I recently returned from a trip to New Orleans and this cemetery definitely topped my list of places to visit. I do feel compelled though to offer another viewpoint than the mainstream views that this cemetery is an unsafe place. I decided to visit St. Louis Cemetery #1 alone, without a tour group. As a photographer I wanted to be free to take photos without the hinderence of a tour group. I visited the cemetery about 9:30 am on a Friday. To my surprise (and in contrast with the overcrowded French Quarter) I found that I had the cemetery completely to myself. It was definitely amazing, unique, and much smaller than I anticipated. Although I did take precautions by not carrying anything unecessary with me, I did not necessarily feel unsafe in the cemetery and I did not find any muggers lurking in the corners as other reviewers have implied. It wasn't until after I took around 60 photos did I begin to see other tourists arrive in the cemetery. Definitely take a tour group if that is your thing but don't feel obligated or assume you will are going to get mugged if you enter the cemetery alone. Yes it is ajacent to the Iberville housing projects and yes I suggest maybe leaving your wallet at the hotel, but I found that my trip to the cemetery was rewarding and was definitely among the most memorable time I spent in New Orleans.

Not sure if I should call a cemetery an attraction but it is. Located just within the French Quarter. Easy walking distance from Bourbon Street. Amazing above ground tombs/vaults with many multi-story. I didn't have any concerns about safety but I was there mid-day and there were others there as well. Has several signs up marking historic points and people which are very helpful. Some statues are damaged which I'm not sure if from the wind of Hurricane Katrina or just due to age. I was told #1 did not have any significant flood damage. A must see. Had I been able to work with my schedule, I would have done the tour.

Visit the most visited Tomb in the world...Madame Marie. St. Louis #1 is the only cemetery to go to. Take a tour...not safe if you are wandering on that side of Rampart St alone. The tour is worth it....points out interesting history and crypts.

If anything is left of the fascinating St. Louis Cemetery #1 after Hurricane Katrina's ravages subside, make a point to go there. It's fantastic, especially if you take one of the guided tours. Before you go, read up on the historic Plessy v. Ferguson court case (major civil rights), then go tip your hat to one of our great activist citizens -- Homer Plessy, who's interred at St. Louis Cemetery #1.