New Orleans Yellow Fever Ghost Tour

The New Orleans Yellow Fever Ghost Tour offers an engaging journey into the city’s mysterious and spooky past for $35 per person. Lasting approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, this tour explores the French Quarter’s most eerie and historic sites, led by knowledgeable guides who bring the dark stories of New Orleans to life. Meeting at 514 Chartres Street, travelers walk through the city’s shadowy streets, visiting landmarks like Pirates Alley, Marie Laveau House of Voodoo, and the LaLaurie Mansion. The tour concludes at the LaLaurie Mansion, giving an authentic experience of New Orleans’ sinister history.

This walking tour is designed for those interested in the city’s haunted legends, with options for several evening start times. Although guided by entertaining storytellers, it’s worth noting that some reviews mention variable pacing and sound issues during crowded times. Still, with over 1,150 reviews and an average rating of 5 stars, it remains a top choice for fans of ghost stories and dark history.

Key Points

• Affordable price of $35 for a 1.5-hour guided ghost tour in the French Quarter
• Visits historic sites like Pirates Alley, Marie Laveau House of Voodoo, and LaLaurie Mansion
• Expert guides share spooky stories and unexplained events from New Orleans’ past
• Tour ends at the LaLaurie Mansion, a site known for heinous crimes and haunted legends
• Walking tour that allows you to soak in the ambiance of the French Quarter
• Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the tour

Starting at the Historic Pharmacy Museum

The tour begins at the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, which is the first pharmacy in the U.S. The museum itself is a historical part of the tour, but note that admission is not included. The guide leads the group from this central location, setting the tone for a dark and fascinating exploration of the city’s macabre stories. The museum’s presence hints at the dark historical themes that run through the tour.

Exploring Pirates Alley’s Haunted Past

Following the initial meetup, the tour visits Pirates Alley, a place with roots in 18th-century duels and pirate lore. The alley is renowned as a haunted site, where the history of piracy and violence echoes in ghost stories. The group spends about 20 minutes here, soaking in the atmosphere and listening to tales of old duels and spectral sightings. It’s a location that vividly brings New Orleans’ pirate legends to life.

Visiting Marie Laveau House of Voodoo

Next, the guide takes you to the Marie Laveau House of Voodoo, a well-known landmark associated with New Orleans’ Voodoo Queen. The site offers a glimpse into the city’s spiritual and supernatural traditions, with views of the house where Marie Laveau once practiced her craft. This stop lasts about 20 minutes, and while it’s free to view from the outside, the stories shared make it a highlight of the tour.

The Infamous LaLaurie Mansion

The LaLaurie Mansion marks the final stop and is perhaps the most notorious haunted site. Known for its horrific history involving heinous crimes committed by Delphine LaLaurie, the mansion is a focal point for ghost stories and tales of restless spirits. The tour spends around 15 minutes here, giving visitors a chance to absorb the chilling history and legend surrounding the house. The tour then wraps up at this location, making it a powerful end point.

Meeting Point and Tour Logistics

The tour departs from 514 Chartres Street in the heart of the French Quarter. It is a walking tour, allowing guests to experience the city’s ambiance firsthand. The group size is limited to 28 travelers, helping maintain a manageable environment for storytelling. The tour operates in the evening, with multiple start times available, perfect for experiencing the city’s spooky atmosphere after sunset.

Guide and Experience Quality

Guides are praised for their knowledgeability and engaging storytelling. Many reviews highlight guides like Christian and Donovan as particularly entertaining and informative. Their ability to balance fun with heavy historical topics, like ghost legends and dark crimes, enhances the experience. Some reviews mention sound issues due to crowded streets, which can make it difficult to hear everything, especially in busy areas.

Physical Requirements and Accessibility

The tour requires moderate physical fitness as it involves walking through the French Quarter. It is accessible for service animals, and nearby public transportation makes it convenient to reach the meeting point. No mention is made of specific mobility accommodations, so travelers with special needs may want to plan accordingly.

Weather and Cancellation Policies

Since the tour is outdoors, good weather is essential. If canceled due to rain or poor conditions, travelers are offered an alternate date or a full refund. Cancellations made more than 24 hours in advance qualify for a full refund, while last-minute cancellations do not. It’s advisable to check the weather forecast before booking.

Tour Reviews and Customer Feedback

With a 4.9/5 rating from 1,166 reviews, the tour consistently receives high marks for entertainment, storytelling, and value. Many reviewers appreciate guides who are friendly, knowledgeable, and capable of making the dark stories engaging. However, some mention issues like difficulty hearing in crowded streets, or feeling that the information could be more detailed.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This ghost tour appeals especially to those interested in haunted history and dark legends of New Orleans. It’s suitable for teens and adults; families with older children have found it engaging. The walking nature makes it ideal for visitors who want to explore the French Quarter in the evening and enjoy the city’s atmospheric streets.

Final Thoughts on the Ghostly Experience

The New Orleans Yellow Fever Ghost Tour offers a cost-effective and approachable way to uncover the city’s spooky side. Its stops at iconic haunted sites, combined with entertaining storytelling, create a compelling experience. While some reviews note sound issues during busy nights, the overall high ratings and positive feedback underscore its appeal. This tour is a reliable choice for anyone seeking dark tales and ghost stories amid the historic charm of the French Quarter.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 514 Chartres Street and ends at the LaLaurie Mansion at 1138 Royal Street.

What is the price?
The tour costs $35 per person.

Is admission included at the stops?
Admission to the Pharmacy Museum is not included. The other stops are viewed from outside or are free to visit.

Are there multiple start times?
Yes, the tour offers several evening start times to choose from.

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

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it is suitable for teenagers and adults; families with older children often enjoy the stories.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the walking tour through the French Quarter.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
It requires moderate physical activity and is not specifically noted as accessible for all mobility needs.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to rain, a full refund or alternative date is offered.

How large are the tour groups?
Groups are limited to 28 travelers for a more personal experience.