New Orleans: Vampires, Voodoo, and Ghosts Tour

Taking a walk through New Orleans’ French Quarter at night? It’s like stepping into a storybook of spirits, secrets, and legends. This Vampires, Voodoo, and Ghosts Tour promises an engaging 90-minute stroll led by a local historian, revealing the city’s eerie and mysterious side. We haven’t joined it ourselves, but from the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions, it’s clear this tour offers an intriguing combination of history, folklore, and a splash of the supernatural.

What we love about this experience is the expert storytelling — guides are often professional historians, teachers, or students who bring a genuine passion for the city’s dark lore. Plus, the sites visited are iconic: the haunting Lalaurie Mansion, the historic May Bailey’s Brothel, and sites linked to vampire legends and voodoo traditions. The only possible downside? The tour covers less than a mile over 90 minutes, so it’s leisurely but not lengthy — perfect if you’re after a quick, immersive experience rather than a full-day adventure. This tour appeals most to those interested in the city’s legends, history buffs, or anyone craving a fun, spooky night out with engaging storytelling.

Key Points

• Historically accurate storytelling distinguishes this tour from more sensationalized ghost walks.
• Guides are knowledgeable, often with backgrounds in history or education, adding credibility to spooky tales.
• The tour covers famous sites like the Lalaurie Mansion and Pirates Alley, blending ghost stories with local history.
• It’s a short, 90-minute walk, making it easy to fit into a busy evening itinerary.
• The tour is alcohol friendly — feel free to bring drinks along for storytelling and fun.
• It’s wheelchair accessible, though uneven streets might be less comfortable for some.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

The Itinerary and What You’ll See

From the meeting point at the Red Door ticket booth on Decatur Street, your journey begins in the vibrant heart of the French Quarter. Expect to meet your licensed historian guide, who will lead you through the neighborhood’s storied streets, sharing tales that span from pirate legends to vampire sightings and voodoo mysteries.

Your first stop is the Lalaurie Mansion, famously featured on the TV series American Horror Story. This grand, antebellum mansion has a dark history of cruelty and is said to be haunted. Your guide will tell you about its gruesome past and the paranormal reports that still surround it. Then, you’ll visit the Old Ursuline Convent, a historic site linked to early New Orleans life and possibly paranormal activity.

As you stroll, you’ll encounter May Bailey’s Brothel, known from Travel Channel’s Ghost Adventures. The stories of this place blend New Orleans’ lively nightlife history with ghostly whispers. Along the way, sites like the Sultan’s Palace, Pirates Alley, and Lafitte Blacksmith Shop are woven into the narrative — places that echo with tales of pirates, secret societies, and occult practices.

The Stories and Guides

You’ll find that the guides are what make this tour shine. Many have backgrounds as teachers or college students, and their enthusiasm shines through. From the reviews, we see that guides like Gomez, Wesley, Jamie, and Orion are praised for their knowledge and storytelling skills. They make the eerie tales come alive while respecting the historical facts, giving you a sense of authenticity rather than just spooky stories.

One reviewer mentions Gomez being “very knowledgeable and very entertaining,” and others highlight guides like Jamie, who “answered all our questions” and was “respectful of other tours happening around us.” This professionalism enhances the experience, making it both fun and credible.

The Atmosphere and Setting

The tour is timed for the evening, which enhances the spooky vibe. Walking under the glow of streetlights, with the historic facades illuminated, adds a layer of authenticity. The tour is leisurely — designed as a gentle stroll just under a mile, with frequent stops and opportunities to catch your breath, ask questions, or explore a site.

Since the streets are uneven, and while steps aren’t a problem, those with limited mobility or in a wheelchair should be aware that the terrain may be less than perfectly smooth. Still, accessibility is considered, and no major steps prevent wheelchair access, making it doable for many.

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What’s Included and Price

At $31 per person, this tour offers a solid value, especially considering the quality of the guides and the carefully curated sites. The price covers the live, English-speaking guide and the 90-minute experience. Since booking is flexible with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, it’s low risk if your plans change.

The Social Element

The tour is alcohol-friendly, so you can bring your drinks (within reason), which makes the experience more relaxed and convivial. Many reviews comment on how the guides keep the atmosphere fun and engaging, making it a popular choice for groups celebrating or just seeking a memorable night out.

Why This Tour Works

This experience isn’t just about ghost stories; it’s a balanced mix of history, local legend, and storytelling. The guides’ expertise is often highlighted as a key strength, offering credibility and depth that elevate this from a superficial haunted walk to a meaningful exploration of New Orleans’ shadowy side.

The sites visited are chosen for their historical significance and their spooky reputations. The combination of famous landmarks and lesser-known stories makes the tour both entertaining and educational.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, fans of the supernatural, or anyone curious about New Orleans’ darker tales. It’s suitable for most mobility levels (with some caveats about uneven streets), and the short duration makes it accessible to those on a tight schedule. If you enjoy lively storytelling and atmospheric walks, you’ll likely find this experience a highlight of your trip.

For families with older children or teenagers interested in ghosts and legends, it’s a fun, safe way to explore the city’s mysterious side. But if you’re looking for a lengthy or highly active tour, you might prefer a more extensive experience.

Absolutely. For $31, you get a well-rounded, expertly guided walk through some of the most atmospheric and historic sites in the French Quarter. The combination of authentic stories, engaging guides, and atmospheric settings offers considerable value, especially considering the positive reviews praising the guides’ knowledge and storytelling.

This tour balances dark lore with educational content, making it suitable for curious travelers who want to learn about the city’s haunted reputation without feeling overwhelmed or rushed. The flexible booking, friendly atmosphere, and accessibility add to its appeal.

In short, this experience is a great pick for those seeking a fun, spooky, yet informative evening out in New Orleans — a city that has a flair for the mysterious.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 90 minutes, covering just under a mile of walking through the French Quarter.

Where do I meet the guide?
Meet at the Red Door ticket booth at 620 Decatur Street, a central spot in the French Quarter.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, though uneven streets might make some parts less comfortable.

Can I bring drinks on the tour?
Yes, the tour is alcohol friendly, so feel free to bring your beverages along.

What are the main sites visited?
You’ll see the Lalaurie Mansion, Old Ursuline Convent, May Bailey’s Brothel, Pirates Alley, Sultan’s Palace, and Lafitte Blacksmith Shop, among others.

Are guides professional?
Yes, guides are often licensed historians, college students, or teachers, known for being knowledgeable and engaging storytellers.

Is the tour good for families?
Yes, especially for older children and teens interested in spooky stories or local legends.

What’s the price?
The tour costs $31 per person, offering good value given the quality of storytelling and site access.

Whether you’re a history buff, a ghost story enthusiast, or just looking for a different way to experience the French Quarter, this tour offers a memorable glimpse into New Orleans’ haunted side. Its balance of storytelling, historical context, and atmospheric settings makes it a standout evening activity.

You can check availability for your dates here: