Spooky stories are better when they come with rituals. This New Orleans Spirits & Spells tour mixes witchcraft, voodoo, and ghost lore into an easy, guided walk that ends with a real group spell at a witches’ temple. I especially like that you get both history-backed stories and hands-on spooky fun, not just a creepy walk-by. One thing to keep in mind: it is mostly a view-from-the-street style tour, and a few places may be limited for inside access.

You’ll also get a tight package for the money: about two hours for $29, with a small-group feel (up to 26 people) and a mobile ticket that keeps things simple. In several reviews, the guides who really lift the experience were named—Carrie, Kerry, and Jamie—so if you’re hoping for humor and fast pacing, this is a strong bet. Still, if you want nonstop voodoo focus, you may feel the tour leans more toward ghosts and haunted buildings than you expected.

Key things that make this tour worth your time

• A real spellcasting ritual at the end, in a witches’ temple courtyard setting
• French Quarter storytelling tied to specific locations, not vague spooky vibes
• Named historical links like Mary Oneida Toups and the convent-era Ursuline site
• Voodoo Authentica stop with a possible inside shop visit on the 4pm tour
• Guides who control the energy and keep the group engaged, including Carrie, Kerry, and Jamie

Price and time: what $29 really buys in New Orleans

For $29, you’re buying a guided evening walk plus one standout activity: a group ritual and spell at the end. At other tours, you often pay a similar amount and get a lot of talking with no payoff beyond stories. Here, the payoff is built in, and it happens at the actual meeting venue you start from—Hex New Orleans.

Plan on about two hours in total, and expect it to be “walk and listen” rather than “hop in and out of attractions.” With a max group size of 26, you should be able to hear your guide well if you choose a good spot near the front, especially when the group is pausing.

Also note the practical reality of this kind of tour: it requires decent weather. If weather is rough, the operator will offer a different date or a full refund, so you’re not stuck hoping the forecast cooperates.

The route starts at Hex New Orleans (and ends there too)

The tour meets at Hex New Orleans, 1219 Decatur St and returns there. That matters more than you might think. When the ritual finale is at the end, you’re not spending your last minutes hunting for the meeting point again, and you don’t have to worry about the group splitting up across the city.

Hex is also the tone-setter. This isn’t just a “spooky-themed” stop. It’s where the tour’s climax happens: a spellcasting ritual in a real witches’ temple, plus a magical fountain in a hidden brick courtyard.

If you’re the type who likes to settle into the experience from minute one, starting and ending in the same place feels efficient and calming.

Stop 1 at Hex: the witches’ temple, the fountain, and the group spell

This is the heart of the experience. Stop 1 begins at Hex, then the tour ends back at Hex for the spellcasting ritual in a real witches’ temple and courtyard setting.

What I like about this setup is that it turns the walking stories into something you can actually participate in. You don’t just hear about witchcraft and spirits; you do a group spell with your tour group at the location designed for that kind of ritual.

If you’re wondering what the courtyard “feels like,” think quiet, focused, and intentional. You’ll want to listen carefully during the ritual portion and follow the guide’s instructions. Reviews also mention the group preparing for the spell after the walk and seeing an altar, which suggests the tour keeps that moment feeling like a real event rather than a quick gimmick.

Old Ursuline Convent Museum: miracles and women healers in the mix

The second stop takes you to the Old Ursuline Convent Museum, where the focus is on the power of women working together. You’ll hear about miracles and the role of women healers—an angle that can make the whole “spirits and spells” theme feel less like random horror and more like layered local storytelling.

This stop is short—about 15 minutes—so treat it like a history spark rather than a museum marathon. If you’re someone who likes context, this is a good palate cleanser between the darker, more sensational stories.

A practical note: the tour’s pace is leisurely by design, but short stops still add up. Comfortable shoes help here.

Chartres Street and Mary Oneida Toups: real witch lore tied to pop culture

On Chartres Street, you’ll learn about Mary Oneida Toups and her very real coven, which served as inspiration for American Horror Story: Coven. That connection is useful because it gives you a bridge from modern pop culture to older local legends.

This stop is brief—around 10 minutes—but it’s memorable if you like grounded names and specific history points. Rather than treating witchcraft as only a supernatural concept, the guide frames it through real people and real communities.

If you come into the tour thinking it’ll be only ghosts, this is one of the stops that reminds you the city’s witch stories are part of its cultural history, not just its theatrics.

Muriel’s Jackson Square ghost homage: why this stop works even if you’re not a believer

At Muriel’s Jackson Square, the tour focuses on one of New Orleans’ most popular restaurants paying nightly homage to its resident ghost. The details here are less about performing fear and more about showing how the city turns the supernatural into daily tradition.

This is a 15-minute stop, and it works because it shows the “spooky” side of New Orleans isn’t always locked in the past. It’s baked into places people actually go, eat, and enjoy.

If you’re on the fence about ghost tours, this kind of everyday-to-spooky connection is often the moment that wins people over.

Voodoo Authentica: history, then (on 4pm) a real supply shop

Next up is Voodoo Authentica, where you’ll hear about the storied history of Voodoo in New Orleans. During the 4pm tour, you can also enter a real Voodoo supply shop.

This is one of the biggest “choose your expectations” points. If you’re booking for the voodoo angle specifically, try to align your plans with the time that includes the shop visit. If you’re not at the 4pm slot, you should still get the history, but you may miss the inside peek.

Either way, this stop adds texture to the tour. It’s not just fear. It’s also practice, tools, and the cultural side of belief systems.

One caution: a few reviews said they wanted more voodoo history and less ghost emphasis. So if voodoo is your top priority, check the tour time carefully and go in ready to learn, not just scream.

735 Ursulines Ave and Lalaurie Mansion: the darker French Quarter stops

These last blocks are where the tour leans into the “don’t call up what you can’t put down” vibe. At 735 Ursulines Ave, you’ll hear about the dark side of the French Quarter—malevolent spirits crossing into our world and brutal ritual murders repeating themselves.

Then comes Lalaurie Mansion, one of the most infamous haunted houses. You’ll learn the true story of Madame Delphine Lalaurie while also getting guidance on repelling negativity.

A key thing to understand: these stops are described in story form and tied to specific addresses and buildings, but the tour is still a walking route. That means you should not expect full-on interior access to every haunted location. One reviewer noted they were disappointed by wanting to go inside more sites, and another said the info felt sensationalized or the guide’s sound was hard to catch at times. Those complaints are worth factoring into your expectations.

If you can adjust and treat these as guided storytelling from the street, you’ll likely enjoy the build-up—especially because the finale ritual at Hex brings everything back to a participatory moment.

Guides really make the night: Carrie, Kerry, Jamie, and the magic of pacing

This tour’s star ingredient seems to be the guide. Multiple reviews name guides like Carrie, Kerry, and Jamie, and the common threads are clear: good humor, strong storytelling, and history that connects across stops.

You’ll also notice reviews mention engagement—keeping teenagers talking, time flying, and the guide answering questions after the tour. One review even praised how the guide handled an issue with professionalism and safety, including getting people inside for water and adjusting when weather turned.

That’s not just “nice.” It’s practical. When guides control pacing and manage interruptions, the tour feels smoother and you spend more time listening instead of waiting around.

What could disappoint you (and how to steer around it)

I want to be straight with you. This tour is described as a walk with a ritual finale, and it often means exterior viewing at several stops. If your mental picture is of entering every haunted site, you might feel shortchanged.

Here are the most common friction points I’d watch for:

• Too much ghost, not enough voodoo: If you’re voodoo-first, aim for the time slot that includes the inside shop visit, and be ready for ghosts to still take part of the storyline.
• Sound or hearing issues: If your group drifts too far from the guide, you can miss details. Stand closer during stops.
• Ritual expectations: The tour includes a ritual and spellcasting at Hex. But if you’re expecting extra added elements like a private garden experience, don’t count on it unless it’s clearly part of your specific departure.

There’s also the occasional operational glitch. One review described a late cancellation close to start time, and another described a date/time cancellation with poor communication. That’s rare, but it’s a reminder to keep an eye on confirmations and updates.

Comfort and practical tips: so you hear every story

This is a walking tour, and even if the walk is easy, it’s still a lot of steps on uneven city sidewalks. Wear comfortable shoes. Your feet will thank you during the last dark-building story beats.

Pick your listening position. When the guide speaks, stay near the front or the center of the group so you can hear clearly. If you notice sound problems, adjust quickly—don’t just accept it.

Finally, bring a mindset that fits the format. This isn’t only about spooky thrills. It’s about tying the city’s legends to real names, real places, and real rituals at the end.

Who this tour suits best

You’ll likely love this tour if:

• You want an evening French Quarter experience that’s more than a generic ghost walk
• You enjoy witch and voodoo themes with location-specific stories
• You’re excited to participate in a group spell rather than just spectate

It may feel less perfect if:

• You want strictly historical lectures in a museum setting
• You hate walking and tight stop times
• You need lots of interior access to haunted places
• You’re traveling with kids under 13, since the tour is not suitable for children under 13

Should you book New Orleans Spirits & Spells?

Yes, I think this is a good booking for most adults who want a memorable New Orleans night. The main reason is simple: for $29 you get both storytelling and an actual ritual finale at Hex, and that combination is what makes the tour feel complete.

Book it if you’re open to ghosts and witchcraft and voodoo, and you’re ready to listen during short stops in the French Quarter. If voodoo is your top priority, try to time your tour for the 4pm slot that includes the real supply shop entry.

Skip it only if your idea of a ghost tour is mostly interior exploring. This one is built around guided walking, specific locations, and a hands-on spellcasting ending.

FAQ

How long is the New Orleans Spirits & Spells tour?

The tour runs for about 2 hours.

What does the tour cost?

It costs $29.00 per person.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Hex New Orleans (1219 Decatur St) and ends back at the meeting point.

How many people are in a group?

The tour has a maximum of 26 travelers.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

What is included in the price?

You get exclusive access to a witch coven’s temple, plus you participate in a ritual and cast a group spell.

Is there any inside access to sites during the tour?

The tour includes free admission where listed, but it is generally a walking tour with stops and view points. The Voodoo Authentica shop entry is specifically mentioned for the 4pm tour.

Is the tour suitable for children?

No. It is not suitable for children under 13 years of age.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Do I need to print anything to join?

No. You receive a mobile ticket.

If you want, tell me your travel month and whether you’re aiming for the 4pm voodoo shop moment, and I’ll help you decide the best timing and what to expect from the walk.