New Orleans Voodoo, Ghost, Murder, True Crime and Vampire Tour

Planning a trip to New Orleans and craving an authentic taste of its spooky, supernatural side? This Voodoo, Ghost, Murder, True Crime, and Vampire Tour offers an engaging journey through the city’s darkest legends, all delivered by knowledgeable guides in a relaxed, walkable format. While it’s not a ghost-hunting expedition with theatrics and scares, it promises verified stories, iconic sites, and a good dose of local lore that will leave you both intrigued and informed.

What makes this tour appealing? First, the expert guides—like Gomez or Wesley—are praised for their storytelling skills and ability to make history come alive. Second, it provides a well-balanced blend of historical facts and chilling tales, making it suitable for those who want substance as well as a bit of fun. Third, the affordable price point of $32 makes it accessible for most travelers, especially considering the depth of content. On the flip side, some reviews mention that it’s a moderate walking tour—so if you’re not a fan of walking or need accessibility accommodations, that’s worth considering.

This tour is best suited for history buffs, supernatural aficionados, and first-time visitors eager to explore the city’s darker side without the fluff. If you’re after a mix of education and entertainment in a small-group setting, this experience will likely hit the right spot.

Key Points

• Authentic stories: The tour focuses on verified accounts of murders, hauntings, and folklore rather than theatrical dramatizations.
• Strong guides: Guides like Gomez, Jenna, Wes, and Orien are highly praised for their storytelling and engaging manner.
• Iconic stops: From the historic Lalaurie Mansion to Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, the tour visits some of the most interesting and spooky locations in the French Quarter.
• Affordable value: At just $32, it offers a substantial mix of history and spooky tales, with most reviews highlighting its good value.
• Accessible and family-friendly: Most travelers, including those with mobility concerns, can participate comfortably.
• Limited cemetery focus: While cemeteries are mentioned, the tour doesn’t include cemetery visits, focusing instead on haunted buildings and city legends.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Lalaurie Mansion: The Heart of Haunted New Orleans

The tour kicks off at the notorious Lalaurie Mansion, famed for its dark past and association with one of the city’s most infamous serial stories. Visitors often snap pictures here, hoping to capture paranormal activity—some reviews mention trying to “capture something” during their brief stop. It’s only about five minutes, but the mansion’s aura of mystery and its reputation as a haunted site make it a compelling starting point. The guide might share chilling details about the building’s history and its dark secrets, setting the tone for the tour.

The Oldest Cathedral in the US

Next, the group moves to the St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest in the country. While the tour doesn’t involve interior visits, the cathedral’s architecture and history are woven into the narrative, enriching the experience. It’s a reminder of how the city’s spiritual and supernatural histories are intertwined.

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar: The Oldest Bar in America

A quick stop at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop offers a chance to learn about pirate legends and vampire folklore. Many reviews highlight this as a favorite, with one reviewer noting that the guide’s storytelling made the bar stop lively and fun. You can purchase a drink here, adding a taste of local flavor to the spooky atmosphere. The bar’s atmospheric, candlelit setting enhances the pirate and vampire stories that have become deeply rooted in New Orleans’ culture.

Pirates Alley: From Legend to Reality

The final stop is Pirates Alley, a historic spot that earned its name thanks to stories linking it to pirates and privateers. The guide explains why this narrow street gained its infamous reputation and how it fits into the city’s broader tales of crime, piracy, and supernatural mystique. The stories are typically lively and engaging, with many reviewers remarking on how well guides like Wesley and Gomez bring the streets’ history alive.

What You Can Expect from the Tour

The 1 hour 30-minute walking experience is designed to be manageable, with most of the stops lasting about five minutes. The tour covers a few select sites but packs in plenty of storytelling, so don’t expect a marathon of sightseeing—focus instead on the quality of the tales and the atmosphere.

The small group size, capped at 28 travelers, helps keep the experience intimate and allows guides to personalize their stories based on the group’s interests. Many guests note that the guides adapt well to their questions and curiosity, making it more than just a scripted walk.

Guides and Their Stories

Reviews frequently praise the guides’ storytelling skills. Gomez, in particular, is commended for his “outstanding” ability to captivate and entertain. Jenna and Wes also earn praise for their friendly approach and the depth of their knowledge. Several reviews mention how guides are eager to cater to the group’s preferences, whether they’re more interested in ghosts, voodoo, or pirates.

The Experience’s Authenticity

This isn’t a tour filled with cheesy theatrics or staged performances. Instead, the focus is on verifiable accounts, with guides often sharing their sources and emphasizing historical accuracy. This approach appeals to travelers who prefer substance over spectacle and want stories grounded in real events.

The Atmosphere and Vibe

The tour’s evening timing enhances the spooky feel, especially in the historic, dimly lit streets of the French Quarter. Many reviewers comment on the fun ambiance, with some describing it as “lighthearted” but respectful of the city’s darker past. The stop at a historic bar adds a relaxed vibe, perfect for those who want to sip a drink while soaking in the stories.

Pricing and Value

At $32 per person, this tour offers a lot of bang for your buck. For less than the cost of a fancy cocktail, you get an engaging 1.5-hour walk through some of the most haunted and mysterious sites in New Orleans, guided by experts. When considering the reviews—many of which state the tour exceeded expectations—it’s clear that the value is solid, especially for those interested in history, crime, and ghost stories.

The tour includes all taxes and fees, so there are no hidden costs to worry about. Drinks are not included, but with a stop at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, you’re encouraged to buy your own, which adds to the experience rather than detracting from it.

Practicalities and Tips

• Meeting point is centrally located at 620 Decatur St, within easy walking distance from many French Quarter hotels.
• Arrive at least 15 minutes early to ensure a stress-free check-in.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for most fitness levels, but comfortable shoes are recommended due to the walking involved.
• The timing makes it perfect for an evening activity, especially after dinner.
• If you’re interested in stories about voodoo, pirates, or ghosts, this tour hits all those themes without going overboard on theatrics.
• While children are welcome, some stories might be a bit scary for younger guests, so parental discretion is advised.

What Reviewers Say

Most guests left highly satisfied, praising the guides’ storytelling and the tour’s mix of history and supernatural tales. Gomez, for example, was dubbed a “rockstar storyteller” and someone who “made the experience even more enjoyable.” One reviewer summarized, “It was a beautiful history lesson told through crime, voodoo, paranormal activity, and vampires.”

A handful of less favorable reviews mention that some stops weren’t visited as planned, or that they expected more ghost stories. However, these seem outliers in an otherwise positive set of feedback, with many appreciating the approachable, friendly guides and the authentic stories shared.

Final Thoughts

This New Orleans Voodoo, Ghost, Murder, True Crime, and Vampire Tour offers a practical, engaging way to explore the city’s darker tales without the fluff. It’s especially good for those who want a mix of historical facts, folklore, and lively storytelling in a small-group setting. The price point makes it accessible, and the quality of guides like Gomez and Wesley guarantees an entertaining experience.

While not a haunted house or spooky scare fest, it provides a balanced look at New Orleans’ haunted reputation, combining genuine stories with cultural insights. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned local, this tour is a smart choice for anyone curious about the city’s mysterious side.

FAQ

Is parking available near the meeting point?
Parking is limited near 620 Decatur St, with rates varying. Given the convenient location in the French Quarter, walking or using public transportation is often easier. Ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft also work well.

Can I use public transportation?
Yes, public transit stops near the meeting point, making it accessible without a car.

How early should I arrive?
Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start to avoid rushing and ensure you’re ready when the tour begins.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Absolutely. It’s appropriate for all ages, though some content might be a bit spooky for very young children.

How strenuous is the tour?
It involves moderate walking mainly on flat surfaces, so it’s manageable for most people, but be sure to wear comfortable shoes.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the route is mostly flat and paved, suitable for wheelchairs.

Are drinks included?
No, but you can purchase drinks at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop during the bar stop. The tour itself doesn’t include refreshments.

To sum it up, if you’re after a well-informed, atmospheric exploration of New Orleans’ haunted and mysterious side, this tour stands out as a worthwhile option. It balances history, local legend, and entertainment in a way that appeals to both casual visitors and dedicated lore fans alike.