The gaslight flickers, casting long shadows against centuries-old brick walls. A cool mist settles over cobblestone streets as the distant sound of jazz fades into whispers. In Haunted New Orleans, the veil between the living and the dead seems unnaturally thin, especially after sunset when darkness embraces the city’s secrets.
Few American cities boast the spectral reputation of New Orleans. With its unique blend of Creole, French, Spanish, and African influences, this city has cultivated a relationship with death unlike any other. Voodoo rituals, yellow fever epidemics, piracy, murder, and centuries of complex history have created the perfect conditions for restless spirits to linger.
This guide will take you on a journey through the most chilling locations in the Crescent City after dark. From notorious mansions where unspeakable acts occurred to historic hotels where guests never checked out, these ten haunted spots offer a glimpse into New Orleans’ supernatural side. Whether you’re a paranormal enthusiast or simply curious about the macabre history that permeates these streets, prepare yourself for an unforgettable exploration of the shadows where Haunted New Orleans truly comes alive.
Table of Contents
Embrace the Darkness: The Top 10 Haunted Spots in New Orleans at Night
As night falls on the Big Easy, a different kind of energy emerges. The revelry of Bourbon Street might distract the casual visitor, but those seeking true supernatural encounters know that the real mysteries await in these ten locations. Each site holds its own tragic tales and persistent hauntings that seem to intensify after sunset.
Many haunted spots in New Orleans have been featured on paranormal TV shows due to their terrifying supernatural activity.
Haunted New Orleans is filled with eerie legends, ghostly encounters, and paranormal hotspots waiting to be explored after dark.
LaLaurie Mansion: Where Nightmares Reside
This elegant French Quarter mansion conceals one of the city’s darkest chapters. The three-story residence at 1140 Royal Street appears innocuous by day, but its horrific past makes it perhaps the most notorious address in Haunted New Orleans.
Madame Delphine LaLaurie, a wealthy socialite in 1830s New Orleans, maintained a veneer of respectability while allegedly conducting unspeakable tortures on enslaved people in her attic. The truth emerged only after a fire in 1834 revealed mutilated victims chained in the upper rooms. The outraged community forced LaLaurie to flee, but the psychic imprint of suffering never left.
Some of the most terrifying haunted mansions in New Orleans hold dark histories of tragedy, betrayal, and ghostly apparitions that still haunt their grand halls today.
Visiting at night amplifies the mansion’s foreboding presence. Passersby report hearing screams echoing from the upper floors, seeing faces appear in windows, and feeling overwhelming sensations of dread. The property’s dark energy seems most potent after sunset when the boundaries between past and present blur.
“I felt a hand on my shoulder while taking photos outside the LaLaurie Mansion at night. When I turned around, no one was there, but my camera captured what looks like a figure in an upstairs window.” — Jamie R., paranormal enthusiast
Location: 1140 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA 70116
Sultan’s Palace: Opulence and Oppression
The ornate mansion at 716 Dauphine Street earned its nickname “The Sultan’s Palace” from one of its most infamous residents—a wealthy man rumored to have kept a harem of women and young men prisoner within its walls. According to local legend, neighbors were awakened one morning in the 1870s by blood literally flowing down the mansion’s front steps.
Inside, authorities discovered a gruesome scene: the resident and his entourage butchered, with the mysterious “Sultan” himself buried alive in the courtyard. While historical records remain murky on the details, the haunting reputation of this elegant home persists.
Night visitors report hearing Middle Eastern music, smelling exotic incense, and seeing curtains move despite closed windows. The shadows in the courtyard seem especially active after dark, with many witnesses describing a feeling of being stalked by unseen presences.
Location: 716 Dauphine Street, New Orleans, LA 70116
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1: The City of the Dead
New Orleans’ unique above-ground tombs create veritable cities of the dead, and none is more haunted than St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. Established in 1789, this ancient burial ground houses thousands of souls, including the famous Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau, whose tomb remains a site of pilgrimage.
The cemetery’s hauntings are numerous and well-documented. Marie Laveau herself is said to manifest as a woman in a white turban who disappears when approached. Other visitors report seeing phantom funeral processions, hearing whispered names, and feeling unseen hands grasp at their clothing.
While night access to the cemetery is officially restricted (guided tours are required for entry at any time), the wrought iron fences surrounding the property offer glimpses of moving shadows among the tombs after dark. The cemetery’s energy intensifies at night, with many reporting orbs and mists in photographs taken through the gates.
If you’re looking for a spine-chilling experience, take a midnight tour through Haunted New Orleans and witness the city’s restless spirits firsthand.
Location: 425 Basin Street, New Orleans, LA 70112
Andrew Jackson Hotel: A Presidential Haunting?
The Andrew Jackson Hotel stands on ground once occupied by a boys’ boarding school that burned in the Great New Orleans Fire of 1788, claiming the lives of five young students. These boys are reportedly among the most active spirits at this charming French Quarter establishment.
Guests regularly report childish giggles echoing down hallways, small items moving or disappearing, and the sensation of being tucked into bed by invisible hands. Room 208 experiences particular activity, with guests reporting the pressure of someone sitting on the bed and the distinct feeling of childish pranks being played.
From eerie cemeteries to ghostly mansions, Haunted New Orleans offers some of the most famous paranormal locations in the country.
The night brings heightened activity at the Andrew Jackson Hotel. The staff shares stories of hearing bouncing balls and running footsteps when no children are present. Many paranormal investigators consider this one of the most reliably active haunted hotels in New Orleans.
Some of the most chilling ghost stories in New Orleans involve mysterious figures vanishing into the mist and voices from beyond the grave.
Location: 919 Decatur Street, New Orleans, LA 70116
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop: A Pirate’s Resting Place?
Dating to around 1722, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop claims the distinction of being the oldest structure used as a bar in the United States. The dimly lit tavern allegedly served as a front for the notorious pirate Jean Lafitte and his brother Pierre, who used it to fence stolen goods and plan operations.
Jean Lafitte himself is said to haunt his former business establishment. Patrons and staff report seeing a dark figure wearing a sailor’s coat observing them from corners, only to vanish when approached. Others describe glowing red eyes watching from the fireplace and glasses sliding across tables untouched.
The bar embraces its haunted reputation, and the minimal electric lighting creates the perfect atmosphere for ghostly encounters after dark. Many visitors claim the back room harbors the strongest paranormal energy, with significant temperature drops and the distinct feeling of being watched by unseen eyes.
Visitors who step into Haunted New Orleans often report mysterious whispers, flickering lights, and sudden temperature drops in historic buildings.
Location: 941 Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA 70116
Muriel’s Jackson Square: Ghosts with Good Taste
This elegant restaurant keeps a table permanently reserved for its resident ghost, Pierre Antoine Lepardi Jourdan, who owned the property in the early 1800s. After losing the house in a poker game, Jourdan was so devastated that he committed suicide on the second floor.
Today, Muriel’s embraces its spectral patron, setting a table with bread and wine for Pierre’s spirit each night. Staff and diners report glasses sliding across tables, napkins falling to the floor, and occasional glimpses of a shimmering form moving between the dining areas.
The ghostly energy of Haunted New Orleans lingers in the French Quarter, where shadowy figures and unexplained footsteps are common sightings.
The second-floor Séance Lounge experiences particularly strong activity after sundown. Guests report orbs in photographs, unexplained cold spots, and the overwhelming sense of an invisible presence joining them at their tables. The restaurant’s elegant décor and candlelit ambiance create the perfect setting for an upscale haunted dining experience.
Location: 801 Chartres Street, New Orleans, LA 70116
The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum: Potions and Poltergeists
Housed in the former apothecary of America’s first licensed pharmacist, Louis J. Dufilho Jr., this museum showcases medical practices from the 19th century—some fascinating, others horrifying. The building’s primary ghost is believed to be Dr. Joseph Dupas, who took over the pharmacy after Dufilho and reportedly conducted experiments on pregnant enslaved women.
Museum staff regularly report exhibits rearranged overnight, unexplained footsteps on the creaking wooden floors, and the strong sense of being watched while closing up alone. Female visitors often describe feeling uncomfortable in the physician’s examination room, with some experiencing unexplained nausea or dizziness.
While the museum typically closes before nightfall, special evening tours occasionally allow visitors to experience the building’s unsettling energy after dark. Paranormal investigators have captured numerous EVPs (electronic voice phenomena) within these walls, particularly in the surgical demonstration area.
Location: 514 Chartres Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Gardette-LePretre Mansion (The “Sultan’s Palace”): A Den of Iniquity
Often confused with the Sultan’s Palace on Dauphine Street, this building shares a similar grisly legend but with its own unique haunting. In the 1870s, a wealthy Middle Eastern man rented the mansion and filled it with his entourage, hosting decadent parties that scandalized the neighborhood.
One morning, passersby noticed blood seeping from under the front door. Inside, authorities discovered the entire household brutally murdered, with the wealthy tenant buried alive in the garden. The perpetrators were never identified, leaving a mystery that persists to this day.
Night visitors report hearing phantom music and smelling exotic incense emanating from the seemingly empty building. Others describe seeing silhouettes in windows and experiencing dramatic temperature drops while passing the property after dark. The mansion’s beautiful façade conceals one of the most violent hauntings in New Orleans.
Many travelers come to Haunted New Orleans in search of real ghost stories and chilling encounters with the supernatural.
Location: 716 Dauphine Street, New Orleans, LA 70116
Bourbon Street: More Than Just Beads
Beyond the neon lights, hurricane cocktails, and rowdy celebrations, Bourbon Street harbors numerous supernatural residents. The street’s history includes brothels, gambling dens, murders, and duels—creating perfect conditions for restless spirits.
Whether you believe in spirits or not, a trip through Haunted New Orleans will make you question what truly lurks in the dark.
Among the most famous Bourbon Street ghosts is a woman in white who appears in various locations along the famous thoroughfare, believed to be a prostitute murdered by a client in the 1820s. Other apparitions include phantom jazz musicians who jam in doorways before disappearing and the spirits of duelists who died defending their honor.
The haunting intensity increases after midnight when the living revelers begin to thin out. Many paranormal experts believe the constant energy of partying crowds actually fuels spiritual activity in this area, creating a unique environment where the barriers between worlds grow especially thin.
Location: Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA
Hotel Monteleone: Literary Ghosts and Unexplained Events
This grand hotel has hosted generations of literary giants, including Tennessee Williams, William Faulkner, and Ernest Hemingway—some of whom apparently never checked out. The Monteleone embraces its ghostly reputation, particularly the story of Maurice Begere, a child who died of yellow fever in the hotel in the late 1890s and reportedly still roams the 14th floor.
Other phenomena include doors that open and close on their own, elevators stopping at random floors without being summoned, and the ghostly sounds of a jazz band emanating from the empty Queen Anne Ballroom. The hotel’s famous rotating Carousel Bar is also a hotspot for unexplained cold spots and ghostly touches.
Night brings intensified activity at the Monteleone. Guests report seeing spectral children playing in hallways, encountering well-dressed figures from another era in the lobby, and waking to find their personal items rearranged. Many paranormal enthusiasts consider spending a night on the 14th floor a bucket-list experience.
Location: 214 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Enhancing Your Spooky Experience: Tips for Ghost Hunting in New Orleans
Exploring Haunted New Orleans after dark requires some preparation to maximize your chances of paranormal encounters while staying safe in an unfamiliar city. Consider these essential tips before embarking on your ghost-hunting adventure:
Some of the most spooky places in New Orleans include eerie cemeteries, abandoned mansions, and ghost-infested alleyways.
If you’re searching for spooky things to do in New Orleans, take a late-night ghost tour through the eerie streets of the French Quarter, where spirits are said to roam.
Choose a Reputable Ghost Tour
While independent exploration has its merits, the best ghost tours in New Orleans offer historical context that enhances the experience. Professional guides know not just where to find ghosts but also how to respectfully interact with potentially haunted spaces.
New Orleans ghost tours take visitors through the city’s most haunted sites, where paranormal activity has been reported for centuries.
The haunted past of Haunted New Orleans is deeply rooted in its history, with tales of voodoo, lost souls, and unsolved mysteries.
| Tour Company | Specialization | Duration | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ghost City Tours | Historical accuracy | 1-2 hours | $25-$35 |
| Haunted History Tours | Voodoo connections | 2 hours | $25-$30 |
| New Orleans Ghost Adventures | Paranormal equipment | 1.5 hours | $30-$40 |
| French Quarter Phantoms | Cemetery access | 2 hours | $25-$35 |
| Bloody Mary’s Tours | Extended investigations | 2-3 hours | $30-$50 |
Be Respectful of the Locations
Many haunted locations in New Orleans are private residences, active businesses, or sacred burial grounds. Remember:
- Never trespass on private property
- Speak softly and avoid shouting at spirits
- Ask permission before taking photographs of private homes
- Follow all cemetery regulations (no marking tombs, touching monuments, etc.)
- Honor the suffering that may have occurred in these locations
Listen to Your Intuition
Experienced paranormal investigators often report that personal feelings and sensations provide the most reliable indicators of ghostly presence. Pay attention to:
- Sudden temperature changes
- Feelings of being watched
- Unexplained smells (perfume, tobacco, etc.)
- Sensations of touch when no one is near
- Emotional responses that seem disproportionate or unexpected
Bring a Camera and Recording Devices
Many paranormal phenomena become visible only through technology. Consider bringing:
- Digital camera (night mode capability helpful)
- Voice recorder for EVPs (electronic voice phenomena)
- Fully charged phone for impromptu documentation
- Extra batteries (paranormal activity often drains power sources)
- Small notebook to document experiences in real-time
Dress Comfortably and Be Prepared for Walking
New Orleans’ historic districts feature uneven cobblestones, narrow sidewalks, and limited vehicle access. Preparation includes:
- Comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing (layers recommended)
- Small flashlight for poorly lit areas
- Water bottle to stay hydrated
- Light backpack for equipment and personal items
Paranormal Safety: What to Keep In Mind
Engaging with paranormal experiences in New Orleans requires mental and emotional preparation. While most paranormal experiences in New Orleans are benign encounters, setting boundaries creates a healthier interaction with the unknown.
The New Orleans paranormal scene is thriving, with ghost hunters and psychics frequently exploring the city’s haunted locations.
Boundaries
Before embarking on paranormal explorations, establish personal limits:
- Decide which locations feel comfortable to you
- Determine how you’ll respond if something frightens you
- Consider having a “safe word” with companions to signal when you need a break
- Recognize that it’s okay to stop or leave if an experience becomes overwhelming
Protection
Many ghost hunters incorporate protective practices based on various spiritual traditions:
- Some carry crystals like black tourmaline or amethyst for spiritual protection
- Others use prayer or meditation before ghost hunting
- Salt has traditional associations with purification and protection
- Maintaining positive intentions and avoiding provocative behavior
We’d love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment below and be part of the conversation!
Common Sense
The most important safety considerations are practical:
- Stay with your group, especially after dark
- Remain aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar neighborhoods
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption before paranormal investigations
- Keep valuables secure and minimize conspicuous photography equipment
- Have transportation plans for returning to accommodations
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FAQs: Answering Your Questions About Haunted New Orleans
What is the most haunted place in New Orleans?
While subjective, the LaLaurie Mansion consistently ranks among the most haunted places in New Orleans. The intense trauma experienced there has created one of the city’s strongest paranormal imprints, with consistent reports of activity for nearly two centuries.
Are ghost tours in New Orleans scary?
The fear factor varies significantly by tour. Family-friendly options focus on history and milder hauntings, while adults-only tours may include more disturbing details and target intensely haunted locations. Research tour descriptions or call companies directly to find one matching your preferred intensity level.
The scary places in New Orleans will make even the bravest visitors think twice before walking alone at night.
Can I visit St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 at night?
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is officially closed after dusk, and daytime visits require a licensed tour guide. However, some specialty paranormal tours include evening visits to the cemetery gates, allowing observation from outside the perimeter where significant activity is still reported.
Are there any kid-friendly ghost tours in New Orleans?
Yes! Several companies offer earlier, tamer tours designed for families. These typically run between 5-7pm, focus more on historical storytelling than frightening encounters, and omit the more gruesome or adult-oriented hauntings. Ghost City Tours and French Quarter Phantoms both offer family-friendly options.
What is the best time of year to experience haunted New Orleans?
October offers the ideal combination of comfortable weather, Halloween atmosphere, and special paranormal events. However, paranormal experts suggest that activity intensifies during significant anniversaries of tragic events, like the yellow fever epidemics (summer months) or major fires (December-March).
Dare to Discover the Dark Side of the Big Easy: Explore Haunted New Orleans Tonight!
The spirits of New Orleans await those brave enough to seek them after dark. From the tortured souls of the LaLaurie Mansion to the playful child ghosts of the Hotel Monteleone, the city offers encounters with history’s echoes unlike anywhere else in America.
Haunted mansions in New Orleans hold tragic histories of restless souls who are said to still wander their grand halls.
The most haunted city in the South invites you to wander its gas-lit streets, peer into shadowed courtyards, and perhaps—if you’re receptive—make contact with residents from another time. Whether you’re a seasoned paranormal investigator or a curious first-timer, Haunted New Orleans offers an unforgettable journey into the mysterious spaces where past and present converge.
Remember that the best paranormal experiences often come when least expected. Keep your senses open, your camera ready, and your mind receptive to the possibilities that emerge when night falls on the Crescent City. The ghosts of New Orleans have stories to tell—all you need to do is listen.