New Orleans Ghost Tour: Only Tour to Go Inside Real Haunted House

If you’re looking for a way to experience New Orleans beyond the usual sightseeing, this ghost tour promises a glimpse into the city’s darker past—literally. While we haven’t done this tour ourselves, reviews suggest it offers a truly unique approach, especially because it takes you inside real haunted locations. That’s a step above your typical ghost walk, making it particularly appealing if you’re intrigued by authentic history intertwined with ghostly tales.

What really draws us in are the knowledgeable guides—many reviewers mention guides with impressive backgrounds in history, who share stories with a respectful and engaging tone. Plus, the entrance into actual haunted houses like the infamous Lalaurie Mansion adds an element of tangible spookiness that’s hard to beat.

One potential consideration is that this tour isn’t kid-friendly, and the stories may be quite intense or shocking for younger travelers. Also, it’s a bit more intense and serious compared to more theatrical ghost tours, which might not appeal to everyone looking for a light-hearted spooky experience. Still, if you’re fascinated by true ghost stories and historic buildings, this tour could be a highlight of your trip.

This experience seems best suited for history buffs, ghost enthusiasts, or anyone wanting an immersive, fact-based ghost adventure in the heart of the French Quarter. It’s not about cheesy theatrics but about real stories, real locations, and a genuine connection to the city’s haunted reputation.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Only tour that takes you inside real haunted houses with verified histories.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Led by local historians with at least a bachelor’s degree, ensuring accurate and respectful storytelling.
• Iconic Stops: Includes well-known sites like the Lalaurie Mansion and Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar.
• Walking Tour: About 2 hours, covering roughly 2 miles through the French Quarter.
• Cost-Effective: At around $29.60, it’s a reasonably priced way to explore haunted history with a mix of education and intrigue.
• Not Kid-Friendly: The stories can be intense and are not suitable for young children.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

The Overview

This tour stands out because it emphasizes historical accuracy over theatrics. Led by a guide with a background in history and a passion for New Orleans’ haunted stories, you’ll get a narrative that’s both informative and respectful. It’s designed for those who want a more serious look at the city’s ghostly legends rather than a scripted, overly dramatized performance.

The tour lasts about two hours, making it a manageable evening activity that won’t eat up your whole night. The focus is on walking through the French Quarter, a neighborhood renowned for its architecture, history, and spooky lore, with frequent stops at significant sites.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting Point: Central in the French Quarter

You meet at the New Orleans Ghost Adventures Tours office on Decatur Street. It’s a central spot, easy to find, and close to public transportation, which is convenient if you’re not driving.

Jackson Square and Surroundings

Your first stop is a walk through Jackson Square, a lively cultural hub full of street performers and artists by day. Here, your guide sets the tone with some initial stories and historical context. It’s a quick five-minute walk—mostly an intro to the neighborhood’s vibe.

Haunted Buildings and Streets of the French Quarter

As you stroll through the streets, your guide points out several haunted buildings. Expect to hear tales of murders, ghost sightings, and the eerie history tied to structures like the Lalaurie Mansion—famous for its dark past and featured on American Horror Story. The stories aren’t just ghost tales—they’re backed by meticulous research, making each one more credible and compelling.

The Courtyard of the Place d’Armes Hotel

This is where the tour gets particularly unique—you actually enter the courtyard of the Place d’Armes Hotel, which other ghost tours tend to overlook. The admission fee is included, giving you a chance to explore a haunted space that many visitors don’t get to see. Some reviews highlight this as a major plus, feeling it adds a tangible sense of authenticity.

Laffite’s Blacksmith Shop Bar

The next stop is Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, a bar known for its haunted reputation and pirate history. While you can choose to have a drink here (not included), just being inside this storied tavern adds to the atmosphere. Many visitors say it’s a fun, lively spot with its own ghost stories.

The Pharmacy Museum and Other Sites

You’ll also see the Pharmacy Museum, which adds a different historical flavor to the tour. It’s not haunted, per se, but the building’s history is intertwined with legends and stories of the city’s past.

The Iconic LaLaurie Mansion

One of the most anticipated stops is the Lalaurie Mansion. Known for its grisly history involving a notorious socialite and her torture chamber, the mansion is a must-see for ghost travelers. Photography is allowed, and some visitors try to capture spirits on film—although whether you’ll see anything supernatural is up to chance.

The Truth About Voodoo

Finally, your guide shares insights about Voodoo, separating myth from fact. This part is often appreciated for its respectful tone and educational value, challenging some stereotypes while exploring the spiritual side of New Orleans.

The Experience: Walking and Talking

Throughout, you’ll spend your time strolling at a relaxed pace, stopping at each location for about 10-15 minutes. The group size is limited to about 28 people, making it easy to hear your guide and ask questions.

What’s the Value?

At around $30, this tour is pretty good value for the access you get—multiple haunted locations, expert narration, and the rare opportunity to go inside a haunted courtyard. It’s not just about spooky stories; it’s about understanding the history and legends behind the sites, making it a meaningful experience.

Real Voices from Real Travelers

Many reviews praise the guides’ knowledge and storytelling ability. One reviewer commented, “Leah was GREAT and very knowledgeable. We had a great time and learned so much,” highlighting how well the guides communicate complex histories with engaging storytelling.

Others mention access to places other tours may not visit, like Gomez’s ability to “access places the other tours don’t get to go.” This makes the experience feel exclusive and more intimate.

A few mention that the stories can be intense. One reviewer noted, “some of the stories may be shocking,” which is worth considering if you’re sensitive to darker themes. Several reviews highlight the entertaining and respectful tone of the guides, making the experience both fun and educational.

Standouts

• Orion’s storytelling is often singled out as fantastic, with guests raving about his passion and ability to bring stories to life.
• The musical finale with Gomez was a surprise treat for some, adding a lively end to the evening.
• Many reviewers mention the importance of arriving early and wearing comfortable shoes since walking is involved.

Practical Details That Matter

Timing and Location: The tour departs from Decatur Street, in the heart of the French Quarter. It’s recommended to arrive 15 minutes early to check in and get settled. The tour runs rain or shine, so dress appropriately for the weather—comfortable shoes are a must, especially since you’ll walk about two miles.

Accessibility and Family-Friendliness: The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible due to the locations visited, and the dark themes may not suit young children. If you’re traveling with family, consider whether your kids can handle intense ghost stories.

Booking and Cancellation: You can book about 12 days in advance, and cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the tour. This flexibility is nice if your plans are still in flux.

Price Consideration: At just under $30, this tour offers a lot—access to haunted locations, expert narration, and a chance to learn about the city’s haunted past. It’s quite affordable compared to many other guided experiences in New Orleans.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re someone who appreciates history, authentic stories, and haunted sites, this tour is a perfect pick. It’s especially ideal if you want inside access to real haunted houses and enjoy tours led by guides who genuinely respect and research the history they share.

However, if you prefer a more theatrical or family-friendly experience, you might want to look elsewhere. This tour is more serious and intense, suited for travelers who want a respectful yet spooky exploration of New Orleans’ darker side.

The Sum Up

In essence, this ghost tour offers an immersive look into New Orleans’ haunted past, emphasizing factual history and authentic locations. The chance to go inside a haunted courtyard and explore sites like the Lalaurie Mansion makes it stand out among ghost tours in the city. The knowledgeable guides, often praised for their storytelling skills, make the experience engaging and memorable.

It’s best suited for curious travelers with an interest in history and ghost stories who aren’t afraid of a little darkness. The affordable price and the opportunity to access places other tours might skip make it a great option for those wanting a genuine, educational ghost adventure.

If you’re visiting New Orleans and want to combine spooky tales with cultural insight, this tour is likely to leave an impression—just be prepared for some shocking stories and a walking itinerary that gets you a good look at the French Quarter after dark.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is parking available near the meeting point?
Parking is limited near the tour start at Decatur Street, and rates may vary. Since the meeting point is in the lively French Quarter, walking, public transportation, or ride-share services like Uber or Lyft are convenient options.

Can I use public transportation to get there?
Absolutely. Public transit stops near the departure location, making it easy to reach without a car.

How early should I arrive?
Arriving about 15 minutes before your scheduled start time is recommended to check in and settle in comfortably.

Is the tour suitable for children?
This tour isn’t kid-friendly due to the dark and sometimes shocking stories. It’s mainly geared toward adults or older teens comfortable with spooky tales.

How much walking is involved?
Expect to walk about 2 miles over the course of the tour, with frequent stops. It’s not strenuous but does require comfortable shoes and a good stamina for walking.

Is it wheelchair accessible?
No, the tour visits locations that are not wheelchair accessible, so plan accordingly.

What should I wear?
Dress for the weather with layered clothing and comfortable shoes, as you’ll be outside in different conditions.

Does it include cemetery visits?
No, the focus is on haunted buildings and sites in the French Quarter, not cemeteries.

Are drinks included at the bar stop?
No, but you can purchase drinks at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop. The stop is more about experiencing the historic ambiance.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour operates in all weather conditions. If canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

In the end, this tour offers an engaging, authentic peek into New Orleans’ haunted corners with a focus on real history. It’s perfect for travelers who want more than just ghost stories—those craving a respectful, researched, and immersive experience.