Crawl New Orleans: The Haunted Crawl w/ Shot Included

When you think of New Orleans, images of lively jazz, delicious Creole cuisine, and vibrant street life often come to mind. But behind the colorful facades of the French Quarter, there’s a darker, spookier side that this Haunted Crawl brings vividly to life. This tour, priced at just $27, lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours and takes you through some of the city’s most notorious haunted sites, all led by guides known for their storytelling flair and deep knowledge.

Two things we particularly appreciate about this walk are its focus on true crime and paranormal sightings—not just ghost stories for entertainment but stories rooted in real events and sightings—and its ability to blend history with Hollywood glamour, showing filming locations tied to popular horror series like American Horror Story.

A possible drawback might be that it’s a walking tour—so if you’re hoping for a bus or carriage ride, this might not be the right fit. However, if you love urban exploration on foot with engaging stories, this will suit you perfectly.

This experience suits travelers who are curious about the darker side of history and enjoy storytelling that mixes fact with a dash of Hollywood mystique. It’s especially appealing if you’re traveling in the evening, want to avoid commercialized “haunted” attractions, and love hearing genuine local legends straight from passionate guides.

Key Points

• Authentic stories rooted in real crimes and sightings bring depth to the experience
• Knowledgeable guides like Tanya, Randy, and Alexander make the tour lively and engaging
• The tour visits famous haunted sites and Hollywood filming locations
• At just $27, it offers a budget-friendly way to explore New Orleans’ spooky side
• The tour is short but rich, perfect for an evening activity
• Small group sizes (up to 28 people) keep it intimate and personal

Introduction: What to Expect from the Haunted Crawl

This isn’t your typical bar crawl. For around $27, you’ll join a guided walk through the French Quarter, focusing on the city’s most infamous haunted sites, ghost stories, and dark history. Led by guides with a reputation for being friendly, knowledgeable, and entertaining, you’ll be walking on foot for about an hour and a half, starting at MRB Bar & Kitchen and ending in the vibrant heart of the French Quarter.

What makes this tour stand out is its balance of historical facts, ghost stories, and pop culture references. Unlike some tours that focus mainly on legends or tales meant solely for entertainment, this one emphasizes real-life crimes, paranormal encounters, and the stories behind famous locations.

Two aspects we love: First, the expert storytelling that makes each site come alive—one guide, Tanya, was praised for her knowledge and passion. Second, the stops at iconic locations like the Lalaurie Mansion and the Old Ursuline Convent, which are steeped in both history and haunted lore.

One thing to consider is that—you’ll need to bring your own beverages if you want to enjoy a drink during the tour. The tour encourages you to bring a beverage and enjoy it outside, but alcohol isn’t included in the price.

This tour is perfect for history buffs, ghost enthusiasts, and film fans who want a curated, authentic experience that combines spooky stories with real landmarks. It’s ideal if you enjoy small group intimacy and interactive storytelling.

Breaking Down the Itinerary

Stop 1: Old Ursuline Convent Museum

The tour kicks off at the Old Ursuline Convent, the oldest building in the French Quarter. Standing outside, your guide will share the story of The Casket Girls, a mysterious legend involving young women arriving from France in the 18th century. The building’s age alone makes it a compelling start, but its haunted reputation adds extra intrigue.

What you’ll love: The mix of history and ghost lore, plus the chance to appreciate the building’s architecture. Keep in mind, admission is not included, so if you want to explore inside, plan accordingly.

Stop 2: Decatur Street & The Axe Man Legend

Next, you’ll stroll down Decatur Street, one of the busiest and most lively streets in the French Quarter, but your focus will be on the Axe Man of New Orleans, a notorious figure from the early 20th century. Your guide recounts the chilling tales of a serial killer who terrorized the city, with stories of paranormal sightings linked to his legend.

Why it’s memorable: You get a glimpse into true crime intertwined with ghostly whispers. It’s a sobering contrast to the lively street ambiance, adding depth to your experience.

Stop 3: The Lalaurie Mansion

Arguably the most famous haunted house in New Orleans, the Lalaurie Mansion is a must-see. Here, the tour dives into the grisly real stories behind the house that inspired American Horror Story. Your guide shares celebrity tidbits and discusses the dark deeds of the Lalaurie family, whose cruelty during the 19th century has become legendary.

Expect: Short but impactful stories with plenty of visual details about the mansion’s past, including sightings and ghostly reports. Admission is not included, but the exterior alone is enough to spark the imagination.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Authentic Haunted Stories

Unlike some tours that focus solely on fictional ghost tales, this one emphasizes true crimes and paranormal sightings. As one reviewer noted, the guide wasn’t afraid to share “the ugly truths attached to this city.” You’ll learn about real murders, ghostly encounters, and historical events that still resonate today.

Knowledgeable Guides and Engaging Storytelling

According to many reviews, guides like Tanya, Randy, and Alexander are passionate, charismatic, and well-informed. Their stories are delivered with humor and enthusiasm, making the tour both fun and educational. For example, Randy’s hilarious and unique spins on myths keep the group entertained, while Tanya’s passion makes the history memorable.

Hollywood Connection & Famous Filming Locations

For film buffs, the tour offers sightings of buildings used in horror movies and TV shows, including American Horror Story. The dark, atmospheric architecture combined with stories about celebrity homes creates a layered experience blending history, paranormal intrigue, and pop culture.

Price and Value

At $27, this tour offers remarkable value for such an authentic, guided experience. The small group size (up to 28 people) ensures you get personal attention, and the duration makes it an ideal evening activity without feeling rushed.

Detailed Review: Why This Tour Is Worth Your Time

The Walking Experience

The tour covers several key sites in the French Quarter, a compact neighborhood full of stories. The walking pace is comfortable, allowing you to appreciate the architecture, sights, and sounds of this historic neighborhood while listening to engrossing stories.

The Stops & Stories

Old Ursuline Convent: Walking outside, you’ll appreciate the historic stonework, and your guide will narrate tales of dark deeds and ghost sightings. The story of the Casket Girls is especially intriguing, hinting at mystery and superstition.

Decatur Street & Axe Man: The legend of the Axe Man taps into true crime history. You’ll hear stories of paranormal activity associated with the case, giving you a haunting sense of history.

Lalaurie Mansion: The mansion’s reputation as a haunted landmark is well-deserved. The guide’s storytelling makes the gruesome history vivid, and the connections to Hollywood horror scenes add a fun layer for movie fans.

What You’ll Love Based on Reviews

Several reviewers mention guides like Tanya and Alexander as especially knowledgeable and engaging. One said, “He explains everything in a way that makes you wanna stay up all night and keep learning,” which captures the spirit of the tour—both educational and entertaining.

Another reviewer praised the small group size that made the experience feel personal and private. Plus, the mix of dark history, ghost sightings, and celebrity homes provides a well-rounded haunted experience.

Practical Tips

• Since drinks are not included, bring your beverage of choice and enjoy it during the walk.
• The tour starts at 7:30 pm, making it a perfect evening activity.
• The meeting point is at MRB Bar & Kitchen, a lively spot to gather before heading out.
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended—this is a walking tour through historic streets.

Possible Drawbacks

If you’re expecting a ghost-hunting adventure with high-tech equipment or haunted houses, this tour is more about stories and legends. Also, admission costs for buildings like the Old Ursuline Convent or Lalaurie Mansion are not included, so if you want to explore inside, plan for extra costs.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for history lovers who enjoy stories rooted in fact, ghost enthusiasts eager to hear about paranormal sightings, and pop culture fans interested in filming locations. It’s also great for travelers who prefer small groups and engaging, story-driven experiences. If you enjoy a blend of dark history and Hollywood mystique, this walk offers a memorable way to spend an evening in New Orleans.

FAQs

Is this a walking tour?
Yes, it’s a walking tour that lasts about an hour and a half, covering key haunted sites in the French Quarter.

Can I bring drinks?
Yes, you’re encouraged to bring beverages and enjoy them outside, but drinks are not included in the ticket price.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but keep in mind the stories can be dark or gruesome, so use your judgment if bringing children.

Are admission tickets to attractions included?
No, the tour does not include admission to sites like the Old Ursuline Convent or Lalaurie Mansion, so plan for extra costs if you want inside access.

What’s the group size?
The tour accommodates up to 28 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.

What time does the tour start?
The tour departs at 7:30 pm from MRB Bar & Kitchen.

Is this tour good for film fans?
Absolutely. It includes stops at locations featured in horror films and TV shows, especially American Horror Story.

How do I cancel if I change my mind?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours before aren’t eligible for a refund.

If you’re looking for a unique, affordable, and entertaining way to explore the haunted side of New Orleans, this Haunted Crawl delivers. It’s a compact, story-rich experience perfect for those who love dark tales, ghost stories, and Hollywood legends, all told by guides who genuinely know their stuff.

While it doesn’t include inside access to the sites or a ghost-hunting gadget, the tour’s blend of history, paranormal sightings, and pop culture creates a compelling evening that can truly deepen your appreciation for the city’s mysterious past.

Ideal for history buffs, film fans, and anyone with a curious streak, this tour promises a fun, spine-tingling stroll through the city’s haunted streets. Just remember to bring a beverage, wear comfortable shoes, and prepare for stories that stick with you long after you leave the French Quarter.