Unsolved Mysteries of New Orleans

Unsolved Mysteries of New Orleans: A Balanced Look at a Haunted Walk

Exploring New Orleans’ French Quarter is like stepping into a living storybook of ghosts, legends, and secrets. For $35 per person, you get a 1 to 2-hour guided walking tour led by a storyteller guide who takes you through shadowy alleyways, stopping at some of the city’s most infamous haunted sites. The tour features visits to the LaLaurie Mansion, the Beauregard-Keyes House, and St. Louis Cathedral, with tales of voodoo, murder, and Civil War spirits weaving through your walk.

What we love about this experience is how the guide’s storytelling breathes life into the dark history and legends of New Orleans—bringing eerie sites to life with a mix of history, legend, and local color. Plus, the inclusion of paranormal detection equipment adds a fun, interactive element, giving guests a chance to feel a bit of the supernatural energy firsthand.

A potential consideration is that the reviews are mixed, with some guests experiencing issues like guides not showing up—so punctuality and confirming your booking might be key. Also, the tour is designed to be a moderate walk, so if mobility is a concern, be prepared for a bit of a stroll over uneven streets.

This tour is best suited for mystery enthusiasts, history buffs, or those curious about the supernatural side of New Orleans. If you enjoy a good ghost story and are interested in legendary haunted locations in the French Quarter, this experience could be a memorable addition to your trip.

Key Points

• Authentic storytelling makes the dark history of New Orleans come alive.
• Paranormal equipment offers a unique, hands-on element of the supernatural.
• The tour visits notorious haunted sites like LaLaurie Mansion and Beauregard-Keyes House.
• Punctuality and confirmation are important, as some reviews report guides not arriving.
• It’s a moderate-paced walk, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
• The tour is ideal for those interested in mystery, ghosts, and legends, especially fans of local lore.

A Closer Look at the Unsolved Mysteries of New Orleans Tour

The Basics: What You’re Signing Up For

This guided walking tour costs $35 and lasts about 1 to 2 hours. You’ll start at the courtyard gate of Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar on 941 Bourbon Street, a lively spot in the heart of the French Quarter. The tour takes you through some of the city’s most notorious haunted sites, blending history and legend as you walk.

The professional guides are storytellers who narrate tales of voodoo queens, ghostly apparitions, and Civil War spirits. The tour features stops at famous haunted locations such as the LaLaurie Mansion, known for its dark past and reputation as one of the city’s most haunted houses, and the Beauregard-Keyes House, which has its own ghostly legends.

What We Appreciate

One of the strongest points of this tour is the guides’ storytelling ability. According to one reviewer, the guide was “very knowledgeable,” making the dark stories engaging and lively. This personal touch adds an immersive element that pure sightseeing sometimes lacks.

Another feature we love is the use of paranormal detection equipment—including EMF meters—that guests can utilize during the tour. This interactive element adds a sense of adventure and curiosity, making it especially appealing for those intrigued by the supernatural. Guests are allowed to check equipment out at the start and return it at the end, adding a layer of responsibility and engagement.

Potential Drawbacks

However, the reviews reveal some bumps in the road. One reviewer, Jim, recounted arriving early but waiting 45 minutes without any guide showing up, leading to frustration and difficulty in getting a refund. This highlights the importance of confirming your reservation and arriving on time.

Also, as the tour involves walking through uneven streets and navigating the historic French Quarter at night, those with mobility challenges or a preference for more comfortable, less active experiences might find it less suitable.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for history lovers and mystery fans who enjoy storytelling and ghost lore. It caters to those curious about New Orleans’ darker history and legends, especially fans of haunted houses and Civil War spirits. The optional bar stops make it flexible for those wanting to combine a bit of drinking with storytelling, though it’s worth noting that alcohol is not included and must be purchased separately.

In-Depth: What You Can Expect at Each Stop

Starting Point: French Quarter at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop

Your journey begins at 941 Bourbon Street, where you’ll meet your guide just outside the courtyard of Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar. This iconic bar, famous for its history and lively atmosphere, serves as a convenient and atmospheric meeting point. From here, your guide will lead you through the streets at a moderate pace, sharing stories of New Orleans’ dark past.

LaLaurie Mansion

The first major stop is the LaLaurie Mansion, infamous for its gruesome history involving Madame LaLaurie’s torture chamber. Known as one of the most haunted houses, it’s a site that prompts shivers and curiosity alike. The guide’s storytelling brings out the mansion’s sinister reputation, recounting tales of murder and ghostly sightings reported over the years.

St. Louis Cathedral and Pere Dagobert

Next, you’ll pass St. Louis Cathedral, where legend suggests that the apparition of Pere Dagobert, a beloved figure, may be glimpsed. The cathedral, an architectural marvel, also serves as a backdrop for ghost stories that blend faith, history, and legend in a captivating way.

The Sultan’s Palace

One of the more sensational stops is the Sultan’s Palace, a mansion with a dark story of murder and massacre. The guide’s narratives aim to give you a vivid picture of the mansion’s grisly history, making it a highlight—and a spine-chilling one at that.

Beauregard-Keyes House

Later, you’ll visit the Beauregard-Keyes House, once home to Confederate general P.G.T. Beauregard. Its reputation as a haunted site is supported by stories of Civil War spirits and paranormal activity. Guests have noted the “spirit of civil war soldiers” and the haunted ambiance, lending a historical weight to the supernatural tales.

End of Tour: Returning to the French Quarter

Your walk concludes back in the heart of the French Quarter, leaving you with plenty of stories—and possibly a few ghostly impressions—to ponder as you explore further on your own.

Practical Details & Tips

• Meeting point is at the courtyard gate of Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, so arrive a few minutes early to find your guide.
• The tour includes the use of paranormal equipment, but be prepared to handle it responsibly and return it at the end.
• Bars along the route offer opportunities to purchase drinks for those wanting to relax or socialize during the tour.
• The duration varies from 1 to 2 hours, depending on group size and stops, so wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.
• Tips are not included but are generally appreciated for knowledgeable guides, especially those who enhance your experience.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This Unsolved Mysteries of New Orleans tour offers a lively, storytelling approach to the city’s haunted lore. If you’re someone who enjoys tales of ghosts, legends, and historic dark stories, you’ll find plenty to interest you here. The inclusion of paranormal equipment makes it especially fun for those curious about sensing supernatural energy firsthand.

However, be aware that the experience can be inconsistent—reviews highlight some issues with guide attendance and logistical hiccups. If you’re looking for a well-organized, reliable ghost tour, you might want to confirm your reservation and plan for some flexibility. The tour is perfect for adventurous travelers, mystery enthusiasts, and those eager to combine historical sites with a dash of the supernatural.

For anyone interested in New Orleans’ haunted reputation and lively storytelling, this tour provides a spirited glimpse into the city’s darker side—an experience that’s more about the stories than guaranteed ghost sightings but still sure to entertain.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour involves walking through dark streets at night and tales of murder and torture, so it’s best suited for teens and adults interested in ghost stories and legends.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1 to 2 hours, depending on the number of stops and group pace.

Are drinks included in the tour price?
No, drinks are not included. Guests can purchase beverages at bars along the route, and alcohol consumption during the tour is allowed.

What happens if the guide doesn’t show up?
There’s a review mentioning a guide not arriving for 45 minutes, so confirm your booking and arrive early. Contact the tour operator if you have any concerns beforehand.

Can I use paranormal equipment during the tour?
Yes, paranormal equipment such as EMF meters is provided and can be checked out at the start of the tour. Be sure to return it before leaving.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
The tour involves moderate-paced walking over uneven streets, so it may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the courtyard gate of Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop on Bourbon Street and ends in the French Quarter, in the vicinity of the starting point.

In the end, whether you’re a believer in ghosts or just love spooky stories, this tour promises a spirited walk through New Orleans’ haunted past. With balanced storytelling, interactive paranormal tools, and a lively neighborhood setting, it can be a memorable part of your trip—just hold onto your hat and your curiosity.