New Orleans: French Quarter Ghost Tour with Haunted Entry

Summary

Haunted courtyards, true stories & hidden corners in New Orleans

You’ll walk through New Orleans’ French Quarter with a local historian who knows every shadowy corner. Hear true ghost stories outside LaLaurie Mansion and inside a private haunted courtyard few visitors see. Stop for a drink at one of the city’s most haunted bars and wander past the Pharmacy Museum—this tour lingers with you long after it ends.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t worry, the ghosts here prefer to keep quiet,” our guide Marcus said, grinning as we squeezed past the iron gate on Orleans Street. I didn’t know if he was joking or not—his accent had that slow local drawl that makes everything sound like a dare. The air felt thick, kind of sweet and musty at the same time, and I could hear jazz leaking out from somewhere down the block. We’d only just started the ghost tour in the French Quarter, but already my skin was buzzing a little. Maybe it was nerves. Or maybe it was just New Orleans being itself.

We wandered past the Pharmacy Museum (smelled like old wood and something sharp) and then around Jackson Square, where Marcus paused to tell us about murders nobody puts in guidebooks. He pointed up at LaLaurie Mansion—he called it “the house that still gives locals chills.” People on balconies watched us from above; one woman waved, but her dog barked right when Marcus mentioned “restless spirits.” That made everyone laugh. I kept looking up at those shuttered windows anyway.

The real kicker was stepping into this private courtyard off Orleans—the only group allowed in tonight, apparently. It’s not fancy or showy; stones are cracked and there’s moss everywhere. Marcus let us stand there for a minute without talking. You could hear water dripping somewhere behind the wall, and honestly, it felt like someone else might be listening too. I tried to take a photo but my phone glitched out—probably nothing, but still. After that we stopped at a bar that claims to be haunted (I tried their Sazerac; strong enough to scare anything away). By then I’d half-forgotten we were supposed to be hunting ghosts—it just felt like being part of some strange neighborhood story you’d never get from daylight tours.

I didn’t expect any theatrics—just stories that stick with you after you leave. Marcus said he’s been doing this for years because “history is messier than people think.” He’s right about that. Sometimes I still wonder about what—or who—might’ve been standing behind us in that courtyard.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore haunted French Quarter sites

• Start at the meeting location
• See haunted buildings in French Quarter
• Walk through Jackson Square
• Pass by St. Louis Cathedral
• Enter private haunted location on Orleans
• Enter haunted courtyard exclusive to tour
• Take pictures of LaLaurie Mansion
• Grab a drink at haunted bar
• Pass by Pharmacy Museum

Top questions

Is this New Orleans ghost tour historically accurate?

Yes, this tour is led by a local historian and focuses on verified stories rather than theatrics.

Do we go inside any haunted locations during the tour?

Yes, you’ll enter at least one private haunted location in the French Quarter.

Is this ghost tour suitable for children?

No, this tour is not kid-friendly due to mature content.

How long does the New Orleans ghost tour last?

The walking tour lasts approximately 2 hours through the French Quarter.

Are drinks included on this ghost tour?

No drinks are included, but there is a stop at a haunted bar where you can purchase your own.

Is the route wheelchair accessible?

The route is generally accessible but historic streets may present challenges for some mobility devices.

What attractions do we see during the tour?

You’ll pass by Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, LaLaurie Mansion, Pharmacy Museum, and more haunted sites.

What’s included

Your evening includes all taxes and entry fees plus exclusive admission into a private haunted location in the French Quarter; you’ll be guided by an experienced local historian throughout your walk (rain or shine), with stops at infamous sites like LaLaurie Mansion and time for photos—and yes, there’s even a break for drinks if you want one before heading back out into those creaky old streets.