Shared 2 Hours Saints and Sinners Walking Tour in New Orleans

If you’re visiting New Orleans and craving a look behind the Mardi Gras masks and jazz clubs, the Shared 2 Hours Saints and Sinners Walking Tour might just be what you need. With its focus on the city’s more lurid and fascinating stories, this tour promises an adult-only peek into the city’s edgy history, local legends, and infamous past. While it’s not a typical sightseeing stroll, it offers a blend of entertainment, education, and authentic storytelling—delivered by guides who genuinely know their stuff.

What we particularly love about this experience is the informative guides who make history come alive, the unique focus on dark and daring stories that you won’t find in standard tours, and the value for money at just $21 per person. Plus, the fact that it’s a walking tour means you get to explore at a leisurely pace, soaking in the atmosphere. However, a note to consider: since it’s an adults-only experience, travelers with kids may want to look elsewhere. This tour is perfect for curious adults, history buffs, and those interested in the city’s more notorious tales.

Key Points

• Authentic storytelling from passionate and knowledgeable guides.
• Focus on darker and more risqué aspects of New Orleans history.
• Two-hour walking experience through the French Quarter.
• Affordable price point at just $21 per person.
• Adults-only tour, with a focus on mature themes.
• Small group size (max 14 travelers) for a more personalized experience.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The Saints and Sinners Walking Tour isn’t your average city stroll. It’s designed for travelers who want to explore the less polished, more intriguing side of New Orleans. For just $21, you get a two-hour guided walk that’s both entertaining and insightful. The tour’s price point makes it accessible, and the small group setting ensures you won’t feel like just another face in the crowd.

The tour starts at the Voodoo Lounge on Rampart Street, where you’re treated to buy-one-get-one-free Hurricane drinks in souvenir cups—perfect for setting the mood. Guests are encouraged to bring drinks along, which adds to the relaxed, adults-only vibe. The guides are praised for their friendly, professional manner, and their ability to blend storytelling with historical facts.

Itinerary Breakdown: What You’ll See and Learn

Stop 1: French Quarter Phantoms

Your journey begins with a quick stop at the Voodoo Lounge, giving you a taste of the local spirits—literally. The Hurricane drinks are not only a fun way to start the tour but also a nod to New Orleans’ lively bar scene. Inside, you’ll get some background on the city’s darker side, setting the tone for what’s to come. Reviewers note that the guide, Wolfy, makes this opening segment lively and engaging, full of fun facts that immediately pull you into the city’s mysterious vibe.

Stop 2: St. Louis Cathedral

Next, the tour moves to the iconic St. Louis Cathedral, where you’ll step inside to see a prayer chapel dedicated to Henriette Dellile, credited with founding the first female-led Black convent in the U.S. This spot adds a layer of spiritual history, contrasting the city’s dark tales with moments of faith and resilience. Reviewers appreciated the guide’s storytelling ability here, making historical figures come alive.

Stop 3: Hotel Villa Convento

This location captures the more sinister side of the city’s past—a building that’s claimed to have inspired the song “House of the Rising Sun”. Once a brothel, it’s a window into the city’s illicit activities. The guide shares stories of its notorious reputation, giving you a taste of the city’s underbelly. Several reviews mention the guide’s knack for sharing tales that are “interesting and fun,” adding spice to the walk.

Stop 4: French Market

The final stop is at the French Market, famously known as Galliten Street in its heyday—a hub for pirates, gamblers, street gangs, sex workers, and even a notorious female serial killer called “Bricktop.” It’s a perfect spot to reflect on the city’s wild past, with stories that make history feel alive. Reviewers love how guides like Wolfy or Hope bring these stories to life, making the experience memorable.

The Guide: Knowledge and Charisma Matter

Throughout the tour, guides like Wolfy, Hope, Andrea, and Evian receive high praise for their entertaining storytelling, deep knowledge, and engaging manner. Many reviews mention how guides make the stories vivid with humor and passion, making history accessible and fun. For example, one reviewer said, “Wolfy, our tour guide, was so knowledgeable and passionate,” emphasizing that the guides aren’t just reciting facts—they’re living the stories.

Certain guides, like Andrea, are noted for their storytelling skills, making the tour feel like a lively conversation rather than a lecture. The guides also ensure everyone can hear them, keeping the flow smooth and the atmosphere lively, even in rain or with a small group.

Tour Logistics: What Travelers Should Know

Duration and Group Size: The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, with a maximum of 14 travelers. This small group size means more personalized attention and fewer crowds, which enhances the experience.

Pricing and Value: At $21 per person, the tour offers a compelling value considering the quality of storytelling and the authenticity of the stories shared. It’s an adult experience, so the focus is on mature themes—no children are allowed under 17, and the drinking age is 21.

Meeting Point: The tour kicks off at the Voodoo Lounge on Rampart Street at 1:30 pm. The flexible mobile ticket system makes check-in straightforward.

Additional Info: You won’t be picked up from your hotel, so plan for your own transportation to the meeting point. The tour is outdoors and involves some walking, so moderate physical fitness is recommended. Rain is possible, so dress accordingly.

Authentic Experiences and Review Highlights

Reviewers highlight the entertaining and knowledgeable guides who inject humor and engaging stories into each stop. One reviewer shared, “Wolfy, our tour guide, was so passionate about New Orleans,” and others echoed this sentiment, describing guides as “amazing” and “very knowledgeable.” The tours are praised for their fun facts and the unique stories that aren’t found in typical city guides.

Several reviews mention that the stories about the city’s less savory past—such as brothels, pirates, and serial killers—are told with a mix of respect and wit, making the experience both thrilling and educational. Guests often leave with a new perspective on the city’s colorful history, and some even extend their exploration afterward, visiting related sites like Muriel’s.

Practical Tips for Future Tour-Goers

• Bring cash or credit card if you want to purchase drinks or souvenirs, as these are not included.
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking, and be prepared for weather—rain gear might be helpful.
• Arrive on time at the meeting point to ensure no one misses the start.
• Bring your sense of humor—this tour is as much about fun as it is about history.
• If you want a more personalized experience, request a guide like Hope or Angela—they’re highly praised for their storytelling.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adults who enjoy storytelling, history, and a bit of cheeky fun. If you’re curious about the darker side of New Orleans, want to hear stories that aren’t part of the usual tourist fare, and enjoy small-group walks with engaging guides, this tour will suit you well. It’s especially ideal for those traveling without kids, since the themes are mature and the tone is adult-oriented.

Final Thoughts

The Saints and Sinners Walking Tour offers a compelling mix of entertainment, education, and authenticity. It’s a chance to uncover the less polished, more provocative stories of New Orleans in a friendly, relaxed setting. The small groups, passionate guides, and lively storytelling make it a highlight for many visitors.

While it’s not designed for families or travelers seeking a broad overview of New Orleans’ landmarks, it excels at providing a unique perspective on the city’s edgier history. For those who appreciate a good story, a splash of humor, and a taste of the city’s darker past, this tour is well worth the modest investment.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it is intended for adults only, with a minimum age of 17 years and a focus on mature themes.

Are alcoholic drinks included?
No, drinks are available for purchase during the tour, but the initial Hurricane is included as part of the start at the Voodoo Lounge.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes for walking are recommended, and check the weather forecast—you might want rain gear if rain is expected.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 2 hours, making it a manageable and engaging experience without being overly long.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the Voodoo Lounge (718 N Rampart St) and ends at Jackson Square.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund if canceled in time.

Is there a maximum group size?
Yes, the tour caps at 14 travelers for a more intimate experience.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely. Reviewers repeatedly praise their enthusiasm, storytelling skill, and deep knowledge of local tales and history.

This Saints and Sinners Walking Tour provides a fun, authentic glimpse into the darker, more mysterious side of New Orleans—perfect for curious adults seeking stories that go beyond the usual tourist traps.