The Bad Broads Tour of New Orleans

The Bad Broads Tour of New Orleans: A Journey into the Women Who Shaped the City

Walking through the streets of New Orleans, it’s easy to focus on the jazz, cuisine, and haunted tales. But this tour takes a different route—focusing on the women who broke norms, made history, and sometimes just made trouble. For just $34.99 per person, you get about 90 minutes of storytelling led by passionate guides. Starting near Jackson Square, you’ll stroll through the iconic French Quarter, discovering stories of murderous madams, voodoo queens, and scandalous high society women.

What we love most is how this tour offers an authentic perspective on NOLA’s past—highlighting women’s roles often overlooked in traditional histories—and how the guides bring these stories to life with humor and insight. Plus, the chance to see landmarks like the Lalaurie Mansion and Marie Laveau’s house makes the experience visually compelling.

A potential consideration is the length of walking—be prepared for some steady pace and wear comfortable shoes. Also, since the tour is mostly about storytelling, it’s best suited for those interested in history, ghost stories, and women’s contributions. If you’re a curious traveler eager to see New Orleans through a female-focused lens, this tour could be a highlight of your visit.

Key Points

• Authentic stories about women who influenced New Orleans’ history and culture
• Engaging guides with a wealth of knowledge and lively storytelling skills
• Iconic landmarks like LaLaurie Mansion and Marie Laveau’s house are included
• Walking tour that offers a ground-level view of the French Quarter’s sights
• Affordable price point making it accessible for most travelers interested in local history
• Group size limited to 9 to keep the experience intimate and engaging

An In-Depth Look at the Bad Broads Tour of New Orleans

Walking into the French Quarter on a sunny day, the first thing you notice is the vibrant atmosphere—balconied buildings, lively street musicians, and the scent of beignets. Meet up with your guide, often a local with a passion for storytelling, on St. Ann Street, about 15 minutes before the tour begins. From there, the adventure into women’s history kicks off.

What Makes This Tour Special?

This tour is not your typical stroll. The guides weave tales of murderous brothel owners, voodoo queens, and scandalous women of high society. It’s an opportunity to see NOLA’s streets through a different lens—learning about women who made an impact, sometimes controversial, sometimes tragic, but always fascinating.

Guides like Rhody or Elaine, praised for their enthusiasm and knowledgeability, breathe life into the stories. One reviewer mentions Rhody as “a true bad broad in her own right,” highlighting how guides embody the spirit of the tour. The stories are often spooky, sometimes humorous, and definitely eye-opening.

French Quarter Highlights

Starting with the homes of infamous madams and Voodoo Queens, the tour reveals the secrets and scandals behind some of the city’s most notorious residents. You learn about the first female serial killer of New Orleans and the ghosts that still haunt the streets where these women met their end. The storytelling is often colorful and detailed, backed by years of research and local knowledge.

A primary highlight is the Lalaurie Mansion, infamous for its dark history and Madame Delphine LaLaurie. Although the mansion’s admission isn’t included in the ticket price, the exterior is compelling enough to warrant a quick visit—one of the most talked-about stops.

Similarly, the Marie Laveau House of Voodoo is a quick stop where you get a glimpse into Voodoo’s role in local culture. While admission isn’t included, the site’s historical significance makes it a worthwhile snippet for those interested in the mystical side of New Orleans.

The Experience in Practice

The tour lasts about 90 minutes, which means a fair amount of walking and storytelling. Reviews show that guides are animated and engaging, often with a sense of humor that keeps the mood lively, even when recounting darker stories. Many visitors appreciate the depth of knowledge and passion guides bring, noting that guides like Dalton, Jamie, or Christian made the stories vivid and memorable.

However, some reviews mention the size of the group can be a challenge—up to 9 travelers—making it sometimes difficult to hear or see everything. One guest noted that disruptive individuals can spoil the atmosphere, so if you’re sensitive to noise or distractions, it’s worth considering.

What can you expect on the tour?

• Start near 809 Royal Street, with a meet-up about 15 minutes beforehand
• The tour covers can’t-miss landmarks and hidden stories of NOLA’s women
• Expect to hear about ghosts, scandals, and folklore, often with a humorous twist
• Comfortable shoes are a must, as the tour requires walking through the historic streets
• Feel free to bring a beverage, as the relaxed vibe encourages it
• Tour ends near Jackson Square, conveniently located for further exploration

Authentic Experiences and Authentic Voices

This tour excels at highlighting the stories of women often ignored in traditional tourism—women who challenged norms, fought for their place, or simply made headlines for their boldness. As one review puts it, “It focused on women who are overlooked by history,” making it perfect for travelers who want more than just superficial sightseeing.

Guides are often praised for their enthusiasm and storytelling flair, making historical figures come alive in a way that sticks with you. The stories range from true crime to spiritual legends, giving a well-rounded picture of NOLA’s complex past.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $34.99, the tour offers great value considering the amount of storytelling, landmarks, and local insight packed into 90 minutes. While admission to certain sites isn’t included, the tour’s focus on storytelling and local lore means you’re paying mainly for guides’ expertise and the experience.

Many reviews rave about their guides, with comments like “Christine was an awesome guide” and “Rhody made it come alive.” The moderate price and small group size make this a cost-effective way to deepen your understanding of New Orleans’ complex history.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits anyone with an interest in history, women’s stories, ghosts, and legends. It’s especially ideal for those who want an authentic, ground-level view of the city and enjoy storytelling that’s both informative and entertaining. If you prefer fast-paced, lively guides who can make dark stories fun, you’ll probably love this tour.

It’s not as suitable if you’re looking for a highly interactive or museum-like experience—this is more about listening, walking, and absorbing stories. Also, travelers with limited mobility should keep in mind the walking involved.

The Sum Up

The Bad Broads Tour of New Orleans offers a unique glimpse into the women who helped shape the city’s wild reputation. With knowledgeable guides, captivating stories, and iconic landmarks, it manages to entertain while shedding light on a lesser-known side of NOLA’s past.

If you’re a history lover, ghost enthusiast, or just curious about the women behind the legends, this tour will satisfy your appetite for local lore and lively storytelling. It’s a cost-effective way to explore the city’s darker and more colorful heritage, all while walking through its historic streets.

While it’s best suited for those comfortable with walking and a lively group setting, most travelers will find it a delightful, memorable experience—offering a different perspective on New Orleans that’s both fun and informative.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, giving you enough time to enjoy the stories and sights without feeling rushed.

Where does the tour start?
It begins on St. Ann Street near 809 Royal Street, about 15 minutes before the scheduled start time.

Is the tour accessible for all?
Since it involves walking through the French Quarter, it’s best suited for those comfortable on their feet. The group size is limited to 9 travelers, helping maintain an engaging atmosphere.

Are food and drinks included?
No, beverages are not provided but you’re welcome to bring your own to enjoy during the tour.

What landmarks are visited?
While the tour focuses on storytelling, it includes stops at homes of infamous women and sites like the Lalaurie Mansion and Marie Laveau’s house (admission not included).

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

What makes this tour different from other offerings?
It’s focused on women’s stories, offering a female-centric perspective that’s often missing from other NOLA tours.

Is this suitable for children?
The minimum age is 16 years, and those under 18 should be accompanied by an adult.

How much does it cost?
The tour costs $34.99 per person, providing great value for the stories and sights included.

Whether you’re curious about NOLA’s dark past, love ghost stories, or want to understand more about famous women in New Orleans history, this tour offers a lively, authentic experience. It’s a chance to walk the streets with a local guide who knows how to tell a story, making history feel fresh and fun.