Voodoo Queen of New Orleans Walking Tour

If you’re pondering a visit to New Orleans and want to explore its darker, more mystical side, the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans Walking Tour might just pique your curiosity. This 90-minute stroll through the French Quarter promises an engaging mix of history, culture, and a little bit of magic. While I haven’t personally taken this tour, I’ve gathered enough reviews and details to give you a clear picture of what to expect—so you can decide if it’s a good fit for your trip.

What really caught our attention are the knowledgeable guides who bring stories to life and the authentic stops like the Voodoo Museum and Marie Laveau’s house. Plus, the price point of around $32 makes it accessible, especially given the depth of insight you receive. On the flip side, the tour is mostly on foot and may require some moderate walking, which is worth considering if mobility is an issue or you prefer a more relaxed pace.

This tour comes across as an ideal choice for those interested in learning about Voodoo’s cultural roots without sensationalized stories. It’s friendly for families and travelers who enjoy history and local folklore, making it a well-rounded experience for a broad audience.

Key Points

• Insightful Guides: Guides like Gomez and Orion are praised for their depth of knowledge and engaging storytelling.
• Authentic Stops: From Marie Laveau’s childhood home to Congo Square, the stops are both historically significant and visually interesting.
• Cultural Focus: The tour emphasizes the real history and culture of Voodoo, avoiding spooky exaggerations.
• Convenient & Accessible: Located in the heart of the French Quarter, with wheelchair accessibility and mostly flat terrain.
• Good Value: For $32, you get a lively 90-minute walk with plenty of stories and local insights.
• Weather-Ready: Operates in all weather conditions, so dress accordingly.

Exploring the Tour Itinerary

Starting Point & Location

The tour kicks off at New Orleans Ghost Adventures, located at 620 Decatur Street. It’s right in the French Quarter, which is perfect for combining with other nearby sights or grabbing a quick snack beforehand. The meeting point is easy enough to reach via public transportation or a short walk, which many reviewers appreciate. Just plan to arrive about 15 minutes early, as suggested, to ensure a smooth start.

The Walk Through the French Quarter

From the moment you meet your guide, you’ll begin wandering through one of the most historic parts of the city. Expect a lively atmosphere with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and the sounds of jazz floating through the air. The tour is designed to be on foot, so comfortable shoes are a must—though the route is mostly flat and paved, making it accessible for most.

Stop 1: Voodoo Authentica

Your first real stop is at Voodoo Authentica, an authentic shop where you can browse potions, protection spells, and perhaps pick up a souvenir. This stop only lasts about five minutes but sets the tone for the tour’s emphasis on real practices and artifacts, not just spooky stories.

Stop 2: Congo Square

Next, you’ll visit Congo Square, a site with enormous importance for African traditions and jazz. Here, you’ll learn about how this open space was a gathering place for enslaved Africans and Haitian immigrants, fostering a unique cultural blend that helped shape New Orleans’ music scene. Several reviews mention this stop as a highlight, with one reviewer noting, “Congo Square is where no family in history had a greater impact than the Laveau family, and no place in the world had a greater impact on Jazz.”

Stop 3: The Voodoo Museum and Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo

The New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum is a small but packed stop where guides share stories about the folk religion and its African and Haitian roots. It’s a chance to see authentic artifacts, learn about the practices, and ask questions.

A quick walk leads you to Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo, a shop and shrine dedicated to the legendary Voodoo Queen. Visitors often enjoy browsing the various charms and spell components, with some noting that guides share stories about Marie Laveau’s influence and her final resting place. While the tour doesn’t include entry to cemeteries, it does discuss her tomb, which remains a popular site for visitors.

The Voodoo Temple & Final Stories

The tour also includes a stop at a Voodoo temple, where you’ll hear about the spiritual aspects of the religion and its misconceptions. Guides like Orion and Gomez are praised for their reverence and depth of knowledge, dispelling myths and focusing on the cultural importance of Voodoo in New Orleans.

What We Love About This Tour

Several reviewers highlight the guides’ expertise and engaging storytelling. Gomez, Orion, and Carlos are described as passionate, knowledgeable, and even fun—making the experience more memorable. For instance, one reviewer mentions Gomez ending the tour with a “second line,” a traditional New Orleans dance, which adds a lively, authentic touch.

The stops themselves are thoughtfully chosen, focusing on significant cultural sites rather than just tourist traps. Congo Square’s significance in both Voodoo and jazz history is particularly compelling, and the stories about Marie Laveau add depth to the city’s mystique.

The value for money is also a recurring theme. For just $32, you’re getting an immersive 90-minute walk filled with stories, insights, and local culture. Several reviews mention how much they learned—some even call it “one of the best tours” they’ve ever experienced.

Considerations & Downsides

While the experience is generally highly praised, some travelers note minor inconveniences. The main one is the walking distance and moderate physical activity, which might be a consideration if you’re not used to walking or have mobility issues. Also, the tour operates in all weather, so bringing waterproof clothing or an umbrella on rainy days is advised.

A few reviewers pointed out logistical hiccups, like difficulty finding the meeting point, so it’s wise to arrive early and check directions beforehand. The tour does not include cemetery entry, so if that’s a priority, you’ll need to plan separately.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

If you’re genuinely interested in learning about the cultural and spiritual roots of Voodoo in New Orleans, this tour is a solid pick. It’s especially suitable for history buffs, culture lovers, and those who enjoy storytelling. Families with older children who appreciate history and folklore might find this engaging, but the walking aspect is something to consider.

For travelers looking for a “spooky” ghost story experience, this tour is more focused on authentic history and cultural significance rather than myth-based tales. It’s a great way to gain a respectful understanding of a folk religion intertwined with the city’s fabric.

FAQs

Is parking available near the meeting point for the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans Tour?
Parking is limited around the meeting spot at Decatur Street, and rates may vary. Since it’s in the heart of the French Quarter, it’s easiest to walk or use public transport. Ride-share services are also a good option if parking is tricky.

Can I use public transportation to get to the meeting location?
Yes, the tour departs right in front of the St. Charles and Sixth St. tram stop, making public transit a convenient option. Just plan to arrive about 15 minutes early to find the spot.

How early should I arrive for the tour?
Aim to be there at least 15 minutes before the scheduled 11:00 am start. It helps ensure you’re ready when your guide arrives, and you won’t feel rushed.

Is this tour family-friendly?
Absolutely. It covers cultural history and stories that are appropriate for all ages. Just keep in mind the walking involved.

Are food and drinks included?
No, but you’re free to grab something from nearby eateries before or after the tour. The tour itself doesn’t include any food or beverages.

How strenuous is the tour?
It involves a fair amount of walking, mostly on flat, paved surfaces, so moderate fitness level is recommended. Comfortable shoes are a must.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, most of the route is flat and paved, making it wheelchair accessible.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably for walking, and layer your clothing based on the weather forecast. Bring water if it’s hot or sunny.

Does the tour include cemetery visits?
While it discusses cemeteries, entry isn’t included. The focus is on the history and stories linked to the sites, especially Marie Laveau’s tomb.

The Voodoo Queen of New Orleans Walking Tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into a side of the city that’s often misunderstood. It’s authentic, educational, and delivered by guides who know their stuff. If you’re curious about the stories behind the folklore, want to understand Voodoo beyond the sensationalized tales, and enjoy engaging walking tours, this one’s worth considering.

It’s best suited for those who appreciate history, culture, and storytelling in a relaxed setting. While it involves some walking and weather considerations, the experience’s depth and authenticity make it a compelling choice for many travelers seeking to connect with New Orleans’ spiritual and cultural fabric.

Remember: Always check the current conditions and confirm details ahead of time, especially if you’re traveling with mobility needs or specific interests. This tour can open up a fascinating perspective on a uniquely vibrant city.

Enjoy your trip and the stories that come with it!