Ghost And Vampire Walk

Ghost and Vampire Walking Tour of the French Quarter runs through French Quarter Phantoms. Rated 4.7 across 2,541 reviews. Runs 2 hours. From $21.

Overview

This two hour walk through the French Quarter mixes ghost stories with vampire lore, led by a local guide from French Quarter Phantoms. The route starts at the Voodoo Lounge on North Rampart Street and finishes at Jackson Square, passing through some of the quarter's most storied blocks after dark. Along the way the guide tells tales of ghouls, self-proclaimed vampires and the city's stranger history.

A stop at a bar partway through gives the group a break to grab a drink, use the restroom and refill water before continuing. The Lalaurie Mansion is one of the named stops, viewed from outside since admission is not included. Groups run to a maximum of 28 travellers, and the tour is wheelchair and pushchair accessible, with service animals allowed.

Several travellers said it works well with kids, and one noted a dog joined the group. Most reviewers enjoyed the storytelling and the chance to see the quarter at night.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Voodoo LoungeThe tour starts at 718 N Rampart St, New Orleans. One reviewer reported a tour leaving before the listed time, so arriving with time to spare is a sensible precaution.
2. French Quarter walkThe guided walk covers 2 hours through the French Quarter streets, with ghost and vampire stories along the way. Admission is free.
3. French Quarter Phantoms stopA 15 minute stop at the operator's own spot, with free admission.
4. Lalaurie MansionA 12 minute stop at the mansion. Admission is not included, so the visit is from outside.
5. End at Jackson SquareThe tour finishes at Jackson Square, New Orleans. One reviewer noted it ends right off Bourbon Street, handy for continuing the night.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of this walk.

• Arrive early. One reviewer reported a tour that left before the listed time, so arriving with time to spare is a sensible precaution. The meeting point at the Voodoo Lounge is described as easy to find and a short walk from most downtown hotels. The listing asks travellers to walk to the departure point where possible to help keep vehicular traffic out of the quarter.
• Pace and terrain. Reviewers disagree on the distance, with one tracking roughly a mile and another estimating a much longer walk. Either way, expect to be on your feet for the full 2 hours on uneven French Quarter sidewalks. One reviewer mentioned the surfaces made things difficult for a group member using a walker.
• Group size. The listing caps the group at 28 travellers. One reviewer found a large group meant crowding on narrow sidewalks to let others pass and to hear clearly.
• Drinks and breaks. Alcoholic drinks are not included but can be purchased at the midpoint bar stop, where reviewers also found restrooms and a water station. The minimum drinking age is 21. Several travellers said the midpoint break was a welcome pause.
• Weather and clothing. The experience requires good weather, and the listing offers a different date or a full refund if it is cancelled for poor conditions. Comfortable walking shoes are the sensible choice given the sidewalks. Reviews describe the tour as a good night walk with people out and about.
• Family friendly. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and reviewers who brought kids said they enjoyed it, with one noting it was not that scary. A service dog even joined one group.

Common issues. The group can feel crowded on narrow sidewalks, and one reviewer wished for fewer people per tour so everyone could hear. Terrain is a real consideration: the sidewalks are uneven, and one traveller found it hard going for a companion with a walker, even though the listing marks the tour as wheelchair accessible. Reviews split on the walking distance, from about a mile to several, so anyone with limited stamina should expect to be standing and moving for the full 2 hours. One reviewer found parts long and drawn out and hard to follow, and another wished more topics had been covered in the time available. Refunds require cancelling at least 24 hours before the start time.

Before You Book Anything