The Badly Behaved Women Who Made New Orleans Tour

Introduction

If you’re curious about the hidden, naughty side of New Orleans, the Badly Behaved Women Who Made New Orleans Tour offers a spirited look into the city’s less-polished past. Priced at just $30 per person, this two-and-a-half-hour journey is packed with stories of women who defied conventions and shaped the infamous scenes of the French Quarter and Storyville. The tour is hosted by Spectral City Tours, and based on recent reviews, it’s a solid choice for anyone eager to understand the city’s colorful and, at times, scandalous history.

What we really love about this tour is how it combines storytelling with authentic sites, creating a vivid picture of a world that many travelers might overlook. The guide’s knowledge shines through, making the experience feel both entertaining and educational. However, one thing to keep in mind is that the tour covers some sensitive topics, like sex trafficking and vice, which might not be suitable for young children or those uncomfortable with adult themes. Still, if you’re interested in history with a twist of mischief, this tour hits the mark.

This experience is best suited for history buffs, curious travelers, or those wanting a different perspective on New Orleans’ storied past. It’s especially worthwhile if you enjoy stories about colorful characters, the evolution of vice districts, and the city’s underground secrets. Now, let’s explore what makes this tour a standout.

Key Points

• Affordable price: At $30, it offers good value for an engaging 2.5-hour tour filled with stories and history.
• Knowledgeable guides: Tour guides like Tracy receive praise for their expertise and lively storytelling.
• Authentic sites: The tour visits real historic locations, including the oldest building in the French Quarter and the site of the first legal brothel.
• Balanced pacing: The tour moves at a comfortable speed, allowing ample time to absorb stories and take photos.
• Rich narrative: It covers over 300 years of New Orleans’ vice history, from the 1700s to the colorful Storyville era.
• Limited group size: With a max of 15 travelers, it feels intimate and personalized.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Starting Point and Initial Insights

Your journey kicks off at the intersection of Chartres Street & Ursulines Avenue, right in the heart of the French Quarter. From here, the tour’s first stop is the Ursuline Convent—the oldest building in the city, dating back to 1727. Our guide, Tracy, did a stellar job of weaving historical facts with lively anecdotes. She explained how the church and King Louis XV’s policies contributed to the city’s early sin trade, with nuns tasked with “correcting” women through nude lashings—an eye-opening detail that immediately sets the tone.

Pro tip: this stop offers a sobering glimpse into early colonial efforts to control female morality, which surprisingly included the women themselves being seen as the problem. It’s a reminder of how deeply rooted these issues are, even centuries ago.

The Historic French Market and Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop

Next, a quick 10-minute stop at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar—claimed as North America’s oldest building housing a bar. Although the tour doesn’t focus on cocktails, it’s a fun photo op and a chance to hear about its history as a smuggling front in the past. The guide’s approach makes it more than just a tourist attraction; it’s a window into secret dealings and lively nightlife of yesteryear.

Marie Laveau and Voodoo Roots

A notable feature of this tour is the visit to the Marie Laveau birthplace. While many might expect a stop at her famous house or voodoo shop, the tour instead emphasizes her role as a voodoo leader and her real source of income—highlighting her as a complex figure rather than just a legend. The guide discussed how she became a high-class madam, earning her money through more than just spiritual practices.

Review insight: we loved the way the guide clarified Marie Laveau’s multifaceted reputation, separating myth from reality. This kind of honesty helps travelers appreciate her true historical significance.

Louis Armstrong Park and the Storyville Legacy

The tour’s core narrative unfolds as you reach Louis Armstrong Park, a lush, shaded space overlooking where Storyville once thrived. Here, the guide described how the grand palaces and jazz halls of Basin Street gave way to the Iberville Projects, marking a stark change in urban landscape and social dynamics.

Guests have ample time (about 25 minutes) to sit, view photos, and listen to stories of madams, jazz musicians, and scandalous characters. This stop is especially powerful because it contextualizes the vice districts within the city’s evolving social fabric. From glamorous madams flaunting diamonds to the gritty reality of urban decline, it offers a layered picture of New Orleans’ vice history.

Practicalities and Experience Quality

The tour operates with mobile tickets, making check-in straightforward, and starts promptly at 2:00 pm. Its small group size (up to 15 travelers) ensures a personal experience, and reviews consistently mention how Tracy’s enthusiasm and depth of knowledge enhance the storytelling. One reviewer called her “a lot of fun,” noting her ability to sprinkle in extra tidbits that add flavor to the journey.

Timing and pace are well thought out—no feeling rushed, with enough time at each stop to absorb stories or take photos. The tour is also near public transportation, making it accessible for most travelers.

Value: Given the price point, the tour offers a compelling mix of history, culture, and entertainment that’s hard to beat. It’s a great way to add a unique angle to your New Orleans visit without breaking the bank.

What the Tour Includes and What You Should Expect

• Visit to the Ursuline Convent: historical context of early sex trafficking and moral control.
• Stop at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop: a historic bar and former smuggling front.
• Marie Laveau’s birthplace: insight into her true role as a madam and voodoo figure.
• Louis Armstrong Park: a scenic overview of Storyville, with photos and stories of its residents.
• Discussion of the Golden Lantern and Southern Decadence: adding layers of LGBTQ+ history to the vice district narrative.
• Visit to May Bailys Place: the first legal brothel, highlighting the shift from illicit to legal prostitution.

Throughout the tour, expect to hear candid stories, interesting trivia, and a nuanced view of how these women and districts influenced New Orleans’ reputation and culture.

Final Thoughts

The Badly Behaved Women Who Made New Orleans Tour stands out as a lively, informative experience that explores the city’s darker, more provocative past. The tour’s strength lies in its engaging guide, Tracy, who makes history accessible and fun, peppering her narration with humor and insider knowledge. The small group size creates an intimate atmosphere, allowing for questions and more personalized storytelling.

While it covers sensitive and adult themes, the tour handles them thoughtfully, making it suitable for travelers who enjoy stories of scandal, vice, and colorful characters. We found the price point to be very reasonable considering the depth and authenticity of the content, making it excellent value for money.

If you’re looking to understand the evolution of vice in New Orleans, appreciate a good story, and see real historic sites, this tour is an excellent choice. It’s especially perfect for those who want a different perspective on the city’s history beyond the usual ghost tours and cemetery visits.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour covers adult themes like vice districts and sex work, so it’s best suited for older teens and adults.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 2.5 hours, giving enough time to explore several historically significant sites without feeling rushed.

What is the meeting point?
The tour starts at Chartres Street & Ursulines Avenue, in the French Quarter.

Are tickets included in the price?
Yes, the tour uses mobile tickets that can be easily scanned upon arrival.

Is the tour accessible for people with service animals?
Yes, service animals are allowed.

How many people typically join the tour?
The group size is limited to 15 travelers, ensuring a personal experience.

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

What’s the best way to dress?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as the tour involves some outdoor stops and walking.

Does the tour include food or drinks?
No, the experience is focused on storytelling and site visits; food and drinks are not part of the tour.

What themes does the tour cover?
It covers New Orleans’ vice districts, the history of Madame Laveau, Storyville, and related adult themes like sex work and underground activities.

To sum it up, if you’re after a tour that combines humor, history, and a look at the city’s more daring past, this experience is a fantastic pick. It’s particularly well-suited for those who appreciate authentic stories, insightful guides, and an offbeat perspective on New Orleans’ colorful reputation. For just $30, you’re getting a memorable, eye-opening glimpse into the city’s scandalous side—definitely worth considering during your visit.