New Orleans is a city known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and an air of mystery that lingers over its historic streets. For those who crave an extra thrill, New Orleans is also a hotspot for haunted locations, each with its own eerie story. If you're visiting the Crescent City for the first time, why not add a bit of the supernatural to your itinerary? Below are some of the most haunted places you can explore during your stay.
1. LaLaurie Mansion
Located in the heart of the French Quarter, the LaLaurie Mansion is perhaps the most infamous haunted spot in New Orleans. Once home to Madame Delphine LaLaurie, a high-society woman with a dark secret, the mansion was the site of unimaginable cruelty. Madame LaLaurie reportedly tortured and killed enslaved people in her home, and their spirits are said to still roam the building. The house has since become a focal point for ghost tours, but its haunted history lingers—some visitors have even claimed to hear wails or see ghostly figures in the windows.
2. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
A trip to New Orleans isn’t complete without visiting one of its historic cemeteries, and St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is among the most famous. The above-ground tombs create a unique and haunting atmosphere, but it’s not just the architecture that draws visitors. The cemetery is home to the final resting place of **Marie Laveau**, the legendary Voodoo Queen of New Orleans. Visitors often leave offerings at her tomb in hopes of receiving her blessings or guidance from the other side. Many have reported ghostly encounters here, from cold spots to mysterious figures appearing between the graves.
3. The Sultan’s Palace
On Royal Street, a grand mansion known as the Sultan’s Palace hides one of the French Quarter’s most gruesome stories. According to legend, a Turkish sultan lived here with his entourage, only to be mysteriously murdered in a massacre that still perplexes historians. To this day, people claim to hear faint footsteps and see ghostly figures dressed in old-fashioned clothing. The haunting is believed to be tied to the sultan himself, still seeking answers for his untimely death.
4. Hotel Monteleone
For travelers looking to stay in the French Quarter, Hotel Monteleone offers luxury with a side of paranormal activity. This historic hotel has been the site of countless ghost sightings, with both guests and staff reporting strange occurrences. One of the most famous spirits is that of a little boy who roams the hallways, seemingly searching for his parents. Rooms on certain floors are said to be more "active" than others, but don't worry—the ghosts here are said to be friendly.
5. The Myrtles Plantation
If you're willing to venture outside of New Orleans to St. Francisville, a visit to The Myrtles Plantation is a must for ghost hunters. Known as one of the most haunted homes in America, the plantation is said to be the site of numerous hauntings, including the spirits of enslaved people and past residents who met tragic fates. Ghost tours are available year-round, and many visitors claim to experience the supernatural firsthand—whether it’s catching a glimpse of an apparition or hearing unexplained footsteps on the staircase.
6. Muriel’s Jackson Square
Combining fine dining with the paranormal, Muriel’s Jackson Square offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy New Orleans cuisine while possibly encountering a ghost. The restaurant is haunted by its previous owner, **Pierre Antoine Lepardi Jourdan**, who committed suicide on the property in the 1800s after losing the building in a poker game. Jourdan is said to haunt the upstairs dining area, where staff regularly set out a table for him to keep the peace. Visitors can explore the haunted areas of the restaurant while enjoying classic Creole dishes.
7. Andrew Jackson Hotel
The Andrew Jackson Hotel is a boutique hotel that was once the site of a boys’ orphanage that tragically burned down. Today, the hotel is reportedly haunted by the spirits of children who died in the fire. Guests often report hearing the sound of children laughing and playing, and some have claimed to see small figures moving down the hallways. For the more daring traveler, staying here offers a unique mix of comfort and the paranormal.
8. The Old Absinthe House
If you want to experience a haunted location while sipping on a cocktail, The Old Absinthe House is your destination. Established in the early 1800s, this bar has seen its fair share of New Orleans history, and it’s rumored to be haunted by the infamous pirate **Jean Lafitte**. Visitors report mysterious apparitions, voices, and objects moving on their own. Ghost hunters and history buffs alike come here to experience the unique blend of French Quarter charm and eerie ghost stories.
Planning Your Visit
New Orleans offers much more than just spooky stories—its haunted history is woven into the city’s broader cultural and historical fabric. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, exploring these haunted locations gives you a glimpse into the darker side of the city’s past. For tips on exploring New Orleans, including the best times to visit and where to stay, check out our other guides to making the most of your trip to the Crescent City.
If you're ready to embrace the supernatural, grab your camera and your courage—New Orleans is waiting to show you its ghostly secrets.
