Wicked Women of New Orleans Walking Tour

Exploring New Orleans’ Wicked Women: A Walking Tour That Unveils the Dark Side of the French Quarter

Our review of the Wicked Women of New Orleans Walking Tour suggests this experience offers a unique glimpse into the city’s shadowy past, focusing on the women who left their mark — or their scars — on the city’s history. With a mix of storytelling, historic sites, and a touch of paranormal intrigue, this tour explores more than just the surface of New Orleans’ vibrant culture.

What really caught our eye is the tour’s ability to weave stories of scandal, mystery, and power through iconic locations like the Lalaurie Mansion and Jackson Square. We also appreciate how it combines history with a bit of spooky fun, making it engaging for both history buffs and ghost enthusiasts alike.

However, a potential consideration is that the tour doesn’t include interior visits to landmarks like the Old Ursuline Convent or the St. Louis Cathedral — so if you’re eager to step inside, this might not be the right fit. The outdoor storytelling and VIP access to haunted pubs make this experience a memorable stroll through New Orleans’ darker side.

This tour is perfect for travelers who enjoy stories of powerful women, haunted sites, and the history that whispers behind every corner of the French Quarter. It’s especially suited for those who like a mix of education and entertainment, with a good dash of ghostly tales to keep things lively.

Key Points

• Authentic stories of infamous women shaped New Orleans’ history.
• Historic sites with legendary tales, from the Lalaurie Mansion to Jackson Square.
• Guided by knowledgeable and engaging tour guides who bring stories to life.
• VIP access to haunted pubs and outdoor landmarks for a more immersive experience.
• Affordable price point of $29 per person offers great value for a 2-hour tour.
• Ideal for those interested in ghost stories, women’s history, and New Orleans secrets.

A Closer Look at the Wicked Women of New Orleans Tour

This walking tour isn’t your typical sightseeing route. Instead, it focuses on the women who played significant, often controversial, roles in shaping the city’s identity. Led by a licensed guide from Crawl New Orleans, the tour promises a balance of history, legend, and a touch of the supernatural. The guide’s enthusiasm and knowledge are often highlighted in reviews, with many noting how they brought the stories to life with engaging details.

The tour begins at the Voodoo Tavern and PoBoys on Decatur Street — a lively central spot that sets the tone for an engaging exploration. Over the course of approximately two hours, you’ll walk through the heart of the French Quarter, stopping at key landmarks that each tell their own story. The group is kept relatively small, with a maximum of 28 travelers, ensuring a comfortable and personalized experience.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

French Quarter: The Starting Point

The tour kicks off here, where you’ll get your first taste of the stories woven through the streets. The French Quarter’s architecture and ambiance set the perfect backdrop for tales of scandalous queens and voodoo priestesses. This area’s vibrant history forms the backbone of the tour, with the guide sharing stories that go far beyond the usual tourist spiel.

New Orleans Jazz Museum

While the tour does not include interior access, this historic building—originally the U.S. Mint—adds a haunted flavor to the experience. Its past as a U.S. Mint, combined with claims of ghost sightings, makes it a fascinating stop for ghost enthusiasts.

French Market

In just five minutes, you’ll learn about the importance of the French Market and its influence on the women whose stories you’re hearing. It’s a quick but impactful stop, connecting commerce and culture with the legendary figures of the city.

Lalaurie Mansion

No ghost story tour of New Orleans is complete without the Lalaurie Mansion. Known for its tortured history and haunting reputation, the exterior alone is enough to send shivers down your spine. The tour stays outside, respecting the building’s status as a private residence, but the tales shared about the mansion are enough to make your skin crawl.

Old Ursuline Convent Museum

Often associated with some of the city’s earliest ‘wicked women,’ this site offers a glimpse into the region’s colonial history. While visitors don’t go inside, the guide’s storytelling about the convent’s dark past adds a layer of intrigue.

Jackson Square & St. Louis Cathedral

These iconic landmarks sit at the heart of the French Quarter. While you won’t enter the cathedral, the guide explains its historical significance, especially in relation to the stories of women like the one depicted in the Jackson statue. The brief stops here are peppered with legends and creepy tales, including the story of the statue in the garden near the cathedral, which has become a focal point for local ghost stories.

Royal Street and End of Tour

Your final stop is on Royal Street, where the guide shares a chilling tale about the garden statue that leaves a lasting impression. The tour wraps up here, leaving you with stories to ponder as you stroll back into the lively streets of the French Quarter.

Why We Think This Tour Offers Great Value

At just $29, the Wicked Women of New Orleans Tour provides a rich, storytelling-driven experience that goes beyond typical sightseeing. The emphasis on outdoor landmarks and legendary tales makes it accessible and engaging. Plus, the VIP access to haunted pubs offers a fun, relaxed way to extend your experience without additional cost — perfect for those who want to keep the evening spirit alive.

The guide’s knowledge and storytelling skill seem to be a highlight, with reviewers praising how they brought history to life. One reviewer even called it a “fantastic tour”, commending how the guide made the city’s history feel vivid and real.

While it’s not an interior tour, the outdoor stops and the stories shared about haunted sites and notorious women make it a compelling experience. It’s especially suitable for travelers interested in ghost stories, women’s history, and New Orleans’ darker legends, offering a well-rounded blend of education and entertainment.

Practical Tips for Booking and Enjoying

• Book in advance, as this tour is popular and often booked 8 days ahead.
• The tour starts at 5:00 pm, ideal for catching the sunset and the city’s evening ambiance.
• Wear comfortable shoes since it’s a walking tour through the historic French Quarter.
• Bring a camera, as the outdoor landmarks and architecture make for great photo opportunities.
• Remember, it’s a mobile ticket — no need to print anything, making it super convenient.
• The tour ends near Jackson Square, so plan your evening around exploring more of the French Quarter afterward.

Summing Up: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely, if you’re after a unique, story-rich experience that focuses on the women who shaped New Orleans’ history, this tour is a smart choice. The combination of legendary tales, haunted sites, and engaging guides makes it a well-rounded option for those looking for more than just sightseeing.

It’s particularly appealing for travelers who enjoy ghost stories, women’s history, and local legends, and want to learn about the city from a perspective that highlights its more mysterious side.

The price point offers great value for what you get — a captivating two-hour journey into the dark, intriguing corners of the French Quarter.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is generally suitable for most travelers, but given the spooky stories and dark history, parents should use discretion for very young children.

Are interior visits included?
No, the tour does not include interior access to landmarks like the Lalaurie Mansion or St. Louis Cathedral. The experience is focused on outdoor storytelling.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours before the start are not refundable.

Is the tour accessible via public transportation?
Yes, the meeting point is near public transit options, making it easy to reach.

How long does the tour last?
It runs approximately 2 hours, giving you plenty of time to absorb the stories at a relaxed pace.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as you’ll be exploring the French Quarter on foot.

Are drinks included?
The tour features VIP access to haunted pubs where you can sip drinks to-go, but drinks are not included in the ticket price.

What makes this tour different from others in New Orleans?
It specifically centers around the stories of infamous women and haunted sites, blending history with ghostly legends for a more targeted experience.

Is it family-friendly?
Most travelers can participate, but the dark themes may not be suitable for very young children.

Who leads the tour?
A licensed guide from Crawl New Orleans, known for engaging storytelling and local knowledge.

To sum it up, the Wicked Women of New Orleans Walking Tour offers a compelling look at the city’s mysterious, powerful women and haunted landmarks. With engaging guides, outdoor storytelling, and a touch of ghostly charm, it’s a fantastic choice for those eager to uncover the hidden stories lurking behind New Orleans’ lively streets. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a ghost story hunter, this tour promises an evening of intrigue and entertainment worth every penny.