The Badly Behaved Women Who Made New Orleans Tour

If you’re curious about the less-glamorous, more provocative side of New Orleans, the Badly Behaved Women Who Made New Orleans Tour is definitely worth considering. It promises a lively, insightful look into the city’s history of vice, from the 1700s to the infamous Storyville district. We haven’t done this tour ourselves, but from what travelers share, it’s a smart pick for those interested in a fun, sometimes cheeky, but very informative experience.

What makes this tour stand out? First, you get a balanced mix of history and colorful stories that bring the city’s past to life. Second, the guide’s knowledge and engaging storytelling consistently get praise—many say they’re a highlight. The one potential downside? It’s a relatively short tour—just about 2 hours—so if you’re craving a deep dive, you might want to pair it with other experiences. This tour is well-suited for adult travelers with a taste for history and a curiosity about New Orleans’ more scandalous tales.

Key Points

• Insightful storytelling about New Orleans’ vice districts and women involved in its colorful past
• Accessible for most travelers with a mobile ticket, manageable 2-hour duration
• Excellent guide reputation; Tracy and others are praised for their knowledge and fun approach
• Affordable price point at $30; great value considering the storytelling and local insights
• Part of a small group experience (max 15 people), making it more personal and engaging
• Includes several notable stops like the Ursuline convent, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, and Louis Armstrong Park

What to Expect from the Tour

This tour offers a two-and-a-half hour journey through some of the most intriguing and hidden stories of New Orleans’ past. Starting on Chartres Street & Ursulines Avenue, it kicks off with a visit to the oldest building in the French Quarter, the Ursuline convent, built in 1727. Here, you’ll hear about how the church and colonial rulers once used extreme methods—like public lashings—to “correct” women, revealing the darker side of early New Orleans’ morality policing. It’s a stark reminder of how the city’s past was often more scandalous than its present.

Next, the tour moves to Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, often cited as the oldest building housing a bar in North America. While it’s not part of the core historic cocktail tour scene, it’s a fun quick stop. The guide’s stories about smuggling and the neighborhood’s shady past make it a lively interlude. You’ll get a taste of the kind of stories that make New Orleans’ historic districts so layered.

One of the more surprising stops is Marie Laveau’s birthplace. You might think this would be a voodoo shrine or tourist magnet, but the tour clarifies that Marie Laveau was more of a high-class madam than a voodoo leader—a fact many find eye-opening. This stop highlights the blurred lines between mysticism, commerce, and social status in old New Orleans.

The tour then takes you to Louis Armstrong Park, a beautifully maintained space overlooking what was once the colorful Storyville district. It’s a perfect spot to sit, relax, and absorb the stories of wild characters and decadent palaces that once lined Basin Street. Here, you’ll get photos and hear about the transformation from Storyville’s heyday to the more modern neighborhood.

The Highlights: Why It’s Worth It

What really makes this experience shine is the way the guide narrates stories that are often overlooked in standard tourist fare. For instance, the tale of Southern Decadence at the Golden Lantern adds a modern touch to the history, connecting past and present. The guide’s engaging approach makes even the more serious or shocking topics accessible and fun.

Another highlight is learning about May Bailys Place, the first legal brothel in New Orleans. It’s a bold detail that underscores how deeply intertwined sex work, legality, and city identity have been over the centuries. This gives the tour an authentic, nuanced perspective that’s rare in typical guided walks.

The tour’s value for money is generally seen as good, especially considering the quality of storytelling and the small group size, which allows for questions and personalized interaction. Many reviewers mention that the knowledgeable guides and the relaxed pace make this tour a memorable part of their NOLA experience.

The Itinerary in Detail

Start at Chartres Street & Ursulines Avenue: Here, the tour begins with a brief overview of the oldest building in the French Quarter, the Ursuline convent. The story of how the church and colonial authorities used extreme measures—like public lashings—to control women involved in vice reveals a gritty, often uncomfortable side of early city life.

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop: On Basin Street, this historic bar serves as a quick but lively stop. Known as North America’s oldest bar building, it’s a great photo op and a chance to imagine the illicit activities that once thrived in the neighborhood. The guide discusses its past as a smuggling front, adding flavor to its current charm.

Marie Laveau’s birthplace: Instead of the popular voodoo shop, this spot clarifies Marie Laveau’s true role as a wealthy madam—a piece of history that often gets lost in the legends. The guide shares insights into where she really made her money, helping you see her as a complex figure rather than just a mythic icon.

Louis Armstrong Park: The tour concludes here, a lush space with plenty of seating and shade. It’s a perfect place to reflect on what you’ve learned and see images of the neighborhoods’ colorful past, from the palaces of Storyville to the housing projects that replaced them. The storytelling at this stop is vivid, with photos and anecdotes bringing the past vividly to life.

Practical Details and Tips

Timing and Group Size: Starting at 2:00 pm, the tour lasts roughly two hours. With a maximum group size of 15, it’s designed to be intimate and interactive—ideal if you prefer to ask questions and get personalized insights.

Price and Value: At $30 per person, this tour is quite reasonable, especially considering the depth of stories and local knowledge you’ll gain. It’s a good deal for those interested in a more adult, grown-up exploration of the city’s darker history.

Accessibility: The tour includes a mobile ticket, and service animals are allowed. It’s suitable for most travelers, but remember it involves walking and standing at stops, so wear comfortable shoes.

Cancellation: Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours beforehand, giving you some flexibility if your plans change.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect if you’re a history buff with a taste for the unconventional. It’s also well-suited for travelers who enjoy stories about scandal, vice, and colorful characters. If you’re traveling with friends or a partner who appreciates a good narrative, you’ll likely find this tour both fun and educational.

Keep in mind that the tour has a mature theme, so it’s best for adults rather than families with children. The storytelling style is lively and candid, making it a good fit for those comfortable with adult themes.

Final Thoughts

The Badly Behaved Women Who Made New Orleans Tour offers a compelling peek into the city’s shadowy past, told by knowledgeable guides who know how to keep things lively. It’s a well-priced, small-group experience that balances fascinating history with entertaining storytelling. While it’s not a lengthy tour, it’s packed with memorable stories that will give you a different perspective on New Orleans—beyond the jazz and Mardi Gras.

If you’re curious about the naughty side of the Big Easy and want a tour that covers the city’s vice districts with humor and honesty, this is a solid choice. Perfect for those who enjoy a mix of history, local legends, and a little bit of scandal.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour covers adult themes related to vice, sex work, and historical scandals, so it’s best for adults. It’s not designed as a family-friendly activity.

How long does the tour last?
It runs for about 2 hours, giving you enough time to enjoy the stories without feeling rushed.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers the guided tour, which is conducted with a knowledgeable guide. You’ll visit several notable stops and hear engaging stories, but there are no additional tickets or entrance fees required for stops like Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop or Louis Armstrong Park.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the tour starts, thanks to the free cancellation policy.

Is there any transportation involved?
The tour is walking-based, starting and ending at specific locations in the French Quarter, with no mention of transport provided.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is 15, which makes for a more personalized experience.

If you’re after a tour that’s both fun and full of surprising facts, this one stands out as an enjoyable way to learn about a more mischievous side of New Orleans—and trust me, it’s a side worth knowing.