Key Highlights
- Explore the haunted history of New Orleans with a ghost tour through the iconic French Quarter.
- Discover a variety of walking tour options, from family-friendly adventures to adults-only pub crawls.
- Learn the real ghost stories behind the city’s most haunted locations from an expert tour guide.
- Find tours that cover everything from general hauntings to specific themes like vampires and voodoo.
- Understand what makes a great tour, including historical accuracy and small group sizes for a better experience.
- Uncover why New Orleans is considered the most haunted city in America.
Introduction
Welcome to the enchanting and eerie streets of New Orleans! The French Quarter is famous for its vibrant music, delicious cuisine, and round-the-clock energy, but it also holds a darker, more mysterious side. With over 300 years of tumultuous history, it’s no surprise that the ghosts of New Orleans have countless tales to tell. A ghost tour is the perfect way to explore the city's shadowed corners and connect with the haunted history of New Orleans after the sun goes down.
Discover the Best French Quarter Ghost Tours in New Orleans
Choosing the right New Orleans ghost tour can feel overwhelming with so many options available. The best way to experience the city's spectral side is by finding a tour that matches your interests, whether you're looking for family fun, a deep historical dive, or a spooky pub crawl.
For first-time visitors, the best French quarter ghost tour really depends on what you want to see. Different tour companies offer unique perspectives on the ghosts of New Orleans, so exploring their offerings will help you find the perfect match. Let's look at some of the top-rated tours available.
1. Ghost City Tours: The Ghosts of New Orleans Tour
If you're looking for an experience the whole family can enjoy, the Ghosts of New Orleans Tour from Ghost City Tours is an excellent choice. Designed to be entertaining for guests from ages 5 to 100, this all-ages walking tour masterfully blends history with hauntings for a spooky but not terrifying evening. It’s a great introduction to the city's paranormal side.
Your tour guide will lead you through the dimly lit streets of the French Quarter, sharing stories about its most famous haunted locations. You'll visit sites of extreme paranormal activity, stand before the city’s most haunted mansions, and hear the chilling tales of Jackson Square. Unlike tours that venture into areas like the Garden District, this one stays right in the heart of the action.
The tour includes a stop outside the infamous LaLaurie Mansion, a must-see on any ghost tour. You'll hear the true, stranger-than-fiction story of Delphine LaLaurie and the spirits that are said to linger there to this day.
2. Haunted History Tours: French Quarter Ghosts & Legends
To avoid a tourist trap, look for haunted history tours that prioritize authentic stories over cheap thrills. The best tours are based on true events and diligently researched folklore, offering a genuine look into the haunted history of New Orleans. These experiences focus on the facts behind the legends, making the ghost stories even more compelling.
A quality French Quarter ghost tour takes you back in time, exploring the tragedies and mysteries that have shaped the city. You might hear about the horrifying crimes of Delphine LaLaurie or the spirits that reportedly haunt a fine-dining restaurant, connecting the past with the present.
These tours are perfect for history buffs and thrill-seekers who appreciate a good story. By focusing on a blend of documented history and local folklore, guides provide a rich, immersive experience that separates fact from fiction, which is a key sign of a quality tour.
3. French Quarter Phantoms: Ghost & Vampire Tour
For those intrigued by the darker legends of the city, some tours explore the lore of vampires. While some tour companies avoid the topic to maintain historical accuracy, others embrace the folklore that has become part of the city's identity. These walking tours often connect tales of vampires to the Casket Girls at the Old Ursuline Convent.
These tours operate at night, usually with start times around 8:00 PM, creating a spooky atmosphere as you walk through historic streets like N Rampart Street. Your guide will share chilling stories that blend mystery with the city’s gothic charm, making for an unforgettable evening.
Whether you're a believer in vampires or just enjoy a good story, these themed tours offer a unique way to experience the French Quarter's mysterious side. They showcase a different dimension of the city's supernatural reputation, separate from the more traditional ghost stories.
4. New Orleans Spirits and Spells Haunted Pub Crawl
Yes, you can absolutely find ghost tours that include bar stops! A haunted pub crawl is a fantastic way to combine the chilling ghost stories of New Orleans with its lively bar scene. This guided walking tour is a popular choice for adults looking to enjoy a different kind of night out in the Crescent City.
You'll visit some of the most historic and haunted bars and pubs in the French Quarter. Thanks to New Orleans' open-carry laws, you can take your drink with you as you walk from one spooky location to the next, listening to your guide share tales of the spirits that haunt these establishments.
This type of tour, like the 5-star rated Haunted Pub Crawl from Ghost City Tours, offers a fun and social atmosphere. It's the perfect blend of great ghost stories and your beverage of choice, making for a truly memorable evening exploring the city’s spirited side.
5. Witches Brew Tours: 5-in-1 Ghost & Mystery Tour
If you want to explore more than just ghosts, some tours offer a mix of supernatural topics. A multi-themed ghost tour might touch on voodoo, true crime, and other mysteries that contribute to New Orleans' haunted reputation. These tours provide a broader look at the city's dark and fascinating past.
Your tour guide will lead you through the French Quarter, sharing stories that go beyond typical hauntings. You might learn about the influence of Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau, the city's former vice districts, and the ghosts left behind by infamous crimes. This offers a different kind of mystery for those who have already taken a standard ghost tour.
While these tours can be incredibly interesting, their mature themes often make them unsuitable for younger audiences. If you're traveling with family, you'll want to look for specifically advertised kid-friendly tours that offer spooky fun without the more gruesome details.
What Makes a Great French Quarter Ghost Tour Experience?
A truly great ghost tour is more than just a walk in the dark; it's an immersive experience. To identify the best New Orleans ghost tours and avoid tourist traps, you should look for a few key qualities. The best way to have a memorable time is to choose a tour that offers a perfect blend of history, storytelling, and atmosphere.
A passionate tour guide, a focus on authenticity, and a well-paced journey through the French Quarter all contribute to an unforgettable night. Let's explore the specific elements that elevate a ghost tour from good to great.
Guided Storytelling and Historical Accuracy
The heart of any great ghost tour is the tour guide. The best guides are phenomenal storytellers who can bring the city's rich history to life, making you feel like you've stepped back in time. They don't just recite dates and names; they weave a narrative that is both entertaining and informative.
A commitment to historical accuracy is another critical factor. The most reputable tours are built on a foundation of real events, separating the history of New Orleans from exaggerated folklore. This blend of history and hauntings makes the ghost stories feel more real and impactful. When looking for a quality tour, check if they emphasize:
- Stories based on true events and documented history.
- A clear distinction between fact and folklore.
- Guides who are knowledgeable and passionate about the city's past.
This focus on authenticity is what distinguishes a memorable historical journey from a simple tourist trap full of jump scares.
Small Group Sizes and Local Expertise
When you're exploring the heart of the French Quarter, the size of your tour group can make a big difference. Many tour companies now offer small-group experiences, often maxing out at nine guests. This ensures a much more personal and interactive tour. You won't be struggling to hear your tour guide over a massive crowd.
For first-time visitors, a small group tour is often the best way to get acquainted with the city. It feels less like a lecture and more like a spooky stroll with a friend who knows all the city's secrets. You can easily ask questions and engage with your guide, who can tailor the experience to your group's interests.
This intimate setting allows for a deeper connection with the stories and locations. It’s a far cry from being herded through the streets in a large, impersonal group and ensures a higher quality experience overall.
Nighttime Atmosphere and Haunted Locations
There's a reason nearly every ghost tour in the French Quarter operates at night. As dusk settles over the city, the historic streets take on an entirely new character. The gas lamps cast long shadows, and the lively energy of the day gives way to a mysterious, eerie atmosphere that is perfect for telling ghost stories. Most tours start around 8:00 PM, just as the spirits of New Orleans are said to come out and play.
A great ghost tour will take you to the most haunted locations in the city. You'll stand in the very places where tragic events unfolded and where paranormal activity is still reported today. Imagine hearing the tales of the ghosts of New Orleans while standing before the infamous LaLaurie Mansion or the mysterious Sultan's Palace.
Walking through spots like Jackson Square or down N Rampart Street after dark adds a layer of authenticity to the experience. This nighttime setting allows you to fully immerse yourself in the haunted history and maybe even feel a chill run down your spine.
Unique Themes and Specialty Ghost Tours
The supernatural landscape of New Orleans is incredibly diverse, and the city’s ghost tours reflect that. Beyond general hauntings, many tour companies offer specialty tours that focus on unique themes. You can find experiences centered on voodoo, vampires, and witches, providing a deeper look into specific aspects of the city’s folklore.
For those looking for a more spirited evening, the haunted pub crawl is a popular option that combines spooky tales with stops at local bars. These specialty walking tours allow you to choose an adventure that perfectly aligns with your interests.
Family-Friendly and Kid-Oriented Ghost Tours
Yes, there are excellent kid-friendly ghost tours available in the French Quarter! Traveling with family doesn't mean you have to miss out on the city's haunted fun. Several companies offer tours specifically designed to be appropriate for all ages, delivering chills and thrills without being too terrifying for younger guests.
These tours focus more on the fascinating history of New Orleans and its intriguing ghost stories, presented with a PG-13 rating. Guides are skilled at adjusting the fear factor depending on the audience, ensuring everyone has a great time. The "Ghosts of New Orleans Tour," for example, is created for guests as young as five.
Instead of focusing on gruesome details, a family ghost tour provides a captivating and educational experience. It’s a wonderful way to introduce children to the city's rich past while enjoying a spooky evening walk through its most famous historic streets.
Adults-Only and After-Dark Haunted Pub Crawls
For those seeking a more mature and intense experience, adults-only New Orleans ghost tours are the way to go. These after-dark tours explore the sinister and scandalous side of the city's history, covering topics like true crime, murder, and the notorious figures of the French Quarter's past.
Tours like the "Killers and Thrillers Tour" are perfect for true crime fans, while others focus on the shady ladies and former brothels of the city. These night tour options are typically restricted to ages 16 and up due to their mature language and themes.
The haunted pub crawl is another popular adults-only option and perhaps the best way to mix spirits with spirits. You can enjoy drinks at some of the most haunted bars in the city while hearing their chilling tales. It's a fun, social, and uniquely New Orleans way to experience a ghost tour.
Voodoo, Vampire, and Witchcraft Walking Tours
Go beyond traditional ghost stories and explore the other supernatural elements that define New Orleans with a themed walking tour. You can find tours dedicated to the city’s rich voodoo history, often featuring stories of the legendary Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau and how the religion continues to be practiced today.
Other tours cater to those fascinated by witches or the folklore of vampires. You'll hear stories like that of the Casket Girls, which are often linked to the origin of vampires in the city. These tours provide a different perspective on the paranormal, focusing on specific legends and beliefs.
While some tour companies are careful to separate historical fact from fiction, especially concerning vampires, these themed tours offer a fun and engaging way to experience the city's gothic charm. They explore the myths and mysteries that have captivated visitors for centuries.
Conclusion
Exploring the haunted history of the French Quarter opens a doorway to thrilling experiences that are both eerie and enlightening. With its rich tapestry of ghost stories and legends, each tour offers a unique glimpse into the spectral side of New Orleans. Whether you're wandering through the streets with a small group or immersing yourself in themed adventures, there's something for everyone. As you venture into this mystical world, remember to soak in the guided storytelling, local expertise, and the haunting atmosphere that make these tours unforgettable. Don't miss out on the chance to encounter the ghosts of French Quarter firsthand—it's an experience that promises to linger in your memory long after the tour ends. Happy haunting!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are French Quarter ghost tours suitable for all ages and abilities?
Yes, there's a ghost tour for everyone. Many companies offer kid-friendly options that are spooky but not too scary. Since all tours are a walking tour, comfortable shoes are a must. Some companies can accommodate wheelchair users with advance notice, so it's best to call and confirm when booking.
How long do French Quarter ghost tours last, and what do they cost?
Most New Orleans ghost tours last between 90 minutes and two hours. The cost varies among tour companies and depends on the tour type, but you can generally expect prices to start around $39 per person. Adults-only tours or specialty pub crawls may have a different price point.
Should I book my French Quarter ghost tour in advance or can I join on the day?
You should always book your ghost tour in advance. These tours are incredibly popular and often sell out, especially on weekends and holidays. Booking ahead with the tour companies is the only way to guarantee your spot and avoid disappointment when you arrive in the French Quarter.
