The New Orleans Five in One Extravaganza Tour

Getting a glimpse of New Orleans’ mysterious charm is easy with the Five in One Extravaganza Tour, priced at $35 per person. This 2-hour walking experience combines five different tours into one lively adventure through the French Quarter, making it an ideal choice for first-time visitors or those eager to see the city’s haunted and historic highlights. Starting at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, the tour offers a blend of ghost stories, voodoo legends, paranormal sightings, and Hollywood filming locations, all led by a licensed local guide.

While the tour covers a lot of ground—over ten stops—it’s important to note that it is primarily a walking experience. The tour’s energetic pace and engaging storytelling make it a compelling introduction to the Big Easy, though some stops involve brief visits and optional drink purchases. This tour provides a cost-effective and entertaining overview of New Orleans’ fascinating culture and spooky lore.

Key Points

• Affordable price at $35, with most bookings made 10 days in advance.
• Duration of about 2 hours, perfect for a lively overview without a major time commitment.
• Starting point is Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar at 941 Bourbon Street.
• Tour includes five different themes, such as haunted sites, voodoo practices, and Hollywood filming spots.
• Guides are licensed professionals, known for their knowledgeable storytelling.
• Stops include the Lalaurie Mansion, Jackson Square, and notable French Quarter landmarks.

Meeting at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar

The tour begins at 941 Bourbon Street, where guests check in outside the legendary Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar. This location is iconic in New Orleans’ nightlife history. The check-in process is straightforward and occurs 5 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Tour groups do not meet inside the bar, so arriving at the specified spot on time is essential.

The meeting point is in a lively part of the French Quarter, which can sometimes be busy or in a less polished area. The guide provides an entertaining introduction and offers stops along the route to purchase drinks or visit the bathroom, making it flexible for participants. The mobile ticket system simplifies access, and the tour operates rain or shine, with cancellation possible only due to severe weather.

Exploring the Lalaurie Mansion and Haunted Sites

The Lalaurie Mansion is a key highlight, famed for its paranormal reputation and its role in popular culture through American Horror Story. The local licensed storytellers share vivid accounts of its dark history, architecture, and the ghostly activity reported there. Visitors can expect a mix of history, architecture, and supernatural tales at this stop, which often leaves a lasting impression.

This stop lasts approximately 10 minutes, with admission not included—guests can choose to explore the outside or stay on the tour. The mansion’s reputation as the most haunted private home in New Orleans makes it a must-see for those interested in ghost lore and true crime stories.

The Voodoo and Paranormal Experience

A significant part of the tour centers around Louisiana’s voodoo traditions and the famous voodoo queen Marie Laveau. Tour guides explain sacred rituals and the ongoing influence of voodoo practices in the city’s spiritual life. Participants visit sites associated with voodoo ceremonies and learn about its misunderstood reputation.

The tour also ventures into paranormal sightings and ghostly activity reported around the city. If guests are curious, they can use ghost-hunting equipment provided during the tour to try detecting undead presence at specific haunted locations. This adds an interactive element for those intrigued by supernatural phenomena.

Hollywood Filming Locations and Famous Residents

A distinctive feature of this tour is the visit to homes of Hollywood celebrities in the French Quarter and famous filming locations. Tourists get a chance to see exteriors of mansions associated with current residents from Hollywood, adding a touch of glamour to the spooky adventure. Several sites are also recognized from movies filmed in the city, making this a fun part for film enthusiasts.

While strolling past historic sites like Jackson Square, the guide shares insights on New Orleans’ founding and early inhabitants, enriching the experience with local lore and historical context.

The Route and Stops Throughout the French Quarter

The tour covers over ten locations during its roughly 2-hour walk. It begins at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop and proceeds through the heart of the French Quarter, including Bourbon Street, Jackson Square, and various historic mansions.

One of the key stops is Bourbon Street, where guests are encouraged to make a drink purchase while soaking in the lively atmosphere. The tour moves through narrow alleyways, historic courtyards, and notable landmarks, providing a comprehensive picture of New Orleans’ vibrant culture and haunted reputation.

Visiting Jackson Square and Other Historic Sites

Jackson Square is a focal point, with multiple buildings and stories told during the stop. The guide highlights its significance as a cultural hub, showcasing artists, musicians, and historic architecture. The square’s connection to famous events and legends is woven into the narration, offering a well-rounded understanding of its importance in the city’s history.

Additional sites include above-ground cemeteries with explanations of unique burial practices, such as vaults and tombs that give the city its distinctive spooky cemetery image.

The Guide and Storytelling Style

The licensed guides are praised for their knowledge and engaging storytelling. Review comments highlight guides like Cody, who are described as friendly, informative, and capable of answering many questions. Their ability to blend history, local legends, and pop culture creates an authentic and engaging experience.

The guides also offer fun facts about some of the oldest bars in America and share stories of local crime and paranormal activity, making the tour both educational and entertaining.

Practical Tips and Tour Logistics

Guests should arrive a few minutes early for check-in, as late arrivals won’t be refunded. The tour does not include inside visits, but the stops outside are rich with stories. It is suitable for most travelers, including children, provided they are accompanied by adults. Service animals are allowed, and the tour is near public transportation.

Participants are advised that the walk involves uneven streets and walkways, so comfortable footwear is recommended. The tour is non-refundable, and cancellations are only permitted if due to bad weather or insufficient bookings.

Potential Downsides and Considerations

The tour’s pace may be too brisk for some, especially with frequent stops and optional drink purchases. Some reviews mention confusion around meeting points or delays, so punctuality is crucial. The tour’s cancellation policy means that bad weather or low bookings could lead to last-minute cancellations, so having an alternative plan is wise.

Plus, the availability of ghost-hunting equipment introduces a small fee if guests wish to keep the device. The tour also emphasizes no inside visits, so those seeking detailed interior explorations may need additional tours.

Final Verdict: Worth the Price for a Historic and Haunted Introduction

The New Orleans Five in One Extravaganza Tour offers a cost-effective way to see a broad swath of the French Quarter’s haunted, historic, and pop culture sites. With knowledgeable guides and a variety of themes, it appeals especially to first-time visitors or those interested in ghost stories, voodoo, and Hollywood lore.

The 2-hour walking experience balances entertainment and education well, though it’s best suited for those comfortable with walking and quick stops. The cheap price point and rich storytelling make it a good starting point, but travelers should be mindful of potential cancellations and pace.

This tour captures the quirky spirit of New Orleans and provides an informative, lively introduction to the city’s haunted reputation and cultural tapestry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children can participate if accompanied by adults, but keep in mind that some stops involve brief visits and outdoor exploration.

Does the tour include inside visits of sites?
No, the tour mainly involves outdoor stops and exterior views of landmarks. Inside visits are not part of the experience.

Are drinks included in the price?
No, drinks are not included, but stops at Bourbon Street and other locations allow purchase of beverages.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to the uneven streets and dilapidated walkways in parts of the French Quarter.

Can I use the ghost-hunting equipment?
Yes, the tour supplies ghost-hunting equipment, which can be used during specific stops. There is a $250 fee for lost or damaged equipment.

What happens if the tour is canceled?
The tour can be canceled due to weather or low bookings. Participants will be offered a full refund or an alternative date if possible.