New Orleans Ghost Tour: Go Inside a Haunted Location

New Orleans has plenty of ghost tours, but this one goes beyond sidewalk storytelling. You’ll walk into a private haunted location, sit in a historic courtyard, and hear dark tales tied to Jackson Square, the LaLaurie Mansion, May Baily’s Brothel, and Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar. The guides, including Orion, Gomez, Jenna, Wes, and Pinkie, bring different personalities to the same basic route.

I like the history-first approach, since the stories connect murder, folklore, voodoo, and old New Orleans buildings instead of relying only on cheap jump scares. I also like the easy walking pace and the chance to enter places that most French Quarter ghost walks only point toward. The main drawback is that the haunted-room visit can feel more like a seated story than an exploration, and some departures finish closer to 90 minutes than two hours.

Key points to know before booking

• You enter at least one haunted location: The tour includes a private location on Orleans Street, plus the courtyard of the Place d’Armes Hotel.
• The French Quarter provides the setting: Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, the LaLaurie Mansion, and Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar all fit into the evening walk.
• Your guide shapes the experience: Orion, Gomez, Jenna, Wes, and Pinkie have all received strong praise for humor, energy, storytelling, and historical detail.
• It is more atmospheric than interactive: Most stories are told from the street, with only brief indoor or courtyard time.
• Drinks are optional and extra: You can buy a drink at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, but alcohol is not part of the $29.60 price.
• Plan for a group of up to 28: That is manageable for a walking tour, though a group of 20 already felt large to some people.

What kind of ghost tour is this?

This is a two-hour evening walk through the French Quarter, led by a guide with at least a bachelor’s degree in history. That background matters because the tour is not presented as a string of random paranormal claims. You get stories about notorious people, old buildings, crime, folklore, and the way New Orleans turned its past into legend.

I would call it a historical ghost tour with theatrical touches, not a haunted-house attraction. The guide stops often, tells a story, and moves the group a short distance before the next stop. You will not spend the night investigating with special equipment, searching every room, or walking through a sequence of staged scares.

That makes the experience suitable for many ages, though the subject matter includes murder and other grim events. Parents should decide if the material fits their children. If you want a gentler family outing, the provider points to a separate family-friendly tour instead.

The tone depends heavily on the guide. Orion has been especially praised for keeping a large group involved, while Gomez is known for theatrical storytelling and an easy rapport with people who need extra help. Jenna brings factual detail and a relaxed pace. Wes has been described as energetic and approachable, and Pinkie has earned praise for making the evening both entertaining and informative.

You cannot always choose your guide, so think of these names as examples of what the best departures can offer, not a promise for your date.

Meeting at Bon’s on Decatur Street

The walk begins at Bon’s New Orleans Street Food, 620 Decatur Street, Unit 1B. This is a central French Quarter location, so walking or public transportation is usually easier than driving.

Arrive at least 15 minutes early. Parking near the meeting point is limited, and rates vary. If you use a rideshare, allow enough time to reach the central French Quarter, especially when parades, road closures, or second lines affect traffic.

The group can reach 28 people. That is not an intimate private walk, but it is still a reasonable size for a popular evening tour. A group of 20 can feel a little crowded at narrow stops, and the experience depends on staying close enough to hear the guide.

Wear comfortable shoes. The walking is not considered strenuous, but you will spend much of the evening on foot, with frequent stops on city streets. Layered clothing is a smart choice because New Orleans evenings can shift from warm to chilly, and the tour operates in all weather conditions unless conditions force a cancellation.

Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral

Jackson Square is an effective opening stop because it puts you in the middle of the French Quarter’s grandest public space. You walk through the square for about five minutes, then hear how the area fits into New Orleans stories of death, religion, violence, and the supernatural.

The tour passes St. Louis Cathedral rather than taking you inside. That distinction matters. You are seeing the cathedral as part of the street route and hearing about its place in local lore, not receiving a church tour.

The guide typically works from the street across from a building instead of entering every property. This lets the group cover more ground, but it also means you should not expect access to each location shown in promotional images. The storytelling is the main event here.

I like this beginning because it gives the ghost tales a physical setting. You are not hearing about an abstract haunted city. You are standing among old façades, iron balconies, courtyards, and busy French Quarter streets where the stories took shape.

The LaLaurie Mansion and New Orleans crime stories

The LaLaurie Mansion is one of the major visual stops. You stop outside, take pictures, and hear about the building’s grim reputation. Fans of American Horror Story: Coven will recognize the address, though the real history and the television version are not the same thing.

The tour does not promise entry into the mansion. In one fortunate departure, the owner opened the front door and allowed the group a glimpse inside, but that was an unexpected moment, not a standard part of the experience. Plan on viewing the building from outside.

This is also where the tour’s true-crime side becomes clear. Some departures spend more time on notorious killers and crimes than on ghosts. If you want hard historical context with a supernatural angle, that balance may suit you. If you want constant paranormal activity, you may find the ghost element too light.

The guide’s style makes a big difference. A strong guide can separate documented events from later folklore, then let you decide what you believe. A weaker guide may lean into corny fake ghost stories. The overall rating is 4.6 from 1,162 ratings, but the uneven comments show why the individual guide matters.

Entering the Orleans Street haunted location

The signature feature is a brief visit inside a private haunted location on Orleans Street. This is the part that separates the tour from the many French Quarter walks that remain entirely outdoors.

Expect about 10 minutes inside. The setting may involve sitting at a table or in a dining room while the guide tells the location’s story. It is not a long exploration of several rooms, and you should not expect a formal haunted-house attraction with actors or special effects.

That modest indoor visit can still be valuable. After hearing stories from sidewalks, you get a change of setting and a closer connection to the building itself. For many people, simply crossing the threshold creates more atmosphere than another stop across the street.

Still, set your expectations carefully. Some people find the visit memorable, while others find the haunted location disappointing because the main activity is listening to a long story while seated. If you need a tour that keeps you moving or gives you time to investigate, this will feel limited.

There is also no promised restroom break. Since the tour encourages you to bring a drink for the bar portion, use a restroom before meeting the group. That small bit of planning can save you from leaving early.

The Place d’Armes Hotel courtyard

The tour then enters the courtyard of the Place d’Armes Hotel for roughly 15 minutes. This is another useful change from a standard street walk because you get into a private courtyard rather than only looking at a façade.

The setting gives the guide room to tell a story in a quieter space. You are still listening rather than exploring freely, but the courtyard adds texture to the evening. Historic hotels and their enclosed spaces are part of what makes New Orleans ghost lore work so well.

Access can change. Routes and stops may shift because of road closures, parades, second lines, or other local events. The advertised stops describe the intended experience, not a guarantee that every stop will happen in exactly the same order.

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar and the optional drink

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar is a short stop of about 10 minutes. The bar is tied to pirate lore and is presented as one of New Orleans’ haunted drinking places.

You can buy a drink, but it costs extra. The tour price does not include alcohol, so bring a payment method if you want to order something. You may also choose not to drink and simply take in the setting and the story.

This stop works best if you treat it as a taste of local atmosphere rather than a full bar visit. Ten minutes is enough to see the place and purchase something, but not enough for a relaxed evening drink. The bar can also add a social, less solemn pause after the darker stories.

One practical issue: carrying a drink while walking is optional, but the route continues afterward. If you would rather keep your hands free for photos, you can skip the purchase.

Vampire folklore and other French Quarter stops

The walk also passes the place associated with the beginning of vampire folklore in New Orleans. This is the sort of brief reference that adds variety to the tour. The evening is not only about one mansion or one crime. It moves through stories of vampires, voodoo, murder, haunted buildings, and local legends.

The route contains frequent stops and plenty of narration, but most presentations happen outside. A family who wants a simple introduction to New Orleans’ darker stories will get a broad survey. A serious paranormal fan may want a more focused investigation after the tour.

The experience is also a good first-night activity because it helps you recognize parts of the French Quarter later. You learn which buildings and bars carry unusual stories, then can return during the day to look at the architecture without the pressure of keeping up with a group.

How much walking and how long it really takes

The stated duration is approximately two hours. In practice, one departure finished in about an hour and a half, while other accounts describe a full and satisfying evening. Weather, group size, guide style, route changes, and stop access can all affect the length.

The pace is generally easy. Jenna’s group, for example, had time for photos and did not feel rushed, while another small group felt the guide hurried because of cold weather. That contrast is useful: the same route can feel generous on a mild night and short on a chilly one.

The walking itself is not strenuous, but the streets can be uneven and the tour is not officially wheelchair accessible because of some locations. A mobility scooter user had a good experience with a guide who made sure she was included, but you should contact the provider before booking if you need a fully accessible route.

Service animals are allowed. Most people can take part, but anyone who has trouble standing for long periods should think about the frequent outdoor stops and limited restroom access.

Is $29.60 a fair price?

At $29.60 per person, the tour is reasonably priced for a two-hour guided walk with an indoor haunted-location visit. You are paying for the guide, the storytelling, and access to at least one place that many ordinary ghost walks do not enter.

The value is strongest if you enjoy history as much as haunting. The guide-led stories give you context for the buildings, and the indoor stop adds something physical to the evening. The price is less attractive if you expect a long haunted-house visit, dramatic effects, or a guaranteed two-hour exploration.

Alcohol, parking, and any transportation to the meeting point are extra. The bar stop is optional, so you can keep the evening close to the listed price if you walk or use public transportation.

I would compare this cost with what you want from the night. For a casual introduction to New Orleans folklore, it is a fair buy. For a serious paranormal investigation, spend your money on a more specialized experience.

Who will enjoy this French Quarter walk?

I would choose this tour if you like:

• New Orleans crime stories and local legends
• Guides who mix facts with theatrical delivery
• Evening walks with frequent stops
• Historic buildings viewed from the street
• A small amount of indoor access without committing to a long haunted attraction
• A flexible experience that works for couples, families with older children, and solo visitors

I would hesitate if you want:

• A guaranteed full two hours every time
• Entry into every building named along the route
• A cemetery visit
• Constant jump scares or paranormal equipment
• A quiet, private tour
• Reliable restroom access during the walk

The tour does not visit a cemetery. It mentions New Orleans cemeteries, but the focus remains on French Quarter buildings, bars, courtyards, and street locations.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.

The experience requires good weather. If poor weather cancels the tour, you are offered another date or a full refund. Routes may also change because of parades, road closures, second lines, or other local events.

The tour is booked an average of 11 days ahead, so I would reserve earlier if your New Orleans dates are fixed. That is especially sensible if you hope for a particular guide, although specific guide assignment is not guaranteed.

Should you book this New Orleans ghost tour?

Book it if you want a well-priced French Quarter history walk with a spooky edge, especially if the chance to enter a private haunted location matters to you. The strongest guides turn the evening into lively storytelling, and names such as Orion, Gomez, Jenna, Wes, and Pinkie have shown how much personality can improve the route.

Skip it if you need a full haunted-house experience or expect every stop to be indoors. Go in expecting street-based history, a short seated visit, one hotel courtyard, an optional bar stop, and plenty of stories. With those expectations, this is a solid way to spend an evening in New Orleans.

FAQ

Where does the New Orleans Ghost Tour begin?

The tour begins at Bon’s New Orleans Street Food, 620 Decatur Street, Unit 1B, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130. It is in the central French Quarter.

Does the tour visit a cemetery?

No. The tour may discuss New Orleans cemeteries, but it does not include a cemetery visit.

Are drinks included at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not included. You may purchase a drink at the bar if you wish.

How much walking is involved?

The tour includes a fair amount of walking with frequent stops, but it is not considered strenuous. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

No. Because of some locations visited, the tour is not wheelchair accessible. Service animals are allowed.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.