New Orleans: French Quarter Saints & Sinners History Tour

If you’re after a tour that pulls back the curtain on New Orleans’ unique blend of faith, magic, and vice, the French Quarter Saints & Sinners History Tour offers an engaging, often surprising glimpse into the city’s soul. This 105-minute walk through the heart of the French Quarter is more than just a history lesson—it’s an experience that brings to life the complex stories of saints and sinners, with lively guides and a vivid, authentic atmosphere.

What makes this tour shine is its ability to balance entertainment with education. The guides seem genuinely passionate, weaving tales about everything from voodoo priestesses to devout Catholics, while the sights and stories reflect the city’s layered cultural identity. A second highlight is the chance to sip a free Hurricane cocktail an hour before the tour begins—an inviting way to get into the lively spirit of New Orleans.

However, keep in mind this is a walking tour in a city known for its humidity and heat—so comfortable footwear and a good sense of humor about the weather are crucial. Also, it’s geared toward adults 17 and older, given the mature themes involved. This tour is a fantastic fit for history buffs, cultural explorers, or anyone curious about the wild and spiritual side of New Orleans, especially those eager to see behind the stereotypical tourist spots.

Key Points

• Authentic stories about voodoo, faith, and the city’s dark past
• Engaging guides with deep local knowledge and personality
• Accessible and flexible booking options with full refund up to 24 hours in advance
• Pre-tour Hurricane drinks add a fun local flavor
• Short and sweet at just over an hour and a half, perfect for fitting into a busy day
• Culturally rich experience suitable for adults 17+ interested in history, magic, and New Orleans’ contradictions

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

When you join the French Quarter Saints & Sinners History Tour, you’re stepping into a city defined by its vibrant contrasts. From the outset, the tour begins at The Voodoo Lounge on North Rampart Street, a fitting place to start learning about the city’s fascinating blend of religious and mystical traditions.

The Atmosphere and Setting

The tour takes place in the historic heart of the French Quarter, where the air is thick with stories and the streets echo with jazz, whispers of the past, and the sounds of modern-day life. You’ll explore landmarks, alleyways, and sights often missed by casual passersby, each connected by tales that reveal New Orleans’ unique spiritual and cultural fabric.

Guided Tour: Knowledgeable, Entertaining, and Personal

Each guide brings their own flavor to the experience, with reviews praising guides like Angela, Bobby, Woody, Erin, Billy, Erica, and others for their enthusiasm, humor, and deep knowledge. They seem genuinely invested in sharing the city’s less polished stories—stories that include conspiracy theories, vampire legends, and the surprising Catholic faith of Marie Laveau, the famed Voodoo Queen.

The Sights and Stories

Expect to see the historic streets of the French Quarter, with stops that highlight sites linked to voodoo culture, religious icons, and the city’s notorious past. The stories aren’t just about the grotesque or spooky—they often reveal how faith has shaped the city’s identity. For example, you’ll learn how Marie Laveau combined her Catholic beliefs with her Voodoo practices, illustrating how these traditions coexist in New Orleans.

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The Pre-Tour Drinks and Tour Experience

One standout feature is the opportunity to arrive early at the meeting point to enjoy a “buy one, get one free” Hurricane cocktail. This small touch brings a playful, local flavor to the experience—plus, you’re welcome to bring a cocktail along on the tour, which adds to the fun and relaxed atmosphere.

Duration, Group Size, and Accessibility

The tour runs approximately 105 minutes, making it manageable for most travelers. It’s wheelchair accessible, a significant plus for those with mobility concerns. The group size is typically small, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience.

The Itinerary Breakdown

While the tour is flexible and guided more by storytelling than a rigid schedule, here’s what you might expect:

Starting Point: The Voodoo Lounge

The tour kicks off here, where your guide sets the tone with some introduction to New Orleans’ spiritual and mystical reputation. You might hear about the city’s notorious reputation for voodoo, vampires, and secret societies—stories that are as much about the city’s cultural fabric as about the supernatural.

Exploring Faith and Folklore

As you walk through the streets, the guide shares tales of Marie Laveau, who was both a devout Catholic and a powerful voodoo priestess. This duality is emblematic of how religion and magic intertwine in New Orleans—something you’ll see reflected in the architecture and local customs.

Historic Landmarks and Hidden Corners

Expect to see sights often overlooked by travelers, like old churches, private courtyards, and possibly some sites linked to conspiracy theories or ghost stories. The guide’s storytelling often includes amusing anecdotes and local legends, which make history come alive.

The Dark Side of the French Quarter

The tour doesn’t shy away from discussing sin, vice, and the city’s darker history, including organized crime and lawless days gone by. The stories paint a vivid picture of a city that has always been a magnet for both the righteous and the unruly.

Concluding in a Lively Atmosphere

The tour wraps back at the meeting point, leaving you with a new appreciation for the complex, layered identity of New Orleans—a city where faith and magic, saints and sinners coexist.

Pricing and Value

At just $22 per person, this tour offers an affordable way to see and understand a very particular side of New Orleans. Given the level of storytelling, the personable guides, and the included pre-tour cocktails, it’s a solid value—especially for travelers interested in history, culture, and authentic local stories.

While it’s a short tour, the depth of information and entertainment packed into 105 minutes makes it a worthwhile addition to any French Quarter itinerary. It’s a chance to experience the city beyond the typical tourist trail, gaining insights that will deepen your appreciation of its complex character.

Final Words: Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for adults 17 and older who enjoy stories of supernatural and religious lore, or those curious about the city’s contrasts—its saints and sinners. It appeals especially to travelers who appreciate guided storytelling that feels personal and engaging, rather than just a rapid-fire list of facts.

Those with a sense of humor and an openness to exploring the more colorful, eccentric side of New Orleans will find this tour particularly rewarding. It’s a good choice for history buffs, cultural explorers, or anyone who wants a more nuanced, less touristy perspective on the French Quarter.

If you’re after a lighthearted yet informative experience that offers a glimpse into the city’s spiritual duality, this tour hits the mark—plus, it’s a great way to start or end a day in the French Quarter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s designed for adults 17 and older because of mature themes involving sin, vice, and possibly some spooky stories.

How long does the tour last?
It runs about 105 minutes, making it a manageable experience that fits into most schedules.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at The Voodoo Lounge, located at 718 N Rampart Street at the corner of Orleans & N Rampart.

Can I bring a drink on the tour?
Yes, you can bring a cocktail along, and you’ll have the chance to buy a Hurricane at the meeting point an hour before the tour begins.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, it is wheelchair accessible, allowing more people to enjoy the stories and sights.

Do I need to pre-book?
Yes, booking in advance is recommended. You can cancel up to 24 hours before for a full refund, giving you flexibility if your plans change.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID card, especially if you want to enjoy the pre-tour drinks or for identification purposes.

How much does the tour cost?
It’s priced at $22 per person, which is quite reasonable given the depth of stories and guided experience.

To sum it up, the New Orleans French Quarter Saints & Sinners Tour offers a lively, authentic look at the city’s most intriguing stories of faith, magic, and mischief. It’s a well-priced experience that combines storytelling, history, and a touch of mischief—perfect for travelers wanting to go beyond the usual sightseeing and truly feel the spirit of New Orleans. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a fan of ghost stories, or simply curious about what makes this city so uniquely alive, you’ll find plenty to love here.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby