I went to St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 on a field trip with my class. It was very interesting, and I learned a lot about the different tomb styles. We got to speak to the people at Cheaux-Vive (a group of women that restore tombs for a living) They have done a lot of work in St.
Louis cemetery No. 1, and have greatly improved the the tombs.
Louisiana has very unique cemeteries, and I think everyone should take a tour of at least one of them.

-Laura (8th grade)

We visited this cemetery during the day. With a little research, we were able to find the famous graves on our own. There were historical markers on most of the graves of interest. I found this place very interesting and a little eerie.

Although the cemeteries in New Orleans are known for their uniqueness, safety must be your first priority. Some of the cemeteries around the city (City Park area) are fine to visit alone but this is NOT one of them. If you must visit Marie Laveau's grave, do so with a group or when a group is present.
Even though there is a Police station accross the street, the high walls around it keep the view from the street to a very minimum and the tall mortuaries create a great place for thieves to hide to wait for their pray.
This IS the oldest cemetery in the city and decay has taken a toll on the graves. Vegetation and the humidity of the area causes a musty smell many think are decaying bodies. Many of the graves have been vandalized to rob the dead of their riches, some have been repaired while others remain in shambles.

This is a good place to visit during the day. If you are walking, you can follow your nose for the last 100 feet or so, as the graves are above ground due to the high water table. This is the peculiar smell of decaying bodies. The cemetery closes early to discourage voodoo activities and general vandalism. Note the sign at the entrance saying you are responsible for the care and upkeep of your relation's graves. Nevertheless, Jacques Philippe Roi de Villere has a nicely restored site. Likely to counterpose the run down site of Marie Laveau's burial diagonally across the path. Obviously the Archdiocese has a vested interest in promoting the first native born governor of Louisiana over the voodoo queen. I found the site by walking randomly, and recommend this site with or without a guide.
400 Basin Street.