New Orleans Nighttime Cemetery and Haunted Plantation Tour

Experience the eerie side of New Orleans with the Nighttime Cemetery and Haunted Plantation Tour. Priced at $114 per person, this 5-hour adventure takes you into the heart of the city’s most haunted spots, including visits to Destrehan Plantation and a city cemetery. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour promises a mix of chilling ghost tales and historic insights, all starting from the French Quarter, with nightly departures at 7:00 pm.

What we particularly appreciate about this experience is how it combines haunted stories with meaningful historical context. Visiting Destrehan Plantation offers a glimpse into the complex history of enslaved Africans and the roots of Voodoo practices, making it more than just a ghost story. Plus, the walk through the cemetery allows for a closer look at New Orleans’ unique burial customs.

However, a consideration for travelers is that the tour stops at only two main sites — a city park and a cemetery — and some reviews note that the narration can drift into unrelated topics. If you’re expecting a deeply spooky, ghost-hunting experience, this tour might not fully meet those expectations. It’s best suited for visitors who enjoy a blend of history, storytelling, and a touch of the supernatural, especially if you appreciate guides who are knowledgeable and engaging.

Key Points

• Balanced mix of history and hauntings provides a well-rounded experience.
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the storytelling with historical details.
• Limited stops mean a shorter, focused tour—ideal for those with tight schedules.
• Comfortable transportation and pick-up points make logistics easier.
• Price reflects a guided, curated experience rather than just site visits.
• Group size capped at 28 travelers, keeping it manageable and intimate.

A Deep Dive into the New Orleans Nighttime Cemetery and Haunted Plantation Tour

The Essentials: What You Need to Know

This tour covers some iconic sights in New Orleans’ ghostly landscape, including a visit to Destrehan Plantation and a cemetery walk through one of the city’s historic burial sites. It’s a 5-hour experience that begins at 7:00 pm, making it perfect for an evening adventure after a day of exploring the French Quarter. The ticket price of $114 includes transportation, entrance fees, and the guidance of a knowledgeable host.

The tour is operated by NOLA GhostRiders, a company that emphasizes combining history and mystery—a good sign for those wanting more than just spooky stories. It departs nightly from a convenient starting point at 1140 Decatur Street and includes pickup at the Voodoo Tavern & PoBoys, which is handy if you’re staying nearby.

What We Love About This Tour

First, the visit to Destrehan Plantation offers more than just a haunted tale. It’s an opportunity to learn about the plantation’s role in Louisiana’s history, especially regarding enslaved Africans and Voodoo’s cultural influence. The guide’s storytelling can add depth to what might otherwise be a straightforward tour of old buildings.

Second, the cemetery visit provides a tangible connection to New Orleans’ unique burial practices, with the chance to see and learn about the city’s “Cities of the Dead.” Standing inside a historic tomb and hearing about local burial rituals can be both fascinating and eerie in the best possible way.

The Main Drawbacks

One notable concern is that some reviewers mention the tour stops at only two main sites and the narration can sometimes feel unrelated or unfocused—”the young man talked about a lot of things not pertaining to ghost tour,” as one reviewer put it. This might be frustrating for those expecting a deep dive into ghost stories or a more detailed exploration of haunted legends.

Plus, since the tour is capped at 28 travelers, it’s a small group but still enough to feel somewhat crowded during busy nights. Also, the shorter duration at each site means less time for in-depth storytelling or exploration.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is best suited for history buffs who enjoy a spooky twist, curious travelers interested in the cultural roots of New Orleans’ haunting reputation, and those who appreciate a knowledgeable guide. It’s ideal if you’re after a balanced mix of storytelling, history, and a bit of ghostly intrigue, rather than a full-blown haunted house tour.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Stop 1: Destrehan Plantation

Our journey begins at Destrehan Plantation, a site brimming with stories of Louisiana’s plantation era. The guide (name not specified but described as knowledgeable) walks us through the spooky mansion, pointing out architectural features and sharing tales of ghostly sightings and historical tragedies. With admission included, we get a closer look at the historic buildings and the stories they hold.

What makes this stop stand out is how it ties into the broader history of slavery and Voodoo in the region. You might find yourself pondering the echoes of the past as you wander the grounds.

The Drive Along the Outskirts of the French Quarter

On our way to the cemeteries, the bus takes us along the outskirts of the French Quarter. This scenic route offers a chance to appreciate the city’s unique blend of old-world charm and haunted reputation, setting the mood for what’s to come.

Stop 2: Cemetery at 400 City Park Ave

Next, we visit a local cemetery where we are allowed inside for about 20 minutes. Here, the focus is on New Orleans’ burial practices and local ghost stories. The guide explains the significance of above-ground tombs and the traditions surrounding them, offering a tangible connection to the city’s “Cities of the Dead.”

Guests are encouraged to ask questions, and some have expressed appreciation for the guide’s enthusiastic and knowledgeable narration, which makes the stories come alive. It’s a brief but meaningful visit, giving insight into local customs and spooky legends.

Transportation and Logistics

The tour includes comfortable bus transportation, with pick-up at a convenient location in the French Quarter. This makes logistics simple for visitors staying downtown. The start time of 7:00 pm ensures you’re out after sunset, perfect for embracing the eerie atmosphere.

The group size of up to 28 travelers strikes a good balance—small enough for personal interactions but large enough to feel lively. Most travelers find it manageable, but if you’re seeking an intimate, solitary ghost-hunting experience, this might feel somewhat crowded.

Price and Value Analysis

At $114, this tour falls into the moderate price range for guided experiences in New Orleans. It includes entrance fees to Destrehan Plantation, transport, and guiding services. While not the cheapest option, especially considering only two sites visited, the price is justified if you value historical context alongside ghost stories and appreciate having a knowledgeable guide as your storyteller.

However, if you’re after a more immersive ghost-hunting experience with multiple haunted locations and longer storytelling, you might find other experiences or private tours more fitting, though they could be more expensive.

Authenticity and Authentic Experiences

From reviews, we learn that guides are knowledgeable, which greatly enhances the experience. Their ability to weave historical facts with ghost stories provides a richer understanding of New Orleans’ haunted reputation. While some travelers felt the narration wandered or included unrelated topics, overall, the guides seem to add value through their expertise.

The combination of visiting a historic plantation and a local cemetery offers an authentic glimpse into the city’s haunted heritage, making it more meaningful than mere ghost stories.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Worth It?

This tour offers a balanced look at New Orleans’ haunted sites, mixing history, culture, and ghost stories in a manageable evening outing. It’s best suited for those interested in understanding the cultural significance behind the city’s ghost tales and for travelers who appreciate guided storytelling rooted in history.

While it might not satisfy the thrill-seekers craving multiple haunted locations or the most chilling ghost encounters, it provides a thought-provoking experience that combines education and entertainment. The guides’ knowledge is a standout feature, making the stories more engaging and informative.

If you’re seeking an evening that blends history, local customs, and spooky tales in a comfortable setting, this tour offers good value. However, if you’re after a more intense or extensive haunted experience, you might want to explore other options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What sites are visited on this tour?
You visit Destrehan Plantation and a cemetery at 400 City Park Ave. The tour also includes a drive along the outskirts of the French Quarter.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, starting at 7:00 pm and ending back at the starting point.

Is transportation included?
Yes, comfortable bus transportation is part of the package, with convenient pick-up at the Voodoo Tavern & PoBoys.

How many people are in the group?
The maximum group size is 28 travelers, ensuring a manageable experience.

What is the price of the tour?
It costs $114 per person, which covers entrance fees, transportation, and guide services.

Are guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews highlight the guides as being especially knowledgeable, which is a key part of the experience’s appeal.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed, but parents should consider whether the spooky content is appropriate for children.

This guiding tour offers a solid balance of ghostly tales and historical insights, perfect for those wanting a taste of New Orleans’ haunted heritage with a professional storyteller. It’s worth considering if you love learning about local customs while experiencing some of the city’s most iconic haunted sites.