New Orleans: French Quarter Ghost Tour & Haunted Stories Walk

Summary

Ghost tales, haunted houses and midnight laughter in New Orleans

You’ll wander New Orleans’ French Quarter at night with a local guide who knows every haunted corner and story — from Jackson Square’s restless ghosts to the infamous LaLaurie Mansion’s dark secrets. Expect laughter, chills, and real moments as you explore atmospheric streets and hear tales that linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the flicker of gas lamps along Chartres Street — they throw these long shadows that make everything in the French Quarter look a little more alive, or maybe less. Our guide, Marcus, had this way of pausing just before each story, letting the night settle in. We started near Jackson Square, where the air smelled faintly of pralines from somewhere nearby (honestly distracting), but then he pointed to a spot right by the cathedral and said people still see figures after midnight. I didn’t expect to get goosebumps so early.

Walking past the Old Ursuline Convent, I tried to imagine nuns moving through those thick walls centuries ago. Marcus told us about strange noises there — not loud, just soft enough that you’d question if you heard anything at all. The Beauregard-Keyes House looked almost too elegant for ghost stories, but apparently elegance doesn’t stop things from lingering. Someone in our group tried to peek through a window and tripped over the uneven sidewalk; we all laughed (even Marcus), which kind of broke the tension for a minute.

Then came LaLaurie Mansion. People talk about it like it’s cursed — even locals cross the street at night. The stories here are rougher, and Marcus didn’t sugarcoat anything. I caught myself glancing up at the balcony more than once, half-expecting something to move behind those shutters. There’s something about hearing these tales right where they happened that sticks with you longer than you’d think.

We stopped by Pere Antoine Alley and Faulkner House Books too — both places quieter than you’d expect for such busy streets. It was humid enough that my shirt stuck to my back, but nobody seemed to care by then; everyone was listening for footsteps that weren’t ours or watching shadows shift in corners. By the end, I couldn’t decide if I wanted to believe any of it or not…but I still think about that flickering light outside Muriel’s when we walked past last.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore haunted New Orleans landmarks

• Visit Jackson Square
• See the Old Ursuline Convent
• Tour the Beauregard-Keyes House
• View the LaLaurie Mansion
• Explore the Andrew Jackson Hotel
• Stop at New Orleans Vampire Cafe
• Walk through Pere Antoine Alley
• Browse Faulkner House Books
• Dine at Muriel’s Jackson Square

Top questions

How long is the New Orleans French Quarter ghost tour?

The walking tour covers just over a mile through the French Quarter and usually lasts around two hours.

Does the ghost tour include entry into buildings like LaLaurie Mansion?

No, entry into private buildings isn’t included; stories are shared outside each site.

Is this haunted walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces on this tour are wheelchair accessible.

Are children allowed on the New Orleans ghost tour?

Infants and small children can join; strollers are welcome on this route.

What famous haunted sites will we see on this French Quarter tour?

You’ll visit Jackson Square, Old Ursuline Convent, Beauregard-Keyes House, LaLaurie Mansion, Andrew Jackson Hotel, Vampire Cafe, Pere Antoine Alley, Faulkner House Books and Muriel’s Jackson Square.

Who leads this New Orleans walking ghost tour?

A local guide who specializes in haunted history and storytelling leads each group.

What happens if it rains during the ghost tour?

The tour operates in all weather conditions; dress appropriately for rain or humidity.

What’s included

Your evening includes a guided walk led by a professional local storyteller who shares haunting tales at each stop throughout New Orleans’ French Quarter — no building entries needed for chills — plus full wheelchair accessibility so everyone can join comfortably.