A cemetery can be a storybook. This self-guided audio tour uses GPS geolocation to guide you through Metairie Cemetery’s scenes of faith and courage, without needing a live guide. You get a route, you get narration, and you can go at your own pace.

I like that it’s private for your party only, so you’re not sharing the experience with strangers. I also like the practical setup: a free VoiceMap app plus offline access to audio, maps, and geodata, so you do not have to burn data while you wander.

One thing to consider: the tech matters. A few people ran into confusing app/account steps or had trouble getting the tour to start, so if you are the kind of traveler who hates troubleshooting, plan a little extra time to get your phone ready.

Key things to know before you go

• Offline audio, maps, and geodata: download once, then enjoy the route without data worries
• Private tour for your group: only your party participates
• Geolocation GPS guidance: the tour cues you as you move along the route
• Stops anytime: you can slow down, pause, or keep going at your own pace
• Lifetime access: replay the tour whenever you want
• Starts and ends at the same meeting point: easy to navigate back

Washington Artillery Park: the calm start to Metairie Cemetery

The tour’s anchor point is 5510 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70124, with the route beginning near Washington Artillery Park. That matters, because it gives you a clear “start here” reference before you ever step into cemetery terrain.

If you’re arriving by rideshare, taxi, or public transit, having a well-known park-area meeting point is a relief. The tour also runs basically all day—12:00 AM to 11:59 PM—so you can pick a time that fits your day instead of rushing to a narrow window.

VoiceMap GPS: how this self-guided tour really plays

This is a self-guided GPS audio tour delivered through the VoiceMap app. The idea is simple: you use your phone to follow a guided route, and the audio triggers when you’re in the right place. You can also stop anytime, which is helpful in a cemetery where you’ll want a moment to look closely.

Two practical wins show up again and again. First, the narration is described as easy to follow and well timed, so you’re not stuck guessing what you’re looking at. Second, people liked the geolocation feature, which reduces that “are we at the right spot?” stress.

Weather helps your decision here too. One reviewer completed the tour even while it was raining, and the route worked well enough to continue—especially if you drive rather than walk.

The Faith & Courage narration: what you’re listening for

The tour is called Faith & Courage: Metairie Cemetery Stories, and you’re not just getting random facts. You’re getting a guided set of stories tied to what you can see along the route. That’s the whole point of an audio format in a place like this: the stories can follow the landscape, not the other way around.

From what people shared, the narration style lands well. Several comments mention strong storytelling and pacing, and the overall experience felt educational without turning into a lecture. If you enjoy learning how places get remembered—through names, symbols, and family legacies—this format is built for that.

Still, manage expectations. One person felt the tour did not go into quite as much detail about every grave or landmark they hoped to hear about. In other words, this is a curated route, not every single stone and story in the cemetery.

A 35-minute route you can actually fit into a New Orleans day

The tour clocks in at about 35 minutes. That’s the sweet spot for a cemetery visit when you want something meaningful but not time-consuming. It also gives you flexibility: you can complete it, then continue exploring nearby areas on your own schedule.

You can also take it at your pace. People liked the option to stop and start, which matters because cemetery viewing is naturally slower than, say, a museum check-list. If you see something that grabs you, you do not have to rush past it to stay on track.

One tip from the way folks described using the route: consider your movement style. The tour can work by car—at least some people found it practical that way—so if the ground, walking distance, or time pressure is a factor for you, driving the route may be the easier choice.

Value check: why $8.99 feels fair (and when it might not)

At $8.99 per person, this is priced like an affordable add-on that still delivers real content. The big reason it holds value is not just the audio—it’s the lifetime access. Buy once, and you can replay the tour later when you have more time, or when you want to pick up details you missed the first round.

The offline feature also adds value in New Orleans, where data can be inconsistent and plans change fast. Having offline access to audio, maps, and geodata means the experience does not fall apart if your phone’s connection is weak.

Where value can slip is the tech friction factor. When downloads, account steps, or starting the tour fail, you lose time and patience. If you are going to be traveling with low tolerance for phone troubleshooting, do a quick readiness check before you start the route.

What might not suit everyone

This is a solid option for most people, but it’s not perfect for every traveler style.

If you want a human guide to answer questions on the spot, this will not replace that. It’s an audio GPS route, so you’re in control, but you also won’t get real-time explanations beyond what’s recorded.

If you need a lot of specific graves covered, you might feel the route is selective. One person noted missing a key grave close to the start and stop points. And another felt the level of detail wasn’t what they expected. Those are not deal-breakers for everyone, but they’re good warnings if your goal is ultra-complete coverage.

Finally, smartphone dependence is real. A smartphone is not included, and the tour relies on the VoiceMap app plus a working connection between your location and the GPS prompts (even with offline downloads).

Practical arrival tips so you don’t waste time

Here’s how to make the experience smoother if you’re trying to avoid headaches:

• Plan a few minutes for setup before you begin. Download the free VoiceMap app and make sure you can access your purchased tour.
• Double-check that you redeem and start the tour correctly before heading into the cemetery route. Some issues reported were linked to the redemption and starting process.
• Save battery. GPS and audio both take power, so bring a charger if your phone runs low fast.
• Bring comfortable footwear or plan for a car-friendly route. Some people took the tour by car and still finished during bad weather.

If the weather turns, remember you can still proceed. The route has enough structure that you should not feel lost, even when visibility or conditions are less pleasant.

Should you book Metairie Cemetery Stories?

Book it if you want a meaningful, low-pressure cemetery experience with great narration and an easy pacing style. The combination of private access, GPS geolocation guidance, and offline audio/maps makes it a strong value for $8.99—especially if you like learning at your own speed.

Skip it or think twice if your main travel mode is “phone-free” or you dislike app setup. Some people had trouble getting the tour to download or start, and the process can take longer if your phone or account steps don’t cooperate. If you are the type who can handle a quick tech check, you’ll likely be happier.

FAQ

How much is Metairie Cemetery Stories?

The price is $8.99 per person.

How long does the self-guided tour take?

It’s about 35 minutes (approx.).

Is this tour self-guided or guided by a person?

It’s self-guided. You use the VoiceMap app for GPS guidance and audio.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Do I need the VoiceMap app, and does it work offline?

You download the free VoiceMap app, and the tour plays offline. Audio, maps, and geodata are available offline.

Where does the tour start and where does it end?

The tour starts at 5510 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70124, and it ends back at the meeting point.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s private, and only your group participates.

Are service animals allowed?

Service animals are allowed.

Can I cancel for free?

Yes—free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.