French Quarter Spirits Tour

If you’re considering a different kind of sightseeing experience in New Orleans, the French Quarter Spirits Tour might just be what you’re looking for. This walking adventure promises to reveal the city’s haunted secrets, taking you through shadowy alleys and historic sites known for their ghostly tales. It’s a fun, immersive way to add a spooky twist to your trip—perfect for those who enjoy a mix of history, mystery, and a little bit of the supernatural.

What really draws us in about this tour are the knowledgeable guides who bring the stories alive and the chance to see some of the city’s most notorious haunted sites like the LaLaurie Mansion and Bourbon Orleans Hotel. We also love that it offers a flexible schedule—you can pick an afternoon or evening departure—making it easier to fit into your plans. On the flip side, one thing to consider is that this is a moderate-paced walk, so if mobility is an issue, it’s worth keeping that in mind.

This tour is best suited for curious travelers who enjoy storytelling and a touch of the spooky. If ghost stories, haunted history, and a lively guide sound appealing, then this experience could be a highlight of your New Orleans stay. It’s also a good pick if you want a break from the usual and enjoy exploring neighborhoods on foot with a charismatic guide leading the way.

Key Points

• Guided walking experience through the French Quarter, focusing on paranormal sites.
• Flexible schedule with afternoon or evening options.
• Popular stops include the LaLaurie Mansion and Bourbon Orleans Hotel.
• Known for knowledgeable guides who tell in-depth haunted stories.
• Photo opportunities with potential apparitions or mysterious orbs.
• Cost-effective at $35 per person with the chance to see some of the most haunted locations in New Orleans.

What to Expect from the Tour Experience

An Accessible and Well-Organized Tour

Starting at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, the tour is designed for ease of participation. The meeting point is straightforward—just outside the bar, on Bourbon Street—and you’re encouraged to arrive a few minutes early to check in. The group size can be quite large, with up to 999 travelers, but guides are experienced at managing crowds and keeping everyone engaged.

The tour lasts typically between 1 and 2 hours, depending on how long stops inside bars or at sites take, especially if there’s a lot of audience interaction or photo stops. The walking pace is moderate, so expect to cover a fair amount of ground but without rushing through the streets.

A Taste of New Orleans’ Haunted Reputation

The French Quarter has earned its reputation as “The most haunted city in America,” and this tour dives into why. As you wander through the neighborhood, your guide will share stories about famous hauntings that have appeared on channels like the History Channel and Discovery Channel. You’ll visit spots with a long history of paranormal activity, including hotels, historic homes, and the federal courthouse.

The Stops and Their Stories

The first stop is the French Quarter itself, which is arguably the most haunted neighborhood in the country. Here, the guide will narrate tales about haunted hotels, mysterious sightings, and ghostly legends tied to the area’s colorful past. You might find yourself wondering whether the spirits are just stories or if something more real lurks in the shadows.

Jackson Square provides a picturesque setting, but it’s also a place where mystical energies are rumored to be felt. The highlight is the LaLaurie Mansion, infamous for its history of brutality and its reputation as the most haunted house in New Orleans. Guests often report seeing apparitions or capturing unusual orbs on camera, and some have even photographed playing peek-a-boo ghosts or mysterious figures.

Paranormal Sightings and Photo Opportunities

One of the more exciting aspects is the potential to capture paranormal phenomena on camera. Several guests have reported detecting apparitions, orbs, and ghostly figures in their photos, which adds a fun, interactive element to the experience. While the guide cannot guarantee sightings, the chance to snap a spooky photo is definitely there.

Bars and Refreshments Along the Route

Guests have the option to purchase to-go drinks and visit some of the historic bars along the way. This can be a great way to soak in the local atmosphere, especially in a neighborhood as vibrant as the French Quarter. Just keep in mind that alcohol consumption during the tour is allowed, but the guide reserves the right to refuse service if someone is extremely intoxicated.

The Value of the Tour

Considering the price point of $35 per person, this tour offers a lot of bang for your buck. It’s not just about the stories—it’s about experiencing the ambiance of New Orleans’ haunted history firsthand. With knowledgeable guides, a flexible schedule, and the chance to see some of the city’s most haunted sites, it provides a good balance of entertainment and insight.

That said, it’s worth noting that no paranormal activity is guaranteed—these stories are part of the city’s lore, and the experience is meant for entertainment and fascination rather than proof of spirits. The tour is also rain-or-shine, so come prepared for weather conditions.

Breaking Down the Itinerary

Starting Point: Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar

Your journey begins outside this iconic bar, a perfect setting to meet your guide and get ready for the spooky walk ahead. It sets the tone with its own haunted reputation and historic charm.

Stop 1: The French Quarter

This initial section is the heart of the tour, where you’ll learn why New Orleans is considered “The most haunted city in America.” The guides blend storytelling with historical context, making the legends more vivid. You’ll hear about haunted hotels and a former slave exchange—places that have amassed ghostly lore over centuries.

What we love: The stories are detailed, and guides are well-versed in local legends, which makes the experience more immersive.

Possible downside: If you’re not into walking or stories, the pace might feel slow for some.

Stop 2: Jackson Square

This lively square offers a scenic stop where you can take photos and listen to tales of mystical inhabitants. The LaLaurie Mansion stands out as the most haunted site, with numerous guests capturing ghostly orbs or even apparitions on their cameras.

What we love: The chance to photograph something mysterious—one guest even caught an apparition of a girl playing peek-a-boo! It makes the stories more tangible.

Possible downside: Some might find the focus on hauntings a bit too spooky or heavy if you prefer lighter sightseeing.

Final Stop: Historic and Haunted Sites

Along the walk, you’ll pass by a federal courthouse and other historic locations, each with its own ghostly legend. The guides’ in-depth accounts make these stories come alive, blending history with supernatural tales.

Why This Tour Works Well

One of the strongest points of this experience is the guides’ expertise. Guests consistently mention how knowledgeable and engaging the guides are, often sharing stories featured on major channels, which adds credibility and depth.

The photo opportunities are another highlight. Many guests share stories of capturing orbs or ghostly figures, which makes the adventure more interactive. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, it’s fun to see what you can document.

The flexible schedule and the ability to stop at historic bars along the route give the tour a social, relaxed vibe. Plus, exploring the neighborhood on foot allows you to soak up the ambiance and learn more about the local architecture and traditions.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for story lovers, paranormal enthusiasts, or anyone curious about the haunted side of New Orleans. It’s also suitable for travelers who want an active, engaging way to explore the French Quarter beyond typical sightseeing.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly activity, keep in mind that the tour involves walking, and some sites are quite spooky, which might not be suitable for very young children. Also, the stories can be intense or frightening for sensitive kids.

For those interested in a lighthearted ghost tour with a focus on storytelling rather than scares, this is a good pick. It also works well if you’re visiting with friends or as a solo adventure—you’ll meet fellow travelers and share some eerie laughs.

Final Thoughts

The French Quarter Spirits Tour offers a genuinely fun and atmospheric way to experience New Orleans’ haunted reputation. With knowledgeable guides, a mix of history and ghost stories, and photo opportunities, it makes for a memorable outing. The price point is reasonable, especially considering the depth of storytelling and the chance to visit some of the most haunted spots in town.

While it doesn’t promise encounters with spirits (and it shouldn’t, since it’s entertainment-based), it’s a great way to add some spooky charm to your trip. If you enjoy tales of the supernatural or want a different perspective on the city’s vibrant history, this tour will keep you intrigued and entertained.

This experience is best for those who like their history served with a side of mystery, and for anyone who appreciates guides who genuinely know their stories. Just bring an open mind, a camera, and perhaps a sense of humor—you’re in for an intriguing walk through one of America’s most haunted neighborhoods.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour involves walking through historic, sometimes spooky sites, so it’s best for older children or teenagers. Very young children might find the stories too intense.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs approximately 1 to 2 hours, depending on stops and how long guests spend inside bars or taking photos.

Can I buy drinks during the tour?
Yes, guests are invited to stop along the route to purchase to-go drinks and visit historic bars in the French Quarter.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
It involves moderate-paced walking on uneven streets, so consider this if mobility is a concern.

What is the price?
The tour costs $35 per person, which offers a good balance of storytelling, site visits, and the chance to capture paranormal photos.

Are paranormal sightings guaranteed?
Not at all. The tour is for entertainment and storytelling; sightings depend on luck and belief. Many guests do capture interesting photos, but nothing is guaranteed.

What should I bring?
Bring a camera or smartphone for photos, comfortable shoes for walking, and weather-appropriate clothing, as the tour is rain-or-shine.

If you’re curious about New Orleans’ haunted past and enjoy hearing stories from knowledgeable guides, the French Quarter Spirits Tour is a solid, reasonably priced option. It’s perfect if you want an engaging, atmospheric experience that blends history, mystery, and a little bit of ghostly fun.