Plan Your New Orleans Ghost Tour

Best time to go on ghost tours in New Orleans

Ghost tours in New Orleans run year-round, but choosing when to go can impact the experience. Weekdays typically see smaller groups, offering a more intimate and atmospheric tour. Weekends, especially Friday and Saturday nights, tend to get busier, making it lively but potentially less personal.

Peak season runs mainly from October through Mardi Gras, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable. This is when tours fill quickly due to high demand for spooky experiences and festivals. Booking in advance is essential during these months. Low season, between late summer and early fall, offers fewer crowds, easier bookings, and a quieter ambiance, though warmer and more humid. Despite this, tours continue, uninterrupted, rain or shine, year-round.

Choosing weekdays in the shoulder or low season offers the best chance for a relaxed, immersive ghost tour, while weekends and peak times bring vibrant energy with larger, festive groups. Both have their unique appeal depending on the desired atmosphere and availability.

Where do the tours begin

Ghost Tours
Meeting Point: Across from the Pelican Club Restaurant in the French Quarter
Pub Crawl Tours
Meeting Point: Haunted History Tours office, French Quarter
Cemetery Bus Tours
Meeting Point: Tour Orleans
Walking Tour of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
Meeting Point: Basin St. Station Visitor Center

How to get there

Drop-off points: Common meeting spots include Bourbon Street, Jackson Square, and other central French Quarter locations.

Travel time: Typically 5–10 minutes from the Visitor Center in light traffic

Route: A quick taxi or rideshare ride takes you straight from the Visitor Center to your chosen tour’s starting point.

Parking options nearby

Premium Parking – P0149: Just a 2-minute walk from the Visitor Center; a good choice for guests on walking tours. Find on Maps

Central Parking System: Located about 5 minutes away; offers paid parking with easy access to French Quarter tour meeting spots. Find on Maps

Premium Parking – P0407: Roughly 2 minutes from the Visitor Center, ideal if you’re joining the Cemetery Bus Tour. Find on Maps

Know before you go

Most ghost tours start from accessible meeting points with restrooms nearby.
Tours may provide water, but suggest bringing your own for hydration.
Some companies offer branded merchandise and souvenirs for purchase.
Digital tickets and pre-booking options are widely available for convenience.
Tours mostly involve walking; wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.

Many tours accommodate guests with mobility challenges; check with the operator before booking.
Starting points usually have curb ramps and are located in pedestrian-friendly areas.
Some tours offer shortened or modified routes to ensure inclusivity.
Wheelchairs and strollers can often be accommodated but may require advance notice.
Accessibility varies, so confirm specifics directly with the tour provider.

Family-friendly tours are available with age-appropriate storytelling and pace.
Some tours designate adult-only time slots for mature content and atmosphere.
Early evening tours may be better suited for children to avoid late-night fatigue.
Content typically balances spooky tales with historical facts for educational value.
Parents should assess comfort levels due to some ghost stories’ scary themes.

Alcohol policies vary; adult-themed or pub-crawl tours typically have age restrictions.
Photography during tours may be limited or restricted, especially in crypts or sacred sites.
Open flames, smoking, and loud noises are generally prohibited out of respect for historic areas.
Participants should stay with the group and follow guides for safety.
Tour cancellations and refunds follow individual company policies, often posted online.

Cafe du Monde: A New Orleans staple, famous for its airy beignets dusted with powdered sugar and strong café au lait. It’s an iconic spot for breakfast or a midday snack
Location:800 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116 | Find on Maps
Timings: 7am to 11pm.
Antoine’s Restaurant: Established in 1840, this elegant Creole restaurant offers dishes like Oysters Rockefeller and turtle soup in an ornate, historic dining room at 713 St. Louis St. A quintessential experience for traditional Louisiana cuisine lovers.
Location: 713 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | Find on Maps
Timings: 10:30am to 9pm
Central Grocery: This casual deli is the birthplace of the muffuletta sandwich, piled high with Italian cold cuts and olive salad. Located in a simple storefront at 923 Decatur St, it’s perfect for a quick yet authentic New Orleans bite.
Location: 923 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116 | Find on Maps
Timings: Daily 9am to 5pm

Omni Royal Orleans: This luxurious hotel is steeped in history and situated close to Jackson Square. It features elegant rooms, a heated rooftop pool, and refined dining, providing a quintessential French Quarter experience. Its prime location allows easy access to ghost tour starting points.

Address: 621 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | Find on Maps

Hotel Monteleone: Famous for its history and ghost stories, Hotel Monteleone offers plush rooms, a rooftop pool, and the legendary Carousel Bar. Located at 214 Royal St, it’s ideal for guests wanting to immerse themselves in local legend alongside upscale amenities.

Address: 214 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | Find on Maps

Royal Sonesta New Orleans: Located in the heart of Bourbon Street at 300 Bourbon St, this hotel combines luxury with entertainment, offering live jazz, multiple restaurants, and an inviting courtyard pool. Perfect for night-owl visitors wanting to explore the vibrant nightlife.

Address: 300 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | Find on Maps

Visitor tips

Bring a small flashlight: While tours are meant to be atmospheric, a discreet flashlight can help you safely navigate dark alleys and cemetery paths.
Check the weather: New Orleans is humid and prone to sudden rain showers; pack a light raincoat or umbrella instead of relying on ponchos.
Keep cash handy: Some tour meeting points are near bars or small shops that may have minimum card payment requirements, making it handy if you want a quick snack or drink.
Liste for local lore variations: Stories may differ slightly from one guide to another; embrace the variety, it’s part of the city’s oral tradition.
Ask about photo opportunities: The guides point out spots where guests have captured unusual “orbs” or shadows in pictures.
Mind the crowd: The French Quarter can get crowded, especially on weekends. Staying close to your group prevents missing key stories.
Respect the locations: Many haunted sites are near private residences or active businesses; avoid blocking doorways or being disruptive.
Late-night transport: If you’re on a later tour, pre-arrange a taxi or rideshare pickup spot to avoid waiting on busy Bourbon Street.

Frequently asked questions about planning your New Orleans ghost tours

What’s the best way to reach the tour starting points from the Visitor Center?

Most tours are within a 5–10 minute walk or a short streetcar ride via Canal Street.

How much time should I set aside for a ghost tour?

Plan for 1.5 to 2 hours for most walking tours; bus and combination tours may run longer.

What’s the best day of the week to join a tour?

Weekdays are less crowded and quieter, making it easier to hear guides and enjoy the atmosphere.

Is parking available near the starting points?

Yes, paid garages and lots are available within a short walk of most French Quarter locations. Check the “getting there by car” section for more parking info.

Are restrooms available during the tour?

Not usually along the walking route, but restaurants and visitor centers near starting points have facilities.

Can I take photos or record during the tour?

Photography is usually welcome, though the cemetery has restrictions.

Are the tours wheelchair accessible?

Bus tours are not wheelchair accessible, but walking tours and pub crawls are.

What’s the busiest season for ghost tours?

Halloween and Mardi Gras are peak times, so expect larger crowds and limited availability.

Do any ghost tours combine food, drinks, or other experiences?

Yes, pub crawls mix haunted history with local bars, and some specialty tours include voodoo or vampire themes.