I recently responded to a post asking about the differences between these types of tours, so I thought I’d break it down in one place for anyone curious!
And before I dive in, I want to gently address the folks who tend to mock or criticize these kinds of tours when they pop up in travel forums:
It’s completely okay if they’re not for you.
As I say in my tours, I’m not here to convert anyone—it’s always a matter of belief and interest. If it's not your thing, no harm, no foul. Just scroll on by. ✌️
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These are 1.5- to 2-hour walking tours through the historic streets of New Orleans. You'll hear local ghost stories, legends, and lore, often rooted in real historical events. Each tour company brings its own spin—some lean spookier, some lean more historical. Expect to walk about a mile.
➡️ Perfect if you want storytelling, a walk through the French Quarter, and a little chill down your spine.
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These are bus-based tours, most commonly heading to Mid-City. While every company is different, most include:
A visit to Charity Hospital Cemetery, which includes mass graves and the Katrina Memorial
A mid-tour stop at Morning Call (yes, you can get beignets!)
A visit to a gated, above-ground cemetery such as Odd Fellows Rest (New Orleans Ghost Adventures includes this)
You’ll walk very little—most of it is on and off the bus, with respectful pauses at each stop.
Total time: about 2 hours.
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This one’s for the party crowd. It's similar to a Ghost Tour, but with a heavy focus on drinking rather than storytelling. You’ll typically get one-third to half the stories of a traditional ghost walk, but you’ll hit multiple bars and may get a drink or shot included.
🚨 Guide tip: Personally, I avoid leading these unless it’s a small, private group. The odds of at least one belligerent guest per group are, let’s just say… high.
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Let’s be real: Voodoo is a religion. There is nothing inherently scary or spooky about it. Unfortunately, pop culture has warped Voodoo into something sinister, and that distortion is rooted in racism and misunderstanding.
A good Voodoo tour will focus on cultural history, spiritual practices, and the life of Marie Laveau, including a walk to Congo Square and the area where her cottage used to be.
🙏 A respectful reminder: 19% of New Orleanians practice Voodoo (or Vodou) in some form. So when commenting or discussing this topic, please lead with kindness. Your guide won’t mock your beliefs—don’t mock theirs.
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Everyone wants to go to St. Louis Cemetery No. 1—but it’s only accessible through Archdiocese-approved tours, due to decades of vandalism.
Everyone wants to see Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, too—but that one is closed to the public, also due to repeated acts of desecration. Sadly, it’s often tourists, not locals, causing the damage. (I’ve personally called the police on people vandalizing Lafayette #1.)
That said—you can visit many cemeteries on your own, including:
St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 (off Esplanade): approachable, quiet, and open to the public. Just be heat-smart and know when it closes!
Mid-City Cemeteries: many tour companies offer 1.5-hour walking tours combining multiple cemeteries, often starting at Morning Call. Easy to reach by streetcar or car, with less than ¾ mile of walking total.
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Every one of these tours has a different energy and purpose. Choose the one that best fits your interest and comfort level. And remember—your curiosity is welcome here.
To follow my journey as a guide and storyteller in New Orleans, come hang out on Instagram:
📸 @nawlins_crawlins