New Orleans Yellow Fever Ghost Tour

Thinking about adding a ghostly twist to your New Orleans visit? This popular walking tour offers an intriguing glimpse into the city’s darker past, blending history, mystery, and a dash of the supernatural. With a solid 5-star rating from over a thousand travelers, it’s clear that many find it well worth the $35 investment. But like all tours, it has its pros and cons—so let’s break down what you’re really signing up for.

What we love most about this experience is how it combines fascinating storytelling with accessible, on-foot exploration of the French Quarter’s most haunted landmarks. And the fact that it’s recommended by 97% of past guests suggests it hits the right note for those craving an authentic, spooky adventure. That said, there’s the occasional critique about group size and sound quality, which are worth considering if you’re a very light sleeper or prefer more intimate, quiet encounters.

This ghost tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy a blend of history and ghost stories, especially those who don’t mind walking for about an hour and a half. It’s ideal for visitors looking for an entertaining evening activity that’s both educational and a little eerie. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family (teens seem to enjoy it too), this tour offers a fun way to experience New Orleans’ mysterious side.

Key Points

• It’s a lively, walking tour through the French Quarter, lasting approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
• The tour covers sites like Pirates Alley, Marie Laveau House of Voodoo, and LaLaurie Mansion.
• Guides are generally knowledgeable and enthusiastic, but some reviews note variable presentation quality.
• The $35 price point offers good value, especially considering the historic and spooky sites visited.
• Group sizes are limited to 28 travelers, which helps keep the experience somewhat intimate.
• Be prepared for potential noise issues in crowded areas, and consider your walking stamina.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The tour begins at the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum at 514 Chartres Street, a fitting start since it’s the first pharmacy in the U.S. and now functions as a museum. While the admission is not included, the building itself offers a fascinating glimpse into early medicine and the city’s medical history. From there, your guide will lead you to Pirates Alley, a narrow, cobblestone passage famous for 18th-century duels and pirate lore. Here, you’ll spend around 20 minutes soaking in the ambiance and hearing stories of maritime misadventures and hauntings.

Next, the group moves to the Marie Laveau House of Voodoo—a colorful, eclectic shop that pays homage to the legendary Voodoo Queen. Standing outside, you can observe the building and hear tales of Marie Laveau’s influence and mystical powers. It’s a photo-worthy stop, and a chance to learn about the city’s spiritual folklore.

The final key stop is at the infamous LaLaurie Mansion at 1138 Royal Street. Known for its gruesome history involving Delphine LaLaurie, this mansion is a dark piece of New Orleans’ past. The guide will share stories of cruelty and mystery that make the location one of the city’s most haunted landmarks. The tour concludes here, but the spooky tales often linger long after.

What Are the Highlights?

One of the main attractions of this tour is its evening setting. Exploring the French Quarter after dark amplifies the eerie vibe, making stories about hauntings and supernatural events more convincing. The guided narration, based on local lore and mystery, enhances the experience, especially as you get close to historic sites that seem to whisper tales of the past.

The stops at Pirates Alley and Marie Laveau House of Voodoo are free, which adds good value—these are iconic spots packed with history and local character. The LaLaurie Mansion, while viewing from outside, offers a chilling glimpse into one of the city’s most infamous stories.

Several reviews praise the guides, calling them knowledgeable, fun, and passionate. However, some travelers note that the presentation quality can vary, and in crowded conditions, it can be tough to hear everything clearly. This is especially true if your group is large or if background noise from traffic and other tours is loud.

The Experience from a Traveler’s Perspective

Many guests appreciate the balance of history and spooky stories. One reviewer mentioned that “it’s an entertaining tour, tour guy was very knowledgeable,” and enjoyed the stop for refreshments halfway through. Others, however, express disappointment when weather conditions, like rain, interfere, or when guides are unable to adapt quickly, leading to a less satisfying experience.

The group size, capped at 28, is generally appreciated, as it helps keep the tour manageable and engaging. But a few reviews noted that larger groups can make hearing difficult unless guides use microphones—a feature that isn’t explicitly mentioned.

The duration of 1.5 hours strikes a good balance—long enough to explore key sights without becoming tiresome. But being on foot means some physical activity, so travelers should be moderately fit. The tour is quite suitable for families, especially those with teens who enjoy a spooky story or two.

The Practical Side: Value, Logistics, and Considerations

At $35 per person, this tour offers a worthwhile experience for those interested in ghost stories and local legends. The price is comparable to other walking tours, but the inclusion of multiple iconic sites makes it a decent deal. Plus, the tour’s focus on the darker, more mysterious side of New Orleans offers a different perspective than traditional historical tours.

The meeting point on Chartres Street is central in the French Quarter, close to many hotels and public transportation options. The mobile ticket makes it easy to check in, and the flexible start times in the evening allow for some freedom—just be sure to book at least 15 days in advance since it’s popular.

Weather can influence the tour—rain or storms may lead to cancellations or a less enjoyable experience. In such cases, a full refund is available if you cancel more than 24 hours ahead. Keep in mind that the guide has limited authority to cancel due to weather, so check the forecast beforehand.

Who Should Sign Up?

This tour is perfect for those who enjoy engaging storytelling, a bit of history, and a spooky atmosphere. It’s especially good for first-time visitors wanting a quick, entertaining introduction to the haunted side of New Orleans. The group size, pace, and site selection make it accessible for most physically able travelers, including families with teens.

If you’re after a quiet, intimate experience or highly detailed historical analysis, you might find this tour a bit lively or superficial in parts. Still, many find it an enjoyable way to spend an evening, especially if you love stories that send a shiver down your spine.

Final Thoughts

The New Orleans Yellow Fever Ghost Tour offers a lively, engaging way to explore the city’s darker corners after sunset. It’s a good value, thanks to its mix of iconic sites, colorful storytelling, and the chance to see New Orleans in a different light—literally.

While guides’ presentation quality can vary, most guests walk away with fun stories and a new perspective on the city’s mysterious side. It’s a tour that suits curious travelers, history buffs, and those who love a good ghost story. Just remember to dress comfortably, bring a sense of adventure, and be prepared for some walking and possibly noisy surroundings.

If you’re after a memorable, spooky evening that captures the spirit of New Orleans’ haunted past, this ghost tour could be just what you’re looking for.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children? Many families with teens enjoy it, especially if kids are interested in ghosts or history. However, it’s best suited for those comfortable with walking and spooky stories.

How long is the tour? It lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes, making it a manageable evening activity.

Are admission tickets included? No, the tour does not include admission to the Pharmacy Museum, but stops at other sites are free to view from outside.

What should I wear? Since it’s an outdoor walking tour in the evening, dress comfortably and appropriately for weather conditions.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad? Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel more than 24 hours in advance, and the tour can be canceled due to poor weather.

Is this a guided tour with microphones? Not explicitly; some reviews mention difficulty hearing in crowded areas. Guides are generally enthusiastic but may not use microphones.

What is the group size? The maximum group size is 28 travelers, which helps keep things lively and manageable.

How do I book? It’s best to book at least 15 days in advance, especially during peak times, via the booking platform.

Is it accessible for people with mobility issues? Moderate physical fitness is recommended. If you have specific needs, it’s wise to contact the provider beforehand to clarify accessibility.

This ghost tour offers a memorable way to experience New Orleans’ eerie side, blending history and ghost stories with the charm of the French Quarter. Whether you’re a history lover or just in search of a spooky story or two, it’s a lively, interesting option for an evening out in the city.