Finding haunted places to visit in New Orleans is on the top of many travel bucket lists and a huge travel niche here in NOLA, but with Halloween (and less humid weather) coming up it’s the perfect time to visit some of these “spirited” places. Of course, anytime of year is a great time to visit these spooky places!
New Orleans (my home) was founded over 300 years ago. There have been some spooky happenings throughout history that have contributed to our designation as one of the most haunted cities in America.
The famous raised crypts in our cemeteries are part of New Olreans unique culture and have also gained us the nickname of, “city of the dead”.
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So, is New Orleans Really Haunted?
Well, if you believe the ghost stories as well as multiple accounts in some of the locations we have included, then yes.
I am basically an open-minded skeptic, but I will give my own local experience with one of these famous places at the end of the article.
Whether you believe in the hauntings or not, I think it is a great way to learn some historical information in a unique and fun way.
People visit New Orleans for many reasons, but the niche of haunted tourism is strong here.
My apartment windows overlooked St. Louis #3 (the above photo), and I would watch endless streams of tourists pour out of buses to visit our “cities of the dead”.
However, there are many other reportedly haunted places in New Orleans that are worth a visit (we even have a New Orleans cocktail crawl guide that has a few”spirited” spots).
So, where are the best haunted places to visit in New Orleans? Read on to find out.
Table of contents
- 1. Muriel’s
- 2. Dauphine Orleans Hotel (known as New Orleans most haunted hotel)
- 3. Bourbon Orleans Hotel (numerous accounts of hauntings over many years)
- 4. 623 Ursulines St (Now operates as the Haunted Hotel)
- 5. Pat O’Brien’s Bar (famous upstairs ghosts in the Ladies room to visit)
- 6. Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop (one of the oldest and most haunted bars to visit in the French Quarter)
- 7. LaLaurie Mansion (American Horror Story: Coven was based on the story here)
- 8. Hotel Monteleone (Famous for glamor, ghosts, and the beloved Carousel Bar)
- 9. The Mortuary
- 10. New Orleans Pharmacy Museum (Many ghost stories here)
- 11. Vessel (the show, Dead Files, featured the hauntings and resident ghosts here)
- Final Haunted Thoughts on these great “spirited” local places:
- More New Orleans and other recent articles:
1. Muriel’s
Muriel’s at Jackson Square has a varied past going back before the Great Fire of New Orleans in the 1700’s and has passed through several owners throughout the years.
One of the saddest tales is of a previous owner who meticulously restored the home to grandness, but wound up losing it in a poker game. He was so devastated that he hung himself in one of the rooms on the 2nd floor (where the séance-themed lounges are today).
Besides the upstairs, there are also reports of other mischevious ghostly happenings at the lower courtyard bar and other rooms.
The current owners of Muriel’s honor his memory by leaving a table set for their main resident ghost welcoming him to dine anytime.
2. Dauphine Orleans Hotel (known as New Orleans most haunted hotel)
We also wrote about May Baily’s for our self-guided cocktail crawl guide.
The Dauphine Orleans was one of the first places we did a “ghost hunt” for fun with family.
We didn’t see any ghosts, but it was fun to hear the stories and “hunt” in the most reportedly haunted rooms with the equipment.
Sadly, I don’t think the museum and society that used to do the ghost hunts is open currently.
We’ve been back many times and enjoy going for fantastic craft cocktails at May Baily’s (also reportedly haunted).
It also has an artistic historical connection.
John James Audubon created one of his famous series of works in the cottage that is now May Baily’s.
The reported sightings over the years include soldiers, ladies of the evening from the historical Red Light District, a lost bride, and a dancing lady in the courtyard.
3. Bourbon Orleans Hotel (numerous accounts of hauntings over many years)
You can stay at this haunted hotel! Click to make reservations at Bourbon Orleans Hotel or read reviews
The Bourbon Orleans Hotel has an interesting and varied history throughout the years.
The unique history includes being a convent for the first African American religious order (The Sisters of the Holy Family 1800’s) and a hospital during the Yellow Fever epidemic.
There are many stories associated with hauntings over the years and many ghost tour companies stop here.
People have reported seeing a Confederate soldier, children, and a ghost dancer in the ballroom.
It is also one of the 10 most haunted hotels in America (USA Today).
There is even a framed account of the haunted history in the lobby if you go. It is definitely a beautiful hotel and worth a visit.
We enjoy the music and cocktails at the Bourbon O Bar (best Pimm’s Cup, trust us) which is accessible off of the lobby or from Bourbon Street.
Stay in a beautiful VRBO property in the New Orleans Warehouse District and bring the whole crew! It’s the best way to accomodate a large group for less than staying in several hotel rooms!
4. 623 Ursulines St (Now operates as the Haunted Hotel)
This location at Ursulines Street has many stories of murders in the past and hauntings at several houses in this block going back hundreds of years.
This block is featured in many ghost hunting and unexplained mystery shows. The Haunted Hotel is at the epicenter of these happenings.
The owners of The Haunted Hotel say that most people who stay with them have some sort of experience. Some don’t even stay the night! Would you stay here?
5. Pat O’Brien’s Bar (famous upstairs ghosts in the Ladies room to visit)
Pat O’Brien’s is famous for the famous cocktail so many have to try when visiting (The Hurricane).
However, they have their haunted experiences too.
From reports of seeing a long gone former attendant to hearing shuffling and movement behind you, the women’s bathroom upstairs is definitely a place to check out (but not alone).
So, visiting one of our most famous bars is also on the list of best haunted places to visit in New Orleans!
6. Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop (one of the oldest and most haunted bars to visit in the French Quarter)
The Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop is named after the famous pirate and privateer himself.
Some stories even say that it is a hiding place for unfound treasure.
Other haunted reports here are of seeing the ghost of Jean Lafitte, himself, and an unknown woman upstairs.
There are also reports of red glowing eyes in the fireplace or other areas that disappear.
If you visit, have a frozen Voodoo daiquiri and soak up the historical and haunted atmosphere.
It is also usually crowded here anytime we go so getting there early is recommended if you want to avoid the crowds.
7. LaLaurie Mansion (American Horror Story: Coven was based on the story here)
The LaLaurie Mansion has become infamous thanks to American Horror Story: Coven, and because of Kathy Bates excellent depiction of Madam LaLaurie.
The actor, Nicolas Cage, also owned the property briefly and went through some bad luck at the time. (by the way, it is currently up for sale!)
The real story is just as horrible with tortured slaves being found in the attic 200 years ago and this horrible history is the focus of the reported hauntings.
Moaning, movements, and just feeling sick are some of the haunted stories here.
It is privately owned and is not accessible like the other haunted places in our guide, but feel free to stand outside if you dare!
8. Hotel Monteleone (Famous for glamor, ghosts, and the beloved Carousel Bar)
Hotel Monteleone has a famous cocktail bar (The Carousel Bar) that is a must-visit.
The hotel also has many reports of disturbing haunted stories over the years. The Monteleone is featured on several ghost hunting shows and employees have many stories of haunted happenings going on.
The haunted reports include elevators stopping on the wrong floor, ghost children roaming, as well as doors opening afer being locked.
There is so much history and beautiful architectural design to experience at this hotel. It’s not surprising that some previous guests and others decided not to leave.
*Don’t forget to check out why we think New Orleans is also a Beatuiful Winter Trip Destination
9. The Mortuary
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The Mortuary is a beautiful 150 year old Victorian Mansion that was also a funeral home and creamatorium in the past.
There is even a cemetery connected to it surrounded by iron gates.
It has been featured in many shows over the years and there are so many various reports of hauntings.
The best part of The Mortuary is the yearly haunted house that they host every Halloween season! We have been many times and look forward to it every year!
It truly is creepy walking through the rooms during the Haunted House.
They also host private events and have an escape room game called, Mystere Escape Room, during the rest of the year.
10. New Orleans Pharmacy Museum (Many ghost stories here)
The rainy photo is appropriate for this spooky and historical museum.
The reports of hauntings here span years and include every room! The sordid historical tale there includes a former doctor doing horrible human experiments and rituals among other things.
A pair of “ghost children” also reportedly roam about the courtyard.
You can visit the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum on a self-guided tour on Wednesdays through Saturdays.
11. Vessel (the show, Dead Files, featured the hauntings and resident ghosts here)
Vessel NOLA not only has great craft cocktails and amazing food, but several reports of different spooky things going on over the years.
It was once a church and the story is that one of the ghost stories involve a previous owner.
We were lucky enough to attend the screening of the show that featured Vessel, The Dead Files.
We had a great time watching the episode and having dinner inside the amazing place where they investigated.
Vessel is also in my neighborhood and is worth visiting for great food and atmosphere even if you are not looking for hauntings!
Final Haunted Thoughts on these great “spirited” local places:
Visiting reportedly haunted places is huge for New Orleans tourism and you can find tour operators on almost every block.
The city of New Orleans requires all tour guides to be certified and pass an extensive test on New Orleans history and culture.
The part I love about discovering more about these haunted places is that you learn some history as well.
So, whether you have a ghostly encounter or not, you’ve learned something. New Orleans is so much more than just Mardi Gras!
My own spooky experience:
My own haunted experience happened at Muriel’s (one of my favorite restaurants).
I was having lunch with a friend and not only did my coffee cup fall off of the table with no help from me, I got immediate goosebumbs and broke out in a cold sweat unexpectedly.
I really thought I would pass out and I did not want my friend to know because I was embarrassed.
Does it mean it was a haunted experience? Who knows, but I will say that I have not been back there since then.
Are you ready to visit some of these great haunted places in New Orleans on your own DIY tour?