New Orleans’ French Quarter is steeped in grim, supernatural, and tragic history. Fueled by centuries of yellow fever, deadly fires, and voodoo traditions, the neighborhood is recognized worldwide as a hub for the paranormal. Its most notorious tales involve historic sites where violent pasts are said to linger. Wander through the above-ground tombs of this legendary city. Book a haunted history or vampire tour to learn about the infamous Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau and the chilling LaLaurie Mansion.
The Most Notorious Spooky Locations:
-The LaLaurie Mansion
Located at 1140 Royal Street, this 19th-century estate is infamous as the home of the cruel socialite Madame Delphine LaLaurie. In 1834, a kitchen fire revealed a hidden attic chamber where enslaved people were starved, tortured, and brutally mutilated. Today, it remains one of the most notoriously haunted homes in the U.S., with countless reports of disembodied screams and phantom figures on the roof.
-Muriel’s Jackson Square
Situated at 801 Chartres Street, this historic restaurant is deeply tied to the legend of Pierre Antoine Lepardi Jourdan. In the late 18th century, Jourdan allegedly lost the property in a high-stakes poker game and tragically took his own life on the second floor. Patrons and staff frequently report mysterious cold drafts, floating objects, and apparitions, particularly in the upstairs “Séance Lounge,” where a table is always set out for the spectral guest.
-Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop
Located at 941 Bourbon Street, this structure is one of the oldest surviving buildings in New Orleans. While it allegedly served as a front for the pirate Jean Lafitte, the building also houses a famous ghost story. Legend dictates that a pirate who betrayed Lafitte was executed and cursed to guard a hidden treasure. Patrons often claim to see the spirit of a man standing in the bar’s shadowy fireplace.
-New Orleans Creole Cookery
Located at 510 Toulouse Street, this site is associated with a gruesome 1810 love triangle. The legend claims that a prosperous merchant named Joseph Bapentier threw his French mistress, Angelique, from the balcony to her death before hanging himself in the same apartment. Today, staff and diners report strange disturbances, flickering lights, and the unexplained sounds of a woman crying.
The French Quarter is the city’s historic heart, famous for its vibrant nightlife and colorful buildings with cast-iron balconies. Crowd-pleasing Bourbon Street features jazz clubs, Cajun eateries and raucous bars serving potent cocktails. Quieter streets lead to the French Market, with gourmet food and local crafts, and to Jackson Square where street performers entertain in front of soaring St. Louis Cathedral.
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is the oldest and most historically significant cemetery in New Orleans, located just a short walk (one block) from the inland boundary of the French Quarter on Basin Street. Because it requires a guided tour for entry, planning ahead is essential for your visit.
Must-See Sights at St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
- Marie Laveau’s Tomb: The final resting place of New Orleans’ legendary Voodoo Queen, frequently visited by those leaving offerings.
- Nicolas Cage’s Pyramid: An eccentric, empty white pyramid purchased by the actor ahead of time as his future burial site.
- The “Cities of the Dead”: Marvel at the weathered, crumbling, above-ground tombs built to accommodate burials in the city’s high-water-table environment.
