Tucked away in New Orleans's famous cemeteries are many lovely treasures waiting to be discovered. Open to the public, the cemeteries are some of the city's most beautiful and unique landmarks.  

Jackson Square, with its equestrian statue of President Andrew Jackson and soaring St. Louis Cathedral, is a popular gathering place in the heart of the French Quarter.  

New Orleans architecture contains hints of French, Spanish, and old Deep South influence. The blending of these diverse styles is what makes the city so distinctive, giving it a vaguely European flavor that offers surprises around every corner.  

Dedicated to the saint whose divine intervention saved the lives of many parishioners in the 18th-century yellow fever plague, Saint Roch's Cemetery is one of the more colorful and fascinating sites in New Orleans. It's also the resting place of many prominent city residents. The cemetery continues its tradition of acknowledging St. Roch and other saints with tokens, relics, and, some say, voodoo items.  

Whether it's an early morning visit to kick-start your day together or a late-night stop after an evening of French Quarter decadence, coffee au lait and beignets at Café du Monde is a New Orleans institution that never grows old.  

Stained glass and Grecian-style statues at an above-ground tomb guarantee that the memory of a former New Orleans resident lives on.  

Sometimes festive, sometimes somber and moody, Jackson Square at the heart of the French Quarter is worth visiting at any time.  

Many New Orleans cemeteries are filled with exotic statuary and structures. Bring a picnic and find a place under a shady tree to enjoy the whimsical architecture and scenery.  

New Orleans is a city of music, and much of the local talent can be found on the street. Jackson Square and the area around Café du Monde are good places to find quality jazz, blues, and folk musicians.  

Far from being morbid, a tour of New Orleans cemeteries is a fanciful celebration of the lives of many colorful and memorable residents. Join an organized tour or get a map and explore some of the more well-known ones on your own.