New Orleans Killers and Thrillers Tour

Experience the dark side of New Orleans with this haunted walking tour in the French Quarter. For just $34.99 per person, you’ll spend about an hour and a half strolling through some of the city’s most storied streets after sunset. Led by local guides, you’ll hear tales of supernatural activity, historic murders, and eerie legends while visiting renowned haunted spots like the home of a voodoo practitioner and a bar notorious for paranormal phenomena.

What we love about this experience is how the guides bring to life the spooky stories with enthusiasm and local knowledge, making history feel like a living, breathing part of the city’s dark corners. Plus, the chance to visit iconic locations like the Pharmacy Museum and the Cabildo adds a tangible sense of place to the tales.

One possible consideration is the nature of the walking—if mobility is an issue or if you’re expecting a bus tour, this might not be the right fit. It’s strictly a walking tour through the narrow streets of the French Quarter, which means you’ll want comfortable shoes and a bit of an adventurous spirit.

This tour suits those interested in true crime, haunted history, and ghost stories, especially if you’re looking for an engaging, local-led experience that adds a spine-tingling twist to your time in New Orleans.

Key Points

• Authentic storytelling: Guides are passionate and knowledgeable, often making the tales come alive with energy.
• Iconic locations: Stops include the historic Cabildo, Pharmacy Museum, and haunted streets, offering a tangible connection to the city’s dark past.
• Cost and duration: At $34.99 for roughly 90 minutes, the tour offers good value for a themed, guided experience in a city full of haunted legends.
• Group size: Small groups (max 9) ensure a more intimate experience, though some reviews mention large groups can make it harder to hear.
• Flexible experience: Open to all travelers 16 and older, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before.
• Authentic local guides: Many guests praise guides like Maude, Christian, and Mike for their storytelling skills and enthusiasm.

A Deep Dive into the Haunted Side of New Orleans

Walking into the dark, twisting streets of the French Quarter suddenly feels different when you know stories of ghosts, murders, and mysterious happenings are lurking behind every corner. This tour, offered by Ghost City Tours, promises just that—a chance to see the city’s shadowy history through the eyes of passionate local guides. With a ticket price of $34.99, you get roughly an hour and a half of storytelling, with stops at some of the most haunted spots in the city, all under cover of night.

The Starting Point and Tour Atmosphere

You begin at 809 Royal Street, right in the heart of the French Quarter—a place already famous for its vibrant life and historic charm. As the sun dips below the horizon, the atmosphere shifts, and the streets take on a more mysterious tone. Guiding you through dark side streets and alleys, your guide will unfold tales of ghostly apparitions, sinister crimes, and tragic demises that have left their mark on the city’s landscape.

Why We Like This Tour

First, the local guides shine—many reviews highlight guides like Maude, Christian, or Mike, who infuse their stories with humor, energy, and a genuine interest in New Orleans’ haunted lore. We find that a knowledgeable guide makes all the difference for creating an engaging experience that feels both authentic and fun.

Second, the visits to iconic haunted locations add a sense of authenticity. Stops include the Cabildo, where some of the city’s most disturbing stories are told, and the Pharmacy Museum, which isn’t just about medicine but also about stories of tragedy and mystery linked to real historical figures. Many guests appreciated that the tour doesn’t rush through these stops, giving you a few minutes to soak in the atmosphere and imagine the stories that echo through the halls.

What to Expect on the Tour

The tour is straightforward but packed with intriguing tales. You start by wandering through the French Quarter’s darkened streets, listening to stories of phantoms and the city’s grim past. The guide’s commentary keeps you entertained—some reviews mention that guides speak quickly, so staying close or paying attention is key.

Stops are brief but meaningful—about five minutes each at the Cabildo and Pharmacy Museum, where you’ll hear the stories behind their haunted reputation. You might see the building facades that have witnessed centuries of history and imagine the spirits that are said to linger there.

An especially fun highlight is the bar known for paranormal activity—some guests love that they can enjoy a drink during or after the tour, adding a social element to the spooky experience. Of course, remember that the tour itself doesn’t enter private buildings or do any investigations; it’s storytelling on the streets and at public sites.

Authenticity and Accuracy

A recurring theme in reviews is the mix of fact and folklore. Some guests enjoy the lively storytelling, even if some stories are exaggerated or fictionalized for effect. As one reviewer put it, the guide was “high on energy, low on accuracy,” but many found it all entertaining regardless.

If you’re a lover of true crime, you’ll appreciate the stories of murders and serial killers, which are laid out with enough historical context to give a sense of the city’s darker side. Other reviews mention that guides like Christian and Mike do a good job of differentiating fact from fiction, making it a worthwhile experience for those who want a spooky but somewhat educational walk.

The Group Size and Atmosphere

The tour caps at nine participants, which enhances the intimacy and allows for more interaction. However, some reviews mention large groups can feel overwhelming, with difficulty hearing or staying close. If you’re sensitive to noise or crowding, arriving early or being prepared to move closer might improve your experience.

The Value in the Price

At just under $35, you’re paying for a guided experience that combines entertainment, local knowledge, and a taste of the city’s haunted history. Considering the inclusion of stops at well-known sites and the passion of guides, the tour offers good value—especially if you’re interested in true crime or ghost stories.

What Some Guests Found Less Enjoyable

While many reviews are glowing, some guests felt the tour could be more tailored. For example, a reviewer was disappointed that the tour didn’t include a bar with paranormal activity or a voodoo house as advertised. Others found the storytelling too fast or felt the group was too large, which could detract from the experience.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This spooky walk is perfect for adults and teenagers over 16 who enjoy stories of ghosts, crime, and history. It’s ideal if you appreciate guides who are passionate storytellers and don’t mind walking through uneven streets at night. If you’re looking for a ghost tour that feels personal and authentic, this one hits the mark.

It’s also a good option if you’re a fan of true crime stories, or if you want to add a fun, creepy twist to your evening plans in New Orleans. Just remember, it’s a walking tour with a focus on storytelling—no haunted houses or investigations are involved.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
The minimum age is 16, so it’s best for teenagers and adults who are comfortable with spooky stories and walking at night.

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it a manageable evening activity.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 809 Royal Street and concludes in the heart of the French Quarter, close to other attractions and food options.

Is transportation provided?
No, it’s a walking tour only, so be prepared for a moderate amount of walking over uneven streets.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.

Are drinks or food included?
No, but some stops include a bar where you can buy drinks if you wish.

Are the stories historically accurate?
While the guides are passionate, some stories mix fact and folklore, so take some tales with a grain of salt.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, and dress accordingly for the weather, especially since the tour is outdoors at night.

Is the tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely, small groups mean you’ll likely meet other interesting travelers and have a more personalized experience.

To sum it up, the New Orleans Killers and Thrillers Tour offers a lively, engaging look into the city’s haunted and criminal past. It’s ideal for those who love stories of ghosts and crime, appreciate passionate guides, and want to see some iconic sites after dark. While it’s not a highly factual history lesson, it brings a fun, spooky element to your New Orleans visit—perfect for adding a little thrill to your trip. Just bring comfortable shoes, an open mind, and a sense of adventure.