New Orleans, September 12, 2025
New Orleans is known for its vibrant personality and rich history, making it a prime location for thrilling after-dark ghost walks. Locals and visitors alike can explore the city’s haunted past through various tours that blend true stories, local folklore, and an eerie atmosphere. Options range from family-friendly ghost tours to adults-only pub crawls, ensuring there’s a spine-chilling adventure for everyone. Discover haunted sites, hear tales of restless spirits, and learn about the dark history that shapes New Orleans after sundown.
New Orleans After-Dark: A Local’s Lowdown on the Best Ghost Walks
If you were born and raised here, or you’re packing a bag and heading down to the Quarter, you already know New Orleans has personality for days. What some people forget is just how thick the history and mystery can be once the sun dips. The city isn’t shy about its dark corners — and neither are the walking tours that take you there. Below is a straightforward, streetwise guide to the most talked-about after-dark ghost walks, geared for locals who want a night out and visitors hunting that spine-tingle experience.
Why go on a ghost tour in New Orleans?
Short answer: for the stories, the architecture, and the adrenaline. These walks mix true events, local folklore, and the kind of atmosphere you only get in the Vieux Carré after midnight. Expect cobblestones, gaslight vibes, and buildings that have seen more than their fair share of sorrow and scandal. For visitors, it’s an instant crash course in the city’s past. For locals, it’s a chance to see familiar streets in a new, darker light.
Where to start: Five solid after-dark options
Haunted History Tours — 5 in 1 Haunted Tour Experience
This one’s a heavy hitter if you want variety. It runs about two hours and covers ghosts, vampires, voodoo, and other unresolved mysteries. Tours leave nightly at 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM from 723 St. Peter Street and include a break inside a bar known for its haunted reputation. Keep in mind there’s a mix of macabre storytelling and nightlife energy.
French Quarter Phantoms — Ghost and Vampire Tour
Running roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes and covering just under a mile, this tour focuses on some of the Quarter’s most infamous addresses, like the LaLaurie site and Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop. Even if you know the names, a nighttime walk gives those places a different voice. Tours start at 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM each night.
NOLA Adventures — French Quarter Ghosts & Legends Tour
A two-hour stroll that leans into the Quarter’s eerie reputation. Guides highlight notorious hauntings and local legends, giving folks a peek behind the cobblestones at the darker side of the Vieux Carré. This one’s a steady, historical route for people who want lore plus a good walk.
Jonathan Weiss Tours — Dark History Tour #1
Focused on the Old French Quarter, this tour frames local history through tales of restless spirits, disasters, and unsolved crimes. It’s grounded in verifiable events, which makes it great for people who prefer spooky stories with a firm real-world anchor.
Nightly Spirits — Dark History New Orleans Ghost Tour
A 90-minute route that passes some of the region’s oldest buildings, including the Ursuline Convent and Jackson Square. Covering about a mile, it’s designed to be family-friendly and offers daytime and evening departures at 2:30 PM and 6:00 PM. Families and mixed groups find it approachable without losing the chill factor.
Haunted History Tours — Ghost Pub Crawl
Adults-only and built for people who want their thrills with a side of cocktails. This crawl mixes haunted lore with visits to bars that come with their own dark reputations. It’s for anyone 21 and older who wants to pair spirits with literal spirits.
Practical tips from a local
- Dress for the walk: Comfortable shoes and a light jacket — Quarter nights can get chilly and the streets are uneven.
- Expect crowds: Many tours run nightly; pick earlier times if you hate big groups.
- Ask about age policy: Some walks are family-friendly, others are strictly 21+. Check before you go.
- Bring ID and cash: For bar stops and tips — some spots still prefer cash.
- Local respect: These places are neighborhoods. Be mindful of residents and property; don’t climb gates or cross private thresholds.
Final word
New Orleans is built on stories, and after-dark tours give you an earful. Whether you’re a born-and-bred local or a first-time visitor, there’s a route to match your appetite — from family-friendly dark history to full-on adults-only pub crawls. These walks are part entertainment, part history lesson, and wholly New Orleans.
FAQ
Are the ghost tours suitable for children?
Some tours are family-friendly and even offer afternoon departures. Others, especially pub crawls, are adult-only. Check each tour’s age policy before booking.
How long do the tours usually last?
Most after-dark walking tours run between 90 minutes and two hours, covering about a mile of the Quarter or Old French Quarter.
Do the tours include bar stops?
Some do. Certain tours include at least one haunted bar stop, while specific pub crawls are built around visiting multiple bars. Expect ID checks for alcoholic venues.
Are the stories true?
Many tales are based on real events, while others blend folklore and legend. Tours often mix historical facts with dramatic storytelling for effect.
Quick Features Chart
| Tour | Duration | Typical Departure Times | Key Stops | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 in 1 Haunted Tour Experience | ~2 hours | 5:00 PM, 7:30 PM | Haunted bar stop; St. Peter St. start | Variety-seekers |
| Ghost and Vampire Tour | ~1 hr 45 min | 6:00 PM, 8:00 PM | LaLaurie site; Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop | Fans of vampire lore |
| French Quarter Ghosts & Legends | ~2 hours | Evening | Various Quarter landmarks | History + legends |
| Dark History Tour #1 | Varies | Evening | Old French Quarter sites | History buffs |
| Dark History New Orleans Ghost Tour | ~90 minutes | 2:30 PM, 6:00 PM | Ursuline Convent; Jackson Square | Families and groups |
| Ghost Pub Crawl | Varies | Evening | Multiple haunted bars | Adults 21+ |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Haunted Houses New Orleans: Top Haunted Houses And Guided Ghost Tours
Best Haunted Tours New Orleans for First-Time Visitors
New Orleans Cancels Halloween Display Due to Construction
Something To Do In New Orleans At Night
Haunted Doll Annabelle Makes First Appearance in New Orleans
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.
