Treasures of New Orleans: Ghosts & Voodoo Private Tour

REVIEW · NEW ORLEANS

Treasures of New Orleans: Ghosts & Voodoo Private Tour

  • 4.56 reviews
  • From $37
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Traveller rating★ 4.5 (6)Price from$37Operated byWithlocalsBook viaViator

French Quarter ghosts travel well on foot. This private tour threads New Orleans legend through real landmarks, with a carbon-neutral local guide keeping the storytelling tight and human. The possible catch: each stop is brief, so if you want lots of time inside museums or long performances, this isn’t the format.

I especially like how the pacing is guided by your group’s interests, not a rigid script. In one standout experience, the guide Neil was described as entertaining and able to adapt for children too—meaning you should get a story level that fits your crew.

You’ll end up with a fast, flavorful sense of why voodoo and ghost stories are woven into everyday New Orleans culture, not treated like a theme park.

Key things to know before you go

Treasures of New Orleans: Ghosts & Voodoo Private Tour - Key things to know before you go

  • A true private tour: only your group participates, so questions aren’t awkward.
  • Iconic stops in a smart route: from Hotel Monteleone to Bourbon Street, mostly on walkable French Quarter ground.
  • Ghost lore tied to places you can see: St. Louis Cathedral, Cabildo, Royal Street, and more.
  • One included drink plus a covered stop at La Riviera (Omni Hotel) with a ticket included.
  • Small, non-intrusive guiding with carbon-neutral handling.
  • One practical watch-out: one prior booking reported a guide no-show, so double-check your confirmation details close to start time.

A French Quarter route built for ghost-and-voodoo storytelling

Treasures of New Orleans: Ghosts & Voodoo Private Tour - A French Quarter route built for ghost-and-voodoo storytelling
New Orleans doesn’t separate “old stories” from “where people actually go.” That’s what makes this tour work: it uses landmarks that are still part of the neighborhood’s rhythm—church steps, hotel corners, and the streets where history feels close enough to touch. Instead of lecturing, the tour connects scenes to what you’re standing in front of right now.

The voodoo and ghost material also has a built-in advantage: it gives you a lens. You’ll start noticing how myths, rumors, and local belief travel through the city the way music does—by being repeated, retold, and reshaped.

You can also read our reviews of more private tours in New Orleans

Price and what $37 buys you in real terms

Treasures of New Orleans: Ghosts & Voodoo Private Tour - Price and what $37 buys you in real terms
At $37 for about 2.5 hours, you’re paying for something better than a generic walking tour: a private local guide focused on a specific mood—ghosts and voodoo—while keeping you moving through major French Quarter sites. You also get a mobile ticket, and the tour includes one alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink.

Most stops list free admission, which matters for value. One exception is the rooftop-bar stop at La Riviera in the Omni Hotel, which includes admission. You should think of your money going into interpretation and pacing, not stacking museum fees.

Hotel Monteleone: starting at a family-run French Quarter magnet

Your tour begins at Hotel Monteleone, described as one of the oldest hotels in the French Quarter and a long-running gathering spot for locals. It’s also tied to local political life, which helps explain why New Orleans stories often feel bigger than the supernatural—people, power, and reputation are part of the mix.

This first stop sets the tone: you’re not just learning who haunted whom. You’re getting a sense of how social life and legend get braided together over time.

Practical note: since this is an early orientation point, arrive ready to start walking right away.

Jackson Square: Napoleon House meets the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum

Treasures of New Orleans: Ghosts & Voodoo Private Tour - Jackson Square: Napoleon House meets the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum
From there, you head to Jackson Square, where the tour pairs two classic “spooky” locations: the Napoleon House and the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum. This is a nice combo because it balances theatrical legend with hands-on objects and the sort of everyday oddness that makes ghost stories feel plausible.

At the Pharmacy Museum, you’ll get the feeling that the past wasn’t only about drama. People relied on apothecaries, remedies, and folk knowledge—so when the tour frames ghosts and voodoo, it doesn’t feel random. It feels like a continuation of how people tried to explain life and illness with the tools they had.

Time is short here, so don’t expect museum-level wandering. Bring curiosity, not a shopping list.

The Omni Hotel rooftop stop and the Zack and Addie story

Treasures of New Orleans: Ghosts & Voodoo Private Tour - The Omni Hotel rooftop stop and the Zack and Addie story
Next up is the other side of the street for a stop connected to the Louisiana Supreme Court Clerk building area, then you’ll be headed to La Riviera at the Omni Hotel. The tour description specifically calls out the Zack and Addie story, and the stop lists admission included.

This is one of those moments where a tour earns its keep: it gives you a setting—rooftop bar energy, skyline views, and a story tied to local lore—in a short time window. It also lines up well with the tour’s included drink, so you get both atmosphere and a break.

Cabildo and St. Louis Cathedral: ghosts in a living church setting

Treasures of New Orleans: Ghosts & Voodoo Private Tour - Cabildo and St. Louis Cathedral: ghosts in a living church setting
Then comes a big anchor: Cabildo and St. Louis Cathedral, with the cathedral described as the oldest in the USA and tied to the first settlement area. You’ll also hear that the cathedral is still actively used by the local Catholic church for weddings and funerals.

This matters. When you stand in a place that’s still in use, the ghost stories stop feeling like pure fiction and start feeling like cultural memory. The tour’s framing encourages you to notice that belief and ritual keep changing form while the building stays.

One drawback to flag: because the cathedral and surrounding square are used by real people, you’ll want to keep your voice low and follow your guide’s lead. This is a story stop, not a stage.

Chartres Street: where a ghost story meets real eating

Treasures of New Orleans: Ghosts & Voodoo Private Tour - Chartres Street: where a ghost story meets real eating
The tour then shifts to Chartres Street, with a playful claim: a restaurant on the street can supposedly photograph a ghost sitting at its table. The tour also mentions you can reserve that table and enjoy really good food.

Even if you ignore the ghost-at-the-table angle, Chartres Street is a strong choice for practical travel. It puts you close to one of the French Quarter’s main “where do we eat now?” arteries, so the tour doesn’t end with your stomach empty.

In a short time, you’ll likely get enough to decide whether you want to come back for dinner. If food is a priority for you, this is a good point in the route to start thinking about your next reservation.

St. Mark’s United Methodist Church: older structures and French Quarter edges

Treasures of New Orleans: Ghosts & Voodoo Private Tour - St. Mark’s United Methodist Church: older structures and French Quarter edges
At St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, the tour points out that this area includes one of the oldest buildings in the Mississippi River bottom and also one of the two French structures in the French Quarter. Even if you’re not a building-history person, that kind of detail changes the way you look at the street.

This stop also helps pace the experience. After a heavier stretch of rumor and legend, you get a calmer, architectural moment—small enough to keep moving, clear enough to anchor your understanding of where French Quarter history really comes from.

Royal Street: horror stories and the Delphine Lalaurie connection

Royal Street is where the tour leans harder into famous horror material. You’ll hear about Delphine Lalaurie, tied to American Horror Story and described as the subject of a new movie as well as being one of New Orleans’ most famous haunted houses.

The key value here is not just the name. Royal Street is a real “people-watch” street—galleries, shops, and the constant movement of locals and visitors. Dropping a major legend into that setting helps the story feel grounded, like it belongs to the street’s identity.

Because the stop is short, you’ll want to listen closely and ask questions if anything grabs you. This is the kind of story where a little context makes a big difference.

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar: ending with pirate folklore

Your final stop is Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, described as likely haunted by Jean Lafitte, the pirate. This ending choice works because it closes the loop between the supernatural and the kind of lawless mythology that New Orleans is famous for.

Lafitte is the sort of figure that threads through multiple layers of the city’s storytelling. So even if you’re coming in for ghosts and voodoo, the tour naturally widens your view to include pirate legend and the way it mixes with local folklore.

How the guide changes the experience (and what to watch for)

The strongest praise in the available feedback centers on the guide’s delivery: Neil was repeatedly described as fantastic, entertaining, and passionate, with the ability to pack a lot into the 2.5 hours. Another helpful detail: the tour can be adjusted for children, which usually means the guide is willing to match tone and explanations to your group.

For you, that’s the real benefit of a private format. You can steer away from the stuff you don’t care about and press on the parts you do—voodoo references, ghost lore, or the “why this place” background.

One caution: one account reported a guide did not show and there was no message. That’s unusual, but it’s still worth doing a simple check after booking—confirm the start time and meeting point, then keep your confirmation details handy in case you need support.

Timing, walking comfort, and photo strategy

This tour runs about 2 hours 30 minutes and includes multiple quick stops. You’ll want comfortable shoes. The French Quarter is uneven in spots, and the route naturally moves you from square to street to building frontage.

For photos, treat this tour like a mix of viewpoints and street scenes rather than a museum photo tour. When you see places like Jackson Square and Royal Street, you’ll get better results by capturing the setting and then letting the guide’s story guide your next shot.

Also, since the tour offers a drink and doesn’t list extra food, plan on eating before or after. If you’re using Chartres Street as your food lead, keep that in mind while your stomach stays patient.

Who this tour fits best

This is a great fit if you want:

  • A private French Quarter experience with a clear theme: ghosts and voodoo.
  • A guide who can explain stories in a way your group can actually follow.
  • A route that hits multiple “anchor” landmarks without turning into a whole-day project.

It’s less ideal if you want:

  • Long museum time or deep interior access at every stop.
  • A slow, sit-down lecture format.

If you’re celebrating something, it can work well too. One person booked it for a sister’s 50th birthday and called it the standout pick among multiple weekend tours.

Should you book Treasures of New Orleans: Ghosts & Voodoo Private Tour?

If you’re trying to get the feel of New Orleans fast, I think this is a smart buy. The price is reasonable for a private, story-driven walk that hits major landmarks, and you get an included drink without needing to budget for extra stops at every turn. The biggest strength is the guide-led pacing—like Neil’s described ability to keep it entertaining and adjustable.

I’d book it if you like your history with personality and you’re okay with short stops that prioritize story over museum wandering. I’d be cautious only if your trip is tightly scheduled and you’re the type who needs a fully guaranteed start with no surprises, because one no-show incident was reported. If that’s your situation, do a quick pre-departure check and keep your confirmation details open on your phone.

FAQ

How long is the Ghosts & Voodoo Private Tour?

It lasts about 2 hours 30 minutes.

Is the tour private?

Yes. It’s private, so only your group participates.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes a local guide, one alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink, and it’s carbon neutral.

Do I need to pay for museum or attraction tickets?

Many stops list free admission tickets, and one stop (La Riviera in the Omni Hotel) lists admission included. Food and other beverages are not included beyond the one drink.

Where do I meet the guide?

The meeting point is 214 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130.

Where does the tour end?

The tour ends on Bourbon Street.

Do I get a mobile ticket?

Yes, the tour includes a mobile ticket.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

Is hotel pick-up or drop-off included?

No. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Within 24 hours, there’s no refund.

Is the tour okay for people with only moderate fitness?

It’s listed for travelers with a moderate physical fitness level.

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