What you see on a New Orleans ghost or voodoo tour
Ghost and voodoo tours in New Orleans take you through neighborhoods where tour guides tell stories tied to the city's history—some based on documented events, some on local legend, and some on a mix of both. You walk streets in the French Quarter, the Marigny, or the Garden District while a guide points out buildings, cemeteries, or sites connected to those stories. The tours last between 1.5 and 3 hours depending on the company and route.
A ghost tour typically focuses on stories of hauntings, deaths, or unexplained events at specific locations. A voodoo tour centers on the history and practice of voodoo in New Orleans, often including stops at shops, museums, or sites important to voodoo practitioners. Some tours blend both themes. Tours are led by a live guide—either walking the streets or, less commonly, traveling by streetcar or bus—and guides vary widely in how much they emphasize historical fact versus entertainment.
Key Takeaways
- Ghost and voodoo tours are walking or transit-based tours led by a guide who tells stories tied to New Orleans locations, lasting 1.5 to 3 hours.
- Tours depart from set meeting points, usually in the French Quarter, and you pay per person at booking or arrival; prices typically range from $20 to $50 depending on length and company.
- No special preparation is needed, but wear comfortable walking shoes, bring water, and check the weather since many tours run rain or shine.
- Tour quality depends heavily on the individual guide; reading recent reviews on booking sites can help you find guides known for accuracy or entertainment value.
- Tours are entertainment and storytelling, not historical documentation or paranormal investigation, so treat them as a way to learn local lore rather than verified fact.
How to book and what to expect on arrival
Most New Orleans ghost and voodoo tours are booked through tour company websites, travel booking sites like Viator or GetYourGuide, or directly by phone. You choose a tour date and time, pay per person (usually $20 to $50, though premium or longer tours cost more), and receive a confirmation email with the meeting location and time. Meeting points are almost always in the French Quarter—often at a specific street corner, a hotel lobby, or a restaurant—and the guide will be there 10 to 15 minutes before the tour starts.
Arrive 10 minutes early. The guide will do a headcount, give a brief introduction, and start walking or board the vehicle. Most tours do not require you to sign a waiver or provide ID. If the tour is canceled due to weather, the company will usually offer a refund or reschedule you for another date. Some companies offer a "no-show" refund if you cancel 24 hours in advance; check the booking confirmation for the cancellation policy.
What to bring and how to prepare
Wear comfortable walking shoes—even bus or streetcar tours involve some walking to and from stops. Bring a water bottle; New Orleans is humid and tours happen in the heat or cool depending on season. A light jacket or sweater is useful if the tour runs into evening or if you are sensitive to air conditioning on transit tours. Sunscreen and a hat help during daytime tours.
Check the weather forecast the day before. Most tours run in light rain, but heavy rain or thunderstorms may cause cancellation. If you have mobility issues, ask the tour company in advance whether the route includes stairs, uneven pavement, or long stretches without rest stops. Some companies offer shorter or modified routes. Bring a phone or camera if you want to take photos; most guides allow it, though some ask you not to use flash in certain locations like cemeteries.
Differences between ghost tours and voodoo tours
Ghost tours focus on stories of death, tragedy, or unexplained events. A guide might tell you about a building where a murder occurred, a hotel where a guest died under mysterious circumstances, or a cemetery where people report seeing apparitions. These tours lean on local legend and historical records mixed together. The stories are presented as "this is what people say happened" or "this building is said to be haunted," which leaves room for interpretation.
Voodoo tours teach the history and practice of voodoo in New Orleans, which is a real religion with roots in West African, Catholic, and Native American traditions. These tours often include stops at voodoo shops, museums dedicated to voodoo history, or sites important to historical voodoo practitioners like Marie Laveau. A voodoo tour guide may explain rituals, corrects common Hollywood misconceptions, and discusses how voodoo is practiced today. Some voodoo tours are more educational and less sensational than ghost tours, though this varies by company and guide.
How tour quality varies and what to look for in reviews
The experience depends almost entirely on your guide. A knowledgeable, engaging guide makes the same route memorable; a disinterested guide makes it forgettable. Read recent reviews on Viator, GetYourGuide, TripAdvisor, or Google before booking. Look for comments about whether the guide was knowledgeable, whether stories were interesting, and whether the pace was comfortable. Some reviewers note whether a guide emphasized history or entertainment, which helps you pick based on what you want.
Check the tour company's website for guide bios if available. Some companies hire guides with backgrounds in history, folklore, or local culture; others hire based on personality alone. A tour company that lists guide names and experience is usually more transparent than one that does not. If you have a preference—for instance, you want a guide who focuses on documented history rather than ghost stories—call the company before booking and ask what to expect.
Costs, what is included, and what is not
Standard ghost or voodoo tours cost $20 to $50 per person. This price includes the guide and the tour itself. What is not included: food, drinks, museum entry fees, or shopping. Some tours stop at a bar or restaurant where you can order food or drinks at your own cost. Some voodoo tours stop at a voodoo museum or shop; entry fees are separate unless the tour description says "museum included." Premium tours—longer routes, smaller groups, or tours led by well-known guides—cost $60 to $100 or more.
Group discounts are sometimes available if you book 10 or more people; ask the tour company directly. Private tours (just your group, not mixed with strangers) cost more than public tours and must be arranged in advance. Children usually pay the same price as adults, though some companies offer discounts for children under 12. Gratuity for the guide is not included in the price; most people tip $5 to $10 per person if they enjoyed the tour.
Why stories on these tours mix history and legend
New Orleans ghost and voodoo tours are entertainment and storytelling, not historical documentation or paranormal investigation. A guide may tell you a building is haunted based on local rumor, a single historical account, or no documented source at all. Some stories have roots in real events—a person did die at that location, a voodoo practitioner did live there—but the details may be exaggerated or altered over time. Other stories are invented to make the tour more engaging.
This does not mean the tours are dishonest, but it means you should treat them as a way to learn local lore and culture rather than as verified fact. If a story interests you, research it afterward using historical societies, library archives, or books about New Orleans history. Many guides are genuinely knowledgeable and will tell you when something is legend versus documented fact, but not all do. The best tours are clear about the difference; weaker tours blur it intentionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book in advance or can I just show up?
Most tours require advance booking online or by phone. Some companies hold a few spots for walk-ups on the day of the tour, but this is not reliable. Book at least a day or two ahead to may provide a spot. If you arrive in New Orleans without a booking, call tour companies directly in the morning to ask about same-day availability.
Are these tours appropriate for children?
Ghost tours can be scary for young children because they focus on death and hauntings. Many companies recommend ages 10 and up, though this varies. Voodoo tours are usually less frightening and more educational, so they may suit younger children better. Check the tour description or call the company to ask about age recommendations and content before booking with kids.
What if I am not interested in the paranormal but want to learn about New Orleans history?
Voodoo tours often teach real history and culture rather than focusing on the paranormal. Look for tours described as "history of voodoo" or "voodoo culture" rather than "haunted voodoo." You can also take a general New Orleans history tour instead, which covers architecture, politics, and culture without the ghost or voodoo angle. Search for "New Orleans history tour" on booking sites.
What happens if the tour is canceled?
If the tour company cancels due to weather or low bookings, you will receive an email offering a refund or a reschedule to another date. Check your confirmation email for the cancellation policy. Most companies refund within 5 to 10 business days if you do not choose a reschedule date. If you cancel, the company's refund policy applies—usually full refund if you cancel 24 hours in advance, partial or no refund if you cancel closer to the tour time.
Can I take photos during the tour?
Yes, most guides allow photos. Some guides ask you not to use flash in cemeteries or certain buildings out of respect. A few tours prohibit photos entirely, but this is rare. Check the tour description or ask the guide at the start of the tour. If you want to photograph specific locations, mention this when you book and the company can let you know if there are restrictions.