New Orleans : Best of Ghost & Voodoo Experience Walking Tour

Review of the New Orleans: Best of Ghost & Voodoo Experience Walking Tour

New Orleans is renowned for its spooky stories, voodoo legends, and haunted streets, and this tour promises to take you through some of the most atmospheric spots in the French Quarter. Priced at just $20 per person, it offers a quick, budget-friendly way to learn about the city’s supernatural side. The tour lasts around two hours and is led by a local guide eager to share tales of ghosts, vampires, and voodoo rituals, making it a popular choice for those curious about NOLA’s dark past.

One aspect we particularly appreciate is the tour’s focus on storytelling—your guide will paint vivid pictures of haunted houses and legendary characters like Marie Laveau, the famed Voodoo Queen. The tour’s walking nature also means you get to see the city’s iconic streets up close, adding an authentic layer to the experience. However, a potential consideration is that the tour only visits haunted sites from the outside; there are no inside visits or access to the spooky buildings themselves.

This experience is ideal for travelers who enjoy ghost stories, local legends, and a bit of the mysterious. It’s perfect for those on a budget, or anyone who wants a quick, engaging overview of NOLA’s supernatural reputation without a long commitment. If you’re looking for a deep dive with inside access or a more polished, trouble-free experience, you might want to explore other options. But for a casual, story-driven stroll through haunted streets, this tour could be just the right fit.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At just $20, it’s a budget-friendly way to explore New Orleans’ haunted history.
• Engaging Guide: Several reviews highlight knowledgeable guides, like Kenyin and other storytellers, who are both informative and engaging.
• Short & Sweet: The 2-hour duration makes it easy to fit into a busy sightseeing day.
• Outside Only: No entry to haunted houses; you’ll see exteriors and hear stories outside, which might not satisfy those craving inside access.
• Variable Experiences: While some travelers had fantastic guides, others experienced cancellations or no-shows, so reliability can vary.
• Rich Stories & Legends: The tour covers famous tales, including Marie Laveau’s influence, vampire stories, and voodoo practices, providing a colorful snapshot of NOLA’s supernatural lore.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

The French Quarter Setting

The tour begins at 528 Toulouse St, right in the heart of the French Quarter. As one of the most historic neighborhoods in New Orleans, it’s the perfect backdrop for a ghost and voodoo-themed walk. Expect to stroll along narrow, cobbled streets lined with centuries-old buildings, many of which are said to be haunted or have spooky histories.

Your guide takes you past some of the most notorious haunted houses in the area, sharing tales about their former inhabitants and the ghostly legends attached to them. While you don’t get to enter any buildings, the outside stories are often enough to send shivers down your spine—especially when paired with the atmospheric surroundings.

Haunted Houses and Legends

Many reviewers appreciated the storytelling quality. Martha B mentions loving her guide’s knowledge, stating, “She was very knowledgeable with ghost and the history of New Orleans.” This suggests guides are well-versed in local lore and can deliver captivating narratives that bring the city’s haunted reputation to life.

However, not all experiences are seamless. Some reviews mention the disappointment of no-shows or cancellations. One reviewer, Suzannr_T, was charged full price but arrived to find the tour canceled without prior notice, which was frustrating. Another, Anne W, shared that her guide was a no-show, and she waited 15 minutes with no contact from the operators. This inconsistency can impact your experience, so it’s wise to stay updated or have a backup plan.

Marie Laveau and Voodoo Rituals

A core highlight of the tour is the story of Marie Laveau, the legendary Voodoo Queen of New Orleans. Your guide will discuss her involvement in divination, magic, and her famous snake, Zombi, named after an African deity. This narrative gives insight into how voodoo is woven into the city’s fabric—not just as superstition but as an integral part of local culture.

From the reviews, it’s evident that guides who are passionate about voodoo deliver engaging stories. Aleisha Y describes Kenyin as “awesome,” highlighting his enthusiasm and knowledge about the city’s mystical side. Expect to hear about voodoo practices, the significance of certain symbols, and perhaps some local myths that have become part of NOLA’s identity.

Ghost & Vampire Stories

The tour also ventures into tales of ghosts and vampires, with the neighborhood serving as the filming location for series like True Blood and American Horror Story. While the tour doesn’t include inside visits, the exterior stories are often enough for thrill-seekers. Visitors can expect to hear about vampire legends, haunted hotels, and the spirits that allegedly linger in the streets.

Some reviews mention that the stories are delivered with a good balance of suspense and factual detail. Desiree H notes that her guide was “very educated and answered every question,” making the experience both enjoyable and informative.

Group Size and Logistics

The tour is limited to a maximum of 28 travelers, fostering a more intimate atmosphere. It’s designed to be accessible, with most travelers able to participate comfortably. The meeting point at Toulouse Street is near public transportation, making it easy to access.

It’s worth noting that the tour is conducted with a mobile ticket, allowing for easy booking and entry. The flexible cancellation policy—free if canceled 24 hours in advance—adds a degree of reassurance, though the reviews highlight that sometimes the experience can be marred by cancellations or lack of communication.

Analyzing the Value and Practical Considerations

Price and What You Get

At $20 per person, this tour is quite reasonable, especially considering the stories and local insights you gain. Given that some guides are praised for their knowledge, you’re paying mainly for a storyteller who can bring New Orleans’ haunted streets to life. Keep in mind, since there’s no entry into haunted houses, this experience is purely exterior storytelling, which suits travelers looking for a quick, atmospheric walk rather than inside access.

Reliability and Booking Tips

While many reviews praise the guides and the stories, others have faced cancellations or no-shows. If you decide to book, it’s best to confirm your reservation ahead of time and be prepared for the possibility that the tour may be canceled. The tour’s popularity—booked on average 28 days in advance—indicates strong interest, but potential glitches in execution mean you should have a backup plan.

What Travelers Might Love

The vivid storytelling and knowledgeable guides stand out as the main draw. If you enjoy hearing about local legends, vampire stories, and voodoo practices, you’ll find plenty to fascinate you. The tour also provides a good overview of some of the most haunted sites in the city’s historic district.

Potential Drawbacks

The main downside is the inconsistency. Some travelers experienced cancellations or no-shows, which can be disappointing, especially if you’re trying to squeeze in multiple tours in a short visit. Plus, the fact that you can’t enter the haunted houses might leave those seeking a more immersive experience slightly unsatisfied.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for budget-minded travelers who want a quick, engaging introduction to NOLA’s spooky side. It’s perfect if you prefer storytelling over inside access, and if you’re interested in legends like Marie Laveau or vampire tales. It’s also suited for those who don’t mind a group setting and are flexible about the possibility of cancellations.

However, if you’re looking for a more in-depth or behind-the-scenes experience, or if you’ve heard about its reliability issues, exploring other options in New Orleans might be better. That said, for a casual, fun walk through haunted streets with a local guide, this tour hits the right notes.

The Sum Up

This ghost and voodoo walking tour offers an affordable way to get a taste of New Orleans’ supernatural lore. The highlights are the stories told by passionate guides and the atmospheric neighborhood. It’s a good pick for travelers who enjoy storytelling, legends, and local character without a lengthy commitment or high price tag.

The tour’s main strength lies in its storytelling and the enthusiasm of guides like Kenyin, making the stories come alive against the backdrop of the historic French Quarter. It’s also suitable for those with a keen interest in Marie Laveau, vampires, or voodoo rituals, offering a glimpse into the city’s mystical reputation.

However, the experience’s inconsistency—cancellations and no-shows—are important to consider. Travelers should be prepared for the possibility of changes or disruptions, and it’s wise to confirm your booking in advance.

Ultimately, this tour is a fun, budget-friendly introduction to New Orleans’ haunted side. It’s best for curious, easygoing travelers who want to enjoy lively tales without the need for inside access or high-end guided experiences. If the storytelling approach appeals to you and you’re okay with some unpredictability, it can add a memorable spooky flavor to your NOLA trip.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but since it involves walking and ghost stories, it’s best suited for older children or teenagers who enjoy spooky tales. Check with the tour provider if you have concerns about age suitability.

How long does the tour last?
It runs approximately 2 hours, making it a quick but engaging way to explore some of the haunted spots of the French Quarter.

Are inside visits included?
No, the tour does not include entry into haunted houses or buildings. You’ll see the exteriors and hear stories outside.

What is the meeting point?
The tour starts at 528 Toulouse St, which is centrally located and accessible via public transportation.

How reliable is this tour?
Reviews indicate mixed experiences: some guides are fantastic, but cancellations and no-shows have occurred. Confirm your booking and stay flexible.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance. Changes made less than 24 hours before cannot be accepted.

What’s included in the price?
The ticket covers the guided tour itself. No food, drink, or inside access is included.

Is this tour good value?
Given the price point and the engaging storytelling, it offers decent value for those interested in ghost stories and local legends. Keep expectations aligned with the exterior-only nature of the experience.

This tour provides a lively, storytelling approach to NOLA’s haunted streets. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or simply curious about the city’s spooky reputation, it’s a fun, affordable way to add some ghostly intrigue to your New Orleans adventure.