A ghost tour in New Orleans – Copyright US Ghost Adventures
Few American cities embrace the supernatural quite like New Orleans. As twilight settles over the French Quarter and the glow of old gas lamps dances across centuries-old brick streets, the city seems to whisper its darkest secrets. Stories of restless spirits, mysterious Voodoo queens, infamous murderers, pirates, and vampires have become woven into the fabric of New Orleans history. Whether you believe in ghosts or simply enjoy a good story, taking a ghost tour is one of the best ways to experience the city’s rich and mysterious past.
But not every tour offers the same experience. Some focus on documented history, while others lean into chilling legends and paranormal encounters. Some emphasize haunted mansions and cemeteries, while others explore true crime or Voodoo traditions. Choosing the right one can make the difference between an enjoyable evening stroll and an unforgettable journey into the city’s haunted heart.
Here are nine things to consider before booking your New Orleans ghost tour.
1. Tour Duration
Most ghost tours in NOLA last between 60 and 90 minutes, making them an easy addition to almost any vacation itinerary. However, you’ll also find extended experiences that last two hours or more and cover significantly more ground.
Shorter tours are ideal if you’re traveling with children, have a packed schedule, or simply want a quick introduction to the city’s haunted history. Longer tours often include additional haunted locations, deeper historical context, and more opportunities to hear the city’s legendary ghost stories. Before booking, make sure the length fits both your schedule and your walking comfort level.
My top choice is New Orleans Ghosts. They offer an extended tour that takes you even deeper into the dark history of Nawlins. So whether you’re looking for a shorter or longer tour, this one can accommodate your needs.
2. Time of Day
Ghost tours are at their best after sunset. As darkness settles over the French Quarter, the narrow streets, flickering lamps, wrought-iron balconies, and centuries-old buildings create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in America. It’s easy to understand why New Orleans has earned its reputation as one of the world’s most haunted cities.
Evening tours naturally provide the most dramatic experience, but daytime options are available as well. These tours tend to emphasize history over scares and are perfect for visitors who prefer warmer temperatures or would rather avoid navigating unfamiliar streets late at night.
If you’re hoping to capture eerie photographs or simply immerse yourself in the city’s legendary atmosphere, an evening departure is hard to beat.
New Orleans Ghosts offers a variety of tour options, with starting times from 10:00 a.m. to a late night tour at 9:00 p.m. The Blood and Magic: Voodoo and Vampire Tour, for example, begins at 11:00 a.m.
3. Weather Forecast
Copyright US Ghost Adventures
One thing you’ll quickly learn about New Orleans is that the weather has a personality all its own. Summers are famously hot, humid, and prone to sudden afternoon thunderstorms. Even during spring and fall, showers can appear with little warning. Since most ghost tours operate rain or shine, checking the forecast before heading out is always a smart move.
Dress for the conditions by wearing lightweight, breathable clothing during warmer months and bringing a light rain jacket or compact umbrella if storms are expected. Comfortable walking shoes are essential regardless of the weather, as many tours cover uneven sidewalks, brick streets, and historic pavement.
Honestly, a little mist or light rain often makes the city feel even more mysterious, adding another layer of atmosphere to an already unforgettable experience.
4. Cost
Copyright US Ghost Adventures
Ghost tours in New Orleans are available for nearly every budget. Basic walking tours often start around $20 per person, while specialty experiences (paranormal investigations, haunted pub crawls, cemetery tours, private groups, etc.) may cost anywhere from $35 to $75 or more.
When comparing prices, don’t focus solely on the lowest cost. Consider what’s included. Does the tour feature knowledgeable guides? Is the group intentionally kept small? Are there exclusive stops or special access to historic locations? Does it include ghost-hunting equipment or beverages? Sometimes spending just a little more results in a significantly richer and more memorable experience.
New Orleans Ghosts tours are $26 for adults and $16 for children ages 6 to 13. Add-ons such as an EMF detector can be purchased for a small fee. Even better, children under 6 can attend for free!
5. Reviews and Ratings
Before reserving your spot, spend a few minutes reading reviews from previous guests.
Websites like TripAdvisor, Google Reviews, Viator, and Yelp provide valuable insight into what you can realistically expect. For example, New Orleans Ghosts scores a 4.9 on Trustpilot.
Pay attention to comments describing how guides interact with guests. The best ghost tour guides go beyond just reading a script. They’re passionate storytellers who know how to weave together history, folklore, local legends, and just enough suspense to keep everyone captivated.
If dozens or even hundreds of reviewers consistently praise the same tour, there’s usually a good reason.
6. Accessibility
Historic cities often present unique accessibility challenges, and New Orleans is no exception.
Many ghost tours travel along uneven brick sidewalks, narrow streets, and areas with limited curb access. Some specialty tours may include older buildings or locations with stairs that aren’t easily navigated by everyone.
If anyone in your group has mobility concerns, uses a wheelchair, or has difficulty walking long distances, review the accessibility information before booking. Many tour companies are happy to recommend routes or experiences that better accommodate different needs. Making sure everyone can comfortably participate allows the evening to remain focused on storytelling rather than logistics.
7. Cancellation Policy
Travel plans can change unexpectedly. Weather delays, flight cancellations, illness, or simple scheduling conflicts occasionally happen while you’re on vacation. Before booking, read the company’s cancellation and refund policy carefully.
Many tour operators offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled tour, while others may have stricter guidelines during holidays or special events. Understanding the policy ahead of time helps avoid unnecessary frustration if your plans suddenly shift. Flexible booking options can provide valuable peace of mind, especially when planning several activities during your trip.
8. Other Options
Traditional ghost walks are fun, but New Orleans offers so much more. Whether you are interested in the city’s dark history, culinary legacy, or famous music scene, there’s a tour for you.
For a different kind of twist, consider joining a haunted pub crawl. The New Orleans Ghosts Boos and Booze Tour by US Ghost Adventures takes you to the most haunted water holes in the Big Easy. You’ll get your share of spirits (both kinds) and maybe even meet some new people.
Think about what interests you most before making your choice. Whether you’re drawn to haunted history, folklore, architecture, or local cuisine, New Orleans has a tour designed around nearly every curiosity.
9. Season and Themes
Every season gives New Orleans a different personality. Spring offers pleasant temperatures and blooming courtyards. Summer brings steamy evenings and dramatic thunderstorms that make ghost stories feel even more atmospheric.
Fall is perhaps the city’s most popular season, especially around Halloween, when special haunted events and themed tours appear throughout October. Winter provides cooler temperatures and smaller crowds, making it easier to enjoy a more intimate experience. There’s even a Christmas-themed ghost tour in December!
For a little extra fun, dress up in a period-inspired costume or Gothic attire to match the mood. Just be sure your outfit is comfortable enough for a long evening walk.
Pick the Best New Orleans Ghost Tour
The best ghost tour isn’t necessarily the one that promises the biggest scare. It’s the one that best matches your interests and travel style. By considering factors like tour length, timing, accessibility, reviews, weather, cost, and theme, you’ll be far more likely to find an experience you’ll remember long after you’ve left the Crescent City.
After all, New Orleans isn’t simply a place where ghost stories are told. It’s a city where history lingers around every corner, where every balcony seems to conceal another legend, and where every shadow invites you to wonder whether you’re truly walking alone.
