The Bad Broads Tour of New Orleans

If you’re looking for a way to see New Orleans that goes beyond the usual tourist spots, the Bad Broads Tour of New Orleans might be just what you need. This walking tour explores the city’s history through the stories of the women who made a mark—whether infamous, influential, or just compelling. It’s a chance to learn about figures like Madame LaLaurie and Marie Laveau, all while wandering the enchanting streets of the French Quarter.

What really makes this experience stand out are the knowledgeable guides and the fascinating stories that bring the past vividly to life. It’s a tour that’s not just about facts but about feeling the spirit of the city’s darker, more rebellious side. However, it’s worth noting that this is a walking tour, so comfortable shoes are a must, and the pace can be brisk.

This tour tends to be best suited for adults or older teens who enjoy history, ghost stories, or stories about powerful women. If you’re after a relaxed sightseeing experience, this might not be the perfect fit. But if you love stories with a touch of mystery—and don’t mind a fair bit of walking—you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.

Key Points

• Engaging guides bring the stories of New Orleans’ women to life with humor and knowledge.
• Walking through the French Quarter gives you a ground-level view of the city’s historic streets and architecture.
• The focus on women’s history offers a different perspective on New Orleans’ past, highlighting both notorious figures and heroines.
• It’s a 1 hour 30-minute tour that’s packed with stories, legends, and some spooky tales.
• Group size is small, capped at 9 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and engaging.
• Expect brisk walking and plenty of storytelling, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a fair amount of movement.

Exploring the French Quarter and Its Dark Tales

The tour kicks off around Jackson Square, a lively hub full of street performers, artists, and historic buildings. From there, you’ll head into the heart of the French Quarter, where the stories of some of the city’s most notorious women unfold. Along the way, the guide will point out homes of scandalous madams, voodoo queens like Marie Laveau, and others whose lives left a mark—sometimes quite literally—on the streets.

Walking through this historic neighborhood offers a chance to see the architecture, hear ghost stories, and understand the city’s complex past from a fresh angle. One reviewer notes, “Dalton gave us a good experience over New Orleans. But be prepared to do a lot of walking. Gave us a lot of facts that we did not know or read about.” The pace is energetic but manageable—an ideal way to see the city’s sights while soaking up stories that are usually overshadowed by the more popular tourist spots.

Stops That Make the Tour Special

The French Quarter

Your guide will take you past legendary sites associated with women involved in some of the city’s most shocking tales. Expect to hear about murderous madams, Voodoo Queens, and scandalous high society figures. The stories are often spooky and dark, but they give you a vivid picture of the city’s tumultuous past.

The LaLaurie Mansion

One of the most popular stops is the LaLaurie Mansion, infamous for its history of cruelty. While admission isn’t included, it’s impossible to visit New Orleans without hearing about Madame LaLaurie and her gruesome legacy. Visitors often comment on the mansion’s eerie presence, especially when learning about its past as a site of horror.

Marie Laveau House of Voodoo

Another key stop is the Marie Laveau House of Voodoo, which is not only a shrine to the legendary Voodoo Queen but also a place rich in history and mystique. The tour stops here briefly but leaves a lasting impression, especially for those interested in New Orleans’ spiritual traditions.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour provides a local guide who is both professional and passionate about the stories. The cost is affordable at $34.99 per person, especially given the depth of storytelling and the chance to walk through the historic French Quarter. The tour always starts on time, so punctuality is key.

Note that while the guide and storytelling are included, admission to the Lalaurie Mansion and Marie Laveau’s house are not. So, if you’re eager to go inside or explore further, you’ll need to budget for tickets separately.

The Real Experience: What Travelers Say

Many reviewers have raved about the guides, with comments like, “Rhody was fantastic—energetic, funny, and loaded with interesting facts.” Others appreciated the personalities of their guides, describing Rhody, Jamie, and Elaine as engaging and enthusiastic. One review states, “Our guide Rhody was incredible! Such a positive person who was filled with information and excited to lead the tour.”

People also loved the stories of women who defied norms—from notorious murderesses to powerful Voodoo Queens. As one reviewer puts it: “The stories were exciting and interesting… and the tour guide Rhoda made it come alive.” The focus on female figures offers a distinct perspective, elevating this tour above many standard ghost walks.

Some Downsides

While the overwhelming majority of reviews are glowing, a few travelers found the group size too large or felt that some parts of the tour were too long or too noisy. One reviewer mentions, “The tour content was interesting, but not enough to warrant an hour and a half tour,” and another points out disruptions from overly loud or disruptive guests.

This highlights the importance of being prepared for a brisk pace and potential noise, especially if you’re sensitive to crowd dynamics. It’s also worth noting that most reviews are positive, with a 4.9/5 ranking based on 291 reviews.

Is the Tour Worth the Price?

At $34.99, this tour offers a lot of value—especially when you consider the storytelling, the guided experience, and the chance to explore the city with someone who knows its secrets. You’re paying primarily for the guide’s knowledge, storytelling skills, and the opportunity to walk through a beautiful historic neighborhood while learning stories you likely won’t find in a guidebook.

While drinks and some stops aren’t included, the small group size and engaging guides make this a worthwhile experience. It’s an affordable way to combine sightseeing, history, and a bit of ghostly fun—all in one walk.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adults or older teens who enjoy stories, history, and ghost tales. It’s perfect if you love hearing about women’s contributions and scandals or are simply curious about the city’s darker side. If you’re looking for a relaxed, slow-paced tour, this might not be your best choice—the brisk walking and storytelling at a quick pace make it more energetic.

It’s also ideal for travelers who prefer small, intimate groups—the capped size of nine people ensures a more personal experience. And if you appreciate guides who bring stories alive with humor and enthusiasm, this tour hits the mark.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, covering multiple stops around the French Quarter.

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

Are drinks or food included?
No, drinks are not included, but you’re welcome to bring one along. Stops at the LaLaurie Mansion and Marie Laveau’s house are not included in the ticket price.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The minimum age is 16 years, so it’s best suited for older teens and adults. The stories can be dark or spooky, which might not be suitable for younger children.

What should I wear?
Since it’s a walking tour, comfortable shoes are a must. Be prepared for potentially hot weather if visiting in warmer months.

Is the tour accessible?
The tour is near public transportation, but note that it’s a walking tour through historic streets, so it might not be suitable for those with mobility issues.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

What is the group size?
The tour is capped at 9 travelers, making for a more intimate experience.

Final Thoughts

The Bad Broads Tour of New Orleans offers a fun, engaging way to see the city through the lens of its most intriguing women. Whether you’re fascinated by ghost stories, historic scandals, or powerful female figures, this tour packs a lot into a short, lively walk. Guides are frequently praised for their energy and storytelling skills, making the stories come alive against the backdrop of the French Quarter.

While it’s not without minor downsides—like potential noise or brisk pacing—most travelers find it well worth the price. It’s especially ideal if you’re interested in a small-group experience with a guide who knows their stuff and has a knack for storytelling.

If you’re after a tour that offers a fresh perspective on New Orleans’ past—with a little spooky fun thrown in—you’ll probably walk away satisfied. Just remember to wear comfy shoes, bring a water bottle, and get ready for some captivating tales that highlight the city’s often overlooked heroines and villains alike.