French Quarter Ghost Tour

If you’re considering a ghost tour in New Orleans, this particular experience promises an hour and a half of chilling stories and eerie sights in the historic French Quarter. It’s a popular choice, highly rated with a 5.0/5 from 48 reviews and recommended by 98% of past participants. With a straightforward price of $39 per person and most bookings made roughly two weeks in advance, it’s clear this tour has become a go-to for those wanting to add a dash of the supernatural to their NOLA trip.

What we love about this tour? First, the knowledge and enthusiasm of the guides shine through in every story they tell, making the dark history of the city come alive (or perhaps, come alive a little too much). Second, the well-structured stops at some of the most haunted spots in the French Quarter help you connect the stories to the actual places, making the experience both educational and atmospheric.

That said, a couple of points to consider. The tour is quite short—only about 90 minutes—so if you’re craving an in-depth ghost-hunting adventure, this might feel a bit quick. Also, it’s a walking tour, so comfortable shoes are a must, and those sensitive to ghosts or spooky tales should be prepared for some creepy moments. It’s best suited for curious adults or older teens who enjoy a good story and a touch of the supernatural.

Overall, if ghost stories, haunted architecture, and local legends fascinate you, this tour offers a nicely balanced peek into New Orleans’ dark side without taking up your whole day. It’s especially good for those who appreciate historical context wrapped in a mysterious, atmospheric package.

Key Points

• Expert guides make the stories engaging and memorable.
• The tour covers the iconic French Quarter’s haunted sites.
• It’s a short, walkable experience, perfect for a quick spooky adventure.
• The price of $39 offers good value for a guided experience.
• The stops include well-known haunted landmarks like the Lalaurie Mansion and Old Ursuline Convent.
• It’s suitable for anyone interested in the city’s supernatural tales, but not ideal if you’re seeking a deep, lengthy ghost-hunting tour.

A Detailed Look at the French Quarter Ghost Tour

Starting Point: Jackson Square

The tour kicks off at Jackson Square, which is essentially the heart of the French Quarter. Known for its vibrant street life and stunning architecture, it also carries a reputation for being one of the most haunted spots in the city. The guide will share stories about the ethereal energy that surrounds the square, setting the tone for the spooky journey ahead. With no admission fee, this is a perfect starting point—easy to find, and it immediately immerses you in the city’s lively yet ghostly atmosphere.

Pirates Alley

Next, you’ll stroll down Pirates Alley—a narrow, gas-lit pathway steeped in dark tales. The guides will reveal the gruesome legends and historical treachery associated with this area, which has long been notorious for torture and treachery. The atmosphere here is thick with darkness, and the lighting adds to the eerie vibe. Expect to sense the weight of history as you walk through this notorious alley, which has left many visitors feeling an unsettling thrill.

Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre

Your next stop is Le Petit Theatre, where paranormal incidents are reported to happen repeatedly. Guests often mention stories like the tumbling bride, a spooky tale that has become part of the local lore. The theatre’s historic charm combined with ghostly tales makes it one of the more atmospheric spots on the tour. The guide will recount these incidents, and you might find yourself glancing over your shoulder more than once.

The Pharmacy Museum

The next site is The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, a place that once served as one of the earliest pharmacies in North America. Here, you’ll learn about archaic healing methods that sometimes resulted in deadly mistakes. The stories of death and atrocities linked to old medicinal practices add a dark layer of history to this location. The museum’s ambiance, combined with the tales, makes it a fascinating—if slightly unsettling—stop.

Andrew Jackson Hotel

Moving on to the Andrew Jackson Hotel, a historic hotel with a long history of hauntings. Guests have reported multiple paranormal activities over the years, making it a living piece of haunted hotel history. The guide will share some of these spooky encounters, which add a tangible sense of the supernatural to this classic building. If you enjoy haunted inns and ghostly legends, this will probably be a highlight for you.

Lalaurie Mansion

No haunted tour of New Orleans is complete without a stop at the Lalaurie Mansion, perhaps the most infamous haunted site in the city. Known for its tragic, gruesome history involving torture and neglect, the mansion is a magnet for ghost stories. This stop is not for the faint of heart, as it covers some truly dark topics, but it’s also part of what gives the tour its gravitas and edge. Many visitors mention the mansion’s reputation for being the most haunted in the city, and the stories shared here are often the most memorable.

Old Ursuline Convent Museum

The tour concludes at the Old Ursuline Convent, a site shrouded in legends about the casket girls—a mysterious group of young women believed to have arrived in the city under strange circumstances. This stop also explores the chilling belief that vampires may have arrived in New Orleans and settled here for eternal slumber. The guide will explore the convent’s dark history and the ghostly sightings that keep visitors talking long after the tour ends. The stories here blend legend with history, making it a fitting closing point.

What to Expect from the Experience

The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes and covers a manageable walking distance through the French Quarter. You’ll be guided by an expert who shares stories with enthusiasm and knowledge, making even familiar sites feel eerie and intriguing. The small group size—usually capped at 27—ensures you get personal attention and can ask questions along the way.

It’s a mobile ticket experience, so there’s no need to worry about physical tickets; just show up at the meeting point. Most travelers find the timing perfect for an evening outing, as the darkness and atmospheric lighting amplify the spooky vibe.

The tour is very affordable, especially considering the insider stories and local legends you’ll gain. The stops are all free to visit, so the main cost is the guided storytelling, which adds tremendous value for those interested in ghost lore and haunted architecture.

What the Reviews Say

The feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the guides for their knowledge and ability to make the stories come alive. One reviewer noted, “Andrew was very knowledgeable and made the information interesting and enjoyable,” highlighting how crucial a skilled guide is to the overall experience. Others appreciated the way the tour connected legends to actual locations, making the stories feel more authentic.

However, not every experience is perfect. There was a review recounting a guide not showing up, which underscores the importance of checking current schedules and confirmations. But overall, most visitors leave feeling thrilled and satisfied, saying it’s a “fun and informative stroll through New Orleans’ historic district.”

Final Word on Value

At $39, this tour offers a solid introduction to the haunted stories and dark corners of the French Quarter. You’ll get to see some of the most famous haunted sites, learn about local legends, and hear tales from passionate guides—all without breaking the bank. It’s a good choice if you want a quick, atmospheric experience that combines history with a touch of the supernatural.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This ghost tour suits anyone curious about New Orleans’ darker side—history buffs, fans of supernatural tales, or travelers looking for an atmospheric evening activity. It’s especially good for those who enjoy storytelling and want to learn about haunted landmarks without committing to a long, complex tour. The stories are engaging, the stops well-chosen, and the guides clearly dedicated to sharing their knowledge.

If you’re traveling with friends or a partner who loves ghost stories, this tour will likely be a memorable highlight. It’s equally suitable for solo travelers who want an engaging way to explore the city’s spooky reputation. However, people sensitive to creepy or dark stories should be aware—they might find some topics intense or unsettling.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour is generally appropriate for older teenagers who enjoy ghost stories, it involves topics like treachery and ghosts that might be too intense for little kids.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, giving you enough time to absorb the stories and enjoy the sites without feeling rushed.

Are there any additional costs?
No, the $39 ticket covers everything—there are no extra charges. Bottled water can be purchased nearby if needed.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at St. Louis Cathedral, 615 Pere Antoine Alley, and returns to the same meeting point at the end.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, it offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans change.

Is this tour accessible?
Most travelers can participate, but the details about accessibility aren’t specified. It’s a walking tour, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made about 13 days ahead, so it’s best to reserve early to secure your spot.

Who conducts this tour?
The experience is led by expert guides from Tours by Foot New Orleans, known for their engaging storytelling.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a cost-effective, engaging, and atmospheric way to explore the haunted side of New Orleans, this French Quarter Ghost Tour fits the bill. It’s ideal for those with a curiosity for local legends, historical intrigue, and a good ghost story or two. The guides’ expertise really elevates the experience, making it more than just a walk through spooky spots—they bring the stories alive.

While it’s not a deep-dive paranormal investigation, it’s a fun, well-paced introduction to the city’s mysterious side. And with most guests leaving glowing reviews about the guides’ storytelling skills, it’s clear this tour knows how to make history and hauntings compelling and memorable.

For anyone wanting a taste of New Orleans’ dark legends, this tour is a solid, atmospheric choice that won’t disappoint—just remember to bring your sense of adventure and maybe a flashlight for the darker corners.