New Orleans: Voodoo Queen Tour of French Quarter

If you’re curious about the mystical side of New Orleans and want to learn about its famous voodoo culture, the Voodoo Queen Tour of the French Quarter could be just what you’re looking for. This 1.5-hour walking experience offers a glimpse into the city’s enigmatic spiritual practices, centered around the legendary Marie Laveau, often called The Voodoo Queen. While we’ve not personally taken the tour, the consistently high ratings suggest it’s a compelling option for anyone interested in the city’s unique traditions.

Two things we really like about this tour: first, the chance to explore iconic locations like Marie Laveau’s final resting place and the birthplace of Jazz, providing not just stories but a sense of being inside the city’s vibrant history. Second, the guide’s expertise is often highlighted, with many reviews praising their ability to dispel myths and offer a respectful, well-informed perspective on voodoo.

A potential consideration is that the tour doesn’t include hotel pickup or drop-off, so you’ll need to plan your own transportation to the meeting point. It’s also a relatively short experience, but that’s part of what keeps it accessible and engaging without overwhelming you with information.

This tour suits visitors who want a respectful, insightful look at voodoo and Marie Laveau’s legacy—perfect if you’re looking for a cultural experience that balances history, spirituality, and a little local mystery.

Key Points

• Focus on Marie Laveau and her significance in New Orleans culture
• Includes entrance to an authentic voodoo store, adding a tangible element
• Explore the French Quarter, soaking in its historic ambiance
• Learn about the intertwining of voodoo and New Orleans’ identity
• Guide’s expertise is highly praised for clarity and respectfulness
• Short, accessible duration fits well into a busy sightseeing day

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience: What You Can Expect from the Tour

This walking tour is designed for those genuinely interested in the history and culture behind voodoo, rather than spooky ghost stories or sensational tales. The tour begins with a meeting point in the French Quarter, where you’ll meet your guide—often described as friendly, knowledgeable, and engaging. From there, the journey winds through some of the most historic parts of the neighborhood, giving you a sense of place as you learn about Marie Laveau’s childhood home and the origins of jazz.

One of the core aspects of the tour is its focus on Marie Laveau’s life and legend. You’ll visit her final resting place, which many believe is a spiritual hub still revered today. As one reviewer notes, “Wes was very professional and super knowledgeable on the history of New Orleans, but also Voodoo and Marie Laveau!” This highlights that the guides are well-versed in the subject matter, making the experience both educational and respectful.

Throughout the walk, the guide will clarify many common misconceptions about voodoo. For instance, many still think of voodoo as purely dark magic or superstition, but the guide’s explanations help set the record straight—highlighting that voodoo is a vibrant, practiced religion that’s part of the city’s cultural fabric. An added bonus is the visit to an authentic voodoo store, where you can see ritual items and perhaps purchase a souvenir or two.

Highlighting the Stops

• Marie Laveau’s Final Resting Place: Many visitors find this as the emotional centerpiece of the tour. It’s a chance to connect with the legend and understand her lasting influence.
• Birthplace of Jazz: A fun way to see how voodoo, music, and culture are woven together in New Orleans’ story.
• Historic French Quarter: Walking through this neighborhood immerses you in the sights, sounds, and stories that make New Orleans distinctive.
• Voodoo Store Visit: This authentic shop offers a glimpse into modern voodoo practices and allows for some fun souvenirs.
• Myth Busting and Cultural Insights: Guides take time to dispel myths and share the religion’s true nature, which many reviews appreciate.

What the Reviews Say

The overall feedback for this tour is overwhelmingly positive. Many reviewers mention how knowledgeable and engaging the guides are, with one saying, “Orion was really fun and knowledgeable. Learnt loads about the history of voodoo and the culture surrounding it.” Others appreciate the respectful approach, noting, “Orion was very engaging and respectful in the culture,” which is important when exploring spiritual traditions.

The tour’s value is often highlighted, especially considering the entry to the voodoo store is included in the price of just $32 per person. The tour’s duration suits most visitors’ schedules, and the walking pace is generally comfortable, making it accessible even for those with moderate mobility.

Practical Details

• Duration: 1.5 hours, typically available in the morning.
• Price: $32 per person, which many find to be quite reasonable given the insider access and expert guidance.
• Meeting Point: Located in the French Quarter; arriving 15 minutes early is recommended.
• Guide: Usually a licensed, enthusiastic local who deep-dives into the voodoo culture.
• Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible, which is great news for mobility-challenged travelers.
• Booking: You can reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility in planning.

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Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers interested in culture, history, and spirituality—especially those who want to go beyond clichés and experience voodoo as a living tradition. It’s ideal for curious adults, history buffs, and anyone eager to understand the real stories behind Marie Laveau. If you’re skeptical or looking for something spooky and sensationalist, this might not be your best fit.

While the tour doesn’t specifically highlight family-friendly content, the generally respectful tone and accessible pace make it suitable for most adult travelers. If you’re traveling with children, consider their interest level in history and culture, as this isn’t a carnival or ghost tour.

The Bottom Line

This Voodoo Queen Tour offers a thoughtful, well-guided look into one of New Orleans’ most iconic figures. The combination of visiting Marie Laveau’s tomb, exploring the French Quarter, and learning about voodoo’s place in the city creates a meaningful experience. The guides receive praise for their knowledge, respect, and storytelling skills, making the tour both fun and informative.

If you’re eager to discover the truth about voodoo and see where this fascinating religion intersects with New Orleans’ identity, this tour provides excellent value. The inclusion of entry to an authentic voodoo shop adds a layer of tangible connection to the culture, which many find memorable.

This experience is a solid pick for curious travelers who want to understand voodoo beyond myths and get a taste of the city’s spiritual soul. It’s respectful, educational, and offers enough intrigue to keep you captivated for its short duration. If you’re ready to learn about Marie Laveau’s legacy and see some historic sights, you’ll probably walk away with more than a few new perspectives—and even some fun souvenirs.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While it’s generally respectful and educational, this tour is mainly geared toward adults interested in history and culture. Children with a curiosity about voodoo and history may enjoy it, but it’s not specifically designed as a family-friendly experience.

Do I need to bring anything?
Comfortable walking shoes and a water bottle are recommended, as you’ll be on your feet exploring the French Quarter. The tour lasts 1.5 hours, so dress for the weather.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it possible for travelers with mobility challenges to join and enjoy the experience.

What’s included in the price?
The ticket covers the guided walking tour and entry to an authentic voodoo store. There’s no hotel pickup or drop-off included.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. You can also reserve your spot now and pay later, giving you flexibility.

Will I learn about Marie Laveau?
Absolutely. The tour focuses on her life, her final resting place, and her influence on voodoo and New Orleans culture. Many reviews praise guides for their detailed storytelling.

How long is the tour?
It’s a 1.5-hour walk, usually scheduled in the morning. It’s a manageable length that fits well into a busy sightseeing day.

If you’re looking for an insightful, respectful, and engaging introduction to the spiritual side of New Orleans, this tour might just surprise you with its depth and authenticity. It’s a chance to connect with the city’s vibrant traditions, guided by locals who truly appreciate their culture.

You can check availability for your dates here: