French Quarter Ghosts and Ghouls of New Orleans Ghost Tour

Imagine wandering through the historic streets of the French Quarter, where every shadow seems to whisper stories of hurricanes, murders, and spirits that refuse to rest. This hour-long walking tour is designed to take you deep into the spooky side of New Orleans, starting at Jackson Square and weaving through some of the city’s most haunted landmarks, including the infamous LaLaurie Mansion and the Ursuline Convent. Led by knowledgeable guides, this experience offers a mix of chilling tales and authentic history, wrapped in a fun, accessible package.

What we love about this tour is how it balances history and hauntings—the stories are vivid enough to send shivers down your spine but grounded in real events and locations. The guide’s lively storytelling and the carefully chosen stops make for a memorable experience. Plus, the option to end with a seance adds that extra touch of ghostly intrigue.

One thing to consider is that the tour involves walking through the French Quarter, so comfortable shoes are a must. Also, if you’re looking for a long, in-depth exploration, this tour’s quick pace might leave you wanting more detail.

This tour suits those who love a good ghost story, are curious about New Orleans’ darker side, or simply want a fun, spooky activity after a day of sightseeing. It’s especially great for travelers who appreciate a knowledgeable guide and authentic stories that bring the city’s haunted history to life.

Key Points

• Authentic Haunted Landmarks: Visit iconic sites like Jackson Square and LaLaurie Mansion.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Guides are praised for their storytelling skills and flexibility.
• Balanced Experience: Mix of history, local legends, and ghost stories suitable for all ages.
• Optional Seance: Adds a unique, interactive ending to the tour.
• Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible, but involves walking.
• Time-efficient: Just one hour, perfect for fitting into a busy schedule.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the French Quarter Ghosts and Ghouls Tour

If you’re exploring New Orleans, chances are you’ve heard about its reputation as America’s most haunted city. With over 300 years of fires, hurricanes, murders, and tragedies, the spirits of the French Quarter outnumber the living. The French Quarter Ghosts and Ghouls tour offers a window into this spooky past, blending history with ghostly tales in a way that’s both entertaining and educational.

The Itinerary: What You’ll See and Hear

The tour begins at Jackson Square, a lively hub during the day but a hauntingly atmospheric site at night. Here, you’ll hear about the executioner’s ghost, a story that sets the tone for the evening. The guide, often dressed in a lantern-carrying US Ghost Adventures T-shirt, shares stories of those condemned to walk this square for eternity, giving you an understanding of how history and hauntings intertwine here.

From there, your walk takes you down Royal and Chartres Streets, where the architecture’s Spanish influence lends a historic charm that’s even more captivating under the ghostly legends. Along the way, you’ll pass six other haunted sites, each with its own story—some rooted in real tragedy, others in local folklore.

The LaLaurie Mansion: A Chilling Stop

One of the main highlights is the LaLaurie Mansion, notorious for its dark past. The story of Madame LaLaurie, a socialite who tortured her slaves in the early 19th century, still echoes in the neighborhood’s whispers. We loved the way the guide navigated the delicate balance of respecting history while sharing chilling tales — you really feel the weight of the stories without sensationalizing.

The Ursuline Convent and Vampire Legends

Next, your guide will uncover the eerie Ursuline Convent Vampires legend, a story that combines local folklore with history. You’ll learn about the supposed sightings of vampires and recent stories of a resident spirit, so familiar that staff keep a table set out for him. These stories are a perfect example of how legends are woven into the city’s fabric, giving visitors both a thrill and a sense of authentic local myth.

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Muriel’s Spirit and Other Haunted Spots

Another stop is Muriel’s, a restaurant with a resident spirit so often seen that staff keep a seat set out for him. The stories of this ghost add a fun, slightly humorous touch to the tour, showing how locals coexist with their spectral neighbors.

Optional Séance and the Final Touch

The tour wraps up with the option to participate in a seance—a unique, interactive way to experience the haunted city. Whether you choose to join or just observe, it adds a memorable ending that appeals to those interested in the supernatural.

Practical Aspects: What You Need to Know

Timing and Duration: This is a one-hour walk, making it easy to fit into your evening plans. Tours are scheduled throughout the day; check availability for your preferred time.

Meeting Point: All tours meet at the front steps of St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square, a location easy to find in the heart of the French Quarter. The guide will be in a lantern and wearing a distinctive T-shirt, so spotting them is straightforward.

Cost and Booking: You can reserve your spot with the flexibility to pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This approach offers peace of mind and flexibility, especially if your plans change.

Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible, but keep in mind it involves walking approximately a mile over uneven streets, so wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.

Weather Considerations: The tour takes place rain or shine. Be prepared for possible rain with weather-appropriate clothing; the experience remains the same regardless of weather.

What Travelers Say

Feedback from past participants highlights what makes this tour special. Amanda from the U.S. called it “great,” praising the knowledgeable and flexible guide. Sonya, also from the U.S., described it as “amazing,” emphasizing how fun and engaging the guide was.

Reviewers also appreciate the authentic stories that bring the city’s haunted reputation to life. The guides’ storytelling abilities are frequently praised, making the tales both entertaining and educational.

Why This Tour Offers Good Value

At just about one hour, this tour provides a concise, engaging look into the haunted side of New Orleans without demanding a full day. The knowledgeable guide, coupled with authentic stories and a chance to participate in a séance, offers an experience that’s both fun and meaningful. For those interested in local legends, ghost stories, or simply in experiencing the atmosphere of the French Quarter after dark, this is a solid choice.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is perfect for history buffs with a curiosity for legends, ghost story enthusiasts, or travelers seeking a light-hearted spooky experience. It’s especially well-suited to those who enjoy guided storytelling and want to learn more about the city’s dark corners. If you’re a person with limited mobility or prefer longer, more detailed explorations, you might find this quick tour a bit brief.

Final Thoughts

The French Quarter Ghosts and Ghouls tour offers a charming, spooky taste of New Orleans’ haunted past. The stories are vivid, the guides are engaging, and the stops are fascinating. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, you’ll enjoy the mix of history, legend, and fun that makes this walk a memorable part of any visit.

Perfect for a short evening activity or as a start or end to a night out in the city, it’s a chance to see New Orleans through the eyes of its spirits. If you love stories that blend history with mystery, and enjoy a good scare with a side of local flavor, this tour is well worth considering.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts exactly one hour, making it perfect for fitting into a busy evening.

Where do we meet the guide?
All tours meet at St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square, at the front steps facing the square.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the stories are appropriate for a mixed age group as noted in reviews. Keep in mind the tour involves walking and some spooky stories.

Can I cancel my reservation?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, but involves walking over about a mile on uneven streets.

What should I bring?
Wear comfortable shoes and bring weather-appropriate clothing. The tour takes place rain or shine.

Is there an option to join a séance?
Yes, at the end of the tour, there’s an optional séance in the restaurant’s lounge for those interested in a supernatural experience.

If you’re looking for a fun, authentic ghost tour with engaging storytelling and a chance to explore New Orleans’ darker side, this one-hour walk hits just the right notes. It’s perfect for those who like their spooky stories served up with a dash of history and local legend.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby