Ghosts of New Orleans: Self-Guided Haunted Audio Walking Tour

Travelers curious about the darker, more mysterious side of New Orleans might find this self-guided “Ghosts of New Orleans” tour an intriguing option. For just $6.75 per person, you get a chance to wander the French Quarter while listening to stories of haunted mansions, old hotels, pirates, and spirits that still seem to lurk around every corner. It’s a flexible, budget-friendly way to explore some of the city’s most spooky sites without the hassle of a guided group or overcrowded tour buses.

What we really appreciate about this experience is its independence—you can start whenever you want, pause for snacks or photos, and explore at your own speed. Plus, since it works on just two smartphones per purchase, it’s a practical pick for couples or friends traveling together. On the flip side, some may find the self-guided format less engaging than a live guide, especially if you prefer storytelling delivered with a bit more flair. That said, it’s a great choice for those who love exploring on their own terms and are comfortable with smartphone-based tours.

This tour is perfect for travelers seeking an affordable, flexible, and atmospheric way to get a taste of New Orleans’ haunted past. If you’re not expecting a professionally guided tour with in-person storytelling, but rather a self-paced ghostly adventure, you’ll likely enjoy what’s on offer here.

Key Points

• Affordable and flexible: Cost-effective at $6.75 and available to start anytime.
• Self-guided independence: Walk at your own pace, pausing or stopping whenever suits you.
• Iconic haunted sites: Includes the LaLaurie Mansion, Old Ursuline Convent, and Pirates Alley.
• Outdoor focus: Tour is entirely outside, so no need for admission tickets or entry fees.
• Targeted for casual ghost enthusiasts: No heavy historical detail but fun stories and spooky atmosphere.
• Good for small groups: Works on two smartphones, ideal for couples or friends.

A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

This tour is designed to give you a self-driven ghost story experience, highlighting some of New Orleans’ most infamous haunted spots. Since it’s self-guided, you won’t have a live guide explaining each site—just your phone and your own curiosity. This format allows for maximum flexibility; you can start at the LaLaurie Mansion, a site notorious for its dark past involving torture and slavery, or skip ahead and return later, depending on how the mood strikes.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: LaLaurie Mansion
This is the tour’s opening act, setting the tone with tales of a mansion notorious for its gruesome history and supposed hauntings. Visitors only view the outside, but the stories about tortured slaves and its celebrity owner (Nicholas Cage has even called it home) make it a compelling start. The brief stop is just 2 minutes, but it packs a punch—if you love haunted houses, you’ll find this site a must-see.

Stop 2: Old Ursuline Convent Museum
Here, legend has it that the so-called Casket Girls arrived seeking grooms, but some allegedly brought vampires along. The stories blend history and myth, perfect for sparking your imagination. Again, the tour only covers the outside, so you get a quick snippet of its spooky reputation in just 3 minutes.

Stop 3: Civil War Hospital
This old hotel served as a hospital during the Civil War, and reports of wounded soldiers wandering the halls add a chilling layer. It’s a reminder of the city’s turbulent past, but since visitors only view the exterior, it’s more about imagining the ghostly apparitions than exploring interiors.

Stop 4: Andrew Jackson Hotel
This hotel is linked to stories of those who died of malaria and now supposedly haunt the premises. For just 2 minutes, you get a taste of the haunted hotel scene—a quick stop for ghost story lovers.

Stop 5: Madame John’s Legacy
One of the last surviving wooden buildings in New Orleans, haunted by its past. With a short 2-minute stop, you’ll get a fleeting glimpse of its ghost stories—more atmospheric than detailed.

Stop 6: Muriel’s Jackson Square
Famous for its cuisine, this restaurant is also said to host a ghost from centuries ago. A 2-minute outside visit keeps things moving while offering a taste of local haunted dining spots.

Stop 7: Place d’Armes Hotel
This hotel has a fiery history with stories of ghosts wandering its grounds and vampires draining blood next door. The 4-minute stop is the longest in the itinerary and provides a solid dose of haunted history.

Stop 8: Pere Antoine Alley & Pirates Alley
These narrow streets are thick with legends: a haunted monk and pirates negotiating their freedom. The quick 2-3 minute visits evoke the spirit of Old New Orleans’ pirate lore and monastic mysteries.

Stop 9: Le Petit Theatre and Pat O’Brien’s
From a haunted theater to the legendary bar filled with ghost stories, these stops (each about 2-3 minutes) round out the tour with a mix of entertainment and ghostly tales. The final stop, Fritzel’s jazz bar, even hints at a vampire speak-easy—if you got the secret password earlier.

What Travelers Say

While the majority of reviews are positive, with many noting the value and fun of exploring at their own pace, some found the narration monotone or the app difficult to navigate. One reviewer said, “The tour lacked interest, the narration was monotone and we were so bored we decided not to complete it.” Conversely, others appreciated the freedom to pause, explore, and enjoy the stories without a large crowd, with comments like “All of it was very good. It was very nice not to be in a huge group just me and my family.”

Authentic insights from reviews:

“This was a really fun thing to do, I feel like it would have been exactly the same experience if you were walking round with a tour guide or on a tour bus.” And “It was great to have the freedom to walk at your own pace and pass all the big groups that paid so much more!”

Practical Considerations and Value

This tour’s main advantage is its cost-effectiveness. At just over $6, you’re paying for an experience that can be as long or as short as you like, with no pressure to stick to a schedule. Since it’s entirely outside, you won’t need to worry about ticket lines or entry fees, and you have the flexibility to take the tour during the day or at night—perfect for those who want a spooky experience after sunset.

However, because you’re only viewing the outside of each site, if you’re hoping for detailed interior stories or a guided tour with a lively narrator, this might fall short. The app’s usability is also a point to consider, especially since some reviews mention difficulty with the link or app functionality. It’s best suited for folks comfortable with smartphone navigation and who enjoy a DIY approach.

The duration is roughly 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, making it a manageable stroll through the French Quarter. The self-guided format means you can pause to explore shops or grab a drink, adding to the relaxed, personalized adventure.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This haunted walk is ideal for budget-conscious travelers who love a good ghost story and enjoy setting their own pace. It suits those who prefer independent exploration over guided groups and are comfortable with smartphone-based narrations. It’s perfect if you’re visiting with a partner or friend, as the purchase is valid on two phones, making it an intimate experience.

However, if you crave a professional storyteller or detailed historical narratives with in-depth access to interior sites, you may want to look elsewhere. It’s a light-hearted, atmospheric experience—not a serious historical tour—and it’s designed to entertain rather than educate in detail.

The Sum Up

This “Ghosts of New Orleans” self-guided tour offers a cost-effective and flexible way to enjoy the city’s haunted reputation. While it may not satisfy those seeking a guided storytelling experience or interior access, it delivers a fun, atmospheric walk through some of the most legendary ghost spots in the French Quarter. Its affordability and independence make it an excellent choice for travelers who love exploring at their own pace, especially if you’re on a budget.

For ghost enthusiasts and curious adventurers, it’s a straightforward, no-pressure way to get your spooky fix. You’ll love the ability to choose your timing and pace, and the variety of stops keeps the experience lively. Just be prepared for a tour that relies on outside views and audio storytelling—no inside access or live guide included.

Overall, if you’re looking for a low-cost, atmospheric ghost walk that you can do anytime, this tour fits the bill. It’s best suited for those who want a casual, fun experience without the fuss—and who don’t mind a little digital navigation.

FAQ

Is this tour a guided walking tour with a live guide?
No, it’s a self-guided experience that you access through your smartphone. There’s no live guide involved.

Can I do this tour at any time?
Yes, once purchased, you can start the tour whenever you like. It’s flexible and designed to be done at your own pace.

How long does the tour last?
The typical duration is about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, but you can take longer if you want to explore more.

Do I need to pay for entry to the sites?
No, the tour is only outside visits; admission tickets are not included or necessary for this experience.

Can more than two people do the tour on one purchase?
No, the tour is valid on two smartphones per purchase, making it ideal for couples or friends traveling together.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but the spooky content may be better suited for teens and adults.

What if I have trouble with the app or link?
Some reviews mention app difficulty; it’s best to be comfortable with smartphone navigation and ensure your device is compatible.

Are the stories fact or legend?
The tour focuses on legendary tales and local lore. It’s more atmospheric storytelling than a detailed historical account.

Can I pause and revisit parts of the tour?
Absolutely. The nature of a self-guided audio tour allows you to pause, restart, or skip as you wish.

In essence, this ghostly adventure offers a fun, budget-friendly way to enjoy the mystique of New Orleans’ haunted corners at your own pace. Perfect for curious souls who love a good story, and flexible enough to fit into any sightseeing schedule.