New Orleans Evening Small-Group Haunted Walking Tour

If you’re planning a trip to the Big Easy and love a good ghost story, you might be considering a haunted tour through the French Quarter. While I haven’t personally taken this specific tour, I’ve read plenty of reviews and gathered details to help you decide if it’s worth your time—and money. What stands out is how this tour combines storytelling with the chance to see some of the city’s most notorious haunted sites, all in a cozy, small-group setting.

Two things I really appreciate about this tour are the personalized storytelling from guides who pick their favorite tales, and the opportunity to grab a drink at atmospheric bars along the way—thanks to New Orleans’ open-carry laws. On the flip side, some travelers have found the experience a bit uneven, describing it as either super engaging or somewhat dull depending on their expectations and the guide they get.

This tour is best suited for those who enjoy history mixed with a touch of the supernatural and don’t mind walking through the lively, sometimes crowded streets of the French Quarter at night. It’s also a good pick if you’re after a mix of storytelling, sightseeing, and a relaxed vibe—ideal for couples, friends, or even solo travelers who appreciate vibrant local legends.

Key Points

• Personalized stories make each tour unique, so no two experiences are alike.
• The small group size enhances the storytelling and makes it easier to hear the guide.
• The tour covers notable haunted sites like the Lalaurie Mansion and Old Ursuline Convent.
• Drinks to go and the relaxed atmosphere are highlights, thanks to Louisiana law.
• The tour fits comfortably into a two-hour window, making it manageable even for a busy evening.
• Free cancellation offers peace of mind if your plans change unexpectedly.

A Deep Dive into the Haunted Streets of New Orleans

Walking through the French Quarter at night is in itself a thrill—cobbled streets, old buildings, whispers of the past—add tales of spirits, murders, and ghostly sightings, and you’ve got a recipe for a memorable evening. This small-group haunted tour promises an intimate look at the city’s dark side, guided by storytellers who often choose their favorite tales to share, making each journey different.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting Point: French Quarter
The tour begins in the heart of the city, where your guide will take you through the historic streets, sharing haunting stories and the history behind each site. This initial walk is about an hour, giving you a sense of the area’s vibe and the spooky stories tied to its oldest buildings. Several reviewers mention how this sets the perfect tone for the evening, with guides being engaging and knowledgeable.

Creole Cookery Stop
Before heading deeper into the ghostly tales, you’ll swing by a local Creole restaurant to meet your guide and perhaps grab a drink. This stop is not only practical but adds to the casual, social feel of the experience. Many reviews highlight how this is a good chance to relax, chat, and get introduced to the tour’s storyteller.

Jackson Square
Next, you’ll visit Jackson Square, the bustling hub of New Orleans’ early days, where public hangings once took place. Standing here at night, with the shadows dancing around the historic architecture, it’s easy to imagine the ghosts that might linger. Reviewers note that this site truly captures the eerie, historic atmosphere of the city’s darker past.

Harry’s Corner Bar
Midway through, there’s a break at Harry’s, a classic French Quarter bar, where you’re encouraged to drink and relax. The open-carry laws mean you can take your drink outside as you walk, which many find adds a free-spirited touch to the night. The reviews praise guides for keeping the energy lively during this break.

Lalaurie Mansion
The tour’s highlight is the infamous Lalaurie Mansion, notorious for its gruesome history involving Madame Lalaurie’s dark secrets. Many visitors find this part particularly fascinating—and chilling. The guide recounts how the mansion is still haunted, with some reviews describing it as a must-see for ghost enthusiasts.

Additional Stories and Walks
As you stroll further, your guide shares true crime stories and local legends, adding layers of intrigue along the busy streets. The tour wraps up near the mansion, leaving you with plenty to ponder as you explore more of the city afterward.

What We Loved About the Experience

Knowledgeable Guides
Multiple reviews mention guides like Elaine, Dalvin, and Jonathan, all praised for their enthusiasm, storytelling skills, and knowledge. One reviewer notes, “Kim seems to know so much about NOLA; it was a fun evening,” highlighting how guides can make the stories come alive.

Atmospheric Locations
From the haunting tales at Jackson Square to the spooky history of the Lalaurie Mansion, each stop is carefully chosen to maximize storytelling and ambiance. Walking through the French Quarter’s darkened streets adds authenticity, making it feel like you’re stepping back in time.

Drinks and the Open Carry Law
Having the chance to grab drinks “to go” and walk with them is a fun perk, adding to the relaxed and festive vibe of the tour. Many reviewers enjoyed this casual element, which makes the experience feel less formal and more like an evening with friends.

Things to Keep in Mind

Variable Guides and Content
Not everyone loved every guide. Some found the stories repetitive or less engaging if their guide wasn’t as charismatic. One review even said the experience ran long and felt boring, prompting them to leave early. So, your experience may depend on the guide’s style and the stories chosen that night.

Crowd and Pacing
While the small group size (limited to about 15 people) is a plus, some reviewers mention that the tour can be crowded, especially on busier nights. The pacing is generally relaxed, but if you’re expecting a fast-paced or highly intense ghost-hunting adventure, this might be more laid-back than you want.

Family-Friendliness
Interestingly, some reviews pointed out that the tour isn’t explicitly family-friendly. If traveling with kids, keep in mind that some content might be too dark or mature for younger children, even if the stories are fascinating.

Cost and Value
At $37 per person, the tour is quite reasonable given the two-hour duration, storytelling quality, and access to iconic haunted sites. The value is especially apparent when you consider the personalized experience, the guide’s knowledge, and the atmosphere.

The Overall Feel

What really makes this experience stand out is the combination of engaging storytelling and the chance to see and feel the history. It’s not just about ghost stories; it’s about understanding the layers of history that have shaped New Orleans. The guides’ enthusiasm and local knowledge shine through, adding authenticity to each tale.

The tour’s pacing and stops allow you to take in the sights at a leisurely pace, making it perfect for those who enjoy a storytelling stroll rather than a hurried, information-heavy tour. Plus, the small-group setting fosters more interaction, which many travelers find makes the stories feel more personal and memorable.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This haunted walking tour is ideal for travelers who want a relaxed, storytelling-focused experience in the French Quarter. If you’re interested in local legends, ghost stories, and historic sites, you’ll likely find it a fun and atmospheric way to spend an evening. It’s suitable for those who enjoy socializing over drinks and are comfortable walking through historic streets at night.

However, if you’re seeking a highly intense or family-friendly tour, you might want to look elsewhere or clarify content suitability beforehand. Also, if your main goal is a comprehensive history of New Orleans, some reviewers suggest the stories may not be as detailed as you might hope.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour isn’t explicitly marketed as family-friendly, and some reviews mention kids talking and behaving during the walk. If your children are interested in ghost stories and can handle dark themes, it could be fun, but check with the provider if you’re unsure.

What’s included in the tour?
You get a two-hour walking tour led by an in-person English-speaking guide, covering the best ghost stories of the city. You also have opportunities to stop for drinks and bathroom breaks.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included in the price but are available at stops like New Orleans Creole Cookery and Harry’s Corner Bar. You’re encouraged to bring or purchase drinks to go, thanks to local laws.

How long in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 15 days ahead, which is wise given the popularity of night tours in New Orleans.

What’s the starting point?
The tour begins at 815 Toulouse St and ends near the LaLaurie Mansion on Royal Street. The guide will provide info for your next destination afterward.

Can I cancel free of charge?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

Is this tour accessible by public transportation?
Yes, it’s near public transit and easy to reach from various parts of the city.

Final Thoughts

This New Orleans Evening Small-Group Haunted Walking Tour offers a relaxed, engaging way to explore the city’s darker past. You’ll get to hear captivating stories, see iconic haunted sites, and enjoy a lively, social atmosphere. The small-group format, knowledgeable guides, and atmospheric stops make it a good choice for travelers who want a memorable evening steeped in local legend.

If you love stories that blend history with a touch of the supernatural, and don’t mind walking through a lively city at night, this tour could be a highlight of your trip. It’s a fun, affordable way to add a bit of spooky charm to your NOLA experience. Just be prepared for some variability depending on your guide and the night’s stories.

Happy haunting, and enjoy your trip to the intriguing and mysterious streets of New Orleans!