Swifties heading to NOLA for Taylor Swift, you'll want to read this if you are looking for things to do and on a budget!
My favorite city in America is New Orleans (side note: even my dog is named NOLA and you can follow her on TikTok and Instagram, hehe). What do I love about the Crescent City? There is so much, but definitely its culture, history, music, the French ambiance, and, most thrillingly, the haunted atmosphere!
Sandy and I went with our friends to visit New Orleans in October 2022. I've been there several times, but have always wanted to go in October when the Halloween decor is rampant and the spooky vibes are strong. While you can take many ghost tours of the city and do paranormal events (which are awesome, like Ghost City Tours has many offerings), you can also explore a lot of the places on your own. In fact, to my knowledge, no tour will cover all the places mentioned below (but please correct me if I'm wrong).
New Orleans is full of haunted spots, but I’ve narrowed it down to my top favorites (which is still 18 places, oops). This list is organized as a specific route - starting in the French Quarter - to minimize backtracking and make it easy to navigate from place to place (thanks to ChatGPT for figuring this out for me). It's best to split it over a couple of days, as doing it all in one day would be overwhelming. Without further ado, here are my top picks for the most haunted places in New Orleans, along with why they’re haunted and how to visit them. All photos below were taken by yours truly (except one).
St. Louis Cathedral - Start in the heart of the French Quarter.
St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans is said to be haunted by former clergy members Père Antoine and Père Dagobert. Père Antoine is often seen walking the grounds, especially along his namesake alley, and some report seeing him holding a candle during Midnight Mass. Père Dagobert's voice is said to echo through the corridors on rainy days, chanting the Kyrie, and his spirit has been spotted walking the aisles after worship. Built in 1727, St. Louis Cathedral is the oldest continuously active Roman Catholic cathedral in the U.S. You can access the cathedral between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., unless there is a special event happening. There is an option to purchase a $1 brochure with information on a self-guided tour inside.
Jackson Square – Just outside the St. Louis Cathedral.
Once called Place d'Armes, the square was renamed after Andrew Jackson and is now a historic landmark in the French Quarter, surrounded by notable buildings and facing the Mississippi River. At the center of Jackson Square is a statue of Jackson, erected in 1856 to honor his victory in the 1815 Battle of New Orleans. A popular NOLA photo is of the statue photographed with St. Louis Cathedral in the background (taken by the river). Jackson Square is believed to be haunted due to its history of executions, the lingering spiritual energy from Voodoo rituals, and paranormal activity at nearby Muriel's Jackson Square (more on that below). The square is open from 8 a.m. to 6 or 7 p.m. depending on the time of year.
Pirate’s Alley – A short walk near Jackson Square.
This is my FAVORITE spot! Pirate's Alley, located between Jackson Square and Royal Street, is a historic one-block passageway originally called Orleans Alley South, renamed in 1964. Legends say it was a meeting spot for pirates like Jean Lafitte and a route for criminals to be escorted to prison. The alley is rumored to be haunted by the spirits of Lafitte and William Faulkner. Attractions include Pirate's Alley Cafe (which is so cute and spooky), known for pub food and absinthe, and Faulkner House Books, home to the Pirate's Alley Faulkner Society.
Muriel's Jackson Square – Steps away from the square.
Muriel's Jackson Square, a hauntingly beautiful restaurant in New Orleans' French Quarter, is said to be home to several spirits. The most prominent is Pierre Antoine Lepardi Jourdan, the former owner who died by suicide on the second floor after losing his home in a poker game; the restaurant honors him by reserving a table each night with bread and wine. Other spirits believed to linger include former servants, past patrons, and owners from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Guests have reported seeing a shadowy figure in the dining rooms, hearing unexplained voices, and experiencing knocks on the brick wall in the Séance Lounge, which is known for paranormal activity. Despite the hauntings, the restaurant's owners welcome the spirits, claiming they are harmless. This is a great place to stop for a drink or come for a nice meal. I particularly enjoy their brunch! When you visit, make sure you go upstairs and explore the spooky chambers. You can also get nice photos overlooking Jackson Square from the balcony. You can view the restaurant's hours, make reservations, view the menu, and more on the Muriel's Jackson Square website.
Andrew Jackson Hotel – A couple of blocks from Jackson Square.
The Andrew Jackson Hotel is renowned as one of the city’s most haunted hotels, largely due to its storied past. Originally a boarding school and orphanage for boys orphaned by the Yellow Fever epidemic in 1774, the site was devastated by a fire in 1794 that claimed five lives. It later served as a U.S. Federal Courthouse before the current hotel was built in 1890. Guests have reported hearing the laughter and footsteps of children, encountering a caretaker cleaning rooms when no one is on duty, and sightings of Andrew Jackson's spirit roaming the hallways. Room 208 is particularly noted for its hauntings, with guests experiencing unusual feelings, lights turning on, and faucets running by themselves. The hotel, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, combines modern amenities with a rich history. Book your stay there on the hotel's website, if you dare.
Place d’Armes Hotel – Close to Andrew Jackson Hotel.
The Place d'Armes Hotel, originally built in 1725 as the Capuchin School, is another haunted hotel you must visit in New Orleans. The school was destroyed in a fire in 1788, which killed the headmaster and many students and teachers. Guests report various paranormal activities, including sightings of the ghost of a young girl in old-fashioned clothing, who may ask about her grandmother before vanishing, and an elderly man in similar attire who nods at visitors. Other reported phenomena include footsteps, children's laughter, and furniture moving in unoccupied rooms. One visitor even claimed to have had a conversation with a ghostly man on her balcony, confirmed by the desk clerk as a hotel spirit. Want to see what ghosts you'll find here? You can book your stay here.
Lalaurie Mansion – Head toward Royal Street.
The Lalaurie Mansion is unfortunately known for the horrific discoveries made during a fire in 1834, when a slave set the mansion ablaze in a bid for rescue. Firefighters found at least seven tortured and mutilated bodies inside, leading to outrage among neighbors, who subsequently ransacked and burned the mansion. Madame LaLaurie and her husband fled to Paris, though it is believed her body was eventually returned to New Orleans for burial in St. Louis Cemetery. The mansion has become a popular tourist attraction, often featured in ghost stories, but historians criticize this for glorifying the mistreatment of enslaved people. The Lalaurie Mansion gained further notoriety from its depiction in American Horror Story: Coven. Notably, actor Nicolas Cage once owned the mansion. While tours of the interior are not allowed since it is privately owned, visitors can view the exterior as part of ghost tours.
Old Ursuline Convent – Just down the street from Lalaurie Mansion.
The Ursuline Convent is known for its spooky reputation, but it is said to actually not be haunted. This is due to lack of credible evidence. So why go to it? It's still a chilling place to observe from the outside based on the stories that came from there. A famous tale involves the "Casket Girls," young women sent from France in the 18th century who supposedly carried their belongings in chests, leading to rumors that they were vampires locked away by nuns. In the 1970s, two journalists camping on the grounds to capture evidence of vampires were found dead with their bodies drained of blood, furthering the lore. Additionally, some claim bones were discovered during restoration efforts. Despite these tales, the convent, completed in 1752, is the oldest building in New Orleans. I've only seen the building on the outside, but you can take a tour as indicated on their website. Visit for yourself and let us know if you believe the vampire tales said to occur here.
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar – Walk towards Bourbon Street.
Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar is regarded as one of the city's most haunted pubs due to its ties to the pirate Jean Lafitte and noted paranormal activity throughout the centuries. Visitors have reported sightings of Lafitte's ghost, often described in sailor's attire near the fireplace on the first floor. Other reported activities include cold spots, strange sounds, the scent of tobacco when no one is smoking, and glassware inexplicably flying off shelves. Historically significant, Lafitte's is one of the oldest buildings in the French Quarter and is believed to be the oldest bar in the U.S. (isn't that so cool?!). It was named after Jean and Pierre Lafitte, 19th-century smugglers and privateers who used the shop as a base. The building showcases the French Provincial Louis XV style and survived two major fires in the 19th century due to its slate roofing. The Halloween decor I saw here that October we went made it extra spooky during the fall season. This is also a fun piano bar! They are open every day at 10 a.m. until 3 a.m. most days (check their website for more information). Don't forget to get the famous VooDoo Daquiri aka the Purple Drink when you come here!
New Orleans Pharmacy Museum – 514 Chartres Street
The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, located in a historic Creole townhouse in the French Quarter, is most certainly an eerie place. It features exhibits on pharmacy history, including medicines and voodoo potions. It is said to be haunted by the ghost of Dr. Joseph Dupas, the former owner, who allegedly throws books, moves display items, and triggers the alarm system. Witnesses describe him in a brown suit and top hat, with pregnant women particularly susceptible to paranormal activity. Dupas lived in the building until his death in 1867 and was rumored to have conducted medical experiments on pregnant slaves and practiced voodoo, though there is no substantial evidence for these claims. The building was constructed between 1822 and 1823 and was originally the home of Louis J. Dufilho, Jr., the first licensed pharmacist in the U.S. As of the date of this post, the museum is closed on Sundays and Mondays, and only open for 5-6 hours on other days. Check their website to ensure you go when it is open (I made this mistake before). You may want to consider getting tickets ahead of time, too.
Antoine’s Restaurant – Nearby at 713 St. Louis Street.
Antoine's Restaurant is renowned for both its world-class French-Creole cuisine and its haunted reputation. The restaurant is said to be haunted by the ghost of its founder, Antoine Alciatore, and a former waitress named Julie, with patrons reporting sightings of the two together and hearing them call each other's names. Some believe Antoine watches over the establishment to ensure it runs smoothly. Employees have also reported various paranormal activities, such as doors opening and slamming, lights turning on unexpectedly, and a mist appearing in the Hermes Room. Other accounts include glassware crashing to the floor and a ghostly figure in waiter’s attire moving toward the Mystery Room. The International Society for Paranormal Research investigated the restaurant and found evidence of paranormal activity, including electronic voice phenomena (EVP), unusual temperature fluctuations, visual anomalies, and numerous testimonies from guests and staff about their experiences. Antoine's has been family-run since it opened in 1840, making it the oldest of its kind in the United States. Last time I was in New Orleans, this restaurant was booked up. I suggest booking a reservation ahead of time if you want to eat there.
Pat O’Brien’s – 718 St. Peter, just off Bourbon Street.
Pat O'Brien's, located in one of the oldest buildings in the French Quarter, is famous for its dueling piano bar, featuring twin "dueling" pianos where local entertainers take song requests—the first of its kind. The bar is also home to the original flaming fountain in its courtyard and the iconic hurricane cocktail. When you are sipping your hurricane here, you may find yourself seeing ghostly apparitions. In the piano bar, spirits are rumored to strike notes without a player, and disembodied footsteps have been heard. The upstairs ladies' room is reportedly haunted by a former restroom attendant, with some describing the bathroom line as especially eerie. The entire third floor and the staircase leading to the second-floor ladies' room are also said to be haunted. The bar is open every day but Tuesday, but always check the website for updated hours.
Hotel Monteleone – On Royal Street.
The Hotel Monteleone is considered one of the city's most haunted locations. The 14th floor (actually the 13th floor, as the hotel skips that number) is a hotspot for paranormal activity. We actually stayed on this floor when we came for Mardi Gras one year. Unfortunately, we didn't see any ghosts; but, we had a lovely stay! Guests who have seen ghosts though reported sightings of Maurice Begere, a young boy who died there, and some believe the hotel's builder, Antonio Monteleone, also watches over the hotel from this floor. Others claim that Progressive Era children haunt the 14th-floor hallway at night. Additional spirits include William "Red" Wildemere, a former employee, and two feuding ghosts from the restaurant. The hotel is also famous for its Carousel Bar (you can go here even if you are not staying here and I highly recommend doing so) and its history as a retreat for writers like Faulkner, Hemingway, and Anne Rice, who have featured it in over 173 stories and novels. Interested in staying here for some possible haunts? Book your stay here.
Marie Laveau’s House – 1020 and 1022 St. Ann Street.
Marie Laveau's former house at 1020 and 1022 St. Ann Street is believed to be haunted, though you cannot go inside the current home. The original house was torn down in 1903, and a new building was constructed on the same foundation, and is now a vacation rental. Some say the Voodoo Queen's residual energy still lingers, with reports of screams from the empty house and apparitions of slaves. Marie Laveau was a prominent religious leader and healer. She lived there from 1839 to 1895, raising her family on the property, which was also her childhood home. Known for her generosity, she often opened her house to those in need.
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 – Walk a few blocks to 425 Basin St.
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, established in 1789, is the oldest cemetery in New Orleans and is famous for its above-ground tombs and notable residents. These include Marie Laveau, the Voodoo Queen, Homer Plessy of the landmark civil rights case Plessy v. Ferguson, Bernard de Marigny, developer of Faubourg Marigny, and Etienne de Bore, known for sugarcane granulation in Louisiana. Actor Nicolas Cage also purchased an unnamed tomb in the cemetery, which is home to some of New Orleans’ most famous supernatural figures, including Marie Laveau. The cemetery’s history and unique tombs provide insight into the city’s death rituals and cultural practices. You can book a tour to walk through the cemetery here. You can see Cage's tomb from the gate, but I wasn't able to find the others from the outside. I need to do a tour when I go back!
Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 – Garden District, a car/streetcar ride away.
Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, located in the Garden District of New Orleans, is one of the city's oldest public cemeteries, named after the former city of Lafayette. It features nearly 500 wall vaults and holds a rich history, including some of the area's first settlers from Ireland and Germany. The cemetery contains 1,100 family tombs and is the final resting place of over 7,000 people, including the Lafayette and Jefferson firemen. It's also linked to the Mayfair Witches. Visitors can explore this historic site to learn about its significance and those buried there. Check this website before you plan to go here as it currently says it is temporarily closed.
Buckner Mansion – 1410 Jackson Ave., Garden District
The Buckner Mansion is a haunted landmark and filming location for American Horror Story: Coven. Built in 1856 by cotton magnate Henry Sullivan Buckner, it showcases Greek Revival architecture and has served various roles, including a private residence and a business school until the 1980s. The mansion is famous for ghost stories, particularly the apparition of Miss Josephine, a former caretaker believed to watch over the property. Other hauntings include the sounds of sweeping, a lemon peel scent, flickering lights, and swaying chandeliers. While the mansion is not open to the public, visitors can take photos from outside, with the best vantage point being Jackson Street along the St. Charles route.
Columns Hotel – Along St. Charles Avenue, near Buckner Mansion.
The Columns Hotel is an elegant place to wine and dine, and one of my must-visit places for a happy hour drink whenever I visit NOLA. The home was built in 1883 for tobacco merchant Simon Hernsheim, who tragically committed suicide in 1898 after losing his wife and sister. The building then served as a boarding house in 1917 and became a hotel in 1953, attracting notorious figures, including corrupt politicians. Today, guests report ghostly encounters, including cold spots, an older man's voice, and sightings of a well-dressed gentleman. Other spirits include a little girl on the third floor and the White Lady. You can learn a lot more about these stories and haunted history from Ghost City Tours. Despite its haunted reputation, the Columns Hotel remains a popular place to eat and/or stay at. Make your reservations here.
Is there a place you wish to see on the list? Let me know as I'd love to visit more haunted places next time I go to my beloved New Orleans! You can also check out our Instagram page at @bestiesbetrippin for more visuals of NOLA.
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