Lafayette Cemetery No. 1
4.4(24)google
4.4(216)yelp
History
Overview
Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 is a historic cemetery in the Garden District neighborhood of New Orleans, Louisiana. Founded in 1833 and still in use today, the cemetery takes its name from its location in what was once the City of Lafayette, a suburb of New Orleans that was annexed by the larger metropolis in 1852.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration1-1.5 hours
Best TimeExcellent year-round, ideally during pleasant mornings (9:30 AM - 11:30 AM) in spring or autumn. As one of the city's premier historic above-ground 'Cities of the Dead,' morning light filters majestically through the Garden District's ancient Live Oak canopies onto the crumbling, vine-covered family tombs, creating a quiet, hauntingly beautiful Southern Gothic aesthetic.
Getting ThereLocated directly in the historic core of the Garden District at 1400 Washington Avenue, right across from the Commander's Palace restaurant. Parking is heavily restricted. The most authentic transit approach is riding the St. Charles Streetcar (Green Line) to the Washington Avenue stop, then walking riverward along Washington Ave for 5 minutes.
Travel Tips
- Due to ongoing subsurface crypt structural collapses, this cemetery is fully closed to the public; scaling the iron containment gates is a major offense.
- The adjacent residential sectors strictly ticket non-resident curbside parkers; park vehicles along St. Charles Avenue and approach on foot.
Photo Tips
Photo Spots
- Exterior photography is viable through the Washington Avenue perimeter fences, but buckled oak roots along the curb create severe ankle-sprain hazards.
Reviews
Positive
- Situated in the elegant Garden District core, this cemetery is the premier filming set for Interview with the Vampire; its above-ground plots under mossy oaks look spectacular.
- The site holds deep, heavy historical weight, preserving multi-generational vaults from 19th-century yellow fever epidemics and unique orphan plots with high educational value.
- Compared to the chaotic St. Louis No. 1, this site sits in a wealthy, upscale neighborhood; surrounding lawns are manicured and strolling its gravel paths feels exceptionally safe and peaceful.
- Prime location; stepping outside the gates places you meters away from the St. Charles Streetcar and Magazine Street cafes, serving as a top free walking landmark.
Heads up
- The biggest dealbreaker is that for structural preservation, the internal iron gates are frequently locked to the public, forcing tourists to peek through tall outer iron rails.
- Nearly all internal stone walkways are heavily buckled by massive underground live oak roots, leaving paths cracked and uneven, creating a bumpy, heavy struggle for strollers or wheelchairs.
- The interior features zero public restrooms, trash bins, or shaded rest pavilions to retain original historic nature; finding a cool spot to break requires heading out to commercial strips.
- Midday summer sun creates intense glare reflections off the massive white marble plots, radiating heavy waves of heat; the grasses hide biting mosquitoes, requiring full protection.