Bring on the kooky, the scary, the funny, and the downright strange costumes for Halloween in New Orleans which is a popular holiday in New Orleans. Adults will find many frightening activities to do in this city rich in history. In fact, many of New Orleans is known as “The Most Haunted City in America.” Supposedly, the spirits of former New Orleans residents are said to inhabit places in the French Quarter, city cemeteries, voodoo shops, and houses in the Garden District. New Orleans is home to vampire shops, speciality shops that cater to this unique set of clientele. You can also visit one of its many haunted hotels for a thrilling experience. Frenchmen Street has a huge street party where costumed tourists and locals mingle out on the block. Planning to spend Halloween in New Orleans? Check out the list of the top tours and activities shown below to start your Halloween off with a boo!
Halloween events to look out for
The Boo at the Zoo is a family-friendly event at Audubon Zoo with trick-or-treating, entertainment, and animal encounters. The event is held in October during zoo hours from 10am to 5pm.
The Krewe of Boo Parade is the official Halloween parade of New Orleans celebrated in October. It features elaborate floats, marching bands, and costumed participants, celebrating the spooky season in true New Orleans style.
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Most haunted locations in New Orleans
New Orleans has several spooky spots steeped in history and legends, making it an ideal option for exploration for all those who’re interested in paranormal activities. Here’s our curated list of the best spots that you can check out while you’re here!
Le Petit Theatre: As per this article from official tourism website of New Orleans, you may bump into the spirit of the actress who died here in a white wedding gown in 1930.
Muriel’s Jackson Square: Travelers can see the ghost of Pierre Antoine Lepardi Jourdan, who committed suicide after losing a poker match. Interestingly, his spirit appears as a glimmer of sparkly light instead of a human figure.
St. Louis Cathedral: This church is said to be haunted by Pere Dagobert, who was a pastor here in the mid-1700s century.
Marie Laveau’s House: This place was the residence of the voodoo queen, Marie Laveau, and her spirit is rumored to be still conducting voodoo ceremonies here.
Sultan’s Palace: Also known as the Gardette-LePretre House, this house has witnessed brutal assassinations in the past. Ghosts have been seen here for a long time now.
Hotel Monteleone: The hotel’s 14th floor (actually the 13th floor) is said to witness paranormal activities, and guests have reported hearing the footsteps of the child ghost who haunts this place.
Hermann-Grima House: Not all ghosts are scary just like this friendly Southern ghost in this house. It’s said to scatter scented roses and lavenders and light up the fireplace to make the ambiance cozy.
Halloween tours and experiences in New Orleans
1. Embark on a killer and thriller tour
This 1.5-hour long tour takes you through some of the most haunted buildings in New Orleans. Your tour guide will tell you the tales of how some of the unquiet spirits met their terrible deaths. You’ll go to the home of someone who practices voodoo and have a drink at a bar, famous for its ghostly activity. I am thrilled to learn more about the voodoo practitioner. This tour is not for those that scare easily.
You will receive a confirmation at the time of booking this tour. Also, note that the visitor should be at least 16 years old. Service animals and the tour are wheelchair accessible. It will have a maximum of nine participants for a fun experience.
Haunted and eerie stops:
French Quarter
Cabildo
New Orleans Pharmacy Museum
What guests are saying about this tour:
“Great tour explaining some of the more gruesome crimes and murders around the French Quarter while giving context in the history of New Orleans” - by Katherine_O
Book Tours : New Orleans Killers and Thrillers Tour
2. Explore the historic French Quarter
This two-hour tour starts in the French Quarter and then leads to St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. A number of mausoleums and the grave of Marie Laveau, New Orleans most prominent voodoo priestess. The tour guide will show you shotgun homes and Creole townhouses. As an explorer, I am excited to visit these houses. You’ll hear about the history of voodoo and how it has influenced New Orleans. You’ll also hear about the burial practices in the city. The tour has a morning or afternoon time. Wear comfortable shoes you can walk in as you experience the hidden voodoo tales of New Orleans.
This tour operates in all weather and visitors are requested to carry water to avoid dehydration, especially in summer. It’s not wheelchair-accessible, but strollers and service animals are allowed. While most travelers can take part, the tour does not allow anyone with serious medical conditions or heart problems. The tour can accommodate a maximum of 28 people.
Haunted and eerie stops:
French Quarter
Louis Armstrong Park (site of large gatherings that took place here in the 1800s, which included voodoo rituals)
Voodoo Authentica
Jackson Square
What guests are saying about this tour:
“Guide was great and knowledgeable. Started on time, was easy to finding beginning spot. Walked through quarter to the cemetery, all through, to the park and back. She provided a lot of information about history and architecture. Recommend!” - by Jenny S
3. Journey into the past with this haunted history ghost tour
Make sure you have comfortable walking shoes on during this tour because you’ll be walking around the French Quarter for two hours. You’ll visit places where there is documented proof that ghosts have visited there. You might even see a ghost or two when you go into a haunted bar that is known for its spirits, and that doesn’t mean liquor. I would love to experience this and share my stories with the world on such encounters. You’ll begin the tour at Reverend Zombies Voodoo Store and walk through the French Quarter where you’ll see the LaLaurie House, the infamous home where it’s mistress terrorized the slaves that worked there. Then you will continue onto a famous blacksmith shop. You’ll conclude the evening at one of the city’s oldest buildings that has a functioning bar. This tour will fascinate, terrify, and help you understand the darker stories of New Orleans.
This tour is both wheelchair and stroller accessible. It’s near public transportation and can accommodate a maximum of 28 people. Note that you will receive a confirmation at the time of booking.
Haunted stops:
French Quarter (has several haunted sites, including a bar)
Reverend Zombie’s Voodoo Shop
Lalaurie Mansion (the most haunted mansion in New Orleans)
Jackson Square
What guests are saying about this tour:
“It was the best experience we ever had. Our tour guide she was the best. She explained the whole history of the hauntings.” - by Michelle_B
Book Tours : New Orleans Haunted History Ghost Tour
4. Get drunk and search for ghosts of French Quarter
This tour takes place in the French Quarter. During the tour, you’ll be allowed to use real paranormal equipment and purchase drinks at bars along the way. I am super excited to try something new while I am traveling and feel that using this equipment will be so much fun. You will see the Saint Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square, and important places that were essential in the Louisiana Purchase. You will also see a haunted house and a site where Voodoo ceremonies used to be held. Your informative guide will give you the history of the area as well as tell you entertaining and chilling stories.
The best part is that the tour is wheelchair- and stroller-friendly. It’s closer to public transportation and allows service animals.
Haunted stops:
St Louis Cathedral
Jackson Square
French Quarter
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar
What guests are saying about this tour:
“Fun walking tour to give you insight into the city’s haunted history! Great bar stops and cool bar suggestions for after as well!” - by Bianca_P
Book Tours : New Orleans Drunk History Tour
5. New Orleans tour at night
Only the bravest will be able to embark on this tour which is the only one that gives visitors access to cemeteries after dark. The tour focuses on multiple cemeteries and explaining the unique burial practices of New Orleans. You’ll be allowed to take pictures and see if you can capture an unquiet spirit or and rb. You’ll listen to some bone-chilling stories as you walk among the final resting places of many people. Allow about two hours for this tour.
The visitors are requested to follow the dress code of smart casual for the tour. It’s near public transportation, offering convenience for all. However, it’s not wheelchair accessible. The tour can accommodate a maximum of 56 travelers and also welcomes service animals.
Haunted stops:
Masonic Temple Cemetery #2 (known for its unusual tombs)
Hurricane Katrina Memorial
What guests are saying about this tour:
“Tour driver was very entertaining and knowledgeable. The stop at the Katrina Memorial cemetery was very memorable. The opportunity to reach out to the spirits was pretty cool. I will recommend this tour to anyone I know planning to visit New Orleans.” - by ThomasM
“Steven was a great guide Fun and entertaining Loved it. Spooky to be in the cemetery at night and ghost hunting was thrilling” - by JenniferG
Book Tours : Cemetery and Ghost BYOB Bus Tour in New Orleans
6. Embark on a thrilling a vampire hunt
Explore a different side of New Orleans with this vampire tour. You’ll find the film location of Interview with a Vampire and hear real vampire tales from local police reports, historical records, and archives. You’ll hang onto your tour guide’s words about vampire tales and their place in New Orleans history. The -two-hour tour takes place in the French Quarter.
You will receive a confirmation for the tour at the time of booking. It is near public transportation and can accommodate up to 28 travelers. What’s more? The tour is wheelchair- and stroller accessible.
Haunted and eerie stops:
St. Louis Cathedral
Jackson Square
French Quarter (where the film Interview with the Vampire was shot)
Boutique Du Vampyre
Royal Street
What guests are saying about this tour:
“Bobby was animated, funny, and easy to be around. The historic homes we viewed where fascinating and scary…” - by JenniferB
“Rose was an amazing tour guide: knowledgeable, a compelling storyteller and vampire fan. The tour visits every vamp-related spot in the French Quarter. I highly recommend the tour!” - by LaurenceM
Book Tours : New Orleans Vampire Walking Tour
7. New Orleans three-in-one package
Take a look at some of New Orleans most chilling places. On this tour, you’ll hear stories of the ghosts, vampires, and voodoo mysteries that supposedly took place in the French Quarter, St. Germaine House, and LaLaurie House. The two-hour walking tour begins at the corner of Royal and Conti Streets, which is in the French Quarter. You’ll hear stories about the New Orleans Medical Pharmacy, known for its mysterious medical methods, hear of Jacques Saint Germaine a said vampire, and learn of the evil doings of Madame LaLaurie, mistress of the LaLaurie house. The tour concludes at a bar where you can have a drink to help calm your frightened nerves.
The tour operated in all weathers, so travelers are advised to dress appropriately. Also, it’s not wheelchair accessible. It can accommodate a maximum of 28 travelers.
Haunted stops:
French Quarter
New Orleans Pharmacy Museum
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar (one of the most haunted buildings in the French Quarter)
What guests are saying about this tour:
“Our tour guide was the best, took us to all of the spooky spots and was so anmintated in the story telling of the gruesome history. Highly recommend!” - by LisaMarie_S
8. Tour a cemetery and learn stories about New Orleans' voodoo practice
This is spooky two-hour tour focuses on the mausoleums and the above-ground burial system that the people of New Orleans use to bury their dead. You’ll begin the tour in the French Quarter and then journey to St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 on an air-conditioned coach bus. The Saint Louis Cemetery is considered to be the most haunted and famous cemetery in New Orleans. You’ll see famous mausoleums such as the one featured in the film Easy Rider, and Marie Laveau’s tomb where you can make a wish for her to grant or cast an evil spell. Your knowledgeable tour guide will give you a history of voodoo and its influence in New Orleans. You’ll also receive a souvenir bag from the tour.
Travelers are advised to wear lightly colored clothing and carry caps and umbrellas during warmer months. The tour offers wheelchair access, but some routes may differ due to narrow paths. The tour is near public transportation and can accommodate a maximum of 40 travelers.
Haunted and eerie stops:
Jackson Square (explore the above-ground burial system) New Orleans City Park
New Orleans City Park
St. Louis Cemetery No. 3
What guests are saying about this tour:
“This was a nicely paced tour with walking stops at St Louis No 3 Cemetery, City Park, and the Garden District. Dionne was an excellent guide providing much background on the history and culture of the city with a delivery that was easy to follow…” - by Bruce_R
9. Adults-only tour of all things scary
This adults-only tour is offered by Hottest Hell, one of the top haunted tour operators in New Orleans, so you can be sure of a spooktacular experience. You’ll be accompanied by a guide who will take you through the French Quarter and beyond while telling you true-crime tales, voodoo legends, and paranormal sightings.
You can even repeat this tour as it has two different routes for first-time and repeat visitors respectively. For the best experience, choose the VIP tour, which will allow you to experience HELLVISION™ digital projections of real images.
The tour is for travelers above 17 years of age and can accommodate a maximum of 20 travelers. It’s near public transportation, wheelchair accessible, and allows service animals.
Haunted stops:
Louis Armstrong Park
Congo Square (important site in New Orleans for voodoo history)
French Quarter
The Dragon’s Den (the place where Aleister Crowley practiced his mysterious magic)
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar (a haunted bar)
Hex (site where the first ever witch oven was found in the city)
Old Ursuline Convent Museum
Historic BK House & Gardens
Lalaurie Mansion (the most haunted home in New Orleans)
What guests are saying about this tour:
“This was the best tour experience! Kelsey was knowledgeable and very open to questions. We had a great time. I highly recommend this tour for anyone interested in spooky history and it’s darker bits - it won’t disappoint!” - by SarahS
“We had such a wonderful time on this spooky tour of the city! Jeremy was an excellent tour guide and his love of educating visitors on New Orleans haunted history made the experience even more enjoyable!” - by HeatherR
10. Spooky bar-hopping tour
Combine horror and drinks on this fun haunted pub crawl that will take you through establishments and popular spots such as the French Quarter, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, Pirates Alley, and the aptly named Bourbon Street. Lalaurie Mansion, said to be one of the most haunted locations in the city, is also a part of the tour. Additionally, one free shot is included in the price. I will surely try this tour when I visit this city.
Since you’ll be drinking, this tour is only for those above the age of 21. The tour can accommodate a maximum of 28 travelers, ensuring great company.
Haunted stops:
French Quarter
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar (America’s oldest bar, which is also haunted)
Bourbon Street
Lalaurie Mansion (the most haunted location in New Orleans)
What guests are saying about this tour:
“So much fun and John was awesome!! We loved the bars and the scary tales. Especially the Lauralie House. Definitely recommend taking this tour.” - by Danielle_K
Book Tours : Haunted Pub Crawl in New Orleans
11. Ghost tour for families
This thrilling two-hour ghost tour of the French Quarter is one of the best options for families, as the locations are accessible for both strollers and wheelchairs. The tour will be scary, but not too scary for kids, so parents can rest assured that their little ones won’t lose sleep.
You’ll be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who will tell you stories and legends about the French Quarter and take you to haunted sites such as Lalaurie Mansion and Royal Street. This tour covers so many haunted places that I wish to explore when I visit here.
The tour location can be reached conveniently as it’s near public transportation.
Haunted stops:
French Quarter
Lalaurie Mansion (the most famous and haunted location in the city)
Jackson Square
Royal Street (the most haunted street in the French Quarter)
What guests are saying about this tour:
“Theresa was our guide and she was phenomenal!! She kept the stories PG-13, while not skipping details at each stop…” - by Kelsey_L
Book Tours : Spooky Family-Friendly Ghost Tour in New Orleans
12. Haunted history carriage tour
If you’re looking for unique experiences like me, then this tour is for you. Step back in time with this unique one-hour mule-drawn carriage tour where you’ll learn more about the haunted history of the city in a fun manner. Visit the eerie French Quarter, where nightlife conceals dark pasts and supernatural tales. Your guide will share salacious tidbits of history and ghost stories as you pass by iron-laced balconies, darkened alleys, and historic mansions. Experience the city’s most notorious haunts in vintage style and learn about its chilling legends.
Additionally, this tour is also wheelchair- and stroller-friendly, allowing most of the travelers to participate. Since the tour operates in all weather, travelers are advised to dress accordingly.
Haunted stops:
Jackson Square
French Quarter
What guests are saying about this tour:
“Tour guide was very knowledgeable about the city of New Orleans and the haunted history. He made it very fun and exciting!” - by Kirsten_M
13. Explore the sets of American Horror Story
TV buffs will be thrilled with this tour since it goes by some of the film sites used in American Horror Story; Coven. You’ll learn the history of these sites that inspired the writers behind the TV series. You’ll even learn how the show used stories about voodoo, witches, and New Orleans eerie history. You’ll discover St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, the tomb of the voodoo priestess, Madame Laveu. You’ll also see Congo Square, where people used to come together to practice voodoo. You’ll finish the tour at the LaLaurie Mansion where you can take pictures of one of the creepiest places in New Orleans. By the end of the tour, you’ll understand all the history behind American Horror Story: Coven.
This tour has a maximum of 15 travelers and is wheelchair accessible. Since there’s a bit of a walk, travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level. Parents with small kids can join in, as the tour is stroller accessible.
Haunted and eerie stops:
French Quarter
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 (has the second most visited tomb in the nation)
Congo Square
Lalaurie Mansion
What guests are saying about this tour:
“Awesome tour. Our guide, Bea, was amazing. Told us lots of things about AHS, pointed out where everything was filmed. Gave some historical information as well. Answered all questions we had about AHS and also let us know where to find other areas that were not part of the tour. If you are an AHS fan, I strongly suggest this tour!” - by Lynn_E
14. Late night ghost hunt in New Orleans
You’ll be able to be a real-life ghost hunter when you spend two hours inside this old hotel. The hotel used to be an orphanage during New Orleans’ yellow fever epidemic. St. Vincent’s is home to many sad tales of the people who died there. Now, you’ll be able to use real paranormal equipment and the expertise of members of the Paranormal Society of New Orleans to seek out ghosts. You’ll never forget your time at St. Vincent’s!
Note that the dress code for this tour is smart casual. Since there’s a bit of a walk, comfortable shoes are highly suggested.
Haunted stops:
- St. Vincent's Guesthouse
Halloween in New Orleans
Strolling through the French Quarter at night, it’s easy to understand where the stories of ghosts, vampires, and voodoo mysticism come from. New Orleans has a remarkable history complete with an eclectic mix of people. Halloween is one of the best times to visit New Orleans, where you can view all of the weird, dark, and scary places that were a part of that history. It is so cool, you’ll feel chills from it! Book your tour today to spend Halloween in New Orleans, Louisiana!
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