New Orleans: Witchcraft, Voodoo & Ghost Tour with Ritual

Summary

French Quarter shadows voodoo tales haunted houses and secret rituals

You’ll wander New Orleans’ French Quarter after dark with a local guide who knows every ghost story and hidden alleyway. You’ll step inside real voodoo shops, stand before infamous haunted mansions, and finish by casting a spell in an actual witches’ temple—candles flickering and all. Expect goosebumps, laughter, maybe even a little magic sticking with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

"You ever feel like someone’s watching?" That’s what our guide, Simone, asked as we squeezed past flickering gas lamps on Royal Street. I’d already caught a whiff of something earthy—incense maybe, or just the river damp—and the air was heavy in that way New Orleans does so well. Simone had this way of telling stories that made you lean in, like you might miss something if you blinked. She pointed at a shuttered window and started in on gris-gris bags and old spells. Honestly, I didn’t expect to get goosebumps before dinner.

We ducked into Voodoo Authentica just as the sky cracked open (classic timing), and inside it smelled like herbs and candle wax—sort of sharp but comforting. A woman behind the counter explained how some of these powders were used for healing, some for luck. I tried to pronounce one of the charms; she smiled politely but I know I mangled it. There’s something about standing in a real voodoo shop on a day trip in New Orleans that makes you realize how much history clings to this city—like the humidity, but stranger.

The LaLaurie Mansion looked even more haunted than I’d imagined from TV shows. Simone told us about Madame Delphine’s story while a streetcar rattled by, which felt weirdly normal against all that talk of ghosts and curses. At one point she handed out salt to “repel negativity”—I kept mine in my pocket just in case. The French Quarter at night is loud but also sort of secretive; people laughing over drinks at Napoleon House while we talked about witches who inspired American Horror Story: Coven. It felt like two worlds crossing over.

By the end we were back where we started, outside Hex—Simone led us through an unmarked door into what she called “the temple.” Candles everywhere, brick walls cool under my hand. We did a group ritual (I won’t spoil it), and for a second everyone went quiet together—no phones out, no jokes. Maybe it was just the city getting under my skin, but I left feeling lighter somehow. Or maybe just curious what else is hiding behind those doors you walk past every day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore New Orleans witchcraft and hauntings

• Depart from Hex
• Visit Ursuline Convent and learn about women healers
• Learn about Mary Oneida Toups and her Coven
• Discover ghost stories at a popular restaurant
• Explore Voodoo history and enter Voodoo supply shop
• Visit dark side of French Quarter and hear ritual stories
• Tour LaLaurie Mansion and learn to repel negativity
• Participate in ritual and spellcasting in Witch temple

Top questions

Is this New Orleans witchcraft & voodoo tour suitable for kids?

No, this tour isn’t suitable for children under 13 years old due to mature themes.

Does the tour include entry to LaLaurie Mansion?

You’ll visit LaLaurie Mansion from outside and hear its history but do not enter inside.

Where does the witchcraft & ghost tour start and end?

The tour departs from Hex shop in the French Quarter and ends there after the ritual.

Is there exclusive access to any locations on this tour?

Yes, you get exclusive access to a real witches’ coven temple for a group ritual at the end.

Are there stops at voodoo shops during this day trip?

Yes, during the 4pm tour you enter Voodoo Authentica—a real voodoo supply shop.

How long does this New Orleans spirits & spells tour last?

The duration isn’t specified but plan for an evening walking experience through the French Quarter.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas are wheelchair accessible including transportation options nearby.

What’s included

Your evening includes guided walks through the French Quarter’s most storied streets with stops at places like LaLaurie Mansion and Voodoo Authentica (during select departures), plus exclusive entry into a working witches’ coven temple where you’ll participate in a group ritual before heading back out into the night air.