New Orleans Spirits & Spells: Witchcraft, Voodoo, and Ghost Tour

If you’re curious about New Orleans’ darker past, this Spirits & Spells: Witchcraft, Voodoo, and Ghost Tour promises a night full of stories that go beyond the usual tourist fare. While I haven’t personally taken this tour, based on the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary, it seems to be a well-rounded experience that combines history, mystery, and a touch of magic.

One thing I love about this kind of tour is how it balances storytelling with genuine cultural insights—especially around voodoo and witchcraft—topics that often get sensationalized but here are presented with respect and authenticity. Another highlight is the opportunity to participate in a real ritual, which adds an interactive element that’s rare and memorable.

However, it’s worth noting that the tour isn’t designed for kids under 13, and it involves a fair bit of walking, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with an evening on their feet. For anyone interested in uncovering the more mysterious, haunted, and mystical layers of the French Quarter, this tour could be a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Engaging Storytelling: The tour’s guides are praised for their knowledge and lively narration, making history come alive.
• Interactive Rituals: Participating in a real spell in a witches’ temple makes the experience more memorable.
• Rich Stops: The itinerary includes iconic sites like LaLaurie Mansion and the Old Ursuline Convent, blending history with legends.
• Affordable Price: At $29 per person, it offers a lot of value for a two-hour experience, especially with exclusive access.
• Small Group Feel: Limited to 26 travelers, the tour maintains an intimate atmosphere.
• Not Suitable for Children Under 13: The spooky content and ritual may be too intense for younger guests.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Introduction to the Tour and Its Vibe

Starting from Hex, a shop that’s as intriguing as the tour itself, the experience is built around a sense of mystery. The tour guides are typically described as knowledgeable, energetic, and fun, with many reviews mentioning a high level of storytelling skill that keeps everyone engaged. You’ll find yourself walking through the streets of the French Quarter, hearing tales that mix true crime, folklore, and spiritual practices.

For those who love history with a twist, the stories about witchcraft and voodoo are particularly compelling. And for anyone into the supernatural, the stop at LaLaurie Mansion is a highlight—viewing the infamous haunted house and learning about Madame Lalaurie’s dark past.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Hex – Old World Witchery
Your journey begins at Hex, a shop that doubles as a starting point for the tour. Here, you’ll participate in a spellcasting ritual inside a genuine Witches’ temple, adding an interactive and authentic touch. This isn’t just a story; it’s a collective experience that can be surprisingly powerful. Reviewers mention leaving with a small gift, which adds a personal touch to the experience.

Stop 2: Old Ursuline Convent Museum
This stop offers a glimpse into the resilience and influence of women healers and mystics in the city’s past. The convent, known for miracles associated with women working together, highlights the empowering side of witchcraft and healing traditions. It’s a quieter, more reflective part of the tour but still quite impactful.

Stop 3: Chartres Street
Here, the focus is on Mary Oneida Toups and her real Coven of Witches. This story served as the inspiration for American Horror Story: Coven, adding a pop culture connection that many find fascinating. The stories are rooted in real local history, making the legends even more compelling.

Stop 4: Muriel’s Jackson Square
This stop combines the city’s vibrant food scene with a ghost story—specifically, the ghost that supposedly haunts Muriel’s restaurant. It’s a fun, atmospheric break that shows how ghosts are woven into the fabric of New Orleans life.

Stop 5: Voodoo Authentica
A chance to learn about the roots of voodoo in New Orleans. Depending on the tour time, you might enter a real voodoo supply shop, which adds an authentic touch. This stop is great for demystifying voodoo practices and understanding their cultural significance.

Stop 6: 735 Ursulines Ave
This area explores the darker, more malevolent side of the city’s spiritual history, including tales of ritual murders and spirits crossing into our world. It’s a reminder of the city’s haunted reputation and the importance of respecting these spiritual boundaries.

Stop 7: LaLaurie Mansion
Perhaps the most infamous haunted house in New Orleans, the LaLaurie Mansion’s story of Madame Lalaurie’s cruelty and ghostly apparitions is chilling. Many reviews emphasize how engaging and respectful the guide was while discussing the mansion’s dark history.

The Magic of Participating in Rituals and Spells

One of the things that set this tour apart is the group spell in the witches’ temple. Several reviewers mention how participating in this ritual felt empowering and memorable. It seems to be a true ritual, not just a staged demonstration, making it a highlight for many.

The Guides and Their Role

According to the reviews, the guides are stellar. Many describe Jamie (or Jayme) as engaging, knowledgeable, and charismatic. They’re praised for their storytelling, humor, and ability to make the spooky history both fun and credible. In fact, some reviews talk about how the guide cleared misconceptions about voodoo and witchcraft, offering respectful, factual insights.

The Value and Practicalities

At just $29, the tour offers great value considering the depth of stories, the exclusive access to a witches’ temple, and the ritual component. The two-hour duration feels just right—not too rushed, with enough time to soak in the stories and atmosphere without fatigue.

The group size caps at 26, ensuring a cozy, intimate experience where questions are welcomed. It’s also handy that the tour is booked on average 19 days in advance, indicating that it’s quite popular, which speaks to its quality and reputation.

Weather, Accessibility, and Other Considerations

Since the tour is outdoors and involves walking through the French Quarter, be prepared for weather. If rain or bad weather cancels it, you’ll get a full refund or a chance to reschedule. The tour is suitable for most people, but it’s not recommended for children under 13, likely due to the spooky content and ritual activities.

Parking isn’t included, so plan accordingly. Meeting at Hex on Decatur Street is straightforward, and the tour ends back at the starting point, making logistics simple.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

All in all, if you’re someone who loves stories about haunted houses, mysterious rituals, and the city’s secret spiritual side, this tour offers a captivating experience. The combination of history, personal stories, and participation makes it memorable beyond just a typical ghost walk. The guides’ ability to blend entertainment with education shines through in numerous reviews, and many consider it one of the best tours in New Orleans for a reason.

On the flip side, if you’re not comfortable with darker themes or don’t enjoy walking outdoors in the evening, you might want to consider other options. It’s also not suited for young children, so plan accordingly.

This experience is especially suited for those who enjoy a mix of history, culture, and a dash of the supernatural, all delivered in a friendly, approachable manner. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, the stories and atmosphere will likely make you look at the French Quarter a little differently.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for kids?
No, it’s not recommended for children under 13 due to the spooky content and ritual activities involved.

How long does the tour last?
The tour takes approximately two hours, which allows enough time to visit all the stops and participate in the rituals without feeling rushed.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Hex, located at 1219 Decatur Street, and ends back at the same location, making logistics straightforward.

What is included in the price?
The ticket covers the guided tour, exclusive access to a witches’ temple, and participation in a group spell. Parking fees are not included.

How many people can join?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 26 travelers, fostering an intimate experience.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended since it’s a walking tour. The weather can vary, so bring an umbrella or raincoat if needed.

Is the tour accessible for most travelers?
Yes, it’s suitable for most people, though it involves walking and some outdoor exposure.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

How popular is this tour?
It’s booked on average 19 days in advance, indicating high demand and strong reviews, especially for the guides’ storytelling and the authentic ritual experience.

In all, this tour offers a well-rounded peek into the mysterious side of New Orleans, blending history with supernatural stories—perfect for curious travelers eager to see a different, more secretive side of the city.