This post may contain affiliate links. I only recommend excursions, products and tours that I have personally used and purchased myself. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a very small commission at no extra cost to you. All proceeds go to running this blog and your support is truly appreciated! All opinions are my own. Originally published October 25, 2025 It’s no secret that New Orleans is one of the best spooky season destinations in the USA. However, did you know that it can be a mysteriously frightening destination all year round? I mean, in a good way, that is. So, rest assured… whether you visit the Crescent city in October or during another time of year… mystery, ghost stories, eerie legends and true tales from the crypt (literally) await… if you so choose. Now, without further ado: here are some of the best ghost tours New Orleans has to offer. Oh – PS – I have actually taken all of these tours as a traveler in New Orleans over the course of two different trips. So, rest assured, you are getting the first hand scoop! Let me tell you in earnest, that this is one of the most fun things I’ve ever done in my lifetime. No, seriously. This evening goes down in history as one of the best nights of my life. However, a disclaimer: the stars were aligned. Our tour guide was absolutely epic – like, we are talking, an absolute hoot. The crowd on our tour were ready to have some fun. That created the right atmosphere for a pretty epic and spooky night. First of all, I booked this tour as kind of a last minute thing. I was in New Orleans for ten days and came across this amongst a plethora of other similar tours. Or, so it seemed. Now, having been on a several ghost tours in New Orleans, I can tell you this is not like any other tour. We joined the 11pm tour (yup, this one is for the night owls). My night started out at a hole in the wall bar in the French Quarter as we grabbed to go drinks (yes, you can take drinks “to-go” in New Orleans) to bring on the bus. Lemme tell ya, all night long, there was roaring laughter on that bus. I don’t want to give away too much, but the night ended on kind of an emotional note… with a ghost hunting adventure complete with paranormal investigation equipment. Tip: You can bring your own beverages on the bus – yes, even alcoholic. But, if you don’t… the bus stops at a couple different places on the route where you can grab a libation to go if you wish. Anyone who loves to have A LOT of fun, couples, solo travelers, groups of friends, those who like a bit of social drinking or don’t mind social drinking around them, travelers who want to actually tour (and walk around) various landmarks. Most of all, this is a rare chance to tour New Orleans historic cemeteries at night. If you want to stroll around various parts of New Orleans at night, but, have the benefit of a large group of people as company and a tour guide to share every ghastly detail of macabre things that have transpired, this is for you. Your experience will largely depend on how good of a storyteller your tour guide is. Spoiler alert: mine was excellent. The crowd on this tour was definitely on the mundane side in comparison to the cemetery and ghost BYOB bus tour. Note, if you are too inebriated, you will not be welcomed on the tour. However, if you can hold your liquor, the tour does make a pit stop at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar . Lafitte, whose structure dates back to potentially 1722, touts itself to be “the oldest structure used as a bar in the United States.” At night, the inside is super dark, moody and vibey. Like, you can feel that the walls have stories. This watering hole is also well known for it’s famous “Purple Drank,” or, officially known as the Voodoo Daiquiri. Because, I am a super tourist… of course I tried one. As did many of my fellow tour members. I’m not the biggest fan of grape flavored drinks, but I still really enjoyed the Voodoo Daiquiri. And, since it was summer, it was very refreshing as well. I won’t spoil any of the ghost stories and grisly tales told on this tour, but just know that it was a pleasure. Seeing the structures in the stories up close also makes for great photo ops, just don’t forget to look over your shoulders when you’re near the dark alleys (muhaha)! Tip: Since taking this tour, they now have a VIP upgrade option, that comes with “Hellvision,” – where digital photos are projected to make the stories come to life. If you enjoy walking, this is an obvious winner for you. This is a great tour to get out at night and really see the sights, with all the benefits of having a guide and the entertainment of their sinister storytelling. Additionally, due to the group size, this is ideal for any style travel – solo, couple, group of friends. Just, adults only! For an hour of your trip, transport yourself back to 18th century Big Easy. Honestly, I know some people are adamantly against experiences that involve animals. In fairness, many of them are unethical. However, the company that runs these carriage tours takes great care of their animals and has been a legacy family owned operation in New Orleans for over 75 years. This excursion somewhat replicates the experience of high society New Orleanians in the earliest years of the city. In the 1700 and 1800’s, it was a status symbol to ride around in swanky horse drawn carriages, often reserved for those of means. Nowadays, anyone with $65 bucks can experience the French quarter by drawn carriage in the moonlight. Only, these days your carriage is mule drawn (mules are what you get when a horse and a donkey have a baby). Mules are much more suited for the weather in New Orleans, as well as the task of chaperoning you around town. This tour is the smallest group size of the three tours; no more than eight guests per carriage. It’s a very relaxing excursion, with mystery at every turn of the wagon. Your visit focuses on the French Quarter specifically, and the many landmarks, structures and eerie stories that accompany them. Tip: Traveling as a family? Kids of all ages are allowed on this tour. However, I did not see many or any kids on the tour. My particular carriage was all couples. Those who like smaller, more intimate group excursions, if you prefer to sit the entire tour (you do not exit the carriage until the conclusion of the tour). If you like the idea of being in an open air carriage at night (the fresh air is really nice). If your main interest is seeing (and hearing about) the ghoulish tales and sights in the French Quarter specifically. So, there you have it. Have you been on any of these tours? Which one interests you most? Which would you go on first? If you have ANY questions about any of these tours, drop them in the comments below! Check these out! Want to know how I travel so frequently? By booking jaw-dropping flight deals that are often so low you’d have to see ’em to believe it. The best part? They’re sent right to my inbox. You can try it out for free: here. I exclusively use this site to book all my stays. I get 20% off on all my stays plus additional perks from their loyalty program. Check it out! Get reliable travel medical insurance for your trip, for just $2 a day – here Looking for a flight on a specific date? Use this search engine and start earning rewards! Need to book your excursions and tours? This company is my favorite. This is another marketplace for tours, that is especially great for Europe. Renting a car for your adventure? Discover the right car for your journey: here. Do you love train travel as much as I do? Get your train tickets here! Want to travel in comfort and have lounge access around the world? Get that right here. You know what I love to do when I visit a new city? This!Cemetery and Ghost BYOB Bus Tour
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This is awesome!! I have been to New Orleans twice but have never done a ghost tour. Our first time there we did a Katrina tour (several years ago) and when we went to the cemetery I really did not want to get off the bus. It was fascinating!!! I have to make another trip back there to do one of these tours. Great information and great pictures.
Thank you, Debbi! Yes, consider trying one on your next trip.
I’m personally a little jumpy when it comes to the ‘spooky’ side of things but these tours sound like a bunch of fun so will definitely be saving for when I visit New Orleans.
Hi Casey! Don’t worry… I’m a bit jumpy too, but they are definitely so fun!
I only went on one ghost tour in the UK, and it was so much fun! I would love to visit the States during the spooky season and New Orleans sounds like a great place to do some ghost tours.
New Orleans is definitely one of the best destinations in the US to visit during spooky season!
Great post! New Orleans is on my bucket list, and a ghost tour is now a must! Thank you so much for the info and your pictures are stunning!
Thank you, Katie! My pleasure. You will have an awesome time when you go!
This post brings back such fun memories! I absolutely love the spooky, historical tours in New Orleans and have done a few myself. You are so right about how much the guide and the group’s energy can make the night. I haven’t tried the Cemetery and Ghost BYOB Bus Tour yet, but based on your amazing experience, I’m adding it to my list for my next visit to the Crescent City!
The guide and group’s energy on any tour can definitely make or break your experience. Thankfully, all the ones I’ve taken in Nola have been GREAT so far! Definitely add that one to the list, it’s fab. I’m glad the post brings back good memories – you definitely have good taste!
Hello! Haha I didn’t know ghost tours actually exist. They look pretty much funny. New Orlean is a beautiful city and there are definitely a lot of things to do including such funny ones.
It definitely is a beautiful city, and these tours are definitely fun!