Ghosts, Gods, & Gangsters of New Orleans

If you’re drawn to stories of the macabre, true crime, and haunted legends, the Ghosts, Gods, & Gangsters of New Orleans tour promises an intriguing journey through the city’s shadowy past. Led by a certified guide, this adults-only walking experience offers a captivating look at the dark side of New Orleans, blending history, ghostly tales, and notorious legends—all in just under two hours.

What we love most about this tour is the detailed storytelling that feels both authentic and engrossing, the small-group intimacy that keeps the experience personal, and the balance of historical facts with spooky legends. The price point of $32 per person offers great value for a guided experience that covers many of the city’s most infamous sites and stories.

One possible consideration is the outdoor setting—be prepared for weather, as the tour is entirely outside, and dress accordingly for comfort and warmth, especially in cooler months. This tour is best suited for adults who appreciate history, true crime, or ghost stories and are eager for a slightly darker side of New Orleans.

Key Points

• Authentic storytelling from a licensed, knowledgeable guide
• Rich dark history combined with ghost and legend tales
• Small group tours foster a more personal experience
• Priced affordably at $32, with a duration of just under two hours
• Visual and atmospheric stops enhance storytelling
• Ideal for adults interested in history, crime, or haunted legends

This tour earns its reputation by offering a balanced mix of history, ghost stories, and true crime tales. It’s not a cheesy ghost tour; instead, it anchors each story in well-researched facts, making the experience both educational and spine-tingling. Led by Dr. Edward Simmons, a guide highly praised for his storytelling prowess, the tour feels both professional and personal, with smaller groups often making it more engaging.

The tour is curated to take you through some of the most evocative spots of the French Quarter, each with its own dark story. From cursed buildings to notorious gangster history, the stories are textured with local lore, making each stop feel like a piece of a much larger puzzle.

What Makes the Tour Stand Out?

Knowledge and passion are evident from the start. Reviewers repeatedly mention how Dr. Simmons’ storytelling voice and enthusiasm make the stories come alive, creating a truly immersive experience. One reviewer noted, “He has a great storytelling voice,” which is key to keeping the attention of a group that might be skeptical or just casually interested.

Small group sizes (often just a handful of participants) enhance the intimacy. As one reviewer mentioned, “Having just eight people made for a much more personal tour,” allowing for engaging conversations and questions throughout. And, because the tour is outdoors, it feels more like a friendly exploration than a scripted show.

Authentic stories—many based on local legends—add to the creepy allure. Highlights include tales of the Casket Girls, who supposedly brought vampiric beings to the city, and the Lalaurie Mansion, infamous for its history of human suffering and ghost sightings.

Each stop on the tour is carefully chosen to reveal a different aspect of New Orleans’ dark side. Here’s what you can expect at each location.

Old Ursuline Convent Museum

The tour kicks off outside this historic site, standing under its decaying walls that have watched over the city since its founding. The story of the Casket Girls is a fascinating blend of folklore and legend, with whispers suggesting they might have brought vampires into the city. Reviewers mention that “standing here after dark, you might wonder if something cursed still lurks within,” which really sets the tone.

While entrance isn’t included, the exterior itself offers a haunting atmosphere. The guide points out the legend of the young women arriving with mysterious chests that might have contained unholy entities. Well before modern horror movies, this story has captured imaginations for generations.

BK Historic House and Gardens

Next, the tour ventures toward a grand mansion that once belonged to P.T. Beauregard, a Civil War general, and later housed renowned author Frances Parkinson Keyes. This site is layered with history, but what makes it especially compelling is its connection to mafia violence. Reviewers mention that “over a hundred years ago, this was the scene of one of the city’s most infamous mafia hits,” with some claiming that unsettled spirits still linger here, caught in an eternal phantom feud.

The shadows and faint whispers reputedly seen or heard add a spooky thrill, though the focus remains grounded in historical fact. The contrast between the mansion’s elegant veneer and its violent past offers a vivid sense of New Orleans’ complex history.

Lalaurie Mansion

One of the most iconic haunted spots, the Lalaurie residence is a must-see. Once owned by Madame Delphine Lalaurie, the mansion’s reputation is rooted in stories of diabolical experiments and human suffering. The iron balcony and ornate facade only add to its chilling allure.

Reviewers describe feeling the “anguished echoes of those who perished,” and some even report sightings of Madame herself. The guide narrates tales of the horrors committed within these walls, making it clear why this site is both famous and feared.

French Market and Gallatin Street

Moving away from the mansion, the tour stops briefly at the French Market, where the history of Gallatin Street—once notorious for red-light districts and gangland violence—comes alive. The stories of sailors and locals lured into deadly traps by gangsters or sirens are chilling, especially when the guide hints at murderous histories masked by modern facades.

Reviewers note that the area looks much calmer today, but the dark past still whispers from the cracked sidewalks, inviting questions about what really went on behind those historic doors.

Jackson Square

Historically, Jackson Square was the site of public executions, and the ghosts of those condemned still seem to linger. The guide describes how prisoners faced their end as jeering crowds watched, with some witnessing barbaric executions that made even hardened locals shudder.

Today, the square hosts lively travelers, but many feel a mournful presence when standing beneath the towering cathedral. As one reviewer put it, “we pause to acknowledge the squares darker times,” making this a poignant stop in the tour.

New Orleans Pharmacy Museum and Omni Royal Orleans

The pharmacy museum is shrouded in rumors of secret experiments during plague years, with stories of fringe doctors conducting lethal trials. Though admission isn’t included, the stories about lost souls and shadowy figures seen through the windows add a ghostly dimension to the building’s history.

The Omni Royal Orleans Hotel also features prominently, with tales of fire disasters, mafia dealings, and a recent tragic suicide, all hinting at a haunted atmosphere. Some reviewers mention that the dark history is woven into the hotel’s walls, giving the place an undercurrent of sorrow beneath its polished surface.

The tour lasts approximately 1 hour 45 minutes and is conducted entirely outdoors. The guide, notably Dr. Simmons, is known for his engaging voice and well-researched stories, which keep the group captivated. Reviews highlight his ability to balance humor and horror, making the experience both fun and informative.

Group sizes are kept small, which seems to be a significant factor in the positive reviews, allowing for questions and more personalized storytelling. The tour departs at 8:00 pm from a central location, making it an ideal nighttime activity for those looking to experience the city’s haunted aura.

Weather considerations are important, as the tour is outdoors—be sure to dress warmly in colder months, especially if you’re sensitive to the elements. The tour does not include inside visits, but the outside stories are enough to give a strong sense of New Orleans’ darker side.

Cost-wise, $32 per person is quite reasonable considering the depth of stories and the guide’s expertise. With many reviews noting the quality of storytelling and historical accuracy, it’s a solid value for a unique, spooky experience.

This tour is perfect for adults who love history, true crime, or ghost stories and want a more authentic, less gimmicky experience. The stories are grounded in fact, and the small-group approach fosters a sense of intimacy and curiosity.

For those seeking an atmospheric night adventure, the outdoor stops and authentic legends create a genuinely eerie vibe. It’s especially ideal if you’ve already explored the main sights and want to see a different side of New Orleans—its darker, more mysterious history.

If you’re after a well-researched, engaging guide, Dr. Simmons’ enthusiastic narration and detailed storytelling make this tour stand out. It’s a great way to learn about the city’s infamous legends while feeling like you’re part of a secret history club.

This tour offers a well-rounded peek into the haunted and gangster-filled past of New Orleans, making history feel alive through storytelling and atmosphere. The small group format and knowledgeable guides create an immersive experience that’s both fun and educational.

The storytelling style balances spooky tales with historical facts, appealing to those interested in true crime, ghost lore, or the city’s darker secrets. The price point makes it an accessible outing that doesn’t sacrifice depth or quality.

Overall, this tour is invaluable for travelers who want to understand the city’s gritty, haunted roots without the fluff. It’s ideal for adults who enjoy a mix of history and mystery, with enough intrigue to keep you talking long after the walk ends.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, this tour is adults-only (17+), given the dark themes and mature content.

How long does the tour last?
It runs for approximately 1 hour 45 minutes, making it a perfect evening activity.

Do I need to prepare for the outdoor setting?
Yes, dress warmly, especially during winter months, as the entire tour is outdoors.

Are entrance fees included?
No, admission to sites like the Old Ursuline Convent Museum, Lalaurie Mansion, and Pharmacy Museum are not included.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for your schedule.

Is the tour family-friendly?
No, given the mature themes, it’s best suited for adults interested in the darker side of New Orleans.

To sum it up, if you’re after a genuinely gripping, fact-based exploration of New Orleans’ notorious past, this tour delivers. It combines storytelling, history, and ghostly legends into an evening that’s both fun and enlightening. Perfect for history buffs, ghost enthusiasts, or anyone curious about the city’s sinister stories, this experience will leave you with plenty to talk about long after you’ve finished walking the dark streets.