10 Best Ghost Tours in New Orleans: Haunted, Voodoo & Paranormal Experiences
New Orleans is one of those cities where you don't have to wait until October to lean into the spooky side of your trip. The French Quarter's centuries of history have produced stories involving hauntings, unexplained activity, notorious crimes, vampires, voodoo traditions, historic cemeteries, and plenty of local legends. That also means you'll find an almost overwhelming number of New Orleans ghost tours competing for a spot in your itinerary. Some are traditional walking tours built around history and storytelling, while others take you into reportedly haunted locations, hand you paranormal investigation equipment, or stop at French Quarter bars along the way. There are also adults-only experiences focused on darker stories and true crime, plus cemetery tours that aren't really ghost tours at all. Choosing the right experience depends much more on what kind of spooky night you're looking for than simply finding the tour with the word "ghost" in its name.
I've narrowed this guide down to 10 New Orleans haunted and spooky tours worth comparing, and they're intentionally not all the same. If you actually want to hunt for paranormal activity, there's an interactive investigation that lets you use ghost-hunting equipment inside reportedly haunted locations. If you'd rather spend your evening with a cocktail, you can choose between a haunted pub crawl and a history-focused bar tour. There are broader French Quarter walks covering ghosts, voodoo and vampire legends, along with adults-only experiences that lean much more heavily into true crime or uncensored storytelling. And if you're more fascinated by the city's unusual burial traditions than ghost stories, there's a cemetery tour for that too. The goal of this guide isn't to declare one tour universally "the best" it's to help you figure out which New Orleans ghost tour is best for you.
Quick Guide to the Best Ghost Tours in New Orleans
Tour | Best For | Experience | Approx. Length |
Actually ghost hunting | Hands-on paranormal investigation | 3 hours | |
Haunted-building access | Ghost stories + interior access | 2 hours | |
Nightlife | Ghost stories + bars | 2 hours | |
History + drinks | Dark history + historic bars | 2 hours | |
Classic ghost tour | Haunted-history walk | 2 hours | |
Broad supernatural introduction | Ghosts + voodoo + vampires | 1 hr 45 min | |
Darker stories | Crime + supernatural legends | 1 hr 45 min | |
True-crime fans | Crime + dark history + hauntings | 1 hr 45 min | |
Cemetery history | Burial traditions + history | 2 hours | |
Edgier storytelling | Uncensored supernatural history | 2 hours |
Which New Orleans Ghost Tour Should You Choose?
If you're already looking at all of these options and thinking they sound similar, start with the experience you actually want to have. Someone who wants to hold paranormal equipment and investigate a reportedly haunted building should choose very differently from someone who wants cocktails and entertaining stories while exploring the French Quarter. Likewise, a true-crime fan may find a crime-focused tour much more interesting than a traditional walk centered around supernatural legends. The cemetery experience stands apart entirely, focusing on burial customs and history rather than trying to convince you that something might be lurking around the next corner.
For the quickest comparison:
Best for actually ghost hunting: Ghost Hunt Inside Haunted Locations
Best for entering a haunted location: Ghost Tour: Go Inside a Haunted Location
Best haunted pub crawl: Haunted Pub Crawl
Best history + drinks: Haunted Drunken History Tour
Best classic ghost tour: Haunted History Ghost Tour
Best ghosts + voodoo + vampires: Premier Ghost, Voodoo & Vampire Tour
Best darker supernatural tour: Adults-Only Ghost, Crime, Voodoo & Vampire Tour
Best for true-crime fans: Adults-Only True Crime & Ghost Walking Tour
Best cemetery experience: New Orleans Cemetery Walking Tour
Best uncensored option: Adults-Only Uncensored Ghost, Vampire & Voodoo Walking Tour
1. Ghost Hunt Inside Haunted Locations with New Orleans Paranormal
If your idea of a New Orleans ghost tour involves actually trying to find paranormal activity, start here. Operated by the New Orleans Paranormal Society, this approximately three-hour experience is structured as a hands-on ghost hunt rather than a standard walking tour where you simply listen to stories. Guests are introduced to paranormal investigation equipment and given opportunities to use different devices while exploring reportedly haunted locations. Reviews in the supplied listing repeatedly mention guides explaining how the equipment works and guests experimenting with tools such as EMF and SLS equipment. That makes it particularly approachable if you've watched paranormal investigations on TV but have never participated in one yourself. The listing also notes that the experience typically books well ahead, with an average booking window of about 24 days at the time the information was captured.
The big distinction here is participation. You aren't just being told that a location is haunted; you're being taught how investigators look for anomalies and then given an opportunity to try the process yourself. Of course, paranormal activity can never be guaranteed, and I'd go into any ghost hunt thinking of it as an interactive experience rather than expecting definitive proof of the supernatural. That's actually part of what makes this option interesting: you're actively involved in the evening instead of following a guide from story to story. At around three hours, it's also the longest experience among these 10 options, so I'd make it one of the main activities of your night rather than squeezing it between dinner and something else.
What Makes This New Orleans Ghost Hunt Different?
Most traditional New Orleans ghost tours are primarily about storytelling. This one is much closer to a paranormal investigation, with equipment, instruction and time spent attempting to investigate reportedly haunted locations yourself. That's an important distinction if you're specifically searching for a New Orleans ghost-hunting tour rather than a haunted-history walk.
What You'll Experience
Approximately three-hour experience
Reportedly haunted locations
Hands-on paranormal investigation
Ghost-hunting equipment
Instruction on using the equipment
Opportunities to investigate rather than only listen to stories
Best For
Paranormal enthusiasts, first-time ghost hunters, horror fans and travelers who want the most interactive experience on this list.
2. New Orleans Ghost Tour: Go Inside a Haunted Location
One frustration travelers sometimes have with ghost tours is discovering that every supposedly haunted building is something they only see from the sidewalk. The New Orleans Ghost Tour: Go Inside a Haunted Location specifically differentiates itself by including access to a reportedly haunted location. The approximately two-hour experience combines a French Quarter walking tour with historically grounded ghost stories and interior access, giving you something beyond the usual exterior stops. According to the supplied listing, the tour is led by a licensed guide and is designed for travelers interested in both ghosts and true crime. Alcoholic beverages aren't included, although the experience may include an opportunity for a drink stop.
This is the option I'd look at if you want a traditional ghost-tour structure but don't want to spend the entire evening outside. You still get the French Quarter atmosphere and storytelling that make New Orleans walking tours so appealing, but entering a reportedly haunted building adds a more immersive element. That's different from the paranormal investigation above, however: choosing interior access doesn't automatically mean you're participating in a full ghost hunt with investigative equipment. Think of this as the middle ground between a classic storytelling walk and a hands-on paranormal investigation. The supplied listing shows an approximate two-hour duration, making it easier to fit around dinner or another evening activity than the three-hour paranormal investigation.
Why Choose a Ghost Tour That Goes Inside a Haunted Location?
Many of the buildings discussed on French Quarter walking tours are privately owned, meaning guides often tell their stories from outside. If actually entering a haunted location is important to you, that's something you should verify before booking rather than assuming every ghost tour includes it.
What You'll Experience
Approximately two-hour tour
French Quarter walking
Historically grounded ghost stories
Haunted sites and local legends
Entry into a reportedly haunted location
Licensed professional guide
Best For
First-time visitors, couples, ghost-tour fans and anyone specifically searching for a New Orleans ghost tour that goes inside a haunted building.
3. Haunted Pub Crawl in New Orleans
If your group is trying to decide between a ghost tour and a night out in the French Quarter, you don't necessarily have to choose. The Haunted Pub Crawl in New Orleans combines haunted history and local lore with bar stops during an approximately two-hour walking experience. Rather than making the drinking an afterthought, the nightlife component is part of the structure of the tour. Reviews in the supplied listing repeatedly mention learning about haunted locations while walking between bars, along with the social atmosphere created by the group and guide. Drinks aren't simply the backdrop, so this is better viewed as a haunted bar crawl than a serious paranormal investigation.
That makes this one particularly easy to recommend for a couple or group of friends who wants their tour to transition naturally into the rest of the evening. You're still learning about New Orleans ghost stories and local lore, but the experience is designed to be fun and social rather than intensely historical or frightening. If you don't drink or your main priority is detailed history, one of the traditional walking tours elsewhere in this guide will probably be a better fit. But if you were already planning to spend part of your night checking out French Quarter bars, combining that with haunted storytelling can make good use of your limited vacation time. At the time of the supplied listing, this tour was approximately two hours and showed an average booking window of about 16 days in advance.
Ghost Stories Meet French Quarter Nightlife
The biggest selling point isn't that this is the "scariest" tour in New Orleans. It's that you can experience some of the city's haunted lore without giving up your night out.
What You'll Experience
Approximately two hours
French Quarter walking
Ghost stories and local lore
Haunted locations near bar stops
Multiple nightlife stops
Social, adults-oriented atmosphere
Best For
Couples, groups of friends, birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette trips and adults who want ghosts and nightlife in the same experience.
4. Haunted Drunken History Tour from New Orleans
Despite the name, I'd differentiate the Haunted Drunken History Tour from a straightforward haunted pub crawl. This approximately two-hour experience is much more about combining New Orleans history with stops at historic French Quarter bars, with stories involving subjects such as murder, pirates and the city's more colorful past. The supplied itinerary references locations including the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar, Pirate's Alley Cafe, Tujague's and Ryan's Irish Pub. A complimentary drink is included according to the tour information, while additional drinks can be purchased during the experience. At the time the information was captured, travelers were booking the tour an average of about 21 days ahead.
This is the tour I'd consider if someone told me, "I want something spooky, but I'm actually more interested in New Orleans history and old bars." The bar stops give the tour a relaxed social element, but the history is a significant part of the experience rather than filler between drinks. Reviews in the supplied material repeatedly praise the combination of knowledgeable storytelling, walking through the French Quarter and stopping at interesting local bars. It's therefore a slightly different fit from the dedicated haunted pub crawl above, which leans more naturally into ghost stories and nightlife. As with any tour itinerary, specific stops can change, so I'd verify the current route when booking rather than choosing it solely because of one particular bar.
A New Orleans History Tour With Drinks
Choose this if the history behind New Orleans sounds just as interesting as the supernatural stories.
Stops & Stories Along the Way
The supplied itinerary references locations such as:
New Orleans Pharmacy Museum
Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar
Pirate's Alley Cafe
Tujague's
Ryan's Irish Pub
Best For
History lovers, couples, friend groups and adults who would rather combine entertaining historical storytelling with a few drinks than conduct a paranormal investigation.
5. New Orleans Haunted History Ghost TourNew Orleans Haunted History Ghost Tour
For travelers who simply want the experience they picture when someone says "New Orleans ghost tour," the Haunted History Ghost Tour is one of the more straightforward choices on this list. The approximately two-hour experience explores the French Quarter with a guide sharing stories connected to famous hauntings and eerie locations. According to the supplied listing, the route includes places associated with paranormal reports and also includes entry into a haunted bar. The emphasis is on New Orleans' haunted history, combining local history, folklore and supernatural stories as you walk through the city's oldest neighborhood. Unlike the pub crawl, however, drinking isn't the central purpose of the experience.
That's exactly why I'd put this in the classic ghost tour category. You don't need to be interested in paranormal equipment, true crime, vampires or an adults-only experience to understand what you're signing up for. You're walking around the French Quarter after dark, seeing locations associated with New Orleans ghost stories and hearing a guide explain the history and folklore behind them. Reviews in the supplied material frequently mention the storytelling and the opportunity to learn about the French Quarter while getting some spooky stories along the way. It is a walking tour, so comfortable shoes matter, particularly if you're already spending the rest of the day exploring New Orleans on foot.
The Traditional New Orleans Haunted Walking Tour Experience
If this is your first trip and you want a broad haunted-history introduction to the French Quarter, this is the type of experience I'd start with.
What You'll Experience
Approximately two-hour walking tour
French Quarter haunted history
Local folklore
Reportedly haunted sites
Expert storytelling
Entry into a haunted bar
Best For
First-time visitors, couples, families or groups looking for a traditional New Orleans ghost tour without making alcohol, true crime or ghost-hunting equipment the focus.
6. New Orleans Premier Ghost, Voodoo & Vampire Walking Tour
New Orleans' supernatural reputation extends well beyond ghosts, and this approximately one-hour-and-45-minute walking tour is designed to cover a much broader range of stories. The Premier Ghost, Voodoo & Vampire Walking Tour takes guests through the French Quarter while discussing legends involving ghosts, witchcraft, voodoo and vampires. The supplied itinerary includes or references the French Quarter, New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, Jackson Square, Old Ursuline Convent, LaLaurie Mansion, Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar and Voodoo Authentica. One particularly recognizable piece of local folklore is the story of the "Casket Girls" associated with the Ursuline Convent.
I'd consider this the broad supernatural introduction of the 10 tours because you don't have to choose between a ghost tour, vampire stories or voodoo-related history and legends. That makes it especially appealing for a first-time visitor who wants to sample several themes in one evening rather than going deeply into a single subject. It's important, though, to distinguish documented history from folklore and supernatural claims; part of the appeal of these tours is hearing both the real history and the stories that have grown around it. The supplied listing notes that the route takes place on historic French Quarter terrain and isn't listed as wheelchair accessible, which is worth considering for anyone with mobility concerns. It also operates in varying weather conditions, so this is another experience where comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing matter.
Ghosts, Voodoo & Vampire Legends in One Tour
This is a good choice if you're searching for the classic spooky New Orleans combination rather than a narrowly focused paranormal investigation or true-crime experience.
What You'll Experience
Potential locations and subjects include:
French Quarter
New Orleans Pharmacy Museum
Jackson Square
Old Ursuline Convent
LaLaurie Mansion
Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar
Voodoo Authentica
Ghost, voodoo, witchcraft and vampire stories
Best For
First-time visitors, supernatural-history fans, teenagers and adults who want a broad introduction to New Orleans' spooky stories and legends.
7. Adults-Only New Orleans Ghost, Crime, Voodoo & Vampire Tour
If the previous tour sounds interesting but you'd rather have something specifically designed for adults, this option moves into darker territory. Operated by Hottest Hell Tours, the Adults-Only New Orleans Ghost, Crime, Voodoo & Vampire Tour is approximately one hour and 45 minutes and is restricted to guests 17 and older according to the supplied listing. Rather than concentrating on one supernatural theme, it mixes paranormal stories, grisly true crime, voodoo legends and vampire lore as you move through the French Quarter. Depending on the departure, the supplied itinerary references areas and locations including Louis Armstrong Park, Congo Square, Bourbon Street, Royal Street, Old Ursuline Convent and LaLaurie Mansion.
One feature that makes this tour stand apart is its optional Hellvision experience, which uses projected digital imagery to supplement the storytelling. That adds a more visual and theatrical element for travelers who want something beyond a guide simply narrating stories on the street. The tour information specifically notes that Hellvision departures tend to sell out, so that's worth deciding on when booking rather than assuming you can add it once you arrive. The adults-only designation also matters: this isn't simply a way of saying the tour is "scarier," but rather that the subject matter and presentation aren't being filtered for younger guests. If you're traveling as a couple or with adult friends and want a darker, more theatrical French Quarter experience, this is one I'd compare closely with the uncensored tour later in this guide.
A Darker Adults-Only New Orleans Ghost Tour
The appeal here is the combination of crime + supernatural stories + adult-oriented presentation, rather than one single paranormal theme.
Haunted Locations & Stories
Depending on departure time, the supplied tour information references:
Louis Armstrong Park
Congo Square
French Quarter
Bourbon Street
Royal Street
Old Ursuline Convent
LaLaurie Mansion
Voodoo and vampire legends
True-crime stories
Optional Hellvision experience
Best For
Couples, horror fans, adult friend groups and travelers who want a darker and potentially more theatrical supernatural tour.
8. New Orleans Adults-Only True Crime and Ghost Walking Tour
True-crime fans should look closely at this tour before automatically booking one of the more supernatural options. Operated by Streets of Sin, the approximately one-hour-and-45-minute Adults-Only True Crime and Ghost Walking Tour is led by what the company calls a local "horror-storian" and focuses heavily on infamous murders, unsolved crimes and New Orleans' darker history. The supplied listing specifically describes the stories as uncensored and positions the experience for true-crime and horror fans. Depending on the departure selected, the itinerary can include St. Louis Cathedral, Historic BK House & Gardens, Inn on Ursulines, Hotel Villa Convento, Omni Royal Orleans, Jimani Lounge, Exchange Place and the Louisiana Supreme Court.
What separates this from several other adults-only options is its stronger emphasis on crime and documented history. One of the supplied reviews specifically praised the tour for emphasizing stories with evidence or documentation supporting them, which gives you a good sense of the experience's intended tone. That doesn't mean the haunted side disappears, but someone who spends hours listening to true-crime podcasts is probably a more natural fit here than someone hoping to spend the evening hunting ghosts with an EMF reader. The itinerary also varies depending on the departure, including a more true-crime-focused "Way of the Wicked" option in the supplied material. Guests are instructed to arrive early for check-in, and the tour is listed as adults-only for ages 17 and up.
The New Orleans Ghost Tour for True-Crime Fans
Choose this one if real crimes, unsolved cases and dark history interest you more than vampire legends or paranormal investigation.
True-Crime Locations Along the Route
Depending on your departure, the supplied itinerary references:
St. Louis Cathedral
Historic BK House & Gardens
Inn on Ursulines
Hotel Villa Convento
Omni Royal Orleans
Jimani Lounge & Restaurant
Exchange Place
Louisiana Supreme Court
Best For
True-crime podcast listeners, history lovers, horror fans and adults who prefer darker historical stories over a traditional ghost walk.
9. New Orleans Cemetery Walking Tour
This is the one tour on the list that I wouldn't really describe as a ghost tour, and that's exactly why it's worth including. New Orleans' cemeteries are such a distinctive part of the city's history that travelers looking for spooky or atmospheric experiences frequently encounter them while planning a trip. This approximately two-hour walking tour focuses on New Orleans' above-ground burial practices, elaborate tombs, symbolism, burial traditions and the people laid to rest in the city's cemeteries. The supplied listing describes access with a licensed local guide and emphasizes the historical and cultural context behind the burial practices rather than paranormal activity.
The itinerary also includes the Katrina National Memorial, where the guide discusses those lost during Hurricane Katrina and the transformation of an old potter's field into a memorial. You'll also learn why above-ground interment became such a recognizable part of New Orleans cemetery culture and how elaborate tombs could historically reflect family wealth and status. The tour is offered during the day rather than functioning as a spooky nighttime walk, making it easy to pair with one of the ghost tours elsewhere in this guide. Reviews in the supplied material consistently emphasize how educational the experience is, with visitors mentioning burial traditions and the amount of local history they learned. The listing also notes that the tour operates in varying weather conditions, so sun protection, water and appropriate clothing are particularly important.
Explore New Orleans' Famous Cemetery Culture
Come to this tour for history, culture and New Orleans' unusual burial traditions, not because you're expecting a theatrical ghost hunt.
What You'll Learn
Above-ground burial practices
Historic tombs and vaults
Burial traditions
Tomb symbolism
New Orleans cemetery history
Katrina National Memorial
Mid-City cemetery area
Best For
History lovers, photographers, culturally curious travelers and anyone interested in New Orleans' cemeteries without necessarily wanting a ghost tour.
10. Adults-Only Uncensored Ghost, Vampire & Voodoo Walking Tour
The final option takes the broad ghosts-voodoo-vampires formula and gives it an explicitly adults-only, uncensored presentation. This approximately two-hour French Quarter walking tour covers paranormal activity, voodoo culture, witchcraft, vampire stories and notorious murders. The supplied itinerary includes stops or discussions around Hands of Fate NOLA, Jackson Square, Pirate's Alley, Old Ursuline Convent, haunted hotels and the infamous LaLaurie Mansion. There is also a bar break during the experience, although alcoholic beverages aren't included in the tour price.
The word "uncensored" is important when deciding whether this is right for your group. Reviews in the supplied material repeatedly mention energetic guides, humor and dramatic storytelling, while the operator itself makes it clear that the presentation is intended for adults and may include strong language or subject matter. Unlike the interior-access tour earlier in this guide, the listing specifically notes that the privately owned buildings discussed during the walking tour aren't entered. That means I'd choose this for the storytelling style and subject matter, not because you're looking for physical access to haunted locations. If you're traveling with adults who appreciate dark humor and want New Orleans' ghost, vampire and voodoo stories without a family-friendly filter, this is probably the clearest fit.
An Uncensored Look at New Orleans' Supernatural Side
This isn't simply a "scarier" ghost tour. The difference is primarily the adult-oriented storytelling style and uncensored subject matter.
Stops Around the French Quarter
The supplied itinerary includes:
French Quarter
Hands of Fate NOLA
Jackson Square
Pirate's Alley
Old Ursuline Convent
LaLaurie Mansion
Haunted hotels
Bar break
Best For
Adult groups, couples, dark-humor fans and travelers who want an energetic, uncensored take on New Orleans' supernatural stories.
How These New Orleans Ghost Tours Compare
If you've made it through all 10 and are still torn, don't compare them by review count or try to determine which is objectively the "scariest." Instead, decide what you want to be doing for those two or three hours.
If You Want... | Consider... |
Actually using ghost-hunting equipment | Ghost Hunt Inside Haunted Locations |
Entering a reportedly haunted location | Ghost Tour: Go Inside a Haunted Location |
Ghost stories + nightlife | Haunted Pub Crawl |
History + historic bars | Haunted Drunken History Tour |
A traditional ghost tour | Haunted History Ghost Tour |
Ghosts + voodoo + vampires | Premier Ghost, Voodoo & Vampire Tour |
Darker adults-only storytelling | Ghost, Crime, Voodoo & Vampire Tour |
True crime | Adults-Only True Crime & Ghost Tour |
Cemetery history | Cemetery Walking Tour |
Uncensored supernatural stories | Adults-Only Uncensored Ghost, Vampire & Voodoo Tour |
Ghost Tour vs. Paranormal Investigation: What's the Difference?
A traditional ghost tour is primarily a storytelling experience. You'll walk between historically significant or reportedly haunted locations while a guide explains the people, events, legends and ghost stories connected with them. You may hear about paranormal reports or see photos associated with supposed activity, but you're generally not conducting an investigation yourself. This format works particularly well on a first trip because you're simultaneously learning your way around the French Quarter and getting historical context you might otherwise miss. The Haunted History Ghost Tour and several of the ghost/voodoo/vampire options in this guide fit more naturally into this category.
A paranormal investigation asks you to participate. The Ghost Hunt Inside Haunted Locations provides equipment and instruction before giving guests opportunities to look for possible activity themselves. That makes the evening less predictable because there isn't a guarantee you'll experience anything unusual—and that uncertainty is really part of the point. If you're skeptical but curious, it can still be interesting to learn how the equipment works and how investigators attempt to distinguish unusual readings from ordinary explanations. If you're primarily interested in history and storytelling, though, I'd choose a traditional ghost tour instead.
Are There New Orleans Ghost Tours That Go Inside Haunted Buildings?
Yes, but don't assume every tour does. Much of the French Quarter is privately owned, so many walking tours discuss supposedly haunted homes, hotels and historic buildings while remaining outside. The New Orleans Ghost Tour: Go Inside a Haunted Location specifically advertises interior access as part of the experience, making it one of the clearest choices in this group if entering a reportedly haunted space matters to you.
That's also different from simply entering a bar that has a haunted reputation. The Haunted History Ghost Tour, for example, includes entry into a haunted bar, while the dedicated interior-access tour specifically positions haunted-location entry as one of its central features. Meanwhile, the Uncensored Ghost, Vampire & Voodoo tour explicitly notes that it does not enter the privately owned buildings discussed along its route. Reading those details before booking can prevent a lot of disappointment if interior access is one of the reasons you want to take a ghost tour.
What About Voodoo and Vampire Tours in New Orleans?
Several of the tours in this guide combine ghost stories with voodoo history and legends, witchcraft and vampire folklore, which can be a good way to explore multiple sides of New Orleans' supernatural reputation in one evening. The Premier Ghost, Voodoo & Vampire Tour, for example, includes stories connected with locations such as the Old Ursuline Convent, LaLaurie Mansion and Voodoo Authentica while moving through the French Quarter. The Adults-Only Ghost, Crime, Voodoo & Vampire Tour covers similar broad themes but adds darker true-crime material and an adults-only presentation.
One thing I would keep in mind is that Louisiana Voodoo has real religious, cultural and historical significance, while vampire stories and ghost legends often fall much more clearly into folklore. A tour covering all three may move between documented history, cultural traditions, reported paranormal experiences and outright legends. That's not necessarily a drawback—the mix is part of what makes these experiences entertaining—but it's worth understanding what you're booking. If you're specifically hoping for a deep educational experience focused on Voodoo history and culture, I'd look for a tour dedicated to that subject rather than assuming a ghost-and-vampire combination tour will provide the same depth.
Are There Adults-Only Ghost Tours in New Orleans?
Yes, and there are several in this collection alone. The Adults-Only Ghost, Crime, Voodoo & Vampire Tour, Adults-Only True Crime & Ghost Walking Tour, and Adults-Only Uncensored Ghost, Vampire & Voodoo Walking Tourare all designed specifically for older audiences. Their differences matter: one mixes several supernatural themes with crime, one leans much more heavily into true crime and dark history, and the uncensored option emphasizes its unfiltered storytelling style.
Adults-only also doesn't automatically mean "more paranormal" or even "scarier." It can simply mean that guides don't need to filter gruesome historical details, language, humor or subject matter for younger guests. The Haunted Pub Crawl and Haunted Drunken History Tour are another natural fit for adults who specifically want drinking incorporated into the experience. If you're traveling as a couple or group of friends, think about whether you want true crime, supernatural stories, uncensored humor or nightlife, then choose the adults-oriented experience that actually matches that preference.
When Should You Take a Ghost Tour in New Orleans?
You don't need to visit New Orleans at Halloween to justify booking a ghost tour. The history, architecture, cemeteries, folklore and locations these tours explore exist year-round, so I'd think of haunted tourism as part of the broader New Orleans experience rather than a seasonal attraction. Fall obviously adds some spooky-season appeal, but a nighttime French Quarter ghost tour can be just as easy to incorporate into a winter, spring or summer trip. In fact, choosing your tour based on the experience rather than the season gives you far more flexibility.
I also wouldn't stack three similar ghost walks into the same weekend unless paranormal tourism is one of the main reasons you're visiting. A better approach for most travelers is to choose one nighttime experience that matches your interests and then pair it with something different. You could take the daytime cemetery tour and do a paranormal investigation that evening, for example, because those experiences cover very different material. Or combine a classic ghost walk with the rest of a New Orleans itinerary focused on food, music, neighborhoods and history. That gives you the spooky side of the city without allowing every evening to become a variation of the same walking tour.
Tips for Booking a New Orleans Ghost Tour
Popular tours can book surprisingly far ahead. At the time these listings were captured, several showed average advance-booking windows of roughly two to three weeks, while the New Orleans Paranormal Society ghost hunt showed an average of about 24 days ahead. That doesn't mean you always have to reserve a month in advance, but if one particular experience is important to you, I wouldn't leave it until you arrive.
Before booking, check:
Age restrictions: Several tours are explicitly adults-only.
Interior access: Don't assume "haunted location" means you'll go inside.
Alcohol: Some tours include bar stops, but drinks aren't necessarily included.
Walking: Most experiences involve substantial time on foot.
Weather: Many tours operate rain or shine.
Accessibility: Historic French Quarter streets can present mobility challenges.
Meeting point: Verify your exact meeting location and arrive early.
Current itinerary: Routes and individual stops can change.
Most importantly, don't choose based on the title alone. Two tours can both advertise ghosts, vampires and voodoo while offering noticeably different storytelling styles, age restrictions and itineraries.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Orleans Ghost Tours
What Is the Best Ghost Tour in New Orleans?
There isn't one tour I'd call universally best because these experiences are too different. For traditional storytelling, I'd consider the Haunted History Ghost Tour; for actual ghost hunting, look at Ghost Hunt Inside Haunted Locations; for true crime, the Adults-Only True Crime & Ghost Walking Tour is the strongest match in this particular group. Travelers wanting nightlife should look toward the Haunted Pub Crawl, while the Premier Ghost, Voodoo & Vampire Tour gives first-time visitors a broader introduction to several supernatural themes.
What Is the Scariest Ghost Tour in New Orleans?
"Scariest" is extremely subjective. Someone unsettled by real murder stories might find an adults-only true-crime tour more disturbing, while another traveler will find walking into a reportedly haunted location with paranormal equipment far creepier. I'd choose based on what actually scares or interests you, rather than a marketing claim about which tour is the scariest.
Can You Actually Ghost Hunt in New Orleans?
Yes. The Ghost Hunt Inside Haunted Locations with New Orleans Paranormal is specifically structured as a paranormal investigation where guests are introduced to equipment and given opportunities to participate in investigating reportedly haunted locations. Paranormal activity isn't guaranteed, but the hands-on investigation itself is the experience.
Do New Orleans Ghost Tours Go Inside Haunted Buildings?
Some do, but many don't. The New Orleans Ghost Tour: Go Inside a Haunted Location specifically includes interior access, while other walking tours may remain outside the privately owned buildings they discuss. If entering a location is important to you, confirm that it's explicitly included before booking.
Are New Orleans Ghost Tours Worth It?
I think they're particularly worthwhile for travelers who enjoy history, storytelling, true crime or paranormal folklore because the best tours give you context for places you might otherwise walk past without noticing. The key is choosing the correct type of tour. Someone interested in history could be disappointed by a nightlife-heavy pub crawl, while someone hoping to use ghost-hunting equipment might find a traditional walking tour too passive.
Are There Adults-Only Ghost Tours in New Orleans?
Yes. Several options in this guide are specifically adults-only, including tours focused on true crime, darker supernatural stories and uncensored storytelling. Check the current minimum-age requirement before booking because restrictions vary by operator.
Are There Haunted Pub Crawls in New Orleans?
Yes. The Haunted Pub Crawl in New Orleans combines ghost stories and haunted locations with bar stops, while the Haunted Drunken History Tour places more emphasis on New Orleans history and historic bars. They're similar concepts, but I'd choose the first for ghosts + nightlife and the second for history + drinks.
Are There True-Crime Tours in New Orleans?
Yes. The New Orleans Adults-Only True Crime and Ghost Walking Tour is the clearest true-crime-focused option among these 10, with stories involving infamous murders, unsolved crimes and darker historical events around the French Quarter.
Can You Tour Cemeteries in New Orleans?
Yes, although cemetery access and rules can vary. The New Orleans Cemetery Walking Tour in this guide uses a licensed local guide and focuses on above-ground burial practices, historic tombs, symbolism and New Orleans burial traditions.
Are New Orleans Ghost Tours Just for Halloween?
Not at all. New Orleans' ghost stories, true-crime history, cemeteries and supernatural folklore make these experiences relevant throughout the year. Halloween is a fun time to lean into the atmosphere, but I wouldn't wait until October if a New Orleans trip is already on your calendar.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best New Orleans Ghost Tour for Your Trip
The biggest takeaway after comparing these tours is that asking "What's the best ghost tour in New Orleans?" isn't quite the right question. Start with what you actually want to do. If you want paranormal equipment in your hands, book the ghost hunt. If walking inside a reportedly haunted location is important, choose the tour specifically offering interior access. If cocktails are part of the plan, choose between the haunted pub crawl and the more history-focused Drunken History Tour. True-crime fans have a dedicated option, while travelers who want the classic New Orleans combination of ghosts, voodoo and vampires have several supernatural walks to choose from.
And don't overlook the cemetery tour simply because it isn't a traditional ghost tour. For some travelers, learning about New Orleans' above-ground burial traditions and cemetery history will be far more interesting than spending two hours listening to paranormal stories. That's why I wouldn't try to rank these experiences from one to 10—they're designed for different travelers. Pick the one that complements the rest of your New Orleans itinerary rather than simply booking whichever tour happens to appear first in your search results.
Planning a trip to New Orleans? I can help you narrow down where to stay, choose experiences that actually fit the way you like to travel, and bring the rest of your trip together. My travel planning is complimentary when you book your accommodations through me.
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