New Orleans Brothels Bordellos And Ladies Of The Night Walking Tour

Discover the Secrets of New Orleans’ French Quarter Nightlife

The New Orleans Brothels, Bordellos, and Ladies of the Night Walking Tour offers a unique glimpse into the city’s lesser-known history, focusing on the stories of women working in the oldest profession. Priced at $37 per person, this 2-hour tour departs from outside Café du Monde and takes participants on an intimate stroll through the atmospheric streets of the French Quarter. With an average booking window of 22 days in advance, it’s clear this tour appeals to those eager for a detailed, focused look at a provocative chapter of New Orleans history.

This tour is especially suited for travelers interested in local stories, dark history, and off-the-beaten-path attractions. It features small groups, making for a more personal experience, and stops at iconic locations like Jackson Square and May Baily’s, with lively commentary from guides who bring the history to life. It’s important to note that alcoholic drinks are available for purchase, and the tour is designed for adults aged 21 and over.

Key Points

• Two-hour walking tour exploring lesser-known history of brothels and bordellos in the French Quarter
• Starts at Café du Monde and ends near 1026 Conti St, covering key landmarks
• Small-group format ensures an intimate experience with personalized attention
• Stops at iconic locations like Jackson Square, French Market, and May Baily’s
• Includes stories of women working in the world’s oldest profession over several centuries
• Additional drinks can be purchased at stops like Tujague’s and May Baily’s

Starting Point: Outside Café du Monde at 800 Decatur Street

The tour begins right outside Café du Monde, a well-known landmark in the French Quarter. The meeting spot is easy to find, helping start the experience smoothly. Once gathered, the group moves out as the sun sets, creating a vivid atmosphere for exploring New Orleans’ darker history.

The small group size, limited to 14 travelers, ensures plenty of space for questions and detailed storytelling. This makes it ideal for those who appreciate personalized attention and engaging guides. The tour begins at 6:00 pm, a perfect time to enjoy the city’s evening ambiance.

Exploring Jackson Square and the Mississippi River

The first stop is near the famous Café du Monde with a view of Jackson Square and the Mississippi River, where the founding of New Orleans as a port city is linked to its history of the sex trade. The guide discusses how prostitution and port life are intertwined with the city’s early days. This scenic spot helps set the tone for the tour’s focus on complex local stories.

Participants learn that Jackson Square is not only a hub of art and history but also a site where secrets of the city’s sexual past are revealed, providing a thought-provoking contrast to its touristy reputation.

Visits to French Market and Civil War Stories

The tour continues downriver, stopping at the French Market and Tujague’s, a classic New Orleans bar, for a to-go drink (additional expense). Here, the guide shares stories about port life, the Civil War, and the public women’s plight during turbulent times. These stops add context to the evolution of the sex trade in New Orleans, highlighting how economic and social forces shaped the lives of women in the city.

The French Market serves as a lively backdrop for understanding port city dynamics alongside hidden histories of those involved in the sex trade.

Evening Stroll on Royal Street

Next, the tour takes a short walk along Royal Street, known for its beautiful architecture and lively nightlife. As the evening unfolds, this area’s eerie charm complements the tour’s themes. The guide uses this time to deepen stories about women working in the bordellos and the cultural environment that supported their livelihood.

The 10-minute stop here offers a chance to absorb the atmosphere and ask questions about local architecture and historical figures linked to this shadowed aspect of New Orleans’ history.

Crossing Bourbon Street to May Baily’s

The group then crosses Bourbon Street, heading toward May Baily’s Place, a well-known location associated with lewd and abandoned women in the past. Depending on the day, the stop may vary to include other locations, but May Baily’s remains a key highlight. The guide shares stories about Storyville, the infamous red-light district, and how prostitution was regulated in the early 20th century.

This 30-minute stop provides insight into how New Orleans managed its vice districts and the lives of women working in these environments, all within a historic setting that still evokes the city’s provocative past.

Final Stop Near a Historic Brothel

The tour concludes near a notorious brothel in Storyville, offering a fitting end to the exploration of this world. The shadowy backstreets and historic buildings help visitors imagine the vibrant and often dark life that once thrived here. The storytelling highlights the social and economic factors that influenced the lives of women and the development of New Orleans’ underground culture.

The 30-minute final segment wraps up with reflections on how this history shapes the city today.

The Guides and Their Approach

Guides like Karen, Loretta, and Christine are praised for their knowledge, respectfulness, and engaging storytelling. Multiple reviews mention how guides share extra resources, like book recommendations, to deepen understanding. They emphasize the historical context, including French occupation, slavery, and social changes, making the stories well-rounded and respectfully presented.

Participants appreciate the witty and personable guides, who balance entertainment with educational content. The small group size allows for personal interaction and questions.

Practical Details and Booking

The tour is available for $37 per person, with most travelers booking about three weeks in advance. It operates in good weather, with free cancellation possible up to 24 hours before. The meeting point at 800 Decatur Street is easy to find, and the tour ends at 1026 Conti St near lively spots for further exploration.

Participants should be prepared for walking on city streets, and adults aged 21 and over are the only age group permitted, given the subject matter. Alcoholic drinks are not included but can be purchased at stops like Tujague’s and May Baily’s.

Overall Value and Suitability

This tour offers an engaging, detailed look at a lesser-known aspect of New Orleans history. It is highly rated with a 5.0-star average from 85 reviews, with many reviewers praising the guides for their depth of knowledge and respectfulness.

While some note that listening can be challenging at times due to group size, most find the content insightful and fascinating. It’s best suited for history enthusiasts, adults interested in nightlife stories, and those seeking a more nuanced understanding of the city’s past.

New Orleans Brothels, Bordellos, and Ladies of the Night Walk: A Unique Perspective

This tour stands apart by focusing on an often-overlooked chapter of New Orleans history, blending storytelling with visual landmarks. The stops at Jackson Square, the French Market, and the backstreets of Storyville create a rich narrative context.

It’s a thought-provoking experience that respects the complex lives of women involved in the sex trade, presenting their stories with sensitivity and historical accuracy. The guides’ expertise and the small-group format make it a memorable part of any trip to New Orleans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
No, the tour is designed for adults aged 21 and over due to the mature subject matter and alcohol stops.

Are alcoholic drinks included?
No, drinks are available for purchase at stops such as Tujague’s and May Baily’s.

What locations does the tour visit?
The tour covers Jackson Square, French Market, Royal Street, crosses Bourbon Street, visits May Baily’s Place, and concludes near a historic brothel in Storyville.

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately 2 hours on foot.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins outside Café du Monde at 800 Decatur St and finishes near 1026 Conti St.

Can I cancel or reschedule easily?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Is this tour good for history buffs?
Absolutely, guides provide detailed stories covering several centuries, with insights into social, economic, and cultural aspects.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 14 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.

How accessible is the tour?
The available information suggests it is suitable for most travelers, with a meeting point near public transportation.

Would I recommend this tour?
Yes, the many 5-star reviews and enthusiastic feedback confirm it’s a highly recommended way to explore lesser-known stories of New Orleans’ vibrant past.