French Quarter Ghosts and Spirits Tour with Augmented Reality

If you’re looking to experience the darker, more mysterious side of New Orleans, this French Quarter Ghosts and Spirits Tour could be just what you need. It’s a walk through the city’s haunted streets, brought to life with storytelling and cutting-edge augmented reality (AR). While it’s not a terrifying horror show, it offers a fascinating peek into the city’s ghostly legends and eerie landmarks, all wrapped in a two-hour stroll.

What makes this tour particularly interesting are the knowledgeable guides and the innovative AR experiences created by a local artist. These elements can make the stories feel more vivid and immersive, especially as you wander through the darkened streets of the French Quarter. That said, the AR tech isn’t flawless—some Android devices may encounter issues—which is something to keep in mind if you plan to use your phone for the AR features.

Another consideration is the physical aspect: this is a walking tour covering several historic sites, so comfortable shoes are a must. If you’re intrigued by ghost stories, historic architecture, and a bit of spooky fun, this tour will probably suit your style. However, if you’re expecting a high-energy or heavily theatrical experience, you might find it a bit understated.

This tour is a good pick for those who enjoy a mix of history, storytelling, and tech-enhanced experiences. It’s especially ideal for curious travelers who want to explore New Orleans after dark and get a different perspective on its haunting reputation.

Key Points

• Unique AR features enhance the storytelling, making ghost tales more engaging.
• Knowledgeable, friendly guides are frequently praised for their storytelling skills.
• The tour covers famous haunted sites like the Lalaurie Mansion and the Pharmacy Museum.
• The price point (around $27) offers good value considering the mix of history, stories, and tech.
• Some reviews mention lengthy walking and uneven streets, so good shoes are essential.
• The experience is approximately 2 hours long and is suitable for most travelers, with some caution for younger children due to spooky content.

If you’re curious about the ghostly tales that swirl around New Orleans, this tour offers a solid way to learn about its haunted reputation without the over-the-top theatrics. We found that it balances storytelling, historical context, and tech features in a way that makes it memorable without feeling cheesy. It’s a good option if you want to combine a casual walk with a bit of supernatural intrigue.

What You’ll Experience

The tour kicks off in the evening at the Jackson Brewery in the heart of the French Quarter. From there, your guide — who’s often described as engaging and knowledgeable — will introduce you to haunted sites and dark legends that have become part of the city’s lore. You’ll walk through narrow alleyways and historic squares, stopping at several notable spots with spooky stories.

One of the most talked-about stops is the Lalaurie Mansion, known as the most haunted house in New Orleans. The tales about Delphine Lalaurie and her gruesome past make it a must-see or must-hear, depending on your interest in true crime and ghost stories. The Muriel’s Jackson Square is another highlight, where you can learn about the Ghost Table, a famed paranormal hotspot.

Other stops include the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum—where stories of secret experiments and bizarre cures abound—and the Old Ursuline Convent Museum, famous for the Casket Girls and their mysterious origins. Each location offers a story that’s both eerie and rooted in the city’s history, giving you context that makes the legends more compelling.

Augmented Reality: Tech Meets Ghost Stories

What sets this tour apart is the AR component, created by local artist Marcus Brown. During the walk, you’ll encounter two AR experiences that are designed to bring the stories to life. These experiences—viewed through your phone or provided devices—add a layer of visual intrigue. Many reviews mention that the AR makes the stories more vivid, helping you imagine the spirits and hauntings more clearly.

However, the AR tech isn’t perfect. Several reviews point out that it can be hit-or-miss, especially with Android devices. Some guests had trouble connecting or experiencing the full effects, which is a bit of a letdown if you’re excited about the tech aspect. Still, if you’re an iPhone user, you’ll probably enjoy the extra dimension the AR brings.

The Guide and Group Size

Guides are often praised for their storytelling abilities. One reviewer called their guide “incredible,” while others appreciated guides who made history come alive. The group size is kept small—most around 14-16 people—making it easier to engage and ask questions. This intimate setup also helps you feel more comfortable if spooky stories aren’t your thing or if you’re traveling with kids.

The Walk and Logistics

The tour lasts about two hours, covering several sites across the French Quarter. The walking involved is moderate but on uneven streets and cobblestones, so sturdy shoes are recommended. Some guests have mentioned that the route can be a bit long or tiring, especially if you have mobility concerns. The tour starts at 7:00 pm and loops back to the starting point, making it convenient to plan dinner afterward.

Parking options are available near the departure point, but they’re limited and charge hourly rates. The tour encourages walking from nearby hotels to help preserve the historic area.

The Value and Price

At $27 per person, this tour offers a good bang for your buck. It includes a knowledgeable guide, the haunted sites, and the AR experiences—adding a modern twist to a traditional ghost walk. Several reviewers have commented that they felt the experience was worth the price, especially given the stories and the local insights they gained.

Some Criticisms and Considerations

Not all reviews are glowing, and some guests have had less satisfying experiences. For example, a few mentioned problems with the guide—some felt the storytelling was scattered or not engaging enough. There was also a notable instance where a guide didn’t show up, causing frustration. We also saw that some guests found the tour a bit too long or too physically demanding, especially if they had difficulty walking.

The AR feature, while innovative, isn’t foolproof. If you’re tech-savvy and excited about using AR, you might find it fun and immersive. But if you’re relying heavily on the AR to bring the stories to life, be prepared for occasional glitches.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This tour is best suited for history buffs, paranormal enthusiasts, and tech-curious travelers who want a relaxed, storytelling-focused experience. It’s also a good choice if you’re traveling with older kids or teens interested in ghost stories but are aware that some content might be a little spooky or eerie. If you’re after a highly theatrical or adrenaline-pumping haunted experience, it might not meet those expectations.

The French Quarter Ghosts and Spirits Tour with Augmented Reality offers an engaging way to explore New Orleans’ haunted streets. Combining traditional storytelling with modern AR technology makes it stand out among other ghost tours, especially for those who appreciate a bit of innovation. The guide’s knowledge and friendly demeanor help make the stories more relatable, and the stops are carefully chosen to highlight the city’s most haunted landmarks.

While the AR tech isn’t perfect, it adds an extra layer of fun that can help bring the stories to life—especially if you’re an iPhone user. The tour’s length and the walking involved are manageable for most, but comfortable shoes are a must. The price is reasonable, considering the mix of history, storytelling, and tech.

For travelers who love history, ghost stories, or just want to experience a different side of New Orleans after sunset, this tour is a solid choice. It’s great for those looking for an atmospheric, slightly spooky adventure that combines storytelling with a bit of modern magic.

What is the departure point for the tour?
It begins at the Gray Line “Lighthouse” Ticket Office located in the French Quarter at Toulouse Street & the Mississippi River, near the Steamboat Natchez Dock. It’s a short walk from most downtown hotels.

Is there parking nearby?
Yes, there are public parking lots on Decatur Street that charge hourly rates. The closest lot is Jax Lot # P401 at 500 Decatur St, but it requires prepayment and can be busy.

What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes are best since you’ll be walking on uneven streets and cobblestones. Avoid tank tops or short shorts, as modest attire is recommended.

Can I take photos or videos?
Absolutely. Bring your camera and capture the spooky sights or snap some fun photos along the way.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
It is accessible, but some uneven paths and narrow streets might require alternative routes for guests in wheelchairs or with mobility challenges.

Is it suitable for children?
Children are welcome but should be accompanied by an adult. The stories are spooky but not excessively frightening, so use your discretion for younger kids.

Do I need to download an app for the AR experiences?
You don’t need a separate app. The AR features are compatible with iPhones or iPads and can be experienced without downloading anything, but some devices might have trouble connecting.

What if it rains?
The tour is an outdoor walking experience. In case of rain, the guide may show flexibility, and some stories might be more atmospheric with a drizzle, but heavy rain could impact the experience.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable.

This tour offers a fun, lighthearted way to explore the haunted side of New Orleans. Whether you’re a history lover, a ghost story enthusiast, or just looking for a different night out, it’s worth considering—just come prepared for some walking, a few spooky stories, and maybe a glitchy AR experience.