New Orleans: Brothel History Tour

New Orleans’ history as a center of vice and debauchery is no secret. The city’s notorious Storyville district, which operated as a legal red-light area in the late 19th century, has long captivated the public’s imagination. Now, visitors can explore this sordid past through the New Orleans Brothel History Tour. Participants will explore the social and economic dynamics of the era, uncovering the stories behind the city’s most infamous brothels. With a guided walking tour through the vibrant French Quarter, this unique experience offers a glimpse into New Orleans’ colorful history that few have the opportunity to witness.

Key Points

• The Storyville district in New Orleans operated as a legal red-light district in the late 19th century, attracting patrons and sex workers from across the country.
• The Brothel History Tour offers insights into the colorful history of Storyville, including visits to landmark brothel sites like Lulu White’s Mahogany Hall.
• The tour provides an understanding of the economic and social dynamics of the red-light district, as well as the historical significance of the landmark sites.
• The guided walking tour of the French Quarter highlights former brothel sites and landmarks, while also experiencing the lively atmosphere of Bourbon Street.
• Participants are advised to exercise caution and discretion, as the tour explores historical prostitution, while the guides provide factual information without promoting any illegal activities.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Historical Overview of Prostitution in New Orleans

New Orleans has a rich and storied history when it comes to the sex trade. In the late 19th century, the infamous Storyville district emerged as the city’s legal red-light district, attracting patrons and sex workers from across the country.

Brothels, bordellos, and saloons flourished, catering to a wide range of tastes and budgets. While prostitution was eventually outlawed, the legacy of Storyville and New Orleans’ tolerance of the sex industry endures.

Today, the city’s Brothel History Tour offers a glimpse into this colorful and controversial chapter of the Big Easy’s past.

The Rise and Decline of the Storyville District

Emerging in the late 19th century, the Storyville district became New Orleans’ legal red-light area, attracting patrons and sex workers from across the country.

The district was strictly regulated, with brothels, dance halls, and saloons operating under a system of licenses and permits.

Storyville’s establishments operated under a regulated system of licenses and permits overseeing brothels, dance halls, and saloons.

Key features of Storyville included:

• Infamous brothels like the Mahogany Hall and the Dew Drop Inn

• Presence of jazz musicians who performed in the district’s establishments

• Influence of powerful figures like Tom Anderson, the "Mayor of Storyville"

• Eventual decline in the 1910s due to social reform efforts and the closure of the district.

Exploring Landmark Brothel Sites

As visitors embark on the Brothel History Tour in New Orleans, they’ll have the opportunity to explore several landmark sites that were once home to the city’s thriving sex industry.

One of the most notable stops is the former location of Lulu White’s Mahogany Hall, a renowned brothel that operated during the Storyville era.

The tour also includes visits to other notorious brothel sites, providing insights into the economic and social dynamics that shaped the city’s vibrant but controversial red-light district.

Through these site visits, participants gain a deeper understanding of New Orleans’ complex and intriguing brothel history.

Guided Walking Tour of the French Quarter

The Brothel History Tour continues as participants embark on a guided walking exploration of New Orleans’ vibrant French Quarter.

The tour guide leads the group through the atmospheric streets, bringing the district’s storied past to life. Highlights include:

• Visiting landmarks and former brothel sites that dot the neighborhood

• Learning about the notorious Storyville district, once a legal red-light area

• Soaking in the lively nighttime energy of Bourbon Street and its surrounding streets

• Enjoying two included bar stops to further immerse in the French Quarter experience

The guided walk provides an intimate, first-hand look at New Orleans’ scandalous history.

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Experiencing the Vibrant Nightlife of New Orleans

After the guided tour, participants can further enjoy the vibrant nightlife of New Orleans.

The French Quarter comes alive with lively bars, jazz clubs, and entertainment. Visitors can stroll down Bourbon Street, known for its lively atmosphere, and explore the local music scene.

Numerous bars, ranging from casual pubs to upscale lounges, offer a wide selection of cocktails and live music performances.

New Orleans’ vibrant nightlife boasts a diverse range of bars, from casual pubs to upscale lounges, featuring a wide array of cocktails and live music.

The nightlife in New Orleans is an integral part of the city’s culture, allowing guests to experience the unique character and energy that make it a popular destination.

Legal Considerations and Safety Precautions

While the Brothel History Tour in New Orleans explores the city’s rich history of prostitution, it’s important to note that the practice remains illegal in the present day.

To ensure a safe and responsible experience, the tour adheres to the following precautions:

• No illicit activities are witnessed or engaged in during the tour

• The tour concludes at a public location, typically near Bourbon Street

• Participants are advised to exercise caution and discretion throughout the tour

• Guides provide factual historical information without promoting or glamorizing illegal activities

Testimonials and Recommendations From Past Participants

Three past participants have raved about their experience on the Brothel History Tour in New Orleans.

One reviewer praised the guide, Karen, for her "detailed and accommodating approach," making the tour engaging and informative.

Another described the "vibrant atmosphere of the French Quarter at night" as a highlight.

The vibrant atmosphere of the French Quarter at night was a highlight of the Brothel History Tour.

The overall rating of 5/5 from three reviews indicates the tour is highly recommended for couples, groups of friends, solo travelers, and even families.

Customers appreciated the tour’s focus on the history of prostitution in New Orleans without witnessing any illegal activity.

Planning Your Brothel History Tour Experience

When planning your Brothel History Tour in New Orleans, visitors can expect an engaging and eye-opening exploration of the city’s notorious past.

The tour includes:

• Guided walking through the French Quarter, stopping at landmark brothel sites

• Insights into the infamous Storyville district and its impact on the city’s culture

• Two bar stops where guests can enjoy the vibrant local atmosphere (drinks not included)

• The Sum Up at 1026 Conti Street, typically heading towards the iconic Bourbon Street.

While prostitution is currently illegal in New Orleans, the tour focuses solely on the historical aspects without any illicit activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Explicit or Graphic Is the Content During the Tour?

While the tour explores the history of prostitution in New Orleans, it does not include any explicit or graphic content. The focus is on providing a factual, informative overview of the city’s brothel history without witnessing any illicit activity.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children or Families?

The tour is an adults-only experience and not suitable for children or families. It focuses on the history of prostitution, with no illicit activity witnessed during the tour. The content may be too explicit for minors.

Can Participants Take Photos or Videos During the Tour?

Participants can take photos and videos during the tour, though they’re advised to be respectful and discreet. The tour focuses on historical information, not active illicit activities, so photography is generally permitted.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Minimum Age Requirements?

The tour is an adults-only experience, with no minimum age requirement. Participants must be 18 years or older to join the tour, which explores the history of prostitution in New Orleans.

How Private or Discreet Is the Tour Experience?

The tour experience is designed to be discreet and private. It’s an adults-only experience with a small group size, and there’ll be no witnessing of any illicit activity during the tour. The guide give you an informative and respectful exploration of the history.

The Sum Up

The New Orleans Brothel History Tour provides a unique opportunity to explore the city’s storied past. Participants can explore landmark brothel sites, learn about the social dynamics of the era, and experience the vibrant nightlife of the French Quarter – all within a safe and respectful environment. Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious about this fascinating chapter of New Orleans’ history, this tour offers a captivating glimpse into the past.

You can check availability for your dates here: