New Orleans Adults-Only True Crime and Ghost Walking Tour

Thinking of exploring New Orleans beyond the lively jazz, vibrant festivals, and notorious nightlife? This Adults-Only True Crime and Ghost Walking Tour promises to take you on a dark journey through the city’s most morbid secrets and haunted corners. It’s designed specifically for those who enjoy spine-tingling tales, historical mysteries, and a bit of ghostly intrigue—without kids in tow.

What we particularly like about this tour is its focus on authentic stories delivered by knowledgeable, passionate guides who truly care about sharing NOLA’s shadowy past. The tour offers a good mix of true crime and ghostly tales, all set against the atmospheric backdrop of the French Quarter. Plus, it’s a walk that packs in history, suspense, and a touch of the macabre—all for a reasonable price.

A potential consideration? It’s quite intense in its focus on crime and dark history, so if you’re seeking lighter, more family-friendly stories or ghost stories with a supernatural twist, this might not be the perfect fit. It’s best suited for adults who aren’t squeamish about the city’s darker tales and are ready for a slightly spooky, thought-provoking experience.

This tour is ideal for history buffs, true crime enthusiasts, and those curious about New Orleans’ more sinister secrets. If you’re looking for an engaging, authentically narrated experience that offers both entertainment and insight, this walk will definitely satisfy.

Key Points

• The tour is adults-only, focusing on mature themes of crime and dark history
• Guides are highly praised for their knowledge, enthusiasm, and ability to bring stories to life
• It covers a variety of stops, blending historical sites with infamous crime scenes
• The price ($37) offers excellent value considering the storytelling quality and depth
• Duration is around 1 hour 45 minutes, making it an accessible evening activity
• The tour is well-reviewed, with a perfect 5-star rating from over 1,100 travelers

A Deep Dive Into the Tour Experience

What This Tour Is Really About

This isn’t just a ghost story spin or a superficial walk through the Quarter. It’s a carefully curated, adults-only journey into some of New Orleans’ most disturbing, intriguing, and notorious tales. Led by native “Horrorstorians”, the guides pride themselves on their deep knowledge and genuine love for the city’s darker side.

The tour begins at St. Louis Cathedral, a central, iconic site that sets the tone. Here, your storyteller will outline what’s to come, giving a quick overview of the city’s haunted and criminal past. Even if you’ve visited the cathedral before, this intro adds context about what’s to follow.

The Stops That Make It Unique

The tour’s itinerary includes several carefully chosen sites, each with its own story and significance.

Historic BK House & Gardens is your first stop during the evening tour. Here, you’ll learn about the city’s most famous mafia murders and haunting legends that persist today. The guide’s storytelling makes these tales come alive, and the fact that the stories are rooted in real history adds a layer of authenticity that many ghost tours lack.

Next, the Inn on Ursulines reveals one of the most gruesome murders to take place in NOLA. It’s a story that sticks with you, with one reviewer noting it as “a true crime story unlike no other.” The stories are often local legends, but you’ll find they’re rooted in facts that keep listeners on the edge of their seats.

An additional highlight is the French Market stop, where the focus shifts to the city’s underbelly—brothels and notorious sex workers of the past. One reviewer appreciated this stop, noting it as an engaging way to learn about the city’s underground side. It’s an intriguing glimpse into the gritty reality behind the tourism veneer.

The “Way of the Wicked” Route

For those opting for the Way of the Wicked (typically at 7pm or 9am), the tour becomes even darker and more intense. It includes stops at the Omni Royal Orleans, where twisted love stories meet their tragic ends, and the Jimani Lounge & Restaurant, the site of one of the city’s deadliest unsolved fires. These stories are not for the faint-hearted, but they’re delivered with care and a sense of narrative flair that makes them compelling rather than gratuitous.

The Exchange Place alley, a quiet yet historically significant spot, is where a victim was last seen in one of NOLA’s bloodiest crimes. The guide’s storytelling here makes the scene quite visceral, emphasizing the city’s violent past.

The tour concludes outside the Louisiana Supreme Court, where conspiracy theories and murder trials intertwine. This final stop leaves a lasting impression, wrapping up the dark journey with a sense of historical intrigue.

Guides and Atmosphere

Many reviews sing praises about the guides—particularly Lucy, Riley, and Christo—who are described as animated, knowledgeable, and capable of making these stories feel real. One reviewer said, “Christo tells the stories like he was there when it happened,” which captures the spirit of the tour’s storytelling style. The guides’ enthusiasm and professionalism turn what could be grim stories into captivating narratives.

The group size maxes out at 28 travelers, which strikes a good balance between intimacy and social atmosphere. Most guests find the pacing comfortable, with enough time at each stop to absorb the stories without feeling rushed.

Practical Details and Value

Priced at $37 per person, this tour offers solid value for those interested in dark history and true crime stories. There are some extra costs for admission to specific sites (not included in the tour price), but the storytelling itself is the real highlight. The tour’s duration of approximately 1 hour 45 minutes is just right for an evening activity—long enough to get a thorough dose of stories without fatigue.

Meeting at 615 Pere Antoine Alley, the tour is conveniently located near public transportation, and the meeting point is easy to find. Arriving 30 minutes early is recommended to check in smoothly. The tour requires good weather, but if it’s canceled due to bad conditions, a full refund or alternative date will be offered.

How This Tour Compares and Who Will Love It

What makes this tour stand out is its focus on real, often grim, stories told by passionate guides who genuinely care. If you’re a fan of true crime, history, or ghost stories with substance, you’ll find this tour both engaging and educational. The stories are rooted in fact, and the guide’s enthusiasm makes the history feel immediate.

This experience is best suited for adults (17+), as the content can be intense. It’s not a ghost-hunting adventure but rather a dark exploration of the city’s most notorious and bloody chapters. The moderate price and the quality of storytelling make it a good deal for those who want more than just surface-level tales.

Who Should Book This?

• True crime enthusiasts wanting authentic stories from a knowledgeable guide
• History lovers interested in the darker, less glamorous side of New Orleans
• Adults looking for a unique, atmospheric experience in the French Quarter
• Travelers who appreciate storytelling that combines education and entertainment
• Visitors seeking a memorable, slightly spooky night out that’s different from typical ghost tours

Who Might Want to Skip?

• Families with children or those sensitive to graphic or violent stories
• People expecting ghostly supernatural tales—this tour leans heavily into real crime and historic violence
• Anyone with limited time, as this is roughly a 1 hour 45-minute walk

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s designed for adults only, 17+. The dark themes and mature content aren’t appropriate for younger visitors.

How long does the tour last?
The walk lasts about 1 hour and 45 minutes, giving enough time for stories and stops without feeling overly lengthy.

Are admission fees to sites included?
No, some stops like the Historic BK House & Gardens or Omni Royal Orleans may require additional admission. The tour focuses mainly on storytelling outside these sites.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

What should I wear?
Since it’s a walking tour, comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are advised. Be prepared for possibly damp or uneven surfaces.

Is this tour available in bad weather?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to rain or storms, a full refund or alternative date will be offered.

How many people usually join?
The group size is capped at 28 travelers, keeping the experience intimate and manageable.

Is there any food or drink included?
No, but drinks can be purchased at the last stop, the Ghost Bar, and the tour includes a bathroom and water break.

What makes this tour different from others?
It’s adults-only with a focus on authentic, sometimes gruesome real stories, delivered by guides passionate about sharing New Orleans’ dark history.

Final Thoughts

This New Orleans Adults-Only True Crime and Ghost Walking Tour offers a compelling, well-balanced look into the city’s shadowy past. The guides’ knack for storytelling, combined with carefully chosen historic sites and notorious crime stories, creates an experience that’s both educational and chilling. It’s clear that the tour’s creators care deeply about authenticity and making the stories resonate.

If you’re someone who enjoys unraveling real-world mysteries, appreciates history with a dark twist, or simply wants a different perspective on the French Quarter, this tour is a fantastic choice. The moderate price point, combined with the high praise from hundreds of travelers, makes it a smart pick for a memorable night in New Orleans.

This tour isn’t for those seeking supernatural ghost stories or a family-friendly outing. But for adults with a taste for true crime, historical intrigue, and atmospheric storytelling, it’s a perfect way to spend an evening. Prepare to be entertained, a little disturbed, and thoroughly engaged as you walk through the city’s most sinister—and fascinating—secrets.