New Orleans Vampire Tours

Take a 1.5 to 2-hour walking journey through the shadowed streets of the French Quarter with a local storyteller, as you uncover tales of vampires and New Orleans’ darker legends.

What to expect on your tour

Historic building with wrought iron balconies at night in the French Quarter, New Orleans.
Group listening to a guide during New Orleans Haunted Ghost, Voodoo & Vampire Tour.
Tour group exploring French Quarters, New Orleans on a haunted ghost tour at night.
Tour group listening to a guide during a haunted pub crawl in New Orleans.
Group on a guided haunted pub crawl in New Orleans.
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Haunting legends of the French Quarter

Walk through the historic French Quarter as your guide shares chilling ghost stories, vampire myths, and voodoo traditions tied to the city’s mysterious past.

Vampire lore of Jacques St. Germain

Hear about the mysterious 18th-century figure said to be a real vampire, whose strange story has become one of the city’s most enduring myths.

Secrets of voodoo practices

Learn how voodoo shaped New Orleans culture, from spiritual rituals to the legacy of Marie Laveau, the city’s most famous Voodoo Queen.

Historic bars & haunted spots

Pause outside Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, one of the oldest and most haunted watering holes in the U.S., where legend and spirits intertwine.

Expert storytelling

Your knowledgeable guide will keep you entertained and intrigued with a mix of history, folklore, and spine-tingling tales as you explore the French Quarter after dark.

Highlights of your Vampire tour

Tour group in French Quarter, New Orleans, during haunted ghost tour.

LaLaurie Mansion

Step outside one of New Orleans’ most infamous homes, where tales of Madame LaLaurie’s dark past and ghostly sightings still captivate visitors.

St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square illuminated at night, New Orleans.
Bourbon Street balconies illuminated at night in New Orleans.
New Orleans Pharmacy Museum sign reflecting historic building.
Historic architecture with wrought iron balconies in the French Quarter, New Orleans.

A brief history of Vampire legends in New Orleans

New Orleans has long been steeped in mystery, giving rise to some of the most enduring vampire legends in the United States. Stories of immortal beings lurking in the French Quarter date back to the 18th century, fueled by tales of strange deaths, unexplained nocturnal sightings, and the city’s shadowed alleyways. One of the most famous figures is Jacques St. Germain, a French nobleman rumored to have arrived in New Orleans in the 1700s, claiming to be centuries old, hosting lavish parties and vanishing mysteriously, fueling speculation that he was a vampire.

The city’s unique blend of French, Spanish, and Creole culture, combined with its long history of secret societies, voodoo rituals, and spiritual practices, created fertile ground for vampire lore to thrive. Local cemeteries, abandoned mansions, and historic bars became the backdrop for countless tales of bloodsuckers, hauntings, and supernatural encounters.

Over time, these legends merged with literature and pop culture, cementing New Orleans as a mecca for vampire enthusiasts and paranormal explorers. Today, walking tours let visitors explore the city’s dark history firsthand, stepping into the stories that have made New Orleans synonymous with vampires, mystery, and the macabre.

Know before you go

Inside Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, patrons at bar, New Orleans haunted pub crawl.
  • Timings: Daily from 11am to 8pm, with six tours throughout the day
  • The best time to go on a vampire tour in New Orleans is on a weekday evening when the streets are quieter, letting you soak in the eerie atmosphere without the weekend crowds. Fall and early winter are ideal seasons, cooler nights and a spookier vibe enhance the chilling stories and haunted settings, making the experience even more immersive.

Meeting point: Across from the Pelican Club Restaurant in the French Quarter

By bus/streetcar

  • Closest stop: Canal at Royal (Out)
  • Bus routes: 51, 52, 57 (among others) that travel toward Canal Street or through the French Quarter.
  • Streetcar options: The Canal Streetcar line (routes 47/48) is commonly used and travels along Canal Street, which borders the French Quarter.

By taxi or rideshare

  • Closest stop: The Pelican Club

Nearby parking:

  • Premium Parking - P0402: Just 2 min away from the New Orleans Visitor Center, this parking lot is ideal for those who choose walking tours. Find on Maps
Bourbon Street at night with neon lights reflecting on wet pavement, New Orleans.
  • The tour is not wheelchair-accessible.
  • Depends on the tour; some tours accommodate strollers, but older streets may pose difficulty.
  • Most tours last 1.5–2 hours, walking through the French Quarter on uneven sidewalks and cobblestones.
Historic French Quarter street in New Orleans, Louisiana, illuminated at night.
  • Guests must stay with the group and follow the licensed guide; wandering off is not allowed.
  • The tour visits exteriors of historic sites and the bar; entering private properties or restricted areas is prohibited.
  • Consumption of food or alcoholic beverages is not permitted during the tour.
  • Guests must act courteously, avoid loud noises, and respect both the historic sites and local residents.
  • Tours operate rain or shine; extreme weather may result in cancellation or rescheduling.
Guided tour group in New Orleans listening to a guide on a Haunted Ghost, Voodoo & Vampire Tour.
  • Wear sturdy shoes; cobblestones and narrow sidewalks can be tricky, especially at night.
  • Even on warm nights, breezes along the French Quarter streets can be cool, and some tours may spend time outdoors in open areas.
  • The tour blends history, folklore, and legend; enjoy the spooky stories, but remember some tales are more myth than fact.
  • Parking in the French Quarter is limited; walking, ridesharing, or taking streetcars makes getting to the meeting point easier.
  • VIP Small-group tours provide a more intimate tour, perfect for a group of friends or family who want to celebrate & have fun.

Frequently asked questions about Vampire tours in New Orleans

Are the vampire stories based on real historical events?

Many tales are inspired by actual figures and locations, such as Jacques St. Germain, but guides mix history with local legend and folklore to create a spooky narrative.

Will I encounter any “real” paranormal activity on the tour?

While some guests report eerie feelings or unexplained sounds, the tour focuses on storytelling and atmosphere rather than guaranteed supernatural encounters.

Are any stops haunted bars or private residences?

The tour includes exterior views of bars and historic homes; entry is limited to public or authorized areas to respect privacy and safety.

Can children join the tour?

The tour is suitable for older children, but you can choose to upgrade to an adult-only tour that delves into grim details, making this one of New Orleans' most uncensored tours.

Are there opportunities to learn about voodoo practices?

Yes, guides share the history and cultural significance of voodoo, including famous practitioners like Marie Laveau, but the tour does not include ritual participation.

Is it possible to take a private or customized tour?

You can enhance the experience with an intimate small-group VIP tour for only 15 participants.

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