Garden District Celebrities Cemeteries Mansions and Mysteries Walking Tour

5.0 (13 reviews) 2 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

13 reviews

5.0

Unearth the untold stories of the past on our captivating history tours — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Step into the footsteps of history with our immersive and educational tours — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Step into the best mansion and mystery walking tour in New Orleans and uncover the secrets, scandals, and hauntings hidden within the Garden District’s grand estates and historic cemeteries. Operating daily, year-round, this USMC Disabled Combat-Veteran-Owned, women and minority-led tour offers an exclusive look at the darker side of New Orleans' most opulent neighborhood.

With its pre-Civil War mansions, storied past, and eerie legends, the Garden District is a treasure trove of history and mystery. Walk past the iconic Lafayette Cemetery #1, Colonel Short’s Villa, the Women’s Opera Guild Home, Buckner Mansion, and the Seven Sisters as your expert guide unveils the area’s rich history and mystery.

While we don’t enter buildings, each stop has been carefully researched to ensure a captivating and immersive experience. Perfect for private groups, bachelorette parties, and special events, this one-of-a-kind tour brings the Garden District’s past to life—in ways you never imagined!

Private and Luxury Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Crime Tours Low Supplier Cancellation Rate Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate Short term availability

At a glance

Duration: 2 hours
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 35 people
People per booking: 1–30
Guide: English
Operated by: New Orleans Ghosts By Us Ghost Adventures

Ages: Adults (13–100 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Professional and courteous guide
Included: Well researched history

Not included

Not included: Guide tip

Itinerary

Lafayette Cemetery No.1

10 min

A hauntingly beautiful city of the dead, Lafayette Cemetery #1 is filled with ornate tombs, their ironwork gates rusting under centuries of Southern heat. The above-ground vaults, built to withstand the swampy terrain, house generations of souls whose whispers seem to drift on the humid breeze. Some say the spirits of yellow fever victims still wander among the crypts, seeking peace they never found in life.
Stop 2

10 min

This grand Italianate mansion is known for its stunning cast-iron fence, designed to resemble stalks of sugarcane—a nod to the owner’s plantation wealth. During the Civil War, Union General Nathaniel Banks seized the home, leaving behind a lingering presence that some claim still roams its halls. Visitors often report the scent of cigar smoke and the feeling of unseen eyes watching from the balconies.
Stop 3

10 min

Once the largest building in the Garden District, this Greek-Italianate revival mansion earned its nickname as the neighborhood’s towering masterpiece. Its grand columns and intricate cornices showcase the height of 19th-century craftsmanship. Though stunning, many say the house has an unsettling energy, as if its towering presence hides long-buried secrets.
Women's Guild of the New Orleans Opera

10 min

This opulent 19th-century mansion blends Gothic, Italianate, and Greek Revival styles into a single breathtaking façade. Originally built as a private home, it later became a gathering place for New Orleans’ most elite women—some of whom may never have left. Guests have reported hearing ghostly laughter echoing through the lavish parlors long after dark.
Stop 5

10 min

Built in 1838, this classic Greek Revival mansion stands as a testament to the district’s earliest days. Its sturdy columns and intricate wrought iron have withstood centuries of hurricanes, wars, and changing times. Some believe the home is still watched over by its original owners, their presence felt in cold drafts and flickering lights.
Stop 6

10 min

This massive Greek Revival masterpiece, with its towering columns and sprawling verandas, is one of New Orleans' most iconic homes. Built by cotton magnate Henry Buckner, it later served as a school—one that some say still echoes with the sounds of ghostly children. Its eerie beauty made it the perfect filming location for American Horror Story: Coven, further cementing its haunted reputation.
Stop 7

10 min

This charming row of identical shotgun-style houses is one of the most photographed spots in the Garden District. Built for seven sisters by their wealthy father, legend says their spirits still visit, keeping the homes warm and welcoming. Some visitors claim to see shadowy figures standing in the doorways, disappearing when approached.
Stop 8

10 min

A blend of Gothic and Italianate architecture, this mansion was once home to one of New Orleans' wealthiest families. Its elaborate balconies and grand archways exude Old World elegance, but there’s a darker side—some claim to hear phantom footsteps in the halls at night. Whether it's a former owner or a restless servant, something unseen lingers within these walls.
Stop 9

10 min

This stately mansion, with its white columns and grand entrance, is a Garden District jewel with a storied past. Once a hub for high society, the house has seen its share of scandal and sorrow, leading to whispers of lingering spirits. Some say a woman in period dress can be seen on the staircase, eternally waiting for a lover who never returned.
Stop 10

10 min

This elegant home, with its wraparound balcony and intricate ironwork, is a testament to Southern luxury. Once a residence for prominent New Orleans families, its halls have witnessed both extravagant celebrations and deep tragedies. Guests often report strange cold spots in the rooms, as if the past still lingers just beneath the surface.
Stop 11

10 min

One of only three homes of its kind in New Orleans, this Victorian Swiss Chalet was built in 1876 by architect William Freret, Jr. Its steeply pitched roof, ornate woodwork, and unique European flair set it apart from the traditional Southern mansions. Despite its charm, many visitors feel an eerie sensation as if someone—perhaps its original owner, Senator James Eustis—is still watching from the windows.
Stop 12

10 min

One of the most famous restaurants in New Orleans, Commander’s Palace is as well-known for its ghosts as it is for its award-winning Creole cuisine. The spirit of a former chef is said to haunt the kitchen, occasionally rattling pots and pans as if still perfecting a dish. Guests sipping on a Sazerac or a signature milk punch have reported catching glimpses of shadowy figures moving through the candlelit dining rooms.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Meet your guide in front of the historical marker for Colonel Short's Villa, at 1448 Fourth Street, New Orleans.

End point

Meet your guide in front of the historical marker for Colonel Short's Villa, at 1448 Fourth Street, New Orleans.

Using your ticket

This tour operates rain or shine. If we determine a tour needs to be cancelled, we will contact you. This tour is not suitable for people who cannot walk more than a mile.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
All the attraction´s stop together are around 40minutes and the rest of the time is to walk