Wicked Women of New Orleans Walking Tour

Discover the Untold Stories of New Orleans’ Most Notorious Women with the Wicked Women of New Orleans Walking Tour

If you’re into history with a dark twist, this Wicked Women of New Orleans Walking Tour might just be your next favorite thing. While I haven’t taken this exact tour myself, I’ve come across many who say it’s a fascinating way to uncover a different side of the city—one filled with scandal, mystery, and powerful women who made their mark, whether for good or ill.

What I really like about this experience is how it combines a guided walk through the iconic French Quarter with stories that aren’t part of the usual tourist chatter. Plus, it incorporates VIP access to haunted pubs and historic sites, which sounds like a perfect way to soak up the atmosphere while sipping a drink or two. That said, a potential consideration is that the tour doesn’t involve interior visits to sites like the Lalaurie Mansion or St. Louis Cathedral, so you’ll only see the outside.

This experience seems best suited for history buffs, ghost enthusiasts, or anyone curious about the more scandalous and mystical past of New Orleans. It’s a nice mix of storytelling, local lore, and a bit of haunting charm—all wrapped into a two-hour stroll that generally appeals to most travelers, given the small group size and engaging guide.

Key Points

• Focused on Women of Power and Mystery: Explores stories of notorious women, voodoo priestesses, and scandalous figures.
• Unique Sites and Stories: Visits locations like the Lalaurie Mansion, French Market, and Jackson Square, each with its own history.
• Includes VIP Pub Stops: Enjoy drinks on the go at haunted pubs, adding a lively dimension to the walking experience.
• Expert Guided Experience: Led by a licensed tour guide who brings history to life with storytelling.
• Great Value for Price: At $29, it offers a solid mix of history, legend, and local ambiance in about two hours.
• Accessible and Convenient: Starts at Voodoo Tavern and ends near the iconic St. Louis Cathedral, close to public transportation.

A Closer Look at the Wicked Women of New Orleans Tour

While no tour is perfect, understanding what this experience offers can help you decide if it’s the right fit. Let’s walk through the itinerary and see what makes each stop interesting—and what might be a bit of a miss.

The French Quarter: The Heart of the Tour

This tour kicks off in the French Quarter, the most famous neighborhood in New Orleans. It’s an ideal starting point, with its centuries-old architecture, lively streets, and stories that seem to whisper from every corner. The guide will probably set the tone here, teasing some of the darker tales ahead. Since the tour lasts about two hours, expect to walk at a comfortable pace, stopping frequently for stories and photos.

The New Orleans Jazz Museum

Next, you’ll pass by the former US Mint, now the Jazz Museum, which is steeped in haunted lore. The building itself is a significant piece of the city’s history, and although the interior isn’t included in this tour, the exterior alone can spark the imagination. The museum’s exterior has a haunted vibe, making it a fitting stop.

The French Market and Its Connection to Women’s Stories

The French Market is a lively spot, historically significant, and here you’ll learn about its influence on the women featured in the tour. It’s a quick stop, perfect for absorbing a snippet of local history and atmosphere without feeling rushed.

The Lalaurie Mansion: A Haunted Icon

No ghost story tour of New Orleans would be complete without mentioning the Lalaurie Mansion, famous for its haunted reputation and grisly history. The tour doesn’t go inside, but the outside view of one of the most haunted buildings in the city is enough to send shivers down your spine. It’s a reminder of the dark secrets lurking behind elegant facades.

Old Ursuline Convent Museum

This is perhaps the most historic site on the route—the Old Ursuline Convent, the oldest standing building in the region. While you won’t enter, the guide might share tales about the women who lived there and how their stories tie into the broader themes of power, scandal, and mystery.

Jackson Square and the Famous Statue

Jackson Square’s significance is well-known, but after hearing the stories connected to the women of the tour, your perspective on the statue of Andrew Jackson might change. It’s an excellent spot for photos and for soaking in the lively atmosphere of the historic center.

St. Louis Cathedral and Royal Street

The tour concludes with a passing by of St. Louis Cathedral, another iconic landmark. The final stop on Royal Street involves a spooky story about the statue in the garden, giving a creepy but fitting end to the walk. The cathedral’s exterior, illuminated or lit up at night, is stunning and adds to the overall experience.

What’s Included and How It All Comes Together

For $29, you get a licensed tour guide who is clearly knowledgeable and enthusiastic, which is a big plus. The tour begins at Voodoo Tavern and Po’ Boys and wraps up near Jackson Square, making it easy to continue exploring afterward.

The VIP access to haunted pubs is a fun perk, allowing you to enjoy drinks while hearing stories—an excellent way to combine sightseeing with a relaxed, social vibe. Since the tour is capped at 28 travelers, you won’t be lost in a crowd, making it more intimate and personal.

Timing and Practical Details

Starting at 5:00 pm, the tour hits the perfect evening hour for a mix of daylight and dusk, which makes the haunted and mysterious stories even more atmospheric. It lasts roughly 2 hours, so it’s manageable for most schedules and energy levels.

Considerations

One thing to keep in mind is that since many sites are viewed from the outside only, if you’re looking for interior visits or museums, this might not satisfy that craving. Also, if you’re sensitive to spooky stories or haunted history, the tales may be a bit intense. However, many reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides as a highlight, making the storytelling both fun and educational.

The Value and Who Should Consider This Tour

At $29, this experience offers good value, especially considering the inclusion of drinks and the guided storytelling. Compared to other tours that might charge much more for similar content, this provides an affordable way to explore the city’s darker, more intriguing history.

It’s particularly great for those who love ghost stories, history, and a touch of the macabre. If you’re in New Orleans for a short trip and want to get a feel for its mysterious side without spending hours, this tour packs a punch in just two hours.

Final Thoughts

For anyone interested in uncovering the stories of powerful, scandalous, or haunted women in New Orleans, this tour offers an engaging, well-organized experience. The knowledgeable guides, combined with the atmospheric stops, make it a compelling way to spend an evening in the French Quarter.

While it may not satisfy those seeking in-depth museum visits or interior tours, it excels at storytelling and atmosphere. The VIP pub stops add a relaxed, social element that rounds out the experience nicely. If you’re intrigued by haunted history and love a good story, this tour will give you plenty to talk about long after you leave.

This experience is ideal for history and ghost lovers who want storytelling that’s both insightful and entertaining, paired with the charm and mystique of New Orleans. Just remember to book in advance, as it’s popular—booked an average of 8 days ahead—and be prepared to enjoy a spooky, fascinating walk through one of America’s most intriguing cities.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour involves stories about haunted sites and dark history, so it might be better suited for older teens and adults. It’s not explicitly advertised as family-friendly.

Does the tour include interior visits to sites?
No, the tour mainly involves walking past sites and viewing them from the outside. You won’t go inside places like the Lalaurie Mansion or St. Louis Cathedral.

What is the start location?
It begins at Voodoo Tavern and PoBoys, located at 1140 Decatur St.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 2 hours, making it easy to fit into an evening schedule.

Is the tour available in all weather conditions?
Yes, but it’s weather-dependent. In case of poor weather, you might be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can service animals participate?
Yes, service animals are allowed on the tour.

Is there a group size limit?
Yes, the maximum is 28 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and engaging.

How do I book?
You can reserve your spot online, typically 8 days in advance, through the provider’s site.

What’s the cost?
$29.00 per person, which is quite reasonable given the storytelling and experience.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are purchased separately at the haunted pubs during the VIP stops.

If you enjoy history, ghost stories, and exploring the city’s more mysterious side, this Wicked Women of New Orleans Tour offers a memorable, spooky, and educational evening.