New Orleans: Ghost, Crime, Voodoo, and Vampires Guided Tour

Taking a walk through New Orleans’ streets can feel like flipping through a living horror story. From haunted mansions to chilling tales of serial killers, the city’s history is steeped in mystery and macabre allure. This Ghost, Crime, Voodoo, and Vampires Guided Tour promises an experience filled with intrigue, haunted legends, and a taste of the city’s darker past.

What really makes this tour stand out is its dynamic nature—no two tours are exactly the same, as guides adapt their stories based on what they uncover each week. It’s a perfect choice for travelers seeking a blend of history, spooky stories, and local legend, all delivered with a dose of humor and authenticity.

One thing to keep in mind is that the tour is adults-only due to adult content, so it’s not suitable for children or overly sensitive guests. But if you’re curious about the city’s haunted secrets, especially with a guide who combines storytelling skill with local knowledge, this tour hits the mark.

Ideal for those who love true crime, voodoo, history, or just want a different perspective on New Orleans’ legendary reputation for the bizarre, this tour offers both entertainment and insight.

Key Points

• Authentic local guides bring the stories alive with their vivid storytelling.
• Stops at historic sites, including Marie Laveau’s house and Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, offer tangible connections to the city’s past.
• Flexible tour content ensures no two experiences are exactly alike.
• Affordable price point ($37) provides good value for a 1.5 to 2-hour guided walk packed with stories.
• Includes visits to haunted locations like the Lalaurie Mansion and French Quarter landmarks.
• Adult-only content means you’ll find stories more graphic and mature.
• Option with HELLVISION adds visual recreations, enhancing the storytelling.
• Highly praised guides like Jeremy, Elaine, and Doug are frequently mentioned for their knowledge and entertainment skills.

Starting Point and Meeting Arrangements

The tour begins at either The Ella Project at 801 N Rampart St or Louis Armstrong Park, depending on your reservation choice. Both locations are central and easy to find, with the Armstrong Park starting point being particularly atmospheric—it’s where some of the earliest Voodoo gatherings took place, giving the tour an authentic historical backdrop right from the beginning.

From there, the guide sets the tone with a mix of storytelling, local lore, and historical context. You’ll be walking through the streets, passing by notable sites connected to New Orleans’ darker chapters and its legendary characters.

Highlights of the Itinerary

The Haunted Homes and Historic Sites

One of the first stops is the Lalaurie Mansion, infamous for its gruesome history of Madame LaLaurie’s torture chambers. Reviewers highlight that guides share detailed tales about the house’s haunted reputation, with one guest noting that their guide, Elaine, “told great stories with the perfect amount of detail.” The mansion’s sinister past makes it a perfect centerpiece for this tour.

Another significant point is the French Quarter, where the tour weaves through narrow streets steeped in stories of murder, scandal, and voodoo. Passing by Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, you’ll get a glimpse of one of North America’s oldest bars, still reportedly haunted by ghosts of the past. Guests mention the various buildings’ “black and blood red history,” adding to the eerie atmosphere.

The Darker Side: Crime and Serial Murders

A key feature of this tour is the focus on North American organized crime. The guide might take you near the site of the old Parish Prison, revealing its role in the city’s mafia-related history. The infamous case of the Axe-man, one of America’s most notorious serial killers, is also discussed, bringing a chilling real-life element into the mix.

Guests have shared that guides like Jeremy and Edward provide vivid, detailed accounts of these stories, making the city’s crime history both fascinating and unsettling. Specifically, one reviewer mentioned that their guide “truly knew about NOLA history and not just folklore,” which adds credibility and depth to the stories.

Voodoo and the Supernatural

No New Orleans ghost tour would be complete without exploring Voodoo legends. Visiting Marie Laveau’s house, the most famous Voodoo Queen of New Orleans, offers tangible ties to the city’s spiritual side. Reviewers appreciated that guides provided a nuanced view, blending the myth with historical facts.

Some tours may also touch upon scandalous stories like the Sultans Palace bloodbath or other notorious events—these tales are delivered with a mix of respect and intrigue, offering a layered understanding of the city’s spiritual and supernatural history.

Modern Macabre and Star-Crossed Lovers

For those interested in more recent dark tales, the tour might include stories of lovers whose relationship ended in violence or demonic possession—stories that feel ripped from headlines or horror films. The guide adapts to the mood, sometimes focusing more on recent tragedies.

Optional Visual Experience: HELLVISION

One of the tour’s unique features is the optional HELLVISION package, where handheld projectors visually recreate some of the most frightening scenes of the past. This addition greatly enhances the storytelling and provides a more visceral experience, particularly for visual learners or those who love immersive storytelling.

The Atmosphere and Group Dynamics

Guests consistently mention small group sizes and personable guides, making the experience feel intimate rather than a large, impersonal walk. Guides like Kelsey, Doug, and LeaLea are praised for their enthusiasm, humor, and ability to convey complex stories engagingly.

The tour’s timing—lasting around 1.5 to 2 hours—means it’s a manageable evening activity that fits well into a broader exploration of the city. The pace is just right to soak in the stories without feeling rushed, often including short walks near sites of interest.

Practical Considerations

• Price: At $37 per person, this tour offers excellent value—especially considering the depth of stories and the guide’s knowledge.
• Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours makes it a perfect evening activity, especially if paired with dinner or drinks afterward.
• Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for many travelers.
• Restrictions: Due to adult content, children under 18 are not permitted, and intoxicated guests are discouraged to maintain safety and respect for the storytelling.
• Booking: You can reserve now and pay later or cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility in your plans.

Authenticity and Value

Many reviews highlight that the guides do more than just tell ghost stories—they share fascinating historical context, making the experience educational as well as entertaining. The stories about organized crime, voodoo, and serial killers are told with respect and attention to detail, ensuring an authentic experience that aligns with the city’s complex history.

Several guests mention that their guides went above and beyond by staying after the tour to answer questions, providing book recommendations, and sharing personal insights. This personalized touch makes the tour feel less like a scripted performance and more like a conversation with a local expert.

This New Orleans Ghost, Crime, Voodoo, and Vampires Tour is ideal for travelers who crave stories that are both spooky and educational. If you love hearing about haunted houses, legendary figures, and real-life crime stories, you’ll find plenty to fascinate you here. The guides’ deep knowledge and captivating storytelling are frequently praised, making this a memorable night out.

While it’s not a haunted house or scary movie, it’s definitely on the darker side, with mature themes and adult content. So, if you’re traveling with teenagers or young children, it might be best to skip it.

The tour’s flexible, evolving nature ensures that repeat visitors or those returning for a second time will find new stories and insights, keeping the experience fresh and engaging. It’s a perfect way to get a different perspective on New Orleans—a city that has always been a magnet for the mysterious and the macabre.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, due to adult content, it’s designed for guests 18 and over.

How long does the tour last?
It typically runs for 1.5 to 2 hours, providing a compact yet comprehensive experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What is included in the price?
The tour price covers a guided walking tour of the French Quarter, led by a knowledgeable local guide. Food and drinks are not included.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, it is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for a wider range of travelers.

Are there visual elements involved?
Yes, there’s an optional add-on called HELLVISION, where handheld projectors recreate frightening scenes for a more immersive experience.

Where does the tour start?
The starting point varies depending on your booking, but common locations include The Ella Project or Louis Armstrong Park.

Is this a spooky or scary tour?
It’s spooky with stories of hauntings, murders, and voodoo, but it’s designed to entertain and inform rather than scare. Expect mature themes and graphic stories.

If you’re after a guided experience that combines history, local legends, true crime stories, and supernatural tales with the charm of a knowledgeable guide, this tour delivers. It’s well-priced, highly rated, and offers an authentic glimpse into the mysterious side of New Orleans. Perfect for those who enjoy dark stories, atmospheric locations, and a touch of the supernatural, it’s a memorable way to explore the city’s shadowy past.