New Orleans: Voodoo History Guided Walking Tour

If you’ve ever been curious about voodoo in New Orleans, chances are you’ve encountered the many myths, stereotypes, and sensational stories that surround this intriguing spiritual practice. This guided walking tour aims to cut through the noise, offering a more truthful look at the city’s voodoo history while exploring some of its most iconic sites. From the legendary tomb of Marie Laveau to the sacred grounds of Congo Square, this tour promises a blend of history, culture, and myth-busting.

What we really love about this experience is how it balances education with storytelling. First, the tour is led by knowledgeable guides who are passionate about setting the record straight, avoiding the typical spooky clichés. Second, at just $37 per person for a well-paced 2-hour journey, it offers good value considering the depth of insight you’ll gain. That said, some travelers might find the tour a bit on the shorter side if they’re really eager to dive deep into voodoo lore. It’s best suited for those interested in history, culture, and understanding voodoo beyond the stereotypes.

If you’re someone who appreciates well-researched stories or has a genuine curiosity about the spiritual practices that shaped New Orleans, this tour is a solid choice. It’s particularly good for solo travelers, history buffs, or anyone who wants an authentic, respectful look at voodoo from a local perspective.

Key Points

• Balanced Approach: The tour emphasizes historical accuracy over sensationalism.
• Educational Content: You’ll learn about different voodoo traditions, including Haitian Voodoo, Santeria, and Hoodoo.
• Iconic Sites: Visits include Marie Laveau’s former home, her tomb, and Congo Square, blending history with cultural significance.
• Engaging Guides: The guides are described as knowledgeable storytellers who make the history come alive.
• Cost-Effective: At $37, it’s a reasonably priced way to explore voodoo without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
• Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for a wider range of visitors.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

Meeting Point and Duration

The tour kicks off on Basin Street, just outside the Basin Street Station Visitors’ Center, not inside the building. It lasts about 2 hours, usually in the morning, which is perfect if you want to explore before the day gets busy. The group size is manageable, and the guide is in English. Plus, it’s a walking tour, so comfortable shoes are essential — New Orleans streets aren’t the smoothest in some areas.

The First Stop: Marie Laveau’s Tomb and Former Home

Your guide will meet you outside the historic Basin Street Station, and from there, you’ll head to the site of Marie Laveau’s tomb, where many travelers gather to pay respects and leave offerings. While the tomb is supposedly the resting place of the legendary voodoo queen, some reviews suggest it’s more of a symbolic stop, given the tomb’s history of vandalism and the existence of multiple legend-filled sites claiming to be her final resting place.

You’ll also visit her old home, which she ran while raising her children and practicing rituals. Imagine a woman with a snake around her neck, practicing spiritual workings in the city that made her famous. The guide shares stories of her life, her miracles, and her influence, helping to dispel some of the myths that surround her.

Congo Square: The Sacred Ground

Next, you’ll make your way to Congo Square, a site of enormous cultural importance. This is where Laveau and other practitioners held ceremonies, blending African, Caribbean, and Native American traditions. It’s a peaceful spot but also a hub of history, and your guide will explain how this space became a gathering place for enslaved Africans, their descendants, and their spiritual practices. You’ll learn how Congo Square contributed to the creation of modern Voodoo, Santeria, and Hoodoo.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Truth About Voodoo Dolls and Zombies

Dauphine Street is your next stop, where your guide will dispel many misconceptions about voodoo. Expect to hear about the real use of voodoo dolls, which historically were more about healing and protection rather than curses or evil spells. The guide also explains the zombie lore, revealing how these stories are rooted in local history and medicine rather than Hollywood-style horror.

Sanite Dede: The Pioneer of Voodoo in New Orleans

You’ll also learn about Sanite Dede, a key figure who helped make voodoo popular in the city before Marie Laveau. Her story is intertwined with love, miracles, and social activism, including her role in the early abolition movement. This part of the tour highlights how voodoo was not just about magic but also about community resilience and spiritual resistance.

The Experience: What We Loved and What to Consider

Authenticity and Respect

One of the biggest strengths of this tour is its focus on accurate history and respect for voodoo as a religion. Unlike some tours that sensationalize or trivialize the practice, this one aims to educate without sensationalism. The guides are well-versed in the differences between Haitian Voodoo, New Orleans Voodoo, Santeria, and Hoodoo, helping you understand each tradition’s unique aspects.

Storytelling and Engagement

The guides are described as “quite the storytellers,” and reviews confirm they make the history of voodoo engaging and accessible. For example, one reviewer said, “Doug was our guide. So much fun and very informative! Not a ‘spooky ghost’ tour.” This indicates you can expect a lively, educational experience rather than a spooky or cheesy one.

Price and Value

At $37 per person, you’re paying for a tour that offers a mix of cultural insight, local history, and myth busting. Considering the depth of information, this is a fair price, especially given the inclusion of visiting significant sites. It’s not a lengthy tour — just two hours — but the focused content makes it worthwhile.

Practical Considerations

Since the tour is a walking experience, comfortable shoes are a must. Weather can vary, so bring appropriate clothing. While the tour is wheelchair accessible, some sidewalks in New Orleans can be uneven, so that’s worth keeping in mind if mobility is a concern.

Potential Drawbacks

Some reviewers note that the tour could be a bit shorter if you’re eager to hear more about voodoo’s history. Also, because it’s designed to be educational and respectful, it’s not a spooky or mysterious ghost tour — if you’re looking for something more haunted or sensational, this might not satisfy that craving.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for curious travelers who want to understand the real history of voodoo without the Hollywood clichés. It’s perfect if you value cultural respect and accuracy over ghost stories. History buffs, cultural explorers, or anyone interested in the spiritual roots of New Orleans will find this tour rewarding. It’s also suitable for those with mobility considerations, thanks to its wheelchair accessibility.

It’s less suited for those looking for a ghostly, creepy experience or a tour packed with elaborate entertainment. If you’re after a fun, fact-based journey into a misunderstood part of New Orleans’ identity, you’ll probably enjoy this.

This Voodoo History Guided Walking Tour offers a well-rounded, respectful look at a complex and often misunderstood aspect of New Orleans. The focus on truth, combined with engaging storytelling, makes it a worthwhile option for anyone interested in the city’s spiritual and cultural tapestry. At a reasonable price point, it provides meaningful insights into Marie Laveau’s legacy, the significance of Congo Square, and the diverse traditions that shape voodoo in the city.

It’s a tour that lends itself to thoughtful exploration — ideal for curious minds and respectful hearts. If you’re open to learning about voodoo as a religion rooted in history and community, this could be a highlight of your New Orleans trip.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour is family-friendly and accessible, the content is educational and doesn’t feature spooky or frightening elements, making it suitable for older children interested in history.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a manageable and not overly exhausting walk around some of the city’s most significant sites.

Where does the tour start?
The tour begins on Basin Street, just outside the Basin Street Station Visitors’ Center, not inside.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, cash for tips or extras, and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour operator states it is wheelchair accessible, though some sidewalks might be uneven.

What is included in the price?
The walking tour with an in-person guide, with no hidden or extra costs mentioned.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the guide knowledgeable?
Based on reviews, guides like Doug are engaging, well-informed storytellers who make the experience enjoyable and educational.

How is the value for the price?
Considering the cultural depth, historical insights, and visits to key sites, many find $37 to be a fair price for this quality experience.

If you’re looking for a respectful, engaging, and fact-based journey into New Orleans’ voodoo history, this tour offers a lot of value without the fluff. It’s perfect for those who want to learn and understand rather than be spooked or entertained with ghost stories.

You can check availability for your dates here: