A ghost hunt with a street map. This New Orleans walk pairs a real EMF meter with Ashli’s high-energy storytelling, so you move fast from one eerie spot to the next in the French Quarter. You also get a friendly, professional guide who keeps the case moving and explains what you’re looking for.

I also like that the tour isn’t just spooky vibes. It’s a structured route through major French Quarter landmarks, then it pushes on toward Jackson Square with a methodical “investigate as you go” feel. One drawback: it’s entertainment first, so no one should expect a guaranteed ghost sighting—especially since you’ll be relying on conditions, equipment behavior, and the guide’s approach.

Key things to know before you go

• Real EMF meter in action: the tour uses a ghost/paranormal detector during the walk.
• Short, focused route: about 2 hours with a moderate pace through the Quarter.
• Stop density is high: you’ll hit dozens of locations across the Vieux Carré area.
• You may need to buy your own drinks: to-go cocktail stops are optional and at your expense.
• Photography is encouraged: just skip audio/video recording devices during the tour.

Where the Hunt Starts: Bourbon Street Meeting Point

This tour’s start is right where you want it—941 Bourbon St, at the courtyard gate attached to Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar. The key detail is that you check in at the gate, not inside the bar. Arrive a few minutes early and stand by the exact meeting area so you’re not fighting the crowd while the group leaves on time.

The route lives in the French Quarter’s walking lanes, which means you’ll be on uneven streets, changing sidewalks, and all the small obstacles that come with old New Orleans. That’s part of the charm, but it’s also why a “moderate pace” matters. If you’re hoping for long stops or slow wandering, this isn’t that tour.

Good news: the tour is designed for most people. It’s near public transportation, and service animals are allowed. Language-wise, it’s offered in English, and you get a mobile ticket, so you’re not scrambling for paper.

Walking the French Quarter Like a Case File

The vibe here is part ghost tour, part amateur detective walk. You’re moving through the Vieux Carre (French Quarter) and getting guided to places most people wouldn’t think to check. The tour sets expectations early: this is about investigating and exploring what the area is known for—cold spots, reports, and paranormal folklore—while staying grounded in the walking experience.

A big advantage for a first-time visitor is that it’s an efficient way to learn the Quarter fast. You’re covering a lot of ground across the Quarter’s old layout, rather than just repeating the same few streets. The tour also leans into the city’s “hauntings” reputation in a way that feels organized, not random.

One more practical point: the tour can include quick stops for atmosphere and discussion, but it still runs on schedule. If you want to linger for photos, you’ll be happiest if you plan for short stops rather than long “take your time” moments. The pace is built to keep the group together and on time.

Stop 1: French Quarter’s Mass Burial Ground and the EMF Test

The first major stop focuses on a mass burial ground, a location type that fits the paranormal conversation in New Orleans: cold spots, apparitions, and orbs are part of the story. Whether you’re a true believer or strictly curious, this is the kind of location that makes people quiet—because it’s the historical setting that does the work on your imagination.

Here’s what makes this first stop more than just tales: the tour uses a real EMF meter (ghost/paranormal detector) during the walk. That matters because it gives you a hands-on “let’s see what the equipment shows” approach. I like this because it turns the experience into something you can participate in, not just listen to.

A reasonable expectation: you might notice changes, feel chills, or see interesting activity, but there’s no guarantee. Also, the equipment experience can vary. In one unhappy account, the detectors weren’t working as expected because the gear had been dropped. That doesn’t mean you’ll face the same issue—but it does highlight a smart move: when you arrive, make sure you understand what equipment is being used and how it’s supposed to function during your tour.

Stop 2: Jackson Square and the “Dozens of Locations” Route

After the first eerie anchor point, the tour shifts toward Jackson Square, using that area as a springboard to cover more of the Quarter’s footprint. The tour description emphasizes scale: it visits over a dozen locations spanning the Quarter’s 78 blocks.

This isn’t a one-or-two-building stop. You’re guided to a wide variety of locations and building types, including places that sound like they belong in a mystery novel—haunted houses, apartments, morgues, bathrooms, bars and pubs, cemeteries, balconies, galleries, hotels, streets, and sidewalks. And yes, haunted churches are part of the mix too.

That broad spread is a big reason this tour feels like “a real investigation” rather than a single theme. Different locations tell different stories, and the guide’s job is to connect the folklore to what you’re seeing. If you enjoy urban legends and want to understand why New Orleans tells stories the way it does, this portion is where the tour starts to feel like a moving narrative.

One consideration: because the route spans lots of stops and street segments, this is not the best choice if you need frequent seating breaks or long restroom time. You’ll be standing, walking, and moving from point to point.

The Optional To-Go Cocktail Stops (And Why They’re Included)

Between investigations, you may stop to purchase to-go cocktails—optional and at your own expense. I actually think this is a smart touch for this kind of tour. The French Quarter can be long on walking and short on “good timing” for snacks and drinks, so offering a clear optional pause helps people keep energy up.

That said, there are rules around drinking during the tour. You can be allowed to drink alcoholic beverages, but the operator can refuse service if someone becomes extremely intoxicated. So if you’re coming with a party mindset, plan to keep it light enough to stay with the group and follow the pacing.

If you’d rather skip alcohol, it’s also workable. The tour info notes that to-go bars/windows are offered for people not wanting to go inside a bar.

EMF Equipment and Paranormal Gear: How to Use It Without Stress

This tour allows paranormal equipment, but only in a specific way. If you want to use equipment, it must be checked out at the beginning of the tour, and there’s a hefty $250 fee for lost, damaged, or missing equipment. The equipment is tracked and marked, and you’re expected not to drop it.

That creates a simple strategy: if you’re bringing your own gear, it still needs to fit the tour rules, but the tour is clear that their equipment follows a check-out process. If you’re not sure what’s available on your date, ask early at check-in and don’t wait until the tour is underway.

You should also know the tour does not allow audio or video recording devices. Photos are encouraged instead. That means you should plan your photo-taking for moments when you’re allowed to stop, and keep your phone ready for pictures rather than recording.

One more reality check—worth saying plainly: the tour is for entertainment purposes only, and you can’t demand a guaranteed haunting moment. If you’re coming in expecting a specific supernatural event, you’re more likely to feel disappointed. If you come expecting stories, investigations, and a guided way to see the Quarter differently, you’re set up for a better time.

Price, Timing, and Value: Is $35 a Good Deal?

At $35 per person for about 2 hours, this sits in the “value if you like the concept” category. You’re paying for a local guide plus a structured paranormal-style walking route. It’s not an all-day experience, so the value depends on whether you’ll enjoy a concentrated hit of French Quarter atmosphere plus guided investigation prompts.

The tour also caps at a maximum of 28 people, which matters. Smaller groups tend to stay connected to the guide’s pace and attention. A larger group can make it harder to hear details, but a 28-person cap keeps it within a workable range.

In terms of timing: it’s typically booked in advance, with an average booking window of around 5 days in advance. That’s not shocking for a popular theme in peak seasons. If you’re traveling in a busy time, booking earlier helps you avoid last-minute availability issues.

Also, the tour duration can run closer to 1–2 hours depending on things like waits inside bars. If you’re squeezing this into a tight schedule, plan for a bit of wiggle room.

A Word About Consistency: What the Ratings Suggest

The overall rating sits around 3.7, based on a small number of reviews. That mix makes sense because paranormal tours can’t be “perfectly predictable” even when a company tries hard.

The strongly positive feedback has a clear theme: a great guide changes everything. In one standout account, the guide Ashli was described as awesome, exuberant, and fun, with stories ranging from hauntings to vampires to murders. The person also highlighted feeling a ghostly chill at a spot during the walk.

The negative reviews cluster around two practical issues:

• a tour not happening as expected (in one case, the person said they waited past the meeting time and couldn’t reach anyone)
• equipment not working (in another case, detectors weren’t working because gear had been dropped)

You can’t control equipment issues. But you can reduce the chances of a problem by doing two things: (1) show up early at the correct check-in point and (2) double-check date and time so you’re not in the wrong slot. For a tour like this, meeting logistics aren’t boring details—they’re the difference between getting a story and missing the whole experience.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Skip It)

This is a good fit if you:

• want a first-time French Quarter orientation with a paranormal twist
• like walking tours that feel structured rather than random
• enjoy hearing spooky stories tied to real streets, buildings, and local lore
• want an action element like the EMF meter rather than only narration

It might not be your best choice if you:

• need long indoor stops or frequent seating
• come in demanding a guaranteed haunting or “proof moment”
• dislike the idea of moving quickly through multiple locations over a short time

If your goal is pure nightlife drinking, this is only a partial match. The to-go cocktail stops are optional. The main event is the guided walking and investigation theme.

Should You Book This Paranormal Walk?

Yes—if you want a guided, organized way to see the French Quarter while playing along with the city’s hauntings. For $35, you’re buying two things: a local guide who can connect the dots across many locations, and the hands-on EMF meter aspect that makes it feel more like an activity than a slideshow.

I’d book with confidence if you value good storytelling and street-level exploration. I’d be cautious if you’re the type who gets upset when equipment malfunctions or when the supernatural doesn’t perform on schedule. This is New Orleans folklore turned into a walk: fun, atmospheric, and best when you treat it like an entertaining investigation rather than a guaranteed experience.

FAQ

Where does the paranormal investigation tour start?

It meets on the sidewalk at the gate of the courtyard attached to Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar at 941 Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA 70116. The tour does not meet inside the bar.

How long is the New Orleans paranormal walking tour?

The duration is about 2 hours, and it’s described as an approximately 1 to 2 hour walking tour depending on conditions like waits inside bars.

What equipment or activities are used during the tour?

The tour uses a real EMF meter (ghost/paranormal detector). Paranormal equipment may be allowed during the tour, but if you want to use it you must check it out at the beginning and follow the equipment rules.

Are to-go cocktails included?

To-go cocktails are optional and are available for purchase along the route. Alcoholic drinks are not included in the tour price.

Can I record audio or video during the tour?

No. Audio or video recording devices are not allowed during the tour. Photos are allowed and encouraged.

Is this tour good for children?

Children under 18 are not admitted without a parent or guardian unless authorized by a tour guide. Some bars may not allow children inside, so it’s smart to plan around that.

What happens if the tour is canceled or you miss the meeting time?

Tours are rain-or-shine events, but cancellations can happen for inclement weather or other acts of God, and there’s also a chance of cancellation if minimum numbers aren’t met. If you arrive late, the tour guide won’t wait, and late arrivals aren’t refunded. The experience is stated as non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.