New Orleans Haunted Ghost Tour: Explore The Paranormal

When you think of New Orleans, images of lively jazz, vibrant festivals, and delicious Creole cuisine often come to mind. But beneath the city’s festive surface lies a darker, more mysterious world. The New Orleans Haunted Ghost Tour offers a compelling glimpse into this shadowy side, taking you on a 2-hour journey through the French Quarter’s most haunted sites. Led by guides whose knowledge and storytelling skills keep you hooked, this tour provides both spine-tingling tales and a healthy dose of local history. It’s priced at an accessible $25 per person, making it a popular choice booked about a week in advance.

What we love most about this experience is how it balances history with ghostly legends—giving you context that makes the stories even more compelling. Plus, the tour’s walk through iconic landmarks like 1041 Royal Street and the Lalaurie Mansion is truly atmospheric. The only consideration? Since it’s a walking tour in the evening, be prepared for some flat but potentially chilly or humid weather.

This tour is perfect for curious travelers who enjoy storytelling, history buffs interested in local legends, or anyone looking for a spooky night out that isn’t overly commercialized. If you’re comfortable with stories that get a little eerie, this experience offers an authentic taste of New Orleans’ haunted reputation.

Key Points

• Authentic stories: Guides share detailed tales rooted in local legends and history.
• Iconic sites: Stops include legendary mansions, vampire lore, and haunted theaters.
• Accessible price: At $25, it offers excellent value for a roughly two-hour experience.
• Flexible booking: Most travelers book about a week in advance, with options for free cancellation.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for children 6 and up, blending education with entertainment.
• Guided walk: The route stays mostly on flat, paved surfaces, making it accessible and comfortable.

A Deep Dive into the Haunted Night in the French Quarter

The French Quarter is the beating heart of New Orleans, full of charm and mystery. This tour begins at the Voodoo Tavern and PoBoys, a convenient spot right in the middle of the action. From there, you’ll set out on a roughly two-hour walk, stopping at some of the most intriguing haunted locations in the city. The guides, praised for their knowledgeable and engaging storytelling, make these historic sites come alive with tales of ghosts, murders, and mystical legends.

Lalaurie Mansion: The Most Infamous Haunted House

Your first stop is the Lalaurie Mansion, notorious for its gruesome history of abuse and murder of slaves by Madame LaLaurie in the 19th century. While admission isn’t included, the 10-minute stop allows you to absorb the chilling stories behind the mansion’s dark past. Many visitors find this site the highlight of the tour, with one reviewer noting that the stories of her cruelty “circulated widely in Louisiana during the nineteenth century.”

The Pharmacy Museum: A Peek into Medical Mysteries

Next, you’ll visit the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, dedicated to Louis J. Dufilho Jr., America’s first licensed pharmacist. Again, entry isn’t included, but the 10-minute stop offers a fascinating glimpse into early 19th-century medicine. The building’s history adds a layer of intrigue, especially for those interested in the city’s eccentric past.

1041 Royal Street: Vampire Tales Come Alive

Walking through 1041 Royal Street, you’ll hear stories of Louisiana’s vampire folklore—creatures with “flawless skin that never seems to age” and eyes that seem to pierce your soul. This location’s allure lies in its legendary status and the mysterious aura that surrounds it. One reviewer appreciated this stop, mentioning the “fascinating stories and hypnotic voices” that make it feel like stepping into a myth.

Gardette-LePretre Mansion: The House of Sultans and Murder

The Gardette-LePretre Mansion, also known as The Sultan’s House, offers a vivid backstory involving a sultan, a stolen harem, and mass murder. This historic building, with its cast-iron balconies and striking architecture, is one of the most photographed in the French Quarter. The 10-minute stop provides an atmospheric setting to hear about the mansion’s ghost stories and sinister past.

Le Petit Theatre: Ghosts in Performance

At Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carré, the spirits of union soldiers, a theater manager, and even a nun who committed suicide are said to haunt the space. Visitors report mysterious door movements and wine bottles flying off shelves—classic ghostly phenomena. The theater’s long history as a cultural landmark makes it a fitting finale to the tour.

The Haunted Restaurant: A Historic Tale of Love and Loss

The tour concludes at a historic French Quarter restaurant, once a slave auction house, and later the home of Pierre Antoine Lepardi Jourdan. His tragic story—losing his beloved home in a game of poker and dying by suicide—adds a somber note. Dining here offers a taste of history and ghostly legends, blending culinary experience with local lore.

The Experience Itself: What to Expect

The guided walking tour is designed to be both entertaining and informative. The guides are praised for their depth of knowledge and engaging delivery, making the stories feel real and personal. Most stops last about 10 minutes, giving you enough time to absorb the tales without feeling rushed. The entire route is mostly flat and on paved streets, ensuring comfort even for those with mobility concerns.

The tour starts at 8:00 pm, perfect for enjoying the cooler evening air and the atmospheric night sounds of the French Quarter. Because it’s a walking experience, comfortable shoes and layered clothing are recommended—especially if you plan to stay out after dark. The tour is suitable for most travelers aged 6 and above, making it an option for families, though some stories might be too intense for very young children.

The group size is capped at 28 travelers, which helps maintain a personal atmosphere where questions are welcome. The mobile ticket system makes booking flexible, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance offers peace of mind.

Authenticity and Value

What makes this ghost tour stand out is the combination of history, legend, and local color. Unlike scripted or overly commercialized experiences, guides like Raffle (mentioned in reviews) blend personal stories with factual background, creating a layered understanding of New Orleans’ haunted reputation. The $25 price tag, roughly the cost of a good dinner, feels reasonable considering the depth of storytelling and the number of historic sites covered.

Many past guests have expressed satisfaction, with comments praising the knowledgeable guides and the stunning views of the historic buildings. The tour’s balance between spooky stories and educational content makes it appealing to a broad audience—whether you want a fun, spooky evening or a deeper appreciation of the city’s dark corners.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for history buffs, ghost story enthusiasts, and those seeking a unique evening activity. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy storytelling and want to learn about New Orleans beyond the usual tourist spots. Families with children over 6 will find it suitable, especially if they’re interested in legends and local lore. If you’re after a more theatrical or highly supernatural experience, this tour offers a good, authentic taste without going overboard.

The Sum Up: A Spooky Yet Educational Night Out

The New Orleans Haunted Ghost Tour offers a compelling way to spend an evening in one of America’s most mysterious cities. For just $25, you gain access to a journey through haunted mansions, vampire legends, and ghostly theaters, all narrated by guides who know their stuff. The stops are carefully chosen for their atmosphere and stories, and the tour strikes a good balance between chilling tales and historical insights.

While it’s primarily a walking tour, it’s accessible and well-paced, making it suitable for most visitors. Whether you’re a believer in the paranormal or just intrigued by local legends, you’ll find plenty to enjoy—and maybe even a little spook—along the way.

In short, this tour is a smart choice for those craving an authentic, immersive glimpse into New Orleans’ haunted reputation. It’s fun, educational, and memorable—perfect for a dark, mysterious night out in the French Quarter.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?
It begins at the Voodoo Tavern and PoBoys at 1140 Decatur St, a central location in the French Quarter.

Is parking available nearby?
Parking is limited on the street, but since the meeting point is in the heart of the French Quarter, walking or public transportation is recommended. The Ursulines Trolley Station is nearby.

Can I use public transportation?
Yes, the tour starts close to public transit options, making it easy to reach from most hotels or areas in the city.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 6 and above can participate, though some stories may be intense for very young kids.

How early should I arrive?
It’s best to arrive at least 30 minutes before the 8:00 pm start time to settle in and get ready.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the route is mostly flat and paved, making it wheelchair accessible.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are a must, and layered clothing is advised depending on the weather.

What happens if I need to cancel?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

Set out on a ghostly adventure and uncover the chilling secrets hidden in New Orleans’ storied streets. Whether you come for the thrills or the history, this tour promises a memorable night—full of spooky surprises and fascinating tales.