Top 10 haunted places to explore in New Orleans

New Orleans is steeped in eerie history and ghostly legends. From haunted mansions to historic bars and cemeteries, these top haunted places offer spine-chilling experiences and a glimpse into the city’s supernatural past.

Find the best haunted spots around New Orleans

LaLaurie Mansion balcony with ironwork and flowers, New Orleans haunted site.

1. LaLaurie Mansion 🏚️

This infamous mansion was the residence of Madame Delphine LaLaurie, known for her brutal treatment of enslaved individuals. After a fire in 1834 exposed her atrocities, she fled, but the spirits of her victims are said to still haunt the mansion. Visitors have reported hearing chains dragging and witnessing shadowy figures.

Location: 1140 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116, United States | Find on Maps

Recommended experiences: New Orleans: Ghost, Voodoo, and Vampire Haunted City Tour

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 tombs and greenery in New Orleans.

2. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 🪦

This historic cemetery is the final resting place of voodoo queen Marie Laveau. The cemetery is known for its above-ground tombs and eerie atmosphere. Visitors often report ghostly figures and unexplained whispers, especially near Laveau's tomb.

Location: 501 Basin St, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States | Find on Maps

Recommended experiences: New Orleans: St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 Walking Tour

Muriel’s on Jackson Square in New Orleans, known for its haunted history.

3. Muriel’s Jackson Square 🏤

Muriel’s is a restaurant with a dark past. The building was once the residence of Pierre Antoine Lepardi Jourdan, who committed suicide here in 1814. His spirit is said to linger, and a séance room is dedicated to him.

Location: 801 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70116, United States | Find on Maps

Rows of red theater seats in a West End venue.

4. Le Petit Theatre 🎭

The theater dates back to 1922; it's believed to be haunted by the spirit of an actress who died tragically during a performance. Staff and visitors have reported sightings of her ghostly figure and unexplained noises during rehearsals.

Location: 616 St Peter, New Orleans, LA 70116, United States | Find on Maps

Napoleon House exterior with historic architecture in New Orleans.

5. Napoleon House 🏚️

Napoleon House was once intended as a refuge for Napoleon Bonaparte. Now a bar and restaurant, it's rumored to be haunted by the spirits of past patrons. Employees have reported that their glasses move on their own and hear the sound of footsteps when no one is around.

Location: 500 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States | Find on Maps

Orleans and Dauphine street signs with Gardette-LePrete House balcony in New Orleans.

6. Sultan’s Palace (Gardette-LePrete House) 🏚️

Sultan’s Palace is tied to a tragic tale of love and betrayal. Legend has it that a Turkish sultan's brother was murdered here, and his spirit now haunts the house. Visitors have reported cold spots and the sensation of being watched.

Location: 716 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70116, United States | Find on Maps

Hotel Monteleone's ornate exterior facade in New Orleans.

7. Hotel Monteleone 🏨

Hotel Monteleone is known for its revolving carousel bar and its resident spirits. Guests and staff have reported sightings of a ghostly child and unexplained noises in the hallways.

Location: 214 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States | Find on Maps

Costumed figure with horns and glowing eyes at a Halloween parade.

8. The Mortuary Haunted Mansion 🏘️

This former funeral home has been transformed into a haunted attraction. It's known for its terrifying displays and eerie atmosphere. Visitors often report feeling a chilling presence and hearing disembodied voices.

Location: 4800 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70119, United States | Find on Maps

Historic Blacksmith Bar on Bourbon Street, New Orleans, with American flag and outdoor seating.

9. Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar 🍻

The bar is one of the oldest in the U.S. It's rumored to be haunted by the ghost of Jean Lafitte, a notorious pirate. Patrons have reported seeing his apparition and feeling sudden drops in temperature.

Location: 941 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116, United States | Find on Maps

Recommended experiences: New Orleans: Haunted Pub Crawl

Beauregard-Keyes House

10. The Beauregard-Keyes House 🏠

Confederate General Pierre Gustave Toutant Beauregard once owned the Beauregard-Keyes House. It's believed to be haunted by his spirit, as well as that of a former servant. Visitors have reported hearing footsteps and seeing apparitions.

Location: 1113 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70116, United States | Find on Maps

Frequently asked questions about the most haunted places in New Orleans

Can I visit these haunted places alone, or do I need a guide?

Most haunted sites, especially cemeteries and private mansions, require guided tours for access and safety.

Are there any paranormal investigations allowed at these locations?

Some locations, like St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 or LaLaurie Mansion, may allow EMF devices or ghost-hunting during specific tours, but permission is needed.

Do haunted hotels or bars offer themed rooms or experiences?

Yes, certain hotels like Bourbon Orleans allow guests to request “haunted” rooms, and some bars include ghost stories as part of the ambiance.

Is it safe to take photographs or videos inside these haunted sites?

Photography rules differ; some places restrict flash, tripods, or photos of sensitive areas, especially at cemeteries and private mansions.

Do any locations have age restrictions?

Certain tours, like Haunted Pub Crawl and haunted spots, particularly adult-themed tours, require visitors to be 21+ due to mature content or alcohol presence.

Can I visit during Mardi Gras or other local festivals?

Some cemeteries or haunted sites, like Lafayette Cemetery, close or have restricted access during major events like Mardi Gras parades.

What are the most haunted spots in New Orleans?

Top haunted places include the LaLaurie Mansion, Bourbon Orleans Hotel, Hotel Monteleone, and St. Louis Cemetery No. 1.

Why does New Orleans have so many haunted locations?

Its long history, tragic past, and voodoo roots have created the perfect setting for ghost stories and paranormal legends.

Where are most of the haunted spots in New Orleans?

Most are in the French Quarter and Garden District, home to the city’s oldest and most storied buildings.

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