New Orleans, September 12, 2025
New Orleans is renowned for its haunted tours, offering a unique blend of history and ghostly tales. From the somber Yellow Fever Ghost Tour to the mystical Voodoo experiences, there’s something for everyone. Local expert tips highlight reputable guides, the importance of respecting burial grounds, and the varied intensity of tours suited for families or adventurous souls. Explore the rich cultural and spooky history of the Big Easy through its haunting attractions.
Spine-Tingling Guide: The Best Haunted Tours in New Orleans — Local Expert Spill
Listen up, locals and out-of-towners who think they can handle the dark side of the city — New Orleans does haunted like no other place. I’ve walked these streets, lingered in cemeteries, and listened to more late-night stories than a raven in a belfry. This quick, punchy guide cuts through the fog and points you to the tours and spots worth your time. No fluff. Just spooky, useful intel from someone who knows the city’s creaky bones.
Why New Orleans is a magnet for the haunted crowd
We’re a city built on history, loss, and rituals. When you mix colonial clashes, epidemics, plantations, and a powerful spiritual tradition, you get stories that refuse to die. Tours here don’t just trade in jump-scares — they dig into ugly truths and strange customs that shaped the city. If you like history with a side of goosebumps, you’re in the right place.
Top haunted tours for first-time visitors
Below are the standouts I point friends to when they land in town. Each tour has its own flavor — some are eerie and solemn, some are theatrical and saucy. Pick your mood.
- Yellow Fever Ghost Tour — Focuses on the brutal epidemic that turned neighborhoods into graveyards. Great for history lovers who want a somber, chilling walk through the city’s medical past.
- Haunted History Ghost Tour — Covers French Quarter classics and dips into notorious spots like the LaLaurie area and the old convent. Heavy on local legends and architecture-backed stories.
- New Orleans Spirits & Spells Tour — A blend of ghost stories and the mystical side of the city. Expect voodoo lore, witchcraft history, and stops at ritual spots.
- French Quarter, Voodoo, and Cemetery Tour — A focused look at burial practices and voodoo culture, with cemetery visits that explain why our above-ground crypts look like little cities.
- New Orleans Secrets – Mysteries of Voodoo Tour — For those curious about the real culture behind the hype, this tour tries to separate fact from fiction at shrine sites and altars.
- Gray Line – Ghosts & Spirits Walking Tour — A historically minded route that leans into archival facts while serving up eerie anecdotes.
- Haunted Plantation Tours (Destrehan & Myrtles) — Night tours at plantation sites explore darker chapters, including revolts and enslaved peoples’ histories. These are weighty, respectful experiences, not Haunted-House thrills.
- Free Self-Guided Ghosts of the French Quarter — If you like exploring solo, grab a map, stick to well-lit hours, and read up first. Good for daytime trips or slow night strolls.
- Adults-Only Dark History Walks — These dive into true crime, vampires, and the more salacious corners of the city’s past. Not for kids, and often frank and graphic.
- Seasonal & Regional Attractions — From theatrical lantern walks to haunted theme events and the local Halloween parade that goes big on spectacle, the region offers extra thrills if you’re willing to venture a bit outside the Quarter.
Local tips from someone who’s done the rounds
- Go with a reputable guide who knows the history. The best storytellers back up the creepy fun with facts and respect for hard histories.
- Respect cemeteries — they are active burial grounds. Follow rules, don’t climb, and follow your guide’s instructions.
- Night tours get atmospheric, but daytime cemetery tours offer more explanation and fewer chills. Choose your vibe.
- Some plantation tours include heavy historical subjects. Be prepared for honest conversations about slavery and revolt, and treat that content with seriousness.
- If you’re local and think you know it all, try a different angle — a voodoo-focused tour or a plantation night walk will show you sides of the city you haven’t seen.
What to watch out for
Some attractions push theatrical horror with intense themes; others prioritize history. If you’re sensitive to graphic stories or satanic imagery, check the tour description before joining. Also, many tours are walking tours; bring comfortable shoes and watch for uneven sidewalks.
FAQ
Is it safe to take haunted tours in New Orleans?
Yes — most tours are safe, especially those led by licensed local guides. Stick to recommended routes, stay with the group, and be cautious late at night in quieter areas.
Are cemetery tours allowed?
Some cemeteries allow public tours while others require special permissions or guided access. Always go with a guide if a site requires it; rules protect the graves and preserve history.
Which tour is best for families with kids?
For families, choose daytime tours that focus on history and lighter ghost tales. Avoid adults-only, true-crime, or intense theatrical attractions.
Do any tours focus specifically on voodoo culture rather than spooky theatrics?
Yes, several tours and museum visits focus on the real practices and history of voodoo, aiming to dispel myths and offer respectful cultural context.
Can locals get different value from these tours compared to visitors?
Locals can dig deeper into lesser-known stories and may prefer specialized tours (plantation nights, voodoo history) to learn new perspectives on the city’s past.
Quick Chart: Key Features of Popular Haunted Options
| Tour / Attraction | Best For | Intensity | Location | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow Fever Ghost Tour | History buffs | Medium | French Quarter & historic neighborhoods | Budget to Mid |
| Haunted History / Gray Line | Classic ghost storytelling | Low–Medium | French Quarter | Mid |
| Spirits & Spells / Voodoo Tours | Cultural context & lore | Low–Medium | Voodoo sites & shops | Mid |
| Plantation Night Tours (Destrehan/Myrtles) | Dark history, serious themes | High (emotional) | Outside the city | Mid–Higher |
| Free Self-Guided | Independent explorers | Low | French Quarter | Free |
Whether you’re a lifelong local or a first-time visitor, New Orleans’ haunted offerings are a gateway to the city’s deeper stories. Walk smart, listen closely, and let the city’s past whisper you a tale or two.
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Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
