The Badly Behaved Women Who Made New Orleans Tour

A Fun and Informative Dive into New Orleans’ Naughty Side

If you’re curious about the less-polished, more scandalous chapters of New Orleans’ past, the Badly Behaved Women Who Made New Orleans Tour offers a lively, well-balanced look at the city’s vice history. For just $30 per person, this 2.5-hour guided walk takes you from the earliest days of French authorities shipping women to Ursuline convents to the glitz and grit of Storyville, the city’s famed red-light district. It’s a tour that appeals equally to history buffs and those interested in the city’s colorful, rebellious character.

What we love most about this experience is its rich storytelling and the walkable, manageable pace—you won’t feel rushed, and you’ll get plenty of time to enjoy the sights and hear the stories that bring the past to life. Plus, the guide’s enthusiasm and knowledge shine through, making the history of vice far more engaging than a dry lecture. A second highlight is the focus on authentic sites, like the oldest building in the French Quarter and the actual birthplace of Marie Laveau, giving you tangible links to the stories.

One thing to consider is that this tour is not a high-energy party tour, nor does it focus on modern nightlife. It’s more about storytelling and historical context, which might not suit everyone expecting a wild party vibe. It’s ideal for curious travelers who want a nuanced, entertaining look at New Orleans’ infamous past without the sleaze overtaking the experience.

This tour works best for history lovers, curious travelers, and anyone wanting a unique perspective on the city’s colorful, often scandalous history. It’s especially beneficial if you appreciate guides with a good sense of humor and an eye for detail.

Key Points

• Engaging storytelling makes the dark history of vice districts accessible and interesting.
• Authentic sites like the Ursuline convent and Louis Armstrong Park provide tangible links to history.
• The manageable 2.5-hour length makes it easy to fit into a busy sightseeing day.
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience, sharing juicy details and context.
• The tour offers great value for the price, combining history, culture, and a bit of scandal.
• It’s wheelchair friendly and suitable for most travelers looking for an authentic, educational experience.

The Detailed Scoop on the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Overall Atmosphere

The tour begins on Chartres Street & Ursulines Avenue, an ideal central location in the French Quarter. From the outset, you’ll notice the tour’s focus on deep historical roots, with a stop at the Ursuline convent, built in 1727—the oldest building in the French Quarter. Here, the guide recounts a startling fact: in the early days, French authorities sent women from brothels and prisons to the nuns for “correction,” including nude lashings as a form of discipline. This controversial beginning sets the tone for an honest, unvarnished look at how the city’s authorities handled morality and vice.

Exploring French Quarter’s Dark Past

Your first stop, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, isn’t just a cozy spot for a drink but a building with a history as a smuggling front, tying into the city’s long-standing reputation for clandestine activities. While the tour doesn’t focus solely on the bar’s current reputation, it offers a good first taste of how layers of history—legal and illegal—intertwine in New Orleans.

Next, you’ll visit the Marie Laveau House of Voodoo site. Interestingly, the tour doesn’t stop at the shop itself but at her birthplace, prompting a discussion about her real income sources. The guide helps clarify misconceptions—Marie Laveau, often associated with voodoo, was actually a high-class madam who amassed her influence in different ways. Her complex persona reflects the layered identities of many women involved in vice in New Orleans’ past.

Storyville and the Rise of Vice

A highlight of the tour is the visit to Louis Armstrong Park, which overlooks where Storyville once thrived. Known as the city’s legal red-light district from 1897 to 1917, Storyville was famous for its palaces of sin, where madams flaunted diamonds and the city’s most colorful characters lurked in the shadows. Today, the park offers a shaded space to reflect and view historical photos that bring this lively era to life. The transition from the decadence of Basin Street’s palaces to the stark Iberville Projects symbolizes the city’s complex social evolution.

Noteworthy Sites and Stories

The tour also covers May Baily’s Place, the first legal brothel in New Orleans, offering insights into how laws and morality shifted over time. The guide shares stories about the Golden Lantern and Southern Decadence, adding layers about cultural and social history. These stories, combined with the guide’s engaging narration, help paint a vivid picture of how vice was not just tolerated but intertwined with the city’s identity.

Group Size and Accessibility

With a maximum of 15 travelers, the tour maintains an intimate feel, allowing for questions and interactions. The use of mobile tickets makes it easy to join and leave the tour at your convenience, and service animals are permitted, making it accessible for many travelers.

Practicalities and Value

The $30 price tag is very reasonable considering the depth of stories, authentic sites visited, and the knowledgeable guide’s ability to weave history with humor. The 2.5-hour duration strikes a good balance—long enough to explore thoroughly but not so lengthy that it becomes tiring. The tour’s close proximity to public transportation makes it easy to access, and the flexible cancellation policy adds peace of mind.

Why This Tour Will Appeal to You

If you’re interested in history, culture, and understanding the darker side of New Orleans, this tour offers a balanced perspective. It’s well-suited for curious travelers who want more than surface-level stories—the guide’s anecdotes and background give you a richer sense of the city’s complex past. Those who enjoy learning about people’s stories, especially women who shaped the city’s reputation, will find this especially rewarding.

However, if you’re expecting a party atmosphere or modern nightlife details, this tour might not hit that mark. It’s more about historical storytelling and cultural context than partying or nightlife. So, if your goal is to explore the city’s scenes today, you might want to look elsewhere.

The Bottom Line

This tour offers a fascinating peek into New Orleans’ vice-filled history with stories that are often overlooked in typical city tours. What sets it apart is the knowledgeable guides, authentic sites, and the approachability of the experience—making complex and sometimes controversial history accessible and engaging.

It’s an excellent choice for those wanting to add a unique, colorful chapter to their New Orleans visit. If you love stories about historic women, city scandals, or just want to understand how vice and morality shaped this city, you’ll find this tour both fun and enlightening.

On top of that, the value for money is clear—at only $30, you get a well-paced, immersive experience that respects your time and curiosity. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this tour helps you see the city through a different lens, revealing the stories behind its most infamous streets.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
While the tour covers adult themes related to vice and morality, the content is presented in an educational and respectful manner. Most travelers should find it appropriate, but parents may want to consider their children’s comfort with mature topics.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, making it a manageable addition to your day without being overly time-consuming.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Chartres Street & Ursulines Avenue and concludes at Louis Armstrong Park. The start time is 2:00 pm, and both locations are accessible via public transportation.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
The tour visits sites in the French Quarter and Louis Armstrong Park, which are generally accessible, but travelers with specific mobility needs should inquire directly with the provider.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 15 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience and plenty of opportunities for questions.

Can I cancel and get a refund?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. This provides flexibility and peace of mind.

In the end, this tour is an excellent way to uncover the gritty, fascinating stories that helped shape New Orleans’ identity. Whether you’re into history, culture, or just enjoy a good story, this experience offers a unique window into the city’s colorful past—an authentic piece of its complex mosaic that’s well worth the time and money.