Ghosts and streetlights go together in New Orleans. This New Orleans Ghost Adventure is a guided walk built around real-sounding investigations, including a paranormal detector you can use during the route.

I like that the experience is tightly routed through the French Quarter, starting near Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop and ending at Jackson Square. I also appreciate the photo-first approach: the meeting point gets time-stamped photos, and photos are encouraged while audio/video recording is not.

One drawback to plan around: there is no guarantee you’ll see or capture anything paranormal, and the tour can still be canceled if conditions or minimum numbers aren’t met.

Key things to know before you go

• EMF meter included: you’ll use a real Ghost/Paranormal detector during the investigation stops.
• Walking route, not a bus ride: plan for a moderate pace and uneven, old-street footing.
• Photos are part of the “evidence” story: time-stamped meeting photos and lots of photo opportunities.
• Three high-attention stops: Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop area, multiple French Quarter locations, then Jackson Square.
• Alcohol is allowed (with limits): you can drink on the walk, but extremely intoxicated guests can be refused.

A 1–2 hour ghost hunt that actually fits your day

This tour is short on purpose. You’re looking at about 1 to 2 hours of guided walking, with departures at different times so you can match it to the rest of your New Orleans plans.

The “haunt” part is structured: you’re not just wandering and hearing spooky lines. You’re given a route, an investigation framework, and time to work the area with the gear. It’s also a good choice if you want something atmospheric without committing to an all-night plan.

Meeting at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop (and not inside it)

You’ll meet at 941 Bourbon St at the sidewalk gate of the courtyard attached to Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar. This is important: the tour does not meet inside the bar, and it does not start at a random corner nearby.

To avoid a rough start, arrive a few minutes early and check in with the guide. The tour departs at the scheduled time, and if you’re late, the guide may not wait around.

Also keep in mind that the company notes they take time-stamped photos at the meeting location at the start of each tour. That’s their way of keeping the group anchored and the experience consistent.

Using the EMF meter without expecting movie magic

The headline tech is a real EMF meter used during the walk. You’ll be encouraged to use the equipment during the investigation stops, which turns the ghost-hunting theme into something more hands-on.

That said, you should calibrate your expectations. The tour is designed for entertainment, and there’s no guarantee you’ll encounter paranormal activity or see a supernatural being on cue. The operators specifically say the experience is realistic and that they cannot create a ghost or other entity on demand.

A smart way to enjoy this: treat it like a guided mystery walk. Your goal is the stories, the locations, and the chance to try the meter—not a promise of results.

Stop 1: Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop area—history meets supernatural legend

Your first stop is the Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar area. This location is used as a jumping-off point into New Orleans’ older layers—one of the oldest neighborhood areas in the United States—wrapped in the tour’s spooky mix of history, ghosts, vampires, and voodoo.

What makes this first stop work (especially if you’re new to the French Quarter) is pacing. You start close to where the action is, then the guide builds context as you move. It’s easier to understand the rest of the route when you’ve already heard how the neighborhood’s past gets tied to today’s ghost stories.

Practical note: because this is a bar-adjacent stop, you may spend a bit of time moving in and out. If there’s a wait inside along the route, it can affect your exact total duration.

Stop 2: French Quarter investigation stops—stories, detectors, and photo “evidence”

The main event is the French Quarter portion, where you’ll visit multiple sites tied to documented ghost sightings. The guide gives you the history behind each location, then frames the sightings so the locations feel more connected than a random scavenger list.

This stop is also where the tour gets interactive. You’ll participate in an investigation using the EMF/Ghost detector, moving through locations where paranormal activity is commonly associated.

Here’s a key expectation-set that helps: you might not feel anything dramatic in the moment. Some people walk away thinking they saw nothing—then later, when they review photos, they’re surprised by what shows up. The tour explicitly leans on the idea that things like orbs and apparitions can appear in photos taken during the exploration.

To get the most out of that angle:

• Bring your camera/phone fully charged
• Keep your hands steady during quick stops
• Don’t treat every flicker as proof, but do treat photos as part of the experience

And remember, audio or video recording is not allowed during the tour, while photos are encouraged.

Stop 3: Jackson Square—predictable ghosts and the city’s darkest stories

Your final stop is Jackson Square, with the tour ending in the heart of the French Quarter.

The guide targets a few heavy-hitting legends tied to the area: the most predictable ghost in New Orleans, the largest mass murder in the city’s history, and the most haunted house, among other claims. Whether you take the supernatural literally or just enjoy it as folklore, Jackson Square is a strong ending point because it’s instantly recognizable and easy to regroup around.

This last stretch also helps you land on something practical: after the walk, you can immediately pivot to dinner, drinks, or a self-guided stroll. The tour’s end point is walkable from plenty of French Quarter streets, which makes it simple to keep your evening flexible.

Price and value: why $35 can be a smart buy

At $35 per person, you’re paying for a guided, structured walk, not just a general ghost story lecture. The value equation here is about inclusions:

• A professional guide and a local guide
• A walking route that lines up the stops
• A real EMF meter used during the investigation
• A setting that’s already saturated with atmosphere, so your imagination has plenty to work with

If you’re comparing options, focus on what’s actually included in the experience you’ll feel on the street. A short walking tour that includes detector play and multiple named locations can be good value—especially if you’re already planning to spend time in the French Quarter anyway.

One more practical point: the tour’s average booking timing is about 57 days in advance, which is a sign to reserve early if you’re traveling at a busy time.

Pace, streets, and small rules that matter

This tour is described as a moderate paced walking tour. That matters in New Orleans because the sidewalks and streets can be uneven and older. Wear shoes you’re comfortable trusting for an hour or two.

A few rules can also affect your experience if you’re the type who likes to wander or linger:

• You stay with the group the whole time; walking off to take photos isn’t allowed.
• The guide has to stay on schedule, so stops may be time-managed.
• You can’t trespass on private property or ring doorbells of private homes.

There’s also the equipment side. If you want to use paranormal equipment, you have to check it out. The tour notes equipment is tracked, and there’s a $250 fee for lost, damaged, or missing items. So if you’re booking this as a hands-on experiment, bring care and treat the gear like it’s fragile—because it is.

What to do with your photos (and your expectations)

The tour encourages photos, and it even takes time-stamped photos at the meeting spot. That’s a strong hint that the “evidence” element is a big part of how the experience is meant to land.

A realistic approach:

• Take photos during the stops
• Don’t obsess over perfect framing; catch the moment
• Later, review what you captured with curiosity, not certainty

If you do get equipment at check-in, follow the guidance exactly and return it before you leave. The tour is clear that guests must check equipment out and back in through staff.

Alcohol and group behavior: a fun option, still a serious street

This tour allows alcoholic beverages along the route, including for people who want to drink. However, they reserve the right to refuse service to guests who appear extremely intoxicated.

You’ll also want to be mindful of group flow. If you drink, do it at a pace that still lets you walk, listen, and follow instructions. The French Quarter is memorable, and the tour is designed to keep you moving and paying attention to the guide’s narration.

Who this ghost adventure is best for

This is a great match if you want:

• A short ghost-themed outing (not a long immersion)
• A guide-led route through major French Quarter landmarks
• Hands-on-ish participation with paranormal detector play
• A playful, story-heavy experience that still feels structured

You may want to skip it if you’re looking for guaranteed supernatural sightings. The tour is entertainment-based and explicitly says there’s no promise of ghosts or apparitions appearing on schedule.

Should you book the New Orleans Ghost Adventure?

I’d book it if you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys mystery walks, likes taking photos as part of the fun, and wants a low-commitment way to get a ghost story fix in the French Quarter.

I’d pause and reconsider if you hate “chance-based” experiences. Even with an EMF meter and a guided investigation, the operators are clear that you cannot count on results. Also, because the tour depends on conditions and minimum participation, you should be the type who has a flexible evening plan if something changes.

If your schedule is tight, build in a backup option nearby. Jackson Square is a good safety net: the area is easy to pivot from if you need a Plan B.

FAQ

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet on the sidewalk at the gate of the courtyard attached to Lafittes Blacksmith Shop Bar at 941 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116.

Where does the tour end?

The tour concludes in the heart of the French Quarter at Jackson Square, New Orleans, LA 70116.

How long is the ghost adventure?

It runs about 1 to 2 hours, approximately, and may run longer if there are waits inside bars along the route.

Is there paranormal equipment included?

Yes. A real EMF Ghost/Paranormal detector is used during the tour.

Can I bring a phone and take photos?

Yes, photos are encouraged. Audio or video recording devices are not allowed during the tour.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off.

What about alcohol during the tour?

Alcoholic beverages are allowed during the tour route. The operator can refuse service to guests who appear extremely intoxicated.

Is the tour rain or shine?

The tour is rain-or-shine. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, you won’t be refunded.