New Orleans French Quarter History and Hauntings Tour

If you’re thinking about exploring New Orleans beyond its lively jazz clubs and vibrant street life, a history and hauntings tour of the French Quarter might just be the perfect fit. This two-hour walking adventure promises to take you through over 15 locations, blending fascinating architecture, historical tales, and spine-tingling ghost stories. Whether you’re a history buff, a ghost story enthusiast, or just curious about the city’s darker tales, this tour offers a lot for the price of $28 per person.

What we really appreciate about this experience are the knowledgeable guides who have done their homework, and the chance to see some of the city’s most iconic landmarks along the way. However, one thing to keep in mind is that the tour’s success hinges on weather conditions, and the experience can be quite crowded depending on when you go. This tour seems well-suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of history, mystery, and lively storytelling, without needing too much physical exertion.

Key Points

• Two-hour walking tour immerses you in the spooky stories and history of the French Quarter.
• Over 15 sites visited, including landmarks like St. Louis Cathedral and the Presbytere.
• Knowledgeable guide with researched stories about hauntings, pirates, and local legends.
• Interactive elements, like EMF meters and ghost detectors, add fun for curious guests.
• Great value for the price, combining history, culture, and creepy tales.
• Suitable for all ages and available during day or night, with options for flexible scheduling.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on the Tour

When we looked into this tour, what stood out was the promise of experiencing “the dark side” of New Orleans in just two hours. The tour begins right in the heart of the French Quarter and spirals out into a mix of historical sites, spooky spots, and filming locations. You’ll learn about traditional burial rituals—specifically why vaults are above ground—and see some of the city’s most famous landmarks, like the Old Ursuline Convent and the reconstruction monuments of the Presbytere.

The guides carry a wealth of researched stories, sharing tales of pirates, prostitutes, and convicted felons who shaped the city’s history. They also talk about unsolved murders and paranormal sightings, which add an eerie layer to the walk. For those interested in ghost hunting, there’s even the chance to use EMF meters and paranormal detectors, making the experience interactive rather than just listening to stories.

The tour visits more than 15 locations, including Jackson Square, the St. Louis Cathedral, and some famous movie filming sites. Along the way, you’ll have opportunities to stop at local bars (some allow children) to purchase drinks or simply soak in the atmosphere. The entire route is designed to be engaging, atmospheric, and informative, making it an enjoyable experience whether you’re visiting during the day or at night.

The Highlights: Why This Tour Stands Out

Historic Architecture and Landmarks
This tour isn’t just about ghost stories; it offers a solid look at the city’s architectural gems. Places like the Presbytere and the Old Ursuline Convent are national historic landmarks, and the tour guides do a good job of weaving their stories into the overall narrative. We appreciated the way they explained why New Orleans’ above-ground cemeteries have such a distinctive look—recycling vaults and the need for above-ground burial are fascinating details.

Spooky Tales and Paranormal Reports
One of the strongest points is hearing about vampires, ghosts, and other mysterious sightings**. The guides seem well-versed in the local legends and incorporate reports of paranormal activity, like cold spots and apparitions, which many guests find compelling. As one reviewer said, “It was informative and humorous as well,” highlighting that the storytelling balances creepy tales with a light-hearted touch.

Interactive Experience
Using ghost-hunting tools like EMF meters adds a playful element, especially if you’re into paranormal investigation. Some guests have mentioned that they’ve caught orbs and apparitions in pictures taken during the tour, which adds an element of excitement. This interactive approach makes it more engaging and memorable.

Cost-Effective and Accessible
At $28 per person, the tour offers pretty good value considering the number of sites and stories covered in just two hours. Plus, it’s wheelchair accessible and available in the morning, afternoon, or evening, making it flexible for most schedules. The group size is probably moderate, enough to hear your guide but not so big that you feel lost in the crowd.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting at the meeting point, you’ll meet your guide, who will be your storyteller and investigator for the next two hours. The walk kicks off with an introduction to Louisiana’s unique culture and history, touching briefly on the city’s founding by pirates, prostitutes, and felons—fascinating characters that played major roles in shaping New Orleans.

As you stroll through bustling streets, the guide will point out famous filming locations for movies, which adds a splash of Hollywood glamour to the dark tales. You’ll visit Jackson Square, where the atmosphere of street artists and historic buildings blend with stories of ghost sightings. Be prepared to stop at St. Louis Cathedral, with its stunning architecture, and learn about its haunted reputation.

Next, the tour takes you to the Presbytere and Cabildo, both reconstructed landmarks from the reconstruction period. These places are not only architecturally impressive but also rich with stories of historic events and paranormal activity. You’ll hear about unsolved murders and suicides that still echo through the streets, adding a chilling layer to the tour.

The guide shares stories about traditional burial rituals, explaining why vaults are above ground—a practice born from necessity and tradition, not just style. This insight helps explain the city’s gothic cemeteries, which many visitors find surprisingly beautiful yet slightly haunting.

The tour also touches on local folklore about vampires and ghosts, with reports of sightings that continue to fascinate both locals and visitors. We liked how the guide incorporated these tales into the fabric of the city’s history, making them feel both spooky and rooted in real stories.

The Experience and Atmosphere

Walking through the French Quarter, you’ll notice how the mix of historic buildings, lively street life, and mysterious tales create a captivating atmosphere. The tour is suitable for all weather conditions, but obviously, it’s more atmospheric at night.

Guests have reported experiencing cold spots and catching orbs in photos, which adds an authentic ghostly touch. The guides do their best to keep things engaging, balancing humor and spookiness, so it never feels too scary or overly serious.

Some reviews mention that the tour could feel crowded or that there were issues with tour scheduling, but overall, the consensus is that it’s an entertaining way to spend a couple of hours. The fact that no phones are used during the tour keeps everyone focused on the stories and the surroundings.

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Price and Value: Is It Worth It?

For $28, you get a comprehensive tour covering key landmarks, lively storytelling, and interactive elements like ghost-hunting tools. Compared to other experiences in New Orleans, this tour offers a good mix of history, culture, and creepy tales. If you love a good story and enjoy walking tours, most guests find it to be quite a bargain.

However, keep in mind that this is a two-hour walking experience, so it requires a reasonable level of mobility. No food or drinks are included, so plan accordingly if you want to grab a snack afterward. Some guests mentioned that the tour could be more organized, but generally, the guides are well-prepared and engaging.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want an entertaining and educational glimpse into New Orleans’ haunted side. It’s perfect if you enjoy history and architecture, as well as ghost stories and local legends. It’s suitable for most ages, especially those who can walk comfortably for two hours. If you’re looking for a spooky adventure that’s lighthearted but informative, this tour checks those boxes.

It’s also great for anyone interested in Hollywood—since it includes visits to filming locations—and for those curious about local burial practices. Keep in mind, if you’re sensitive to paranormal activity, the stories and reports might be a little spooky for young children, but overall, it’s not designed to be overly frightening.

The New Orleans French Quarter History and Hauntings Tour offers a well-rounded look at the city’s dark and fascinating side. With knowledgeable guides, a good dose of spooky stories, and access to historic landmarks, it’s a fun, affordable way to see a different aspect of the Big Easy. The interactive elements and storytelling make it memorable, especially if you’re into ghost lore and historic architecture.

While it’s not perfect—crowd levels and weather can sometimes affect the experience—the overall value and entertainment factor make it worthwhile. It’s a solid choice for curious travelers who want to learn, explore, and maybe even get a little spooked.

If you love stories of pirates, ghosts, and unsolved mysteries, this tour could be just what you need to spice up your visit to New Orleans. Just arrive a little early, bring your curiosity, and get ready for an engaging two hours through one of America’s most haunted cities.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is suitable for most ages, but keep in mind the spooky stories might be a bit intense for very young children. It’s best for kids who can handle brief ghost stories and walk comfortably for two hours.

Can I join the tour at night?
Absolutely. The tour is available during the day and at night, and many guests find the nighttime walk especially atmospheric.

Are drinks or food included?
No, food and drinks are not included, but you can stop at local bars along the route to purchase drinks, some of which allow children inside.

What sites will we visit?
You’ll see over 15 locations, including Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, the Presbytere, the Old Ursuline Convent, and some filming locations. The tour also covers historic cemeteries and landmarks related to Louisiana’s unique burial rituals.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it easier for all travelers to participate.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, a camera, and perhaps a light jacket if it’s cooler in the evening. The guides don’t use phones during the tour, so be prepared to stay engaged.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The supplier reserves the right to reschedule tours due to weather or other acts of nature. No refunds are given for weather-related cancellations, but you’ll be contacted to reschedule or get a full refund.

All in all, this tour offers a fun, engaging way to explore the spooky, storied side of New Orleans. Whether you’re a history lover or a ghost story seeker, it’s a solid experience that leaves you with plenty to think about—plus some great photos and stories to share.

You can check availability for your dates here: