New Orleans Historical and Haunted Walking Tour

New Orleans’ past is never far from its present, and this walking tour puts both on the same stretch of French Quarter pavement. You’ll hear local history and ghost stories as you pass more than 10 places, with the tour beginning beside the storied Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar.

I like two things in particular: the history and hauntings come together in one walk, and multiple departure times make it easier to fit into your plans. The $18 price is also a modest way to get an introduction to the Quarter from a local guide.

One consideration: the route’s pace and length depend partly on waits at bars and restrooms, so the advertised one to two hours is an estimate. You’ll also need to arrive on time; the guide leaves at the scheduled departure.

At a glance

• Start outside Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar: Meet on the sidewalk at the gate of the courtyard at 941 Bourbon Street, not inside the bar.
• More than 10 French Quarter locations: The walk covers local history and haunted tales before ending in the Quarter.
• History first, ghosts included: Treat the paranormal stories as entertainment, not a promise of a supernatural sighting.
• Day or night departures: Choose a time that suits your plans, and expect the mood of the stories to shift with the light.
• Drinks are optional and extra: You may buy a drink at a bar along the route, but it is not included in the ticket price.

A French Quarter walk with two sides

This tour pairs familiar New Orleans themes, history and hauntings, rather than treating them as separate attractions. That combination can be useful if you have limited time: you get a guided orientation to the French Quarter and a set of ghostly tales in one walk.

The stories are the main event. You’ll hear about the places you pass, local legends, and details that can be hard to pick up while wandering on your own. Guides Coty and Cody are names associated with the tour, and accounts of their approach describe an easygoing style, with humor and local recommendations alongside the historical material. The guide on your departure may differ.

That informal quality is part of the appeal. You are not signing up for a formal lecture or a staged haunted attraction. Instead, expect a moderate-paced walk, a guide talking as the group moves between sites, and time for the occasional bar or restroom stop.

Starting beside Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar

Meet at 941 Bourbon Street, on the sidewalk by the gate to the courtyard attached to Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar. The tour does not meet inside the bar, and the operator says it is not affiliated with the establishment. This distinction matters: go to the stated meeting point outside, check in with the guide, and don’t assume the bar staff can help you find the group.

The bar itself is a fitting place to begin a tour built around French Quarter lore. You have about five minutes at this first stop, and the tour information suggests using the restroom or picking up a to-go drink before setting off. Drinks are your own expense, and you can also choose not to buy one.

Arrive a few minutes early. The group leaves at the scheduled time, and the guide may no longer be at the meeting point if you are late. If something is delaying you, contact the operator before departure rather than assuming the group can wait.

More than 10 stops through the Quarter

From the meeting point, the tour continues through the French Quarter, visiting more than 10 locations and ending somewhere in the Quarter’s Vieux Carré. The route is not described as a set of long indoor visits. It is a walking tour on public property, with stories told as you move between places.

That format makes the experience a useful first look at the neighborhood. You’ll see how the streets and buildings fit together while hearing the history and legends attached to them. If you have already spent a few days exploring on your own, the guide’s explanations can add context and help sort out local lore from historical fact.

The itinerary does not name every location, so don’t book expecting a specific house, museum, or private interior. The route may change, and the operator says there is no entry into private property. Think of this as a guided outdoor walk, not a ticket to tour the interiors of historic buildings.

You are asked to stay with the group rather than walking off to take photos. Photos are allowed and encouraged, but the guide needs to keep moving to complete the route. The old, uneven streets and walkways also call for sensible footwear and attention underfoot.

History, legends, and the ghost question

The haunted angle adds atmosphere, but it is best approached with a light touch. The operator makes no promise that you will see a ghost or other paranormal activity. The tour is presented for entertainment, and a ghost sighting is not part of what your ticket buys.

That frankness helps set expectations. If you enjoy a good ghost story, you can appreciate the tales without needing them to prove anything. If you want a history-only walk, the tour still includes historical facts and local stories, but the supernatural material is a central part of its appeal.

Day and night departures give you a choice of mood. A daytime walk lets you study the Quarter’s streets and buildings in ordinary light; an evening departure naturally suits a ghost-story theme. The tour details don’t promise different routes or content by time, so choose based on your schedule and preference rather than expecting a distinct version.

Optional drinks, and the real cost

At $18 per person, the tour is reasonably priced for a local guide and a walk covering more than 10 French Quarter locations. You are paying for interpretation and storytelling, not admission to a series of attractions. The listed admission is included, but alcoholic drinks and gratuities are not.

Buying a drink is optional. Bars along the route may offer drinks to purchase, and a to-go drink can be a convenient way to accompany the walk. But bar waits can stretch the outing, so don’t build a tight dinner reservation or another timed activity around the one-hour estimate.

The duration is approximately one to two hours. The guide’s pace is moderate, and delays may depend on how busy stops are, including bars and restrooms. If you have a hard deadline, allow a cushion rather than planning on the shortest possible duration.

Who will enjoy this walk

I’d consider this tour if you want a compact introduction to French Quarter history with ghost stories folded in. It suits first-time visitors who want a guide’s perspective, as well as returning visitors who enjoy local anecdotes and want to hear how the Quarter’s legends are told.

It can also work for a solo visitor or a couple looking for an easy evening activity. The walk is not described as strenuous, and most people can participate, but the route uses old, uneven streets. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to keep moving with the group.

Families should check the age details before booking. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian unless a tour guide authorizes otherwise, and not every bar permits children inside. To-go windows along the route offer an alternative for those who do not want to enter a bar.

What to know before you book

The meeting point is outside the gate of the courtyard at 941 Bourbon Street. Set your map to that address, and plan to be there a few minutes before the scheduled departure. The tour ends in the French Quarter, but no exact ending address is given, so leave yourself time to orient yourself afterward.

Mobile tickets are offered, and confirmation is received at booking. The tour is in English. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation.

A few policies deserve a close read. The booking information gives a free-cancellation window up to 24 hours before the start, while the operator’s terms also contain broader no-refund language. Weather and minimum-number cancellation terms likewise differ across the information provided. Check the specific terms shown at checkout and keep your mobile number current, since text messages may be used for updates.

The tour may be cancelled if minimum numbers are not met, even close to departure. If you’re building a packed day around it, have a backup plan. The cutoff for reservations is one hour before departure, so last-minute booking may not be possible.

Audio and video recording are not allowed, though photos are encouraged. Paranormal equipment may be available if you request it at check-in. You’ll need to provide your name, phone number, address, and booking reference to borrow it, and the operator specifies a $250 charge for lost, damaged, or missing equipment. Ask for it before the tour starts, not halfway through the walk.

Should you book the New Orleans Historical and Haunted Walking Tour?

Book it if you want an affordable, locally guided stroll that combines French Quarter background with ghost stories, and you’re happy to keep drinks optional. The strongest reason to go is the guide-led storytelling: it turns a walk past old streets and buildings into a more meaningful introduction to the Quarter.

Skip it if you need a tightly timed itinerary, want guaranteed access inside historic buildings, or expect to see paranormal activity. The tour is best enjoyed for its stories and neighborhood context, with a little flexibility for delays. At $18, it offers good value if those are the things you’re after.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

Meet on the sidewalk at the gate of the courtyard attached to Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, at 941 Bourbon Street, New Orleans. The tour does not meet inside the bar.

Where does the tour end?

It ends in the French Quarter, also called the Vieux Carré. A specific ending address is not provided.

How long does the tour take?

The approximate duration is one to two hours. Stops, including bar and restroom waits, can affect the timing.

What is included in the $18 price?

The price includes the walking tour and a local guide. Drinks and gratuities are not included.

Can I buy a drink during the tour?

Yes. Drinks are available to purchase at bars along the route, and buying one is optional.

Is the tour offered during the day and at night?

Yes. Multiple day and night departure times are offered. Specific departure times depend on availability.

Will I see a ghost?

There is no guarantee of paranormal activity or a ghost sighting. The tour is offered for entertainment and includes haunted stories.

Are children allowed?

Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian unless authorized by a tour guide. Not all bars allow children inside, though to-go windows are available along the route.

Can I take photos or record the tour?

Photos are allowed and encouraged. Audio and video recording devices are not allowed.

What is the cancellation policy?

The booking information says you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start for a full refund, while the operator’s terms include stricter no-refund wording. Check the terms attached to your booking for the policy that applies.