Shared 2 Hours Saints and Sinners Walking Tour in New Orleans

Experience the Hidden and Sinister Side of New Orleans in Just Two Hours

If you’re visiting New Orleans and want to peel back the layers of this vibrant city, the Shared 2 Hours Saints and Sinners Walking Tour offers a compelling glimpse into its darker past and quirky present. Running through the French Quarter, this adults-only tour takes you to some of the most storied and notorious spots, from historic churches to former brothels and infamous streets. At just $21 per person, it’s a budget-friendly way to deepen your understanding of NOLA’s less-than-wholesome history. The tour lasts around two hours and features a lively, expert guide—often hailed for their storytelling skills—that keeps the atmosphere engaging and a little mischievous.

What we love most about this experience is how it combines local legends with authentic street scenes, giving you a true sense of the city’s complex character. The stops are carefully selected to reveal the city’s sordid side, like the Hotel Villa Convento, believed to be the inspiration for “House of the Rising Sun,” and the French Market, once home to pirates, gamblers, and a notorious female serial killer named Bricktop. Plus, the inclusion of a free Hurricane drink in a souvenir cup at the start sets a fun, adult tone right away.

A potential consideration is that the tour ends early—about half an hour before the scheduled two hours—and is geared strictly toward those 17 and older. It’s also an adults-only outing, so traveling with children isn’t recommended. If you’re a history buff, a fan of ghost stories, or eager to learn about the seedier side of New Orleans, this tour is a perfect fit. It’s particularly suited for travelers who appreciate lively storytelling, authentic local flavor, and a bit of a naughty twist.

Key Points

• Authentic Stories: The guides excel at sharing entertaining and sometimes shocking facts about New Orleans’ dark history.
• Compact & Focused: The two-hour length makes it a manageable, enriching addition to your itinerary.
• Cost-Effective: At just $21, it offers good value for a guided, immersive experience.
• Adults-Only Tour: Designed for travelers 17 and older, with a focus on the city’s sinner-friendly past.
• Engaging Guides: Multiple reviews praise guides like Wolfy, Hope, and Andrea for their knowledge and storytelling flair.
• Authentic Atmosphere: The tour’s stops include iconic locations like St. Louis Cathedral and the French Market, with stories that vividly bring history to life.

An In-Depth Look at the Saints and Sinners Walking Tour

If you’re someone who loves history with a twist of the macabre, this tour will likely be a highlight of your trip. It’s a walk through the French Quarter, the heart of New Orleans’ bohemian, pirate-infested past, infused with stories of vice, crime, and legendary characters. The price point—$21—makes it accessible, especially compared to many other guided experiences, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s superficial. The guides are praised for their depth of knowledge and entertaining delivery, making complex, sometimes shocking stories easy to follow and fun to hear.

Starting Point: Inside The Voodoo Lounge

Your adventure kicks off at the Voodoo Lounge at 718 N Rampart St, where you’re greeted with buy-one-get-one-free Hurricanes served in souvenir cups. This is a nice, welcoming touch that sets a slightly mischievous tone, and the ability to carry your drink along during the tour adds to the relaxed, adult atmosphere. The group is small—up to 14 people—so you’ll get a more personal experience, and your guide will have ample opportunity to answer questions.

Stops and Stories

French Quarter Phantoms: The first stop immerses you in the city’s spooky side, setting a tone of ghostly legends and folklore. The tour’s informal, conversational style makes it accessible rather than theatrical, which many reviewers appreciate.

St. Louis Cathedral: Inside, there’s a chance to see the city’s iconic historic church, home to a prayer chapel dedicated to Henriette Dellile, who founded the Sisters of the Holy Family, the first female-led black convent in the U.S. This spot adds depth to the experience, showcasing a layer of New Orleans’ diverse religious and social history.

Hotel Villa Convento: Known as a former brothel, this building might surprise you with its ties to the infamous “House of the Rising Sun,” a song immortalized by The Animals. The stories here reveal the city’s less-than-pious past—a theme echoed throughout the tour.

French Market: Once Galliten Street, this area is a hub of pirates, gamblers, and street gangs. One of the most intriguing stories involves Bricktop, a notorious female serial killer. It’s a vivid reminder that New Orleans’ history isn’t all jazz and Mardi Gras; it’s also about crime, corruption, and survival.

What the Reviews Say

Multiple reviewers have praised guides like Wolfy, Andrea, Hope, and Malika for their enthusiasm, knowledge, and entertaining storytelling. For example, Micholine called Wolfy “so knowledgeable and passionate,” and others appreciated how guides kept the tour lively and informative despite occasional rain or early finishes. Several mention that guides make the stories funny, snarky, and engaging—a key factor in why many return for repeat tours.

Length and Pacing

While the tour is scheduled for two hours, some guests note it often ends about half an hour early—something to keep in mind if you’re tight on time. The tour is designed to be moderate in physical activity: good walking shoes and a moderate fitness level are recommended, especially since you’ll be on your feet exploring city streets and historic sites.

The Value

At $21, the value lies in the expert storytelling, authentic locations, and small group size. Many reviews highlight how guides go beyond the surface, sharing stories that are fun, shocking, and informative. You also get a chance to see some of the most iconic and historic areas without feeling rushed, with plenty of opportunities for questions and photo stops.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour appeals most to adults who enjoy a storytelling approach to history, especially those interested in the less polished side of New Orleans. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate lively guides, authentic local stories, and a bit of a naughty or spooky vibe. It’s also well-suited for those who want a quick, engaging overview of the city’s darker stories without dedicating hours to a more exhaustive history tour.

If you’re traveling with kids or prefer a more family-friendly experience, this might not be the best fit. Likewise, if you’re looking for a ghost tour or a haunted experience, this tour has a broader focus on sin, vice, and local legends rather than ghost stories per se.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is this tour suitable for children?
  No, it’s adults-only, with a minimum age of 17, mainly due to mature themes and alcohol consumption.

• How long does the tour last?
  It’s approximately 2 hours, but some guests report it ends about half an hour early.

• Does the tour include alcoholic drinks?
  No, drinks are not included in the price, but you can purchase them separately, and the tour starts with a complimentary Hurricane.

• Where does the tour start and end?
  It begins at The Voodoo Lounge, 718 N Rampart St, and ends at Jackson Square.

• Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
  While not explicitly stated, it’s designed for moderate physical activity, so travelers should assess their mobility.

• What’s the group size?
  A maximum of 14 travelers ensures a more intimate experience.

• Do guides share stories about ghosts?
  The focus is more on sin, vice, and notorious figures—ghost stories are not the main theme.

• Can I bring my drink on the tour?
  Yes, the Hurricane can be carried along during the tour.

• Is there a refund policy?
  Yes, full refunds are available if canceled 24 hours in advance.

• What should I wear?
  Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.

To sum it up, the Saints and Sinners Walking Tour offers a sharp, entertaining slice of New Orleans’ history—perfect for adult travelers eager for stories of scandal, crime, and local legends. The knowledgeable guides, lively storytelling, and authentic locations make it a worthwhile addition to any trip. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a fun, slightly mischievous experience, this tour balances value and authenticity in a way that leaves most guests eager to tell their friends about it. If you enjoy stories that explore the city’s naughty side, this is definitely one to consider.