Spirits of the French Quarter: A Halloween Special Event Tour

A Friendly Look at the Spirits of the French Quarter: A Halloween Special Event Tour

If you’re considering a spooky night out in New Orleans during Halloween, Spirits of the French Quarter might catch your eye. This tour promises a walk through some of the city’s most haunted spots, with stories of ghosts, voodoo, and infamous characters. While it’s often billed as a Halloween-themed experience, reviews suggest that the actual ghostly “special event” might not quite live up to expectations.

What we love about this tour is the knowledgeable guides—they really know their stuff, offering interesting tidbits about the city’s architecture, history, and local legends. Plus, the tour’s location is perfect for those wanting to see iconic spots like the LaLaurie Mansion and the Ursuline Convent, with the chance to snap some fun souvenir photos. However, one thing to keep in mind is that some guests have found the experience less spooky and more of a historical walk—so if your main goal is ghost-hunting, this might be a mixed bag.

Another consideration is the price point—$37 for about two hours of walking isn’t bad, but the value depends on your expectations. If you’re after a true paranormal experience with ghost-hunting gadgets and an eerie atmosphere, some reviews indicate it might not fully deliver that vibe. But if you enjoy lively storytelling, fascinating local lore, and a chance to explore the French Quarter at night, this tour could still be worth your while.

Overall, this tour suits travelers who love history and storytelling, are curious about New Orleans’ haunted past, and don’t mind a casual, moderately paced walk. If you’re visiting around Halloween and want to add some spooky stories to your trip, it’s a decent option—just keep your expectations in check.

Key Points

• Guides are highly knowledgeable and provide engaging storytelling.
• The location includes iconic haunted sites like LaLaurie Mansion and the Ursuline Convent.
• The tour is about 2 hours long, walking through the heart of the French Quarter.
• The price offers decent value, but some may find it light on actual ghost hunting.
• Reviews are mixed: some find it enjoyable, others feel it’s more historical than spooky.
• The tour is suitable for those interested in local history, architecture, and legends, not necessarily hardcore ghost hunters.

What to Expect from the Spirits of the French Quarter Halloween Tour

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what this experience really offers. This isn’t a hardcore paranormal investigation, but rather a guided walk with stories meant to entertain and intrigue. The tour starts at the legendary Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar on Bourbon Street—an iconic spot itself—and then winds through over 15 sites in the French Quarter. Expect to hear tales about haunted houses, infamous characters like Delphine LaLaurie, and supernatural legends that have become part of New Orleans’ mystique.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Bourbon Street at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar
This is your meeting point, a place with a storied past that sets the tone for the evening. The tour kicks off here, so arriving a few minutes early helps you get settled. The guide will give an overview and prepare you for the walk ahead. This is a good spot to take some photos—whether you catch anything ghostly or not is up to chance.

Stop 2: Various Haunted Sites in the French Quarter
From there, you’ll visit a mix of locations, including the LaLaurie Mansion, a building infamous for its dark history, and the Ursuline Convent, said to be haunted by spirits. The route covers over 15 sites, making for a substantial walk—roughly two hours—full of stories and local lore.

What the Guide Brings to the Table

Guests consistently praise the knowledgeability of the guides. One reviewer said, “Cotye was a great guide. We enjoyed the ‘useless info’—various facts about history, architecture, and more.” That’s a good indicator that the guides aren’t just reciting canned scripts—they’re passionate about sharing their knowledge.

The Paranormal Element

Some guests have expressed disappointment that the tour doesn’t focus heavily on ghost-hunting. There’s mention of using an EMF Meter (a paranormal detector), but many reviews say that the ghost stories are more storytelling than actual paranormal encounters. One reviewer noted, “Not ghost oriented. Took us for a walk through the French quarter. Not engaging—seemed like an unplanned walk,” which hints at a more casual approach.

The Halloween Special Aspect

The tour markets itself as a Halloween event, but reviews are mixed on this. Some say there’s no real “special event,” and the spooky atmosphere is somewhat subdued. If you’re expecting a haunted house or eerie encounters, you might find the experience less intense than hoped. However, if you enjoy hearing spooky stories and wandering the historic streets at night, you’ll find plenty to enjoy.

The Downside: What You Might Not Love

While guides are often praised, some guests have found the experience less engaging than expected. One reviewer outright called it “the worst tour ever,” saying it was “not what I expected or as advertised,” and that there was “no mention of anything Halloween.” This highlights a key takeaway: if ghostly thrills are your top priority, this tour may fall short.

Plus, some visitors mentioned that the tour included self-led segments, with the group sometimes wandering on its own, which can be confusing or frustrating if you’re expecting a fully guided experience. The tour also runs rain or shine, so weather can affect your mood and the overall vibe.

The Practicalities: Price, Duration, and Logistics

At $37, the tour is priced reasonably for a two-hour walking experience in the heart of the French Quarter. The walk is moderate-paced, allowing for plenty of stops and photo opportunities, which means you can soak in the sights and stories comfortably.

Meeting point is straightforward—just outside Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop on Bourbon Street—and the tour ends deep in the French Quarter, close to many other attractions and restaurants. Keep in mind that hotel pickup or drop-off isn’t included, so plan your transportation accordingly. Public transit is nearby, making it accessible.

The group size can be quite large—up to 999 travelers—so it’s best suited for those who don’t mind big groups. Smaller private tour upgrades are available if you prefer a more intimate setting, but at a higher cost.

What about the paranormal equipment?

Guests are allowed to use paranormal gadgets during the tour, but these need to be checked out at the beginning, and there’s a fee for lost or damaged equipment. This might appeal to those genuinely interested in ghost-hunting tech, although the reviews suggest this isn’t a major focus of the experience.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is perfect for history buffs and story lovers who enjoy wandering historic sites with a good storyteller. It’s also suitable for those curious about the legends and lore of New Orleans, especially during Halloween. If ghost-hunting gadgets and intense paranormal encounters are your thing, you might want to look elsewhere.

It’s worth noting that the tour is accessible for most travelers, with service animals allowed and near public transportation. But be prepared for a walking tour that’s about two hours long—good shoes are a must.

The Bottom Line

The Spirits of the French Quarter: Halloween Special Event Tour offers a fun, informative walk through one of America’s most historic neighborhoods. While it’s not a dedicated ghost-hunting adventure, the guide’s stories and the haunted sites keep the mood lively and engaging. The experience’s strength lies in the expert guides and the chance to explore the dark corners of the French Quarter at night.

If you’re in New Orleans around Halloween, love stories about haunted history, and don’t mind a tour that leans more toward storytelling than supernatural chills, it’s a solid choice. Just keep your expectations realistic—this isn’t a spooky, ghostly thrill ride, but rather a lively, fun walk filled with legends and local lore.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children are generally not admitted without a parent or guardian, and some locations may have age restrictions. Check in advance if you’re traveling with kids.

Are drinks allowed during the tour?
Guests can use paranormal equipment during the tour, but alcohol consumption isn’t specifically mentioned. Be mindful of safety if you choose to drink.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, walking at a moderate pace through the French Quarter.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You’ll meet at the designated spot on Bourbon Street.

Can I reschedule or get a refund?
Nope. Tickets are non-refundable and cannot be changed, so plan accordingly.

Is this a real ghost tour?
It’s more of a storytelling and historical walk, with some mention of paranormal activity and equipment use, but it isn’t guaranteed to have ghostly encounters.

What is the tour guide like?
Guests consistently praise the guides for their knowledge and storytelling skills. Cotye, for example, is mentioned as a “great guide.”

Are paranormal gadgets provided?
Yes, but they need to be checked out at the start of the tour and returned afterward. There’s a fee for lost or damaged gear.

Is the tour walk accessible for most people?
Yes, it’s moderate-paced walking suitable for most travelers, but be prepared for the uneven streets of the French Quarter.

What if the weather is bad?
Tours run rain or shine, so dress appropriately. No refunds are given for weather-related cancellations, but the tour may be rescheduled if necessary.

If you’re looking for a relaxed, story-driven tour of New Orleans’ haunted history with a knowledgeable guide, this could be a fun addition to your trip. Just keep in mind that it’s more about fun stories and historic sites than a true ghost-hunting adventure.