Ghost and Vampire Walking Tour Of The French Quarter

Discover the Spooky Side of New Orleans: The Ghost and Vampire Walking Tour

If you’re craving a night filled with haunted tales, eerie legends, and a dash of vampire mystique, the Ghost and Vampire Walking Tour of the French Quarter offers a compelling way to experience New Orleans after dark. For $21 per person, you’re taken on a roughly two-hour stroll through the historic French Quarter, exploring some of the most haunted spots, learning about the city’s ghostly legends, and even discovering stories of self-proclaimed vampires.

What we love about this tour is how it combines enthralling storytelling with authentic sights. The guides are often praised for their knowledgeability and engaging style, making the experience more than just a spooky walk. Plus, at night, the French Quarter’s atmospheric streets, lantern-lit alleys, and historic facades set the perfect scene for ghostly tales to come alive.

A potential consideration is the group size and noise level, as during busy times multiple tours run simultaneously, which can make hearing the guide a bit difficult at times. Also, since most of the tour involves storytelling outside private buildings, you won’t get to step inside haunted sites, but you’ll get plenty of chilling stories that are rooted in history.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy history, local legends, and a bit of spooky fun. It’s ideal for first-timers to New Orleans, fans of ghost stories, or anyone curious about the city’s darker lore. If you’re okay with walking (most of it is on foot), enjoy a lively guide, and love a good ghost story, this experience is a strong choice.

Key Points

• Authentic storytelling delivered by knowledgeable guides
• Focus on historic haunted locations and local legends
• Affordable price point for a two-hour experience
• Great for first-time visitors and ghost story enthusiasts
• Limited inside access to private haunted buildings
• Group size capped at 28, allowing for a more personal experience

What You Can Expect from the Tour

The tour begins at 718 N Rampart St, a central spot within the French Quarter. From there, your guide leads you through the historic streets, stopping at key sites and sharing stories that blend history with legend. The main highlight is the story of Madame LaLaurie, a notorious figure whose mansion is said to be haunted by her victims. While you won’t enter the mansion, you’ll hear about the horrific deeds from the sidewalk, adding a chilling layer to the architecture’s dark past.

One of the tour’s strong points is the storytelling style. Several reviews mention guides like Kathrine, Eve, and Bobby as particularly engaging, with their ability to make the tales both entertaining and unsettling. For example, one reviewer notes, “Kathrine was an exceptional guide… very thoughtful and informational,” highlighting how well some guides weave history into spooky tales.

A notable part of the tour focuses on local legends of actual “real-life” vampires. These stories are not just fiction but rooted in the city’s eccentric subculture. The guide explains the community of self-identified vampires, adding a unique twist to New Orleans’ gothic reputation.

Throughout the walk, you’ll see the haunted locations like the French Quarter’s historic streets, and learn about infamous figures like Madame LaLaurie, whose mansion’s reputation for horror has persisted for centuries. The stories are told from the sidewalk, so you get a true outdoor experience, but this also means no inside access to private properties.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: French Quarter

The tour kicks off in the heart of New Orleans’ most historic neighborhood. Here, you’ll get an overview of the area’s architecture, and the guide will introduce some of the most haunted or infamous locations. The fact that this is a walking tour and most of it takes place outdoors creates a lively, atmospheric setting for the stories to unfold.

Stop 2: French Quarter Phantoms Check-in Location

A brief 15-minute segment at the check-in point helps set expectations and prepare you for the spooky tales ahead. This part also helps keep the group organized before you head out into the night.

Stop 3: Lalaurie Mansion

The highlight for many is hearing the story of Madame LaLaurie. While the mansion itself is private, your guide will tell you about its dark past from the sidewalk. LaLaurie’s notorious reputation for cruelty and the eerie reports of hauntings make this stop a must for ghost enthusiasts. Several reviews mention the storytelling here as particularly captivating.

End Point: Jackson Square

The tour concludes near this iconic site, allowing you to soak in the ambiance and perhaps continue your ghostly exploration on your own.

The Guide and Experience Quality

According to reviews, the quality of guides varies, but many are praised for their depth of knowledge and engaging presentation. For example, one reviewer said, “Our guide Michael was amazing,” while others noted guides like Eve and Alex as particularly informative and personable.

However, some reviews mention less favorable guides, citing issues like fast speech, lack of engagement, or boring stories. It’s worth noting that the tour is capped at 28 participants, which generally helps maintain a manageable group size, but during peak times, multiple groups can compete for attention, sometimes affecting the clarity of storytelling.

Most travelers find the tour well-paced, with a good balance of storytelling, walking, and occasional breaks. The duration of around two hours is ample to enjoy the stories without feeling rushed or exhausted.

The Cost and Value

Priced at $21 per person, this tour offers solid value considering the storytelling quality and the engaging guides. For just over two hours, you gain insight into some of the most intriguing parts of the French Quarter’s past, plus an atmospheric walk through haunted streets. Many reviews highlight how the stories, especially about Madame LaLaurie and local legends, make the experience memorable.

Keep in mind that alcoholic drinks are not included, but they are available for purchase nearby if you want to toast your ghostly adventure. The tour is also booked on average 12 days in advance, which is a good indication of its popularity and the need to plan ahead.

The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you enjoy mystery, ghost stories, or local legends, and appreciate a good storyteller, this tour is a fantastic way to spend an evening in the French Quarter. It’s especially suited for travelers who want an outdoor experience, with stories rooted in history and local culture. The moderate price, engaging guides, and atmospheric streets combine to create a memorable night.

However, if you’re hoping for inside access to haunted sites or prefer a more “investigative” tour with paranormal activities, this might not be the right fit. Expect a storytelling walk, not a haunted house tour.

This experience works well for first-time visitors, history buffs, or those looking to combine entertainment with learning. The outdoor setting and group size can make it more interactive and lively than a typical sit-down tour.

FAQs

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start are not refundable.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, which is perfect for a relaxed evening activity without it feeling too long.

Is the meeting point easy to find?
Yes, the tour starts at 718 N Rampart St, which is accessible and near public transportation. Most downtown hotels are within a short walk.

Can minors participate?
Children must be accompanied by an adult. The tour’s storytelling is suitable for all ages, but parental discretion is advised for sensitive or frightening stories.

Are drinks available during the tour?
No, alcoholic drinks are not included, but they can be purchased beforehand or afterward.

What’s the typical group size?
The maximum group size is 28 travelers, helping to keep the experience intimate and engaging.

Are the stories based on fact or legend?
The tour blends historical facts with local legends, including stories of “real-life” vampires, giving a colorful picture of the city’s darker side.

Is it suitable for people who don’t like walking?
While most of the tour is walking, it’s on mostly flat terrain, and the stops are brief. If mobility is a concern, contacting the operator beforehand is advisable.

Final thoughts

For those curious about New Orleans’ haunted past and eager to meet its supernatural legends, this ghost and vampire walk offers a lively, atmospheric, and often chilling glimpse into the city’s darker stories. Guides are frequently praised for their knowledge and storytelling skills, which make the experience both educational and entertaining.

While some reviews mention variable guide quality, many travelers find the tour delivers on its promise of spooky tales and atmospheric streets, making it a memorable addition to your NOLA itinerary. It’s especially perfect for first-time visitors looking for a fun, lighthearted way to explore the ghostly side of this vibrant city.

If you’re a fan of ghost lore, enjoy history told with a twist, or just want a night out that’s a little different from the usual, this tour deserves a spot on your list. Just remember to bring your curiosity, a sense of adventure, and maybe a flashlight—just in case you want to peek into the shadows.