New Orleans: Family Ghost Tour French Quarter & LaLaurie

4.75

(222 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed was how the air in the French Quarter feels different at night—kind of thick, like it’s holding its breath. Our guide, Marcus, had this way of talking that made even my youngest stop fidgeting and just listen. We started right near Royal Street, lanterns flickering above us, and he pointed out the Court of Two Sisters. I’d walked past it before, but never knew about the sisters themselves (or their supposed ghostly arguments). My daughter kept glancing over her shoulder after that—she swears she heard someone whisper her name, but maybe she just wanted to spook me.

The LaLaurie Mansion was next. Honestly, I wasn’t sure if it’d be too much for kids, but Marcus told the story carefully—just enough edge without nightmares later. He even paused so one of the kids could ask if ghosts really slam doors (his answer: “Only when you’re not looking”). The group was small—maybe a dozen of us—so everyone got to ask questions or make jokes. I liked that there were other families too; it felt less like a tour and more like a strange little club wandering through history together.

Jackson Square looked different in the evening—the shadows made everything feel taller somehow. There was a street musician playing something slow on a saxophone nearby, which weirdly fit the mood. Marcus talked about hauntings here but also about how people used to gather for big celebrations or protests. My son tried to imitate one of the old Creole gestures Marcus showed us (it was sort of halfway between a wave and a warning), and we all laughed—even some strangers passing by joined in for a second.

I didn’t expect to actually learn so much on a “spooky” walk—like why Royal Street is more haunted than Bourbon (apparently more drama per square foot). The whole thing took about two hours but went quick, maybe because we were all waiting for something to jump out (nothing did… unless you count my own shadow when I tripped on uneven pavement). By the end, my kids were tired but still whispering about ghosts as we headed back past those old iron balconies. I still think about that feeling—the mix of laughter and goosebumps—and how New Orleans always finds ways to surprise you.