New Orleans, September 12, 2025
New Orleans is not just about jazz; it’s a hub for haunted attractions and ghostly tales. Whether you’re a local or visiting, explore the haunted houses like New Orleans Nightmare and Ghost Manor, or delve into thrilling ghost tours covering the city’s rich supernatural lore. Discover tips from locals on the best times to visit, the history behind famous haunts, and essential safety measures for an unforgettable spooky experience.
New Orleans’ Haunted Hotspots: A Local’s Rip-Roaring Guide
If you live in New Orleans or are plotting a visit, listen up: this city doesn’t just do jazz and jambalaya. It moonlights as a supernatural playground. From creaking plantation porches out in the river parishes to theatrical haunted houses sprouting up inside the city, you’re never far from a hair-raising story. Below, I walk you through the must-know haunted houses and guided ghost tours that locals whisper about—whether you’re a skeptic or all-in for goosebumps.
Haunted Houses Worth Braving
New Orleans Nightmare is the big, new buzz for thrill-seekers. Slated to open in 2025 on Butterworth Street, it promises multiple themed areas, including an eerie take on an abandoned City Morgue and a sensory challenge called Phobia: Sensory Overload. Expect immersive touches and horror-themed bars inside the attraction—bring nerves and cash for the novelty drinks.
Ghost Manor, the cheeky show-off on Magazine Street, is known for dazzling technical wizardry: lighting, custom animatronics, and tongue-in-cheek takes on Halloween clichés. Word to the wise: it will be closed for the 2025 season while the neighborhood gets worked on, so keep an eye out for its return.
For those who prefer their scares steeped in history, plantation homes deliver atmospheric chills. LeBeau Plantation in Arabi—dating back to 1854—comes with classic Southern ghost lore: unexplained clock stops and sightings of a mysterious white lady. Not far beyond the city, Myrtles Plantation in St. Francisville bills itself as one of America’s most haunted houses and runs evening Mystery Tours that focus on the plantation’s haunting legends.
Guided Ghost Tours: Walk, Ride, or Bus Your Way to a Shiver
If you want stories served with a side of local color, guided ghost tours are where the city shows off. There are storytellers who specialize in dark lore, cemeteries, voodoo history, and even vampire yarns. Here are the flavors you’ll find roaming the French Quarter and beyond:
- French Quarter Phantoms — walking tours diving into ghost and vampire lore with a focus on historical details.
- Haunted History Tours — the long-running operation that does everything from walking ghost treks to bus cemetery nights, leaning heavy on storytelling craft.
- NOLA Ghost Riders — known for nighttime cemetery bus tours through the above-ground tombs and a haunted plantation option for deeper scares.
- NOLA Adventures — a short, dense walking tour of the French Quarter covering murders, voodoo, and the darker side of the city’s past.
- Yellow Fever Ghost Tours — specializing in epidemic-era hauntings and true crime, connecting medical history to ghost stories in seven reputedly haunted spots.
- Orion Couling’s Private Tours — small-group, personalized experiences that feel intimate and theatrical for anyone wanting an off-the-beaten-path taste.
Local Tips — What NOLA Folks Want You to Know
If you’re living here or just visiting, remember three things: timing, weather, and manners. Night tours sell out on weekend evenings and during festival seasons, so book smart. Louisiana humidity can make uphill walks feel like trials by swamp—dress for comfort. And when you step into historic cemeteries, stick to paths and respect crypts and mourners. These are working burial grounds as much as they are spooky backdrops.
Safety & Accessibility
Haunted houses and plantations vary wildly in accessibility and intensity. Some attractions include confined spaces, strobe lights, and physical scares—if that’s not your vibe, ask about calm or sensory-friendly options. For cemetery bus tours, expect cobbled paths and occasional steps. Always check ahead for ADA accommodations and whether tours are kid-appropriate.
When to Go for Maximum Chills
Late fall and early spring offer crisp weather and prime ghost-hunting conditions. Around Halloween, the city kicks into a full horror carnival—if you crave energy and spectacle, that’s peak time. If you want a quieter, creepier atmosphere, pick a weekday night outside of major events.
Final Word — Why NOLA’s Haunts Hit Different
New Orleans mixes real history, cultural rituals, and urban legend into a haunted stew you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you want theatrics, historical investigations, or low-key cemetery lore, the city serves up something that will make even a hardy local pause and listen for the footsteps behind them.
FAQ
Is it safe to take ghost tours in New Orleans?
Yes. Most tours operate in well-traveled areas and use established paths or buses. Use common-sense safety: travel with your group, mind your belongings, and follow guides’ instructions.
Are plantation tours and haunted houses kid-friendly?
That depends. Haunted houses can be intense and may include jump scares and dark rooms. Plantation tours that discuss historical events may contain mature themes. Check age recommendations before booking.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Highly recommended. Popular tours and seasonal haunted houses can sell out weeks in advance, especially around Halloween and during festivals.
Can I take photos on tours?
Policies vary. Some haunted houses prohibit photos due to show lighting or to protect the experience; cemeteries may allow photos but be mindful of mourners and signage. Always follow your guide’s rules.
Are these tours historically accurate?
Many tour companies weave documented history with local lore. Expect a mix of archival facts and storytelling—part history lesson, part theatrical fun.
Quick Reference Chart — Haunted Attractions & Tours
| Attraction / Tour | Location | Type | Notable Feature | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans Nightmare | Butterworth St, New Orleans | Haunted House | City Morgue theme, sensory challenge | Opening Sep 20, 2025 |
| Ghost Manor | Magazine Street, New Orleans | Haunted House | Animatronics & lighting spectacle | Closed for 2025 season (construction) |
| LeBeau Plantation | Arabi, LA | Historic Plantation | 1854 house, white lady legends | Open for investigations/tours |
| Myrtles Plantation | St. Francisville, LA | Historic Plantation | Mystery evening tours, famed hauntings | Open (tour availability varies) |
| French Quarter Phantoms | French Quarter | Walking Tour | Ghost & vampire lore | Operating |
| Haunted History Tours | French Quarter & city | Walking & Bus Tours | Long-running storytelling tours | Operating |
| NOLA Ghost Riders | Citywide | Bus Cemetery Tours | Cemetery nights & haunted plantation tours | Operating |
| NOLA Adventures | French Quarter | Walking Tour | Short, dense ghost walk | Operating |
| Yellow Fever Ghost Tours | Citywide | Specialty Walking Tours | Epidemic-era hauntings & true crime | Operating |
| Orion Couling’s Private Tours | French Quarter & private venues | Private Walks | Immersive, tailored experiences | Operating |
There you have it—your local cheat sheet for the creakiest corners of New Orleans. Whether you’re a born-and-raised local looking for a new fright or a visitor hunting the city’s shadowy stories, these stops deliver atmosphere, history, and a good scare. Walk safe, respect the spaces, and don’t blame me if something follows you home.
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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.
