REVIEW · NEW ORLEANS
New Orleans True Crime Ghost Hunt and Tour
Book on Viator →Operated by Witches Brew Tours · Bookable on Viator
There’s something about New Orleans at night. This small-group true-crime ghost hunt turns the French Quarter walk into a story trail, with stops tied to infamous crimes and local landmarks. I love the pacing in a group capped at 15, and I also love how the guide brings the details into focus so you’re not just sightseeing. One thing to consider: you’ll be on your feet for about two hours, and the subject matter is dark, not casual.
If you want chills with your street views, this tour delivers. You’ll hit the French Quarter and nearby famous spots after dark, and you’ll also get a bonus stop at a historic bar area where you can buy your own drink. The only drawback I’d flag is that some stops aren’t included admissions, so you may feel tempted to learn more on your own later—and that costs extra.
You’ll start in the French Quarter area and end nearby your hotel zone, with a licensed guide and mobile ticket for an easy meetup.
In This Review
- Key points worth knowing before you go
- A true-crime ghost hunt that actually helps you see New Orleans
- Group size, timing, and getting from start to finish
- The first walk in the French Quarter: landmarks first, then the story
- Jimani Lounge & Restaurant: the Upstairs Lounge site
- New Orleans Pharmacy Museum: serial-killer storytelling with a real location
- Omni Royal Orleans and Jackson Square: famous places tied to violence
- Pirates Alley and an absinthe break you pay for yourself
- The Dungeon: Never and Worry at the original starting point
- The guide makes the difference more than you’d think
- Price and value: $49.99 for two hours of story-sightseeing
- Who should book this, and who should skip it
- Should you book the New Orleans True Crime Ghost Hunt and Tour?
- FAQ
- How long is the tour?
- What does the tour cost?
- What time does the tour start?
- Where does the tour start and end?
- Is the tour in English?
- Is the group size limited?
- Are drinks included?
- What should I do about weather?
Key points worth knowing before you go

- Small group (max 15) keeps the walk relaxed and questions actually get answered.
- Licensed, pro guide turns the spooky stuff into a clear, story-driven experience.
- Night views of famous landmarks make the French Quarter feel like a different place.
- A drink stop at a historic bar is your own expense, but it breaks up the tension.
- True-crime + ghost-hunt vibe means scary themes without a generic ghost-story script.
- Robby Rob gets called out by guests for making the stories feel real.
A true-crime ghost hunt that actually helps you see New Orleans
New Orleans is built for walking tours. At 7:30 pm, the streets feel calmer, the angles look sharper, and the French Quarter’s architecture stops being background and becomes part of the story. This experience uses that timing on purpose. The tour isn’t just saying, Look how pretty this street is. It’s saying, Here’s what happened here—and what the city remembers.
I also like that the experience leans into both the “ghost hunt” mood and the real-world crime context. The result is less campy and more cinematic. You’ll feel the chills, but you’ll also get a sense of why these places became known in the first place.
And because the group is small, you don’t have to fight for attention. You can hear the guide without craning your neck the whole time. That matters on tight French Quarter sidewalks.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in New Orleans.
Group size, timing, and getting from start to finish

Plan for about two hours total, starting at 7:30 pm. The route is built around short stops—most are around 15 minutes—with a longer first walk segment in the French Quarter.
Meet at 311 Exchange Pl, New Orleans, LA 70130. The experience ends near Hotel Villa Convento, at 616 Ursulines Ave—though your exact drop-off can vary within the French Quarter area.
A couple of practical tips so you feel comfortable:
- Wear shoes you trust for uneven sidewalks and quick turns.
- Bring something light for night air. If you tend to get cold easily, you’ll want it.
- Keep an eye on weather. This experience needs decent weather, and poor conditions can lead to a reschedule or refund option.
Also note the language: it’s offered in English, and you’ll get a confirmation when you book. If you rely on public transit, the tour is listed as near it.
The first walk in the French Quarter: landmarks first, then the story

Your tour begins with a French Quarter stroll. The segment runs about 30 minutes. You’ll get oriented fast—street layout, key sights, and the feel of the neighborhood—so when the tour turns darker, you can picture the places clearly in your head.
What I like about starting here is that it gives you bearings. After that, each stop has context. Instead of hearing a spooky tale with no location, you’ll know why that specific block matters.
One small consideration: the French Quarter gets crowded at other times, and at night it can still be busy. You’re on a walking route with other pedestrians, so expect to share space.
Jimani Lounge & Restaurant: the Upstairs Lounge site

Next up is Jimani Lounge & Restaurant, marked as the former location of the Upstairs Lounge. This stop is connected to one of the most horrific hate crimes in U.S. history, and the guide’s job here is to handle it with clarity and care.
This is one of those moments where the “ghost hunt” framing makes sense, even if you don’t expect paranormal activity. The city’s trauma lives in the buildings and streets people still walk past. You’ll hear what happened, when it happened, and why the location is remembered.
Practical note: this stop is about 15 minutes. It’s short, so don’t plan on turning it into a long visit on the spot. If you want deeper reading later, you’ll likely do that on your own after the tour.
New Orleans Pharmacy Museum: serial-killer storytelling with a real location

Then you’ll head to the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum for another roughly 15-minute stop. Here, the tour focuses on one of New Orleans’ infamous serial killers.
This is where the true-crime side becomes the main course. The guide ties the story to the museum’s connection to the case. Even if you’ve heard parts of it before, hearing it pointed to a physical site tends to make the details stick.
One thing to be aware of: the stop duration is limited, so you’re not getting an in-depth museum visit as part of the ticket. If you want to spend longer with exhibits, plan to return later.
Omni Royal Orleans and Jackson Square: famous places tied to violence

From there, you move to the Omni Royal Orleans area, described as the site of a great tragedy. Like the other middle stops, the time on the street is about 15 minutes. The tour uses the stop to ground the story in a recognizable New Orleans landmark you’ll likely hear about even if you never come to this exact corner during your free time.
After that comes Jackson Square, another 15-minute stop. The Square is famous for its views and street life, but the tour reframes it through the lens of violence that occurred there throughout history.
This pair of stops is valuable because it changes how you look at postcard places. Jackson Square is usually approached as an image. During this tour, it becomes a map of events. If you like learning New Orleans through stories rather than just architecture, this is the payoff moment.
Pirates Alley and an absinthe break you pay for yourself

Your next stop is Pirates Alley, about 15 minutes, where the tour builds in time to sip on absinthe while you check out the sites. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase, not included.
So here’s the practical way to approach it: if you want the absinthe moment, budget for your own drink. If you’d rather skip alcohol, you can still enjoy the alley and the story. The key is the pause. After crime-heavy stops, a short break helps you absorb what you heard without feeling like you’re just rushing from one heavy topic to the next.
Also, Pirates Alley is narrow and atmospheric. Even without alcohol, it’s the kind of place where the night mood does some of the work for the guide.
The Dungeon: Never and Worry at the original starting point

The final themed stop is The Dungeon, tied to the mysterious tale of Never and Worry, described as starting right here. This is about 15 minutes and it closes the loop between the true-crime format and the ghost-hunt vibe.
What I appreciate is that the tour doesn’t treat the ending like a cliffhanger. It treats it like a wrap-up moment—something to leave with a stronger sense of how the city’s legends and darker stories overlap.
If you’re the type who likes a satisfying final stop, you’ll likely enjoy this. If you’re hoping for a jump-scare or a big reveal, manage expectations. This is a walking story experience with a spooky tone, not a scripted set-piece.
The guide makes the difference more than you’d think
I’m going to say this plainly: on a story-driven tour, the guide is the product. In this case, that’s backed up by what people highlight most. One name comes up again and again: Robby Rob. Guests specifically recommend making sure you get him, because he’s known for bringing the stories to life.
What that means for you on the ground? You’re less likely to feel like you’re hearing dates and facts that slide past. You’re more likely to feel like the guide is pointing you at specific details so your brain can connect the crime to the streets you’re standing on.
The tour also uses licensed professional guidance. That matters when the topic is sensitive and when you’re handling landmark locations tied to real harm. You want a guide who can keep the tone respectful while still making it engaging.
Price and value: $49.99 for two hours of story-sightseeing
At $49.99 per person, you’re paying for two things:
1) a professional licensed guide, and
2) a structured, story-based walking route across major French Quarter-area sights after dark.
You’re not buying a bus ride or a big museum package. You’re buying time with someone who connects the dots between famous places and infamous events. For most people, that’s where the value lies. You could read about these stories on your own, sure. But on a night walk, the guide’s direction saves you from turning your trip into a research project.
There are also a few “own expense” elements. Alcohol is not included. Some stops also note admission not included. That doesn’t make the tour overpriced—it just means the tour is designed as a guided walking experience, not a ticket bundle to every location.
One more practical value point: the small group size. When you’re not packed in, you’re more comfortable. You hear more. You get better pacing. That’s hard to put a dollar figure on.
Who should book this, and who should skip it
This tour fits best if you:
- enjoy true crime and don’t mind dark subject matter
- like walking and want famous landmarks shown through a story lens
- want a small-group experience instead of a crowded shuffle
- travel with curiosity and like hearing how New Orleans connects legends to real places
You might want to skip (or at least approach carefully) if you:
- prefer light, purely scenic tours with no violence themes
- need longer museum time at specific sites; the stops are short by design
- don’t handle walking well at night
The experience lists moderate physical fitness as a requirement, so if you’re unsure, consider how many blocks you can comfortably cover in an evening.
Service animals are allowed, and the tour is near public transportation, which helps if you want to avoid driving.
Should you book the New Orleans True Crime Ghost Hunt and Tour?
Yes, if you want a guided night walk that turns well-known French Quarter sights into a story trail. The mix of recognizable locations and true-crime focus gives you a New Orleans experience that feels specific, not generic. And if you can get Robby Rob, you’re very likely to leave with the kind of memorable details that stick.
I’d think twice if you’re looking for a cheerful ghost story or a museum-style deep visit. This is a short-stop walking tour built for atmosphere, context, and pacing—not for long indoor exploration.
If you like your travel with a little fear on the side, and you want to see the French Quarter with new eyes, this is an easy recommendation.
FAQ
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 2 hours.
What does the tour cost?
It costs $49.99 per person.
What time does the tour start?
The start time is 7:30 pm.
Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at 311 Exchange Pl, New Orleans, LA 70130, and ends near Hotel Villa Convento at 616 Ursulines Ave. The exact end point may vary within the French Quarter area.
Is the tour in English?
Yes, it’s offered in English.
Is the group size limited?
Yes. The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.
Are drinks included?
No. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase, but they’re not included.
What should I do about weather?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
























