How long does it take to walk the French Quarter route?

The total walking distance is approximately 1.2 miles. Most visitors spend between 90 and 120 minutes on this route, depending on how long they linger at landmarks like the St. Louis Cathedral and the Old Absinthe House.

Is the Voodoo history in New Orleans real?

Yes, Voodoo is a documented religion in New Orleans with roots in West African traditions. This route includes Marie Laveau's House of Voodoo, where you can learn about the historical Voodoo Queen and the religion's actual practices versus fictionalized versions.

Can I see the inside of the LaLaurie Mansion?

No, the LaLaurie Mansion is currently a private residence and is not open to the public. However, the exterior architecture is well-preserved, and the narration provides the full history of the events that occurred there in 1834.

What is the best time to do a haunted walk in New Orleans?

The best time is during the 'blue hour' just before sunset. This allows you to see the architectural details clearly before the gas lamps turn on, creating the atmospheric lighting that the French Quarter is famous for.

Is this walking route family-friendly?

While the walk is easy and on flat terrain, some of the stories (particularly at the LaLaurie Mansion and Pharmacy Museum) involve dark themes and historical violence. Parents should use discretion based on their children's sensitivity.

Are there many stairs on this route?

The route itself is entirely outdoors on public sidewalks and is step-free. However, some historic buildings like the Pharmacy Museum may have small steps at the entrance.

Where can I find water along the walk?

There are numerous cafes and convenience stores along Royal and Chartres Streets. It is highly recommended to carry a water bottle, especially during the humid summer months.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step into the shadows of the French Quarter with this self-guided walking route that explores the intersection of history, folklore, and the supernatural. New Orleans is a city where the veil between the past and present feels remarkably thin, especially as gas lamps begin to flicker against the aging brickwork of the Vieux Carré. This independent journey takes you beyond the typical tourist traps to uncover the legends of Voodoo queens, the whispers of restless spirits, and the architectural wonders that have witnessed centuries of intrigue. From the medicinal mysteries of the 19th century to the opulent mansions hiding dark secrets, this walk offers a deep dive into the soul of the Crescent City. You will explore iconic sites like the St. Louis Cathedral, standing as a silent sentinel over Jackson Square, while also discovering hidden gems like the seance room at Muriel's. The route is designed for those who prefer to travel at their own pace, allowing you to linger in a haunted courtyard or stop for a drink at a historic tavern where the 'Green Fairy' once reigned supreme. Along the way, the history of Voodoo is demystified, moving past Hollywood tropes to reveal a complex and vibrant spiritual tradition that shaped the city’s identity. Whether you are a fan of the macabre or a lover of rich urban history, this neighborhood stroll provides an immersive experience. This walking tour New Orleans experience highlights the city's unique ability to preserve its legends, making it one of the most atmospheric walks in North America. By choosing this self-guided walk, you gain the freedom to explore the French Quarter's most infamous corners without the constraints of a group, ensuring a personal connection with the spirits of the South. This walking tour New Orleans route is best enjoyed as the sun begins to set, casting long shadows over the iron-lace balconies that define this historic district.

Highlights

The medicinal mysteries of the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum

The spiritual heart of the city at St. Louis Cathedral

The ghostly legends of the seance room at Muriel's Jackson Square

A deep dive into Voodoo culture at Marie Laveau's House of Voodoo

The storied past and absinthe culture of the Old Absinthe House

The chilling history of the infamous LaLaurie Mansion

Tour Stops (7)

New Orleans Pharmacy Museum

Begin your journey at the site of the first licensed pharmacist in the United States, Louis Dufilho Jr. This building, dating back to 1823, represents the dawn of modern medicine—and the darker side of 19th-century healthcare. As you look at the apothecary jars and surgical instruments, consider that in the 1800s, the line between healing and harm was often blurred. Local lore suggests the museum is haunted by Dr. Joseph Dupas, who allegedly performed gruesome experiments here. The museum's courtyard and dusty shelves serve as a poignant reminder of the yellow fever epidemics that once ravaged this city, shaping its relationship with death and the afterlife.

St. Louis Cathedral

Standing before you is the oldest cathedral in continuous use in North America. With its three soaring spires, the St. Louis Cathedral is the most recognizable landmark in New Orleans. It has survived fires, hurricanes, and even a bombing in 1909. Beyond its religious significance, the cathedral is central to the city's supernatural lore. It is said that Pere Antoine, a beloved 18th-century priest, still walks the alleyway beside the church during the early morning hours. The cathedral faces Jackson Square, a former site of public executions, adding a layer of somber history to this beautiful architectural masterpiece.

Muriel's Jackson Square

This elegant restaurant holds a secret within its walls. In the late 1700s, the owner, Pierre Antoine Lepardi Jourdan, lost his home in a gambling debt. Heartbroken, he took his own life on the second floor. Today, Muriel’s maintains a 'Seance Room' where a table is permanently set with bread and wine for Jourdan’s spirit. Staff and guests frequently report unexplained occurrences, from moving objects to misty apparitions. It is a perfect example of how New Orleans locals embrace their ghosts, treating them as permanent residents rather than terrors to be feared.

Marie Laveau's House Of Voodoo

No exploration of New Orleans is complete without acknowledging Marie Laveau, the legendary Voodoo Queen. While this shop is a modern tribute, it sits on the site where her descendants lived. Voodoo is often misunderstood; it is a syncretic religion that provided strength and community to enslaved Africans and people of color. Marie Laveau was a powerful figure who walked the halls of the Cabildo and the Cathedral alike, serving as a nurse, a midwife, and a spiritual advisor. This stop offers a chance to see altars and charms that represent the enduring influence of Voodoo on the city's cultural fabric.

Old Absinthe House

Step toward the corner of Bourbon and Bienville to find a building that has stood since 1806. The Old Absinthe House became famous for serving the 'Green Fairy'—absinthe—long before it was banned in the early 20th century. Its copper-topped bar has seen the likes of General Andrew Jackson and the pirate Jean Lafitte, who allegedly met here to plan the defense of New Orleans. The building's thick walls and dim interior preserve the atmosphere of a bygone era. It remains a cornerstone of the French Quarter's nightlife, embodying the city's 'laissez-faire' attitude toward indulgence and celebration.

BK Historic House and Gardens

This Greek Revival mansion, also known as the Beauregard-Keyes House, showcases the architectural transition of the French Quarter. Built in 1826, it was once home to Confederate General P.G.T. Beauregard and later to the prolific author Frances Parkinson Keyes. The house is a study in preservation, featuring a beautiful parterre garden that is rare for this dense neighborhood. Like many grand homes in the Quarter, it is not without its ghost stories; some claim to hear the sounds of a phantom battle echoing through the halls, a spectral reminder of the General's military past.

LaLaurie Mansion

Your final stop is perhaps the most notorious address in New Orleans. This was the home of Madame Delphine LaLaurie, a socialite who, in 1834, was revealed to be a monstrous serial torturer after a fire broke out in the kitchen. When neighbors rushed in to help, they discovered the horrors she had hidden in the attic. The story has been immortalized in popular culture, but the reality of the events remains a dark stain on the city's history. Today, it is a private residence, but its imposing facade and chilling reputation make it the ultimate climax for a walk through the city's haunted heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

This self-guided walk through the French Quarter is ideal for those interested in the supernatural. It covers the LaLaurie Mansion, known as the most haunted house in the city, and Muriel's Seance Room, providing a comprehensive look at New Orleans' eerie legends without the need for a guided tour New Orleans group.