New Orleans History and Hauntings Tour

Exploring the Shadows of New Orleans: A Deep Dive into the History and Hauntings Tour

If you’re considering adding a ghostly twist to your New Orleans visit, the New Orleans History and Hauntings Tour might just be what you’re looking for. We haven’t personally taken this tour, but based on reviews and detailed descriptions, it promises an engaging blend of local history, supernatural legends, and lively storytelling—all wrapped into a compact 2-hour experience.

What really draws us in are the friendly, knowledgeable guides and the chance to see over 15 different locations in the famed French Quarter. Plus, the use of high-tech ghost-tracking equipment is a fun, modern touch that elevates the experience beyond just listening to spooky tales. However, one aspect to consider is that the tour is a walking experience, so be prepared for some moderate-paced strolling through uneven streets, and remember it’s weather-dependent, rain or shine.

This tour seems best suited for those who love history, ghost stories, or simply want a different way to soak up the atmosphere of New Orleans’ most iconic neighborhood. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned returner, it offers a chance to see the city through a slightly supernatural lens—perfect for those who enjoy storytelling mixed with a bit of mystery.

Key Points

• Engaging Guides: The guides are described as friendly, professional, and excellent storytellers, making the experience lively and informative.
• Rich in Content: Visiting over 15 locations, the tour offers a solid overview of the French Quarter’s history and its paranormal tales.
• Modern Tech: The use of ghost-tracking equipment adds an interactive element that many find intriguing.
• Flexible Duration: Lasts between 1 and 2 hours, depending on stops and group pace.
• Affordable Price Point: At $35, it’s reasonably priced for a deep dive into the spooky side of New Orleans.
• Weather and Timing: Tours are rain-or-shine, so be prepared for the weather, and punctuality is key as tours start precisely on time.

The Experience in Detail

The Starting Point: Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar

The tour kicks off right outside Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, a historic spot itself, famous for its long-standing presence and reputation as one of the city’s oldest bars. Meeting a few minutes early is advisable—timing is strict, and late arrivals won’t get a second chance. The fact that the tour begins here sets a fitting tone: immersed in a location steeped in stories of sailors, pirates, and the supernatural.

Walking Through the French Quarter

The core of the tour is a stroll through the French Quarter, which is arguably the most atmospheric part of New Orleans. As you walk, your guide will share tales of local history, voodoo practices, hauntings, and supernatural legends. The route covers some of the best-known spots and film locations, giving a bit of pop-culture flavor to the spooky stories.

This is where the storytelling really shines. Multiple reviews praise guides like Cody—a “excellent storyteller” who makes the history come alive and shares fun haunted facts, making it more than just a list of places. One guest even mentioned catching a full-body apparition on camera, hinting that the paranormal possibility is real for some.

Visiting Iconic Locations

While the exact stops aren’t detailed, the tour’s focus is on more than 15 locations, which likely include notable historic sites and bars famous for their haunted reputations. The tour’s route provides a great overview of the city’s dark past, with plenty of opportunities for people-watching and soaking in the lively street scene of the French Quarter.

The Use of Ghost-Tracking Equipment

One of the most interesting features is the high-tech ghost-tracking gear available for guests to check out. This can turn a simple walk into an interactive experience, especially if you’re curious about the supernatural presence some believe lingers in New Orleans. Guests are responsible for equipment checkout and return, with a small fee if damaged or lost, but the equipment’s GPS tracking reassures it’s in good hands.

Tour Pacing and Length

The tour varies from 1 to 2 hours, so you might find yourself lingering longer at certain stops or moving quickly through others, depending on the group’s interest and the weather. Guests have noted that it’s a moderately paced walk, suitable for most, but it’s worth noting that uneven streets could be tiring if you have mobility concerns.

What Visitors Say

While most reviews are glowing, with compliments on the knowledgeable guides and “great storytelling,” a few noted minor issues like difficulty hearing at times or slight disorganization. One reviewer mentioned that the tour was canceled due to illness but was rescheduled quickly, highlighting the importance of flexible and responsive customer service.

Is It Good Value?

At $35 per person, this tour offers a lot of bang for your buck. For a couple of hours exploring the French Quarter while learning about its haunted legends and local history, it’s quite reasonable. The inclusion of modern ghost-tracking tech adds an extra layer of engagement, especially for those interested in paranormal phenomena.

The fact that the tour is booked an average of 18 days in advance shows it’s popular, and securing your spot early is a good idea. Remember, the tour doesn’t include hotel pickup or drinks, so it’s best viewed as a self-contained experience or a fun part of your overall day in the city.

The Practicalities

• Meeting Point: Outside Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar at 941 Bourbon St.
• Start/End: Begins here and ends in the heart of the French Quarter.
• Duration: 1-2 hours, depending on stops and weather.
• Booking: Confirmed immediately upon booking, with flexible cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Weather: Rain or shine; dress accordingly.
• Group Size: Up to 999 travelers, but typically smaller, more intimate groups.
• Children: Not explicitly mentioned, but usually suitable for most travelers unless young children are sensitive to spooky stories.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re fascinated by history, legends, and ghost stories, this tour offers a great way to see the French Quarter while learning some spooky tales. It’s perfect for those who enjoy interactive experiences, storytelling, and a bit of paranormal curiosity. The tour is also a good choice for travelers who want to combine a bit of history with entertainment and don’t mind walking through uneven streets in various weather conditions.

While it’s not designed specifically as a family-friendly activity, it might appeal to older kids or teens who are interested in ghosts and mysteries. Just keep in mind that the tour involves walking, and some stops might be a tad crowded or noisy.

The Sum Up

All in all, the New Orleans History and Hauntings Tour offers a compelling mix of local lore, spooky stories, and modern paranormal tech. The guides seem to be a highlight, making the experience engaging and memorable. It’s a versatile tour that appeals to anyone curious about the mysterious side of New Orleans, whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned visitor looking for a fresh perspective.

If you’re after a reasonably priced, entertaining way to explore the French Quarter’s haunted past, this tour is worth considering. Just remember to arrive on time, dress for the weather, and be ready for a leisurely walk filled with stories that will send shivers down your spine.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour isn’t specifically marketed as family-friendly, but older children and teens interested in ghost stories and history could enjoy it. Keep in mind that it involves walking and some spooky storytelling.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Bring comfortable shoes for walking, weather-appropriate clothing, and a camera if you want to capture paranormal moments. Ghost-tracking equipment is provided if you request it.

Can I reschedule or cancel?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the tour. Same-day or last-minute cancellations won’t be refunded.

Is the tour available rain or shine?
Yes, it operates rain or shine, so be prepared for the weather. Dress accordingly, especially if rain or cold weather is forecasted.

How long does the tour last?
Between 1 and 2 hours, depending on group pace, stops, and weather conditions.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts outside Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar at 941 Bourbon St and ends in the French Quarter, in the heart of Vieux Carré.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are available for purchase along the route, but they are not included in the ticket price.

Is parking available nearby?
While parking isn’t explicitly mentioned, the tour is near public transportation, and street parking in the French Quarter is common but can be limited.

If you’re up for a walk through history, legends, and a touch of the supernatural, this tour might just add a thrilling element to your New Orleans adventure.