Tonight, New Orleans ghosts come with equipment. This 1–2 hour French Quarter walk mixes licensed storytelling with real paranormal investigation gear, so you’re not just hearing spooky legends—you’re trying to spot signals with an EMF meter along the way. The route is built around some of the city’s most infamous names, including the LaLaurie story that many people connect to American Horror Story.

I like how the tour stays active instead of sitting you in a circle. You get a guided night stroll that passes major landmarks, then you can test for readings using the group’s equipment when you want to play along. Another win is the variety of stops—Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, the Lalaurie Mansion area, St. Louis Cathedral, and Jackson Square—so you’re learning New Orleans lore while also seeing where the stories cling in the street-level reality of the Quarter.

One drawback to plan for: it’s still an entertainment-based ghost tour, not a guaranteed paranormal encounter. And because there are reports of equipment not showing up exactly as advertised, I’d treat the EMF meter part as a feature you should confirm at check-in, not something you can assume will feel identical for every group.

Key highlights

• Real EMF-meter ghost hunting as part of the experience, with professional equipment used by the group
• Landmark stops on the French Quarter circuit, including the Lalaurie Mansion area, St. Louis Cathedral, and Jackson Square
• Night-friendly French Quarter pacing, with a moderate walk and multiple short photo stops
• Photos encouraged, audio/video not allowed, so keep your phone for pictures (not recording)
• Alcohol is optional and purchasable, with rules around intoxication for safety
• Small-group energy, with a stated maximum of 50 people

How the ghost-hunting format works on this French Quarter walk

This isn’t a sit-down “spooky history” show. It’s a guided walking tour where the storytelling guide leads you through a cluster of classic French Quarter haunt spots while the group brings out paranormal tools. The headline is the chance to use an EMF meter, which is the kind of thing that can make a ghost tour feel more interactive, even if you already know the legends.

Expect a mix of history and ghost lore. New Orleans is famous for its layered past—everything from architecture to old property names to long-remembered tragedies—and this tour leans on that atmosphere. You’ll hear stories tied to specific locations, then you’ll have brief moments to pause, look around, and compare what you’re seeing with what the guide is describing.

You should also know what the tour does not promise. There’s no guarantee you’ll get a reading that feels meaningful, and there’s no promise you’ll spot a ghost or supernatural figure. The operator is very clear that this is for entertainment purposes. For me, that’s actually part of the value: you can enjoy the walk and the legends without setting yourself up for disappointment.

Finally, keep your expectations aligned with the format. It’s moderate paced and time matters, which means you’ll be moving as a group and the guide can’t stop everything while you run off for extra photo time.

Meeting at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop: getting oriented fast

You start at 941 Bourbon St, at the gate of the courtyard attached to Lafittes Blacksmith Shop Bar. Important detail: the tour does not meet inside Lafittes, and it also does not meet at just any random corner nearby. You want to be at the courtyard gate, not wandering the block.

The “why it matters” part is simple. If you miss the exact meeting point, you can miss the start—late arrivals are not refunded, and the guide won’t be waiting once departure time hits. The operator also takes time-stamped photos of the meeting location at the start of each tour, so be ready to get checked in quickly.

Stop 1 is brief—about 1 minute—at Lafittes. Think of it as the launchpad for the night: you’ll get your bearings, then you’re off into the larger French Quarter route.

From there, the tour spends about an hour exploring the French Quarter with stops along the way. Some stops are well known; others are described as locations that locals recognize. That blend is useful. The famous spots give you the big-picture New Orleans feeling, and the less obvious stops can make the walk feel less like a checklist.

Also plan your footwear and posture accordingly. The Quarter is full of old, uneven sidewalks and streets. The operator warns that safety is your responsibility too, so wear shoes that don’t punish you after a mile of uneven ground.

Stop-by-stop: Lalaurie Mansion, St. Louis Cathedral, and Jackson Square

This tour is built around a sequence of named locations, with shorter “story stops” that keep the energy up.

Stop 1: Lafittes Blacksmith Shop Bar (about 1 minute)

This is the starting anchor. You’re not going to get a long experience inside; you’re setting the tone and getting pulled into the mood. It’s also a smart first location because it’s instantly recognizable when you’re standing on Bourbon Street.

Stop 2: French Quarter exploration (about 1 hour)

This is where you get the walking-tour momentum. You’ll stop at multiple well-known locations and also some spots that are more low-key. The guide is telling the story as you go, which matters for ghost tours: the “haunted” feeling works best when you’re actually in the street-level environment, not just hearing about it after you’ve moved on.

Stop 3: Lalaurie Mansion area (about 8 minutes)

This is one of the key emotional anchors of the night. You’ll hear stories past and present, with both history and paranormal framing. The LaLaurie story has become part of popular culture, including connections many people make through American Horror Story, but the tour’s focus is the real-world place and what it represents.

Stop 4: St. Louis Cathedral area (about 10 minutes)

The Cathedral stop adds a different texture to the evening. Instead of only leaning into the “scary mansion” vibe, you get to hear history and ghost stories at a landmark people recognize from postcards. It’s a good balance point that helps you reset your brain between heavier tales.

Stop 5: Jackson Square (about 10 minutes)

Jackson Square is a classic New Orleans scene, and it’s also ideal for ghost lore because it’s the kind of place where you naturally look around—statues, surrounding buildings, nighttime ambience. The guide ties the story to the space, so your attention stays on the location instead of turning into random wandering.

One note on timing: audio/video recording devices are not allowed during the tour. Photos are encouraged, though, so bring the camera energy for the pauses that the guide builds into the walk.

EMF meter and paranormal equipment: what you’re really paying for

The included feature is paranormal equipment used by the group, including an EMF meter. The intent is clear: you want to do more than “listen and imagine.” This kind of hands-on component can make you feel like part of the experience, especially in the dark, among old stone and ironwork where you’ll already be looking harder.

There’s also a check-out system for anyone interested in using the equipment. Equipment must be requested at check-in, and you’ll provide your name, phone number, address, and booking reference number. Equipment is marked and tracked via GPS, and there’s a stated fee of $250 for any lost, damaged, or missing piece. So if you’re the type who puts gadgets in random pockets or sets them down, keep a firm grip and treat the gear like a borrowed museum artifact.

What you should not expect: a guaranteed paranormal outcome. The operator explicitly frames the tour as realistic and honest about the limitations. That doesn’t make the EMF part worthless—it just means you should treat readings like data and stories like stories, not proof of anything supernatural.

Also, the guide and group have rules. You have to stay with your group, and you can’t wander off to take photos. The guide has to keep schedule and narration moving.

Finally, there’s a practical reality to consider: if the experience feels like more of a history walk than a hands-on ghost hunt, it may be due to how the equipment gets distributed and used during your specific time slot. There are mixed reports about equipment not matching expectations, so it’s smart to ask at check-in how the EMF meter portion will work for your group.

Price and value: is $40 a fair deal for an hour-plus of night walking?

At $40 per person for roughly 1–2 hours, the value comes from two things: the guide and the “extra” interactive element. Ghost tours can be inexpensive when they’re mostly a script. This one costs a bit more because it includes professional equipment used by the group and a local licensed guide.

You’ll also be spending some money if you choose the bar stops for a drink. Alcoholic beverages are available to purchase along the route, and you can take advantage of “to go bars / windows” if you’d rather not go inside. Drinks aren’t included, and you should plan your budget like you would for any night out in the Quarter.

Time matters here. The tour is a moderate paced walking route that can take longer depending on wait time inside bars. That’s normal in New Orleans, where popular places can get crowded. If you’re tight on your schedule, wear comfortable shoes, travel light, and be ready to keep moving.

One other value point: the starting location is central and easy to recognize. Meeting on Bourbon Street means you can keep your evening simple—grab dinner nearby, then walk a few minutes to your courtyard gate meeting spot.

The biggest “value risk” isn’t the price. It’s mismatch in expectations. If you want a hard-core, lab-style paranormal investigation with guaranteed readings, this tour probably won’t satisfy that level. If you want a fun, guided, night-time French Quarter experience where you can try the EMF meter and hear strong local legends, it’s closer to what you’re likely hoping for.

Who should book this New Orleans ghost adventure (and who should skip it)

This tour fits best if you:

• Want a guided night walk through the French Quarter anchored by named haunted locations
• Like interactive activities, especially the chance to use an EMF meter during the stop points
• Want a local licensed guide who can explain how the city’s stories connect to real places
• Prefer photos over recording video/audio during a ghost-style outing

It might not fit you if you:

• Get upset when paranormal experiences don’t deliver proof or clear “results”
• Need a guaranteed heavy equipment experience with zero variability
• Have a tight timeline and can’t handle delays from bar crowds or scheduling changes

If you’ve heard of a guide named Cody in connection with this tour, that’s a good sign. Several accounts highlight him for being engaging, interactive, and keeping attention during the walk. That said, your guide can vary by date, and the EMF element can feel different depending on how your group checks out and uses the gear.

Also remember the tour rules for comfort and safety. The route includes uneven sidewalks, and you’ll stay with the group throughout. If you’re traveling with kids, note that children under 18 require a parent or guardian unless authorized by the guides, and not all bars allow children.

Should you book this ghost tour?

Book it if you want a classic New Orleans night out that leans into haunted storytelling with a hands-on EMF meter component and a route that hits real landmarks like St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square.

Skip it if you’re looking for a guaranteed supernatural event or a perfectly consistent “paranormal equipment for everyone all the time” experience. This one is entertainment with real tools, not a promise of proof.

If you do book, my practical advice is simple: arrive a few minutes early at the correct courtyard gate, ask how the equipment portion will work for your group at check-in, and wear shoes that can handle old French Quarter pavement.

FAQ

Where is the tour meeting point?

The tour meets on the sidewalk at the gate of the courtyard attached to Lafittes Blacksmith Shop Bar at 941 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116. The tour does not meet inside the bar.

How long does the ghost adventure last?

Tours last about 1 to 2 hours, with a moderate walking pace. It can run longer depending on waits inside bars.

Is paranormal equipment included, and can I use the EMF meter?

Paranormal equipment is included for group use, including an EMF meter. Equipment must be checked out at the beginning if you want to use it, and you’ll provide your details at check-in.

Do I need to pay extra for drinks?

Drinks, including alcoholic beverages, are available to purchase at stops along the route, but drinks are not included in the tour price.

Are audio or video recordings allowed?

No. Audio or video recording devices are not allowed during the tour. Photos are encouraged.

Can children join the tour?

Children under 18 are not admitted without a parent or guardian unless authorized by one of the tour guides. Also, some bars on the route may not allow children inside.