bar, use the restroom, and settle your plans before boarding.

A small practical point can make a big difference: early arrivals are more likely to get a better seat. One group reported that a reservation for five could not be fully accommodated because the bus was overbooked. That is not the expected experience, but it is a good reason not to arrive at the last minute.

Masonic Temple Cemetery #2 after dark

The main stop is Masonic Temple Cemetery #2, founded in 1865 by the Grand Lodge of the State of Louisiana Free and Accepted Masons. It has a different character from the Catholic cemeteries that many people associate with New Orleans.

The cemetery occupies two oddly shaped city blocks, with Conti Street running through it. Its triangular outline and angled paths echo the Masonic square and compass. Cast-iron fences enclose the two sections, while oak rows mark the northern and western sides.

Inside, tombs sit close together in rows parallel to Bienville Street. A wide paved path runs through the center, with smaller walkways leading between the burial structures. At night, this layout gives you a clear route without requiring a strenuous walk. The ground is mostly flat, but you still need to manage steps when boarding and leaving the bus.

The unusual tombs are the point here. Masonic members pooled money to build large communal tombs, so the cemetery reflects the organization’s shared structure rather than only individual family plots. That makes it useful for understanding how New Orleans burial customs worked, even if you are not especially interested in ghost stories.

The scheduled walk lasts about 30 minutes. A good guide will explain above-ground burial, point out unusual tombs, and connect the setting to local beliefs. Henry and Roy have been praised for making this part both funny and informative. Other accounts describe only a short talk followed by free time to look around, so do not assume the guide will narrate every step.

The cemetery may also be more lit than you expect. That helps you see the tombs and walk safely, but it can reduce the eerie mood. If you want total darkness and constant scares, this may feel mild. If you prefer a safe, structured night walk with a spooky setting, the lighting is a fair trade.

Bring a phone or camera. The tour encourages you to check photos for orbs and other possible signs of paranormal activity. You should treat that as playful ghost hunting rather than proof of anything. Some people enjoy scanning their pictures afterward, while others will be more interested in the cemetery’s design and burial customs.

The route beyond the French Quarter

The bus ride is part of the experience, not simply a transfer. You leave the dense French Quarter and head toward quieter areas, giving you a wider look at New Orleans than a walking ghost tour can provide.

The tone on the bus can vary a lot. Some guides use clever songs and upbeat music to keep the ride moving. Henry has been praised for smart music choices, and Marcus was described as funny and pleasant. Other people found the music too loud, with hip-hop or party tracks taking attention away from the history. If you have tinnitus or dislike loud sound, sit nearer the front and tell the guide early that you need a lower volume.

The bus can feel like a small party vehicle, especially because you may bring your own drinks. That suits a group of friends looking for a relaxed night out. It may not suit you if you want a quiet, atmospheric ride filled with ghost tales.

The vehicle is not wheelchair accessible, and everyone must be able to climb a few steps and walk through the cemetery. The walking is not considered strenuous. Wear comfortable shoes and bring layers, since New Orleans evenings can change from warm to cool. Smart casual clothing is recommended.

City Park, Morning Call, and the change of mood

The route passes through City Park, a 1,300-acre urban park that has served New Orleans since 1854. It is among the oldest urban parks in the United States, with historic oaks and moss-covered canopies that have framed dances, concerts, and old-fashioned duels.

City Park adds a welcome change from the tombs. The oak trees give the tour a broader sense of New Orleans, where history is not confined to the French Quarter or a cemetery gate. The stop is also atmospheric after dark, though the tour gives you only a limited amount of time rather than a full park visit.

The break at Morning Call Cafe is one of the most practical parts of the evening. You can buy coffee and beignets, and the stop provides a chance to use a restroom. This is especially useful because the tour is roughly two hours and there may not be another scheduled bathroom stop.

Do not expect a long meal. The break is short, and you are there for a snack rather than a full dinner. Eat before the tour if you need a proper meal. Voodoo Tavern and PoBoys is an option before departure, and you can also use the meeting time to pick up a drink for the ride.

The Hurricane Katrina Memorial and final stop

The tour ends its sightseeing with the Hurricane Katrina Memorial, where 85 unclaimed victims of the 2005 levee failures are remembered. This is the most serious stop on the route.

The memorial gives the evening a needed pause. Ghost tours can easily turn every cemetery into a prop, but Katrina remains living memory for New Orleans. A respectful guide can explain the lasting effects of the disaster and give you time to pay your respects.

This part may not fit people who want nonstop scares, but I consider it one of the tour’s strongest choices. It connects the city’s older burial traditions with a recent event that still shapes New Orleans. The mood changes from playful ghost hunting to quiet reflection, which gives the evening more weight.

The route may also include other burial sites. The tour information names Charity Hospital’s pauper’s field, Odd Fellows Rest, and other cemeteries as possible stops. It specifically does not visit St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 or Marie Laveau’s tomb, so do not book this expecting that famous destination.

Because the exact cemetery mix can vary, pay attention to what your guide says at the start. Masonic Temple Cemetery #2 is the named main stop, while other locations may depend on the evening’s route and operating conditions.

The guides make or break the night

Guide quality is the biggest variable. Henry has been praised for explaining burial traditions while keeping the bus lively. Roy has been described as funny, interactive, and well informed, with ghost-hunting tools such as an EMF reader. Ray has also received strong praise for making the evening feel special, especially for families.

That kind of guide can turn a simple cemetery visit into a good New Orleans memory. Personal stories, clear explanations, and a willingness to answer questions help the tombs feel like part of the city rather than scenery behind a spooky story.

The weaker version is less satisfying. Some people found the cemetery talk too brief and wanted more history, more stops, and a clearer narrative. One account described a guide who openly encouraged everyone to do their own research. Another found the bus music louder and more prominent than the storytelling.

I would book this tour if you are comfortable with that range. You are paying for a shared experience with a live guide, not a recorded lecture with a fixed script. If the guide is engaging, the format works well. If not, the limited walking time becomes more noticeable.

Families, couples, and BYOB groups

The tour is allowed for ages 6 and above, though the stories include death, ghosts, and other morbid subjects. A curious older child may enjoy the tombs and ghost-hunting tools. A younger child who is easily frightened may not.

Families should also consider the BYOB format. Responsible adults can manage it easily, but the atmosphere may feel more like an evening social outing than a family history program. Couples and groups of friends are likely to enjoy the relaxed setup, especially if they want to combine a cemetery visit with drinks and music.

Solo visitors can join too, though the experience works best if you enjoy group conversation. You should expect a shared bus, a maximum possible group of 56, and some free time at the cemetery rather than a private tour.

The tour is not ideal for anyone using a wheelchair because the bus is not accessible. It is also a poor match if you need guaranteed quiet, a highly detailed lecture, or a long visit at each cemetery.

Cancellation, weather, and planning details

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted, and the amount paid is not refunded.

The tour requires suitable weather and a minimum number of people. If poor weather or low enrollment cancels the outing, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Confirmation arrives when you book, and the ticket is mobile. Service animals are allowed, and the activity is near public transportation. Most people can take part if they can walk and manage bus steps.

Plan on smart casual clothing, comfortable shoes, and layers. Bring a camera if you enjoy the ghost-hunting side, and bring your own drink only if you can handle the BYOB rules. The tour provides transportation, but drinks, coffee, and beignets are extra.

Should you book the Cemetery and Ghost BYOB Bus Tour?

Book it if you want a low-cost night ride that combines New Orleans cemeteries, above-ground tombs, ghost stories, music, and a drink with your group. The after-dark cemetery access is the real draw, and the Masonic cemetery offers details you will not get from a standard French Quarter ghost walk.

I would especially recommend it to first-time visitors who want something beyond Bourbon Street, and to people who enjoy a guide-led outing without needing every minute tightly scripted. Henry, Roy, or Ray can make the experience funny, informative, and personal.

Skip it if you want a serious paranormal investigation, a long cemetery lecture, or a quiet ride with no party atmosphere. The tour can be light on storytelling, and loud music has been a problem for some people. Arrive early, sit near the front, eat beforehand, and treat the BYOB element as an optional extra rather than the main event.

At $30, it is a reasonable gamble for a short and unusual evening. Just book it for the mix of cemetery history and casual New Orleans fun, not for a guaranteed scare.

FAQ

Where does the Cemetery and Ghost BYOB Bus Tour begin?

The tour begins at Voodoo Tavern and PoBoys, 1140 Decatur Street in New Orleans. It ends back at the same meeting point.

How early should I arrive?

Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure. This gives you time to find the bar, park or arrive by public transportation, buy a drink if you want one, and board without rushing.

Which cemeteries does the tour visit?

The tour typically visits Masonic Temple Cemetery #2, Charity Hospital’s pauper’s field, and other cemeteries. The exact route can vary. Masonic Temple Cemetery #2 is the named main cemetery stop.

Does the tour visit Marie Laveau’s tomb?

No. Marie Laveau’s tomb is in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, which is not included. The tour does visit other notable tombs and resting places.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are not included, but you may bring your own. You can also buy a drink at Voodoo Tavern and PoBoys before the tour. Responsible drinking is required, and disruptive behavior is not accepted.

Is the tour suitable for children?

The tour is limited to people aged 6 and older. It includes morbid stories and ghost themes, so parents should decide if the subject matter fits their child.

Is the bus wheelchair accessible?

No. The bus is not wheelchair accessible. You must be able to walk through the cemetery and manage a few steps to board and exit the bus.