A guide’s perspective on why that’s not really a thing—and why that’s okay.
This request comes up a lot. I see it nearly daily in reviews and online comments, usually written as a critique:
“The tour didn’t even go inside a haunted house.”
So I thought I’d take a minute to explain why walking tours and pub crawls in the French Quarter typically do not include access into haunted buildings.
____________________________________
I’m fully aware that many people dislike ghost tours. That’s totally fine! If they’re not your thing, no worries—just keep scrolling and go enjoy something you do love. No need to tear someone else down for liking something different.
The French Quarter is home to over 5,000 real residents. We walk among their homes, so we have to be mindful and respectful of that.
Cemeteries are first and foremost sacred spaces. They are not obligated to accommodate tourists or tour groups.
____________________________________
In my eight years of leading tours in New Orleans, here’s what I’ve learned:
1. Groups are unpredictable
On any given night, at least 50% of a group is buzzed or drunk. Around 15% of guests behave rudely or inappropriately. That kind of energy simply can’t be brought into someone’s home or private business.
The main company I work for does offer exclusive access to a hotel courtyard—and I’m extremely grateful for it. But even that comes with strict rules: no pub crawls allowed, and the timing must be early in the evening.
I’ve personally skipped that stop when my group couldn’t behave respectfully.
2. Haunted buildings are real businesses and homes
Many of the most famously haunted buildings are private residences or operating businesses. The coordination, insurance, and liability involved in opening those doors to 20–30 strangers a night? It’s just not feasible.
3. “I thought we’d go into a cemetery at least…”
This comes up a lot too—and I get it. But like cemeteries across the country, nighttime access is either forbidden or extremely restricted.
The company I work with has permission to enter one above-ground cemetery at night—but only under strict behavior guidelines. You would be appalled at what I’ve seen when other groups disregard those rules. I’ve never been angrier as a guide than when I’ve watched another company allow guests to desecrate sacred ground.
4. There is a paranormal investigation option—but it’s not a walking tour
There are a few groups that run paranormal investigations in haunted hotels. That’s a very different experience than a ghost walk or pub crawl.
If you want hands-on investigating, look specifically for a paranormal tour, not a storytelling-based walking tour.
____________________________________
In my dream scenario, we’d have small, respectful groups paying a premium to enter historic buildings—met by dignified guides and venue managers who trust that the space will be honored.
But we don’t live in that world. Yet.
So… what can you do instead?
____________________________________
A membership (especially the family pass!) gets you access to several incredible museums that happen to have haunted histories.
Don't miss the often-overlooked 1850 House on Jackson Square—not the LaLaurie Mansion, but a solid architectural stand-in that gives important historical context.
🌐 https://friendsofthecabildo.org
Friends of the Cabildo partners with local orgs like Spring Fiesta, which offers courtyard tours in the fall—and occasionally, full house tours.
This was one of the filming locations for American Horror Story's LaLaurie storyline. You’ll get a deep dive into Creole architecture and culture.
🌐 https://hgghh.org/gallier-house/
Take note of the bars you hear stories about on your tour—then visit them later, on your own. You’ll get a much better feel for the energy of the space when you’re not crammed in with 28 people.
Muriel’s is an obvious one, but don’t overlook Tujague’s—it’s packed with history (and spirits 👀).
This one’s a little sneaky: when a historic property goes on the market, I’ll check if they’re doing open houses.
Do I tell them I’m there for ghost stories? No.
Do they know I’m not buying a mansion in work boots? Probably.
But they’re usually happy to let me walk through and soak in the space.
____________________________________
If you want to go inside haunted buildings in the French Quarter during a walking tour…
It’s just not going to happen.
Not because we don’t want to—but because of logistics, liability, and respect.
To do it right takes manners, forethought, and yes—sobriety.
It’s not impossible.
It’s just not possible during a public group tour on a Friday night.
____________________________________
To follow more of my journey as a guide and ghost storyteller here in New Orleans, come join me on Instagram:
📸 @nawlins_crawlins