The Ghosts of New Orleans Tour

The Ghosts of New Orleans Tour: A Spooky Stroll Through the French Quarter

If you’re curious about the darker, more mysterious side of New Orleans, the Ghosts of New Orleans Tour offers a captivating way to explore the city after sunset. For just $24.99, this 90-minute guided walk takes you through the French Quarter, revealing ghost stories, historic sites, and infamous crimes that continue to haunt the city’s streets. With a small group size and knowledgeable guides, you’ll get a personal experience that balances storytelling with sightseeing.

What we love about this tour is how it combines authentic history with spooky legends—not just superficial ghost stories, but stories rooted in real places and real events. Plus, the small-group format ensures you won’t get lost in a crowd and can ask questions or linger at spots that pique your interest. On the flip side, one thing to consider is that this is primarily a walking tour, so be prepared for some moderate walking in the evening heat or cool.

This tour is perfect for history buffs, true crime fans, or anyone who enjoys a touch of mystery when exploring a city known for its ghost stories. If you want to learn about haunted hotels, visit the infamous LaLaurie Mansion, or simply enjoy a different perspective on the French Quarter, this guided walk is a dramatic, fun, and sometimes chilling way to spend an evening.

Key Points

• Authentic Haunted Sites: Visit renowned locations like Jackson Square and LaLaurie Mansion.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Lisa and Louis are praised for their storytelling and knowledge.
• Small Group Comfort: Tours are limited to 9 people, allowing for a more personal experience.
• Historic & Paranormal Blend: Stories mix history, crime, and ghost tales rooted in the city’s past.
• Flexible for All Ages: The tour is suitable for all ages, with some guides adjusting content for younger audiences.
• Value for Money: At under $25, it offers a memorable, hour-and-a-half exploration of New Orleans’ spooky side.

A Deep Dive into the Ghosts of New Orleans Tour

Starting Point and Overall Experience

The tour begins at 809 Royal Street, right in the heart of the lively French Quarter. Meeting there in the evening, you’ll join a small group of fellow ghost enthusiasts. The 90-minute walk is designed to be an accessible way to see some of the most haunted spots in the city, all while hearing gripping stories from guides who know how to make history come alive—or haunt you.

One of the key virtues of this tour is its small group size—usually just 6 to 9 travelers—which means you get a more intimate experience. This setup allows guides like Lisa to tailor the storytelling, ensure everyone can hear, and answer questions comfortably. Multiple reviews highlight guides’ ability to make the stories engaging, funny, and genuinely informative, which keeps the atmosphere lively even when discussing spooky subjects.

Detailed Itinerary and Sites Visited

The French Quarter itself is the star here. As you walk along historic streets, your guide points out landmarks like Jackson Square, sharing stories about ghosts that are said to haunt the area. Travelers report that they loved seeing a new side of the French Quarter after dark, with several stops that reveal the haunted hotels and restaurants where you might choose to dine or stay.

A major highlight is the LaLaurie Mansion—a house notorious for its dark past involving grisly murders and alleged hauntings. Although the tour does not include interior visits, the guide shares the compelling true story behind this infamous house, which is enough to send shivers down your spine. Many reviews mention the fascinating blend of history and ghost lore, making it more than just a spooky story—it’s a window into New Orleans’ complex past.

The tour also visits sites of crimes and murders, where you can almost feel the lingering presence of those who met their end there. Interestingly, some guides talk about haunted hotels and restaurants, giving you tips on where to experience the city’s haunted hospitality if you decide to extend your evening.

What Makes the Tour Stand Out

One aspect reviewers consistently praise is the knowledge and storytelling ability of the guides. Lisa, for example, is frequently lauded as “great,” “fantastic,” and “a wealth of historical knowledge.” Her delivery keeps the stories engaging without becoming overly theatrical. Guides like Louis also shine, especially when they find creative ways to keep everyone comfortable—like finding cover during rain or adjusting the story content for younger visitors.

The balance of history and legend is another key strength. While some guests wish for more historical facts, most appreciate that the tour provides a fun, spooky atmosphere balanced with credible stories. It is particularly well-suited for families or groups with mixed ages, as guides often gauge the group’s interest and adapt their storytelling accordingly.

Practical Considerations

The tour runs after dark, so comfortable walking shoes are a must. Expect a good bit of walking, often in the evening breeze or humidity, so bring water if temperatures are high. The meeting point at Royal Street is central and easy to find, close to public transportation and near Jackson Square.

Pricing at $24.99 per person offers great value considering the quality of guides, the historical context, and the unique atmosphere. It’s common for this tour to be booked about 17 days in advance, reflecting its popularity among visitors wanting a memorable night out.

What Reviewers Say

Most reviews are glowing. One traveler called it a “hauntingly great experience”, praising the knowledgeable and considerate guides. Several mention how the stories are told in a way that appeals to all ages—from history buffs to horror fans.

However, not everyone loved it. Some felt the tour leaned heavily on ghost legends rather than historical facts, or found it less engaging if they expected interior visits to haunted buildings. One reviewer noted difficulty understanding a guide because of language barriers, emphasizing the importance of good communication.

Who Should Book This Tour?

If you enjoy mystery and history, this tour offers a compelling way to see the French Quarter from a different perspective. It’s excellent for families, couples, or solo travelers who want a lighthearted but also spine-tingling experience. If you’re someone who prefers interior visits or more intense horror details, this might not satisfy all cravings, but it’s a solid introduction to the ghostly lore of New Orleans.

The Sum Up

The Ghosts of New Orleans Tour provides a delightfully spooky way to explore the city’s most haunted corners. With knowledgeable guides like Lisa and Louis, you’ll get stories rooted in history and local legends, told with humor and flair. The small group format makes it intimate, allowing for genuine engagement.

At a reasonable price, this tour offers excellent value for anyone looking to combine sightseeing with a little supernatural intrigue. The balance of ghost stories, historic landmarks, and lively storytelling makes it an ideal night activity, especially if you enjoy learning about the city’s darker past in a relaxed, fun atmosphere.

While it may be less appealing if you’re expecting interior visits or intense horror, most guests find this experience entertaining, atmospheric, and memorable. Whether you’re a history lover, a true crime enthusiast, or just curious about ghost stories, this tour will leave you with a haunted feeling long after you’ve left the French Quarter.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Ghosts of New Orleans Tour?
It lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes, giving you enough time to explore and listen to stories without feeling rushed.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 809 Royal Street and concludes in the heart of the French Quarter, near Jackson Square.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s described as all-ages, and guides often adjust content to keep it appropriate for younger visitors. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

How many people are in each group?
Groups are limited to a maximum of 9 travelers, which helps keep the experience personal and engaging.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket covers all taxes and fees and the 90-minute walking tour itself. Entrance to buildings like LaLaurie Mansion is not included.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, with an average booking time of 17 days in advance, it’s wise to reserve early, especially during peak seasons like Mardi Gras.

Is the tour walkable and accessible?
Yes, it involves walking through the city’s streets, so comfortable shoes are recommended. The itinerary is outdoors, so be prepared for weather conditions.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour begins, receiving a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

In summary, the Ghosts of New Orleans Tour offers a well-balanced, entertaining, and authentic look at the city’s haunted reputation. Its combination of storytelling, historic sites, and intimate group size makes it a worthwhile experience for anyone wanting to see a different, spookier side of New Orleans.