New Orleans French Quarter History and Hauntings Tour

Experience the Dark Side of New Orleans on a 2-Hour French Quarter Tour

If you’re looking to combine history, mystery, and a dash of the supernatural, the New Orleans French Quarter History and Hauntings Tour offers a compelling peek into the city’s shadowy past. For just $28 per person, you’ll spend two hours strolling through the heart of the French Quarter, visiting over 15 historic and haunted sites, and hearing stories that range from pirates and voodoo practitioners to ghosts and vampires. The tour is led by knowledgeable guides who are passionate about sharing the city’s secrets.

What sets this tour apart? First, we love the way it balances rich historical facts—like the unusual above-ground cemeteries and the significance of vaults—with spine-tingling ghost stories. Second, the opportunity to see famous filming locations adds a fun pop-culture layer to the experience. For travelers intrigued by haunted legends and urban mysteries, this tour offers both entertainment and insight.

One potential consideration is that the tour does not include transportation or food, so you’ll want to plan accordingly. Also, it’s suitable for all ages, making it a great family outing or a spooky date night. If you’re curious about the city’s darker tales or eager to see some iconic landmarks, this tour is a solid choice.

Key Points

• Historic Landmarks: Over 15 notable sites, including St. Louis Cathedral and the Presbytere.
• Haunting Stories: Tales of ghosts, vampires, and mysterious sightings in America’s most haunted city.
• Cultural Insights: Learn about traditional burial rituals and the role of voodoo in New Orleans.
• Interactive Elements: Use of EMF meters and paranormal detectors adds fun and curiosity.
• Film Locations: Stop at sites featured in popular movies for a touch of Hollywood.
• All Ages: Suitable for families, history buffs, and ghost-story enthusiasts alike.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the French Quarter Ghosts and Legends

Walking through the lively streets of New Orleans’ French Quarter, it’s easy to forget the darker stories lurking beneath the surface. This tour guides you through a compact but fascinating slice of the city, beautifully blending architecture, history, and ghostly tales. We appreciated that the guides are well-researched, sharing stories backed by local lore and documented sightings, making the experience both credible and thrilling.

Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

The tour begins in Jackson Square, where your guide (possibly someone like Cory or Corey, based on reviews) will introduce the layered history of this iconic spot. We loved the way the guide connected the area’s founding stories—pirates, prostitutes, and convicts—highlighting how these characters shaped New Orleans.

From there, the tour moves to more than 15 sites, including the St. Louis Cathedral, the Old Ursuline Convent, and the reconstruction period monuments of the Presbytere. Each stop reveals different facets of the city’s past—from architecture to funny and spooky tales.

Particularly fascinating is the discussion about traditional burial practices—why do the vaults in New Orleans sit above ground? The answer lies in the city’s high water table and history of recycling vaults, which the tour explains with clarity and humor. Many visitors find the stories about unresolved murders and suicides compelling, especially when paired with the eerie settings of the cemeteries.

Haunted Stories and Paranormal Activity

One of the most engaging aspects of this tour is the ghost stories. You’ll hear about documented sightings, cold spots, and even orb photos—things that give you that extra chill. Several reviews mention guests experiencing some paranormal phenomena firsthand, like cold breezes or fleeting apparitions. Guides encourage participants to test devices like EMF meters and paranormal detectors, which adds an interactive element that appeals to curious travelers.

Filming Locations and Pop Culture

Fans of movies will enjoy the stops at famous filming spots. The tour points out where Hollywood films have been shot, adding a layer of familiarity and visual interest. This mix of history, Hollywood, and supernatural stories makes for a well-rounded experience.

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The Experience and Practical Details

• Duration: 2 hours of walking, which is manageable and not overly strenuous.
• Price: At $28, it offers great value for such a comprehensive experience.
• Group Size: Usually small enough to ask questions and stay close with your guide.
• Timing: Available during the day or at night—both options provide different atmospheres.
• Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive.
• Restrictions: No video recording allowed, and guides avoid using phones during the tour to keep everyone engaged.

What We Loved

The guides’ knowledge and storytelling skills shine through, making history come alive with humor and authenticity. The visual stops—like the historic landmarks and filming sites—help you appreciate the city’s unique architecture and ambiance. Also, the interactive ghost-hunting tools add an element of fun that appeals to all ages.

Possible Drawbacks

The main limitation is the lack of transportation, so you’ll need to walk between stops on your own, which could be a challenge for some. Plus, the no refunds policy (though the tour can be canceled if not enough participants) might be a concern if your plans are uncertain. Lastly, since the tour covers dark themes and unsolved mysteries, it might not be suitable for very young children or those sensitive to spooky stories.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is perfect for history buffs, ghost story lovers, and anyone interested in the mysterious side of New Orleans. It’s also great for visitors wanting to explore the French Quarter’s architecture with a spooky twist, combining education and entertainment. Families with older children or teens will enjoy the mix of history, legend, and interactive fun.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For the price, the New Orleans French Quarter History and Hauntings Tour delivers a rich, entertaining experience. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of why New Orleans is called “the most haunted city in the U.S.” and a handful of stories that will linger long after you leave. The knowledgeable guides, combined with the opportunity to see historic landmarks and explore Hollywood filiming sites, make it a worthwhile activity.

While it’s not a deep dive into every aspect of New Orleans’ history, it strikes a nice balance—offering enough spooky stories to entertain, enough historical context to educate, and plenty of visually stunning stops. For those curious about the city’s haunted reputation or simply seeking a fun, relatively inexpensive way to discover the stories behind the sights, this tour hits the mark.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s designed to be appropriate for all ages, as it’s suitable for families and children interested in ghosts and history.

Does the tour include transportation?
No, it is a walking tour, so you’ll need to walk between stops. The tour begins in the French Quarter and covers over 15 locations.

Can I join the tour at night?
Yes, the tour is available during the day and at night, which can change the atmosphere—nighttime adds a more spooky vibe.

Will I see paranormal activity?
While actual paranormal activity isn’t guaranteed, many guests report experiencing cold spots, sightings, and catching orbs in photos.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews highlight guides like Cory or Corey as very engaging and well-informed, sharing stories that are both researched and entertaining.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera or phone for pictures (but note recording isn’t allowed), and curiosity. You might also want to purchase drinks along the way, as stops are available.

If you’re after a lively mix of history, legend, and fun, with the chance to peek behind the curtain of New Orleans’ haunted reputation, this tour offers an engaging way to spend a couple of hours in the French Quarter.

You can check availability for your dates here: