Garden District Celebrities, Cemeteries & Mysteries Walking Tour in New Orleans

Key facts

What's included

Itinerary

1. Stop 1

   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 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.

   10 minutes

2. Stop 2

   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.

   10 minutes

3. Stop 3

   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 19th-century craftsmanship. Many say the house has an unsettling energy, as if its towering presence hides long-buried secrets.

   10 minutes

4. Stop 4

   This opulent 19th-century mansion blends Gothic, Italianate, and Greek Revival styles into a breathtaking façade. Originally 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.

   10 minutes

5. Stop 5

   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.

   10 minutes

6. Stop 6

   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.

   10 minutes

7. Stop 7

   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.

   10 minutes

8. Stop 8

   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.

   10 minutes

9. Stop 9

   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.

   10 minutes

10. Stop 10

    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.

    10 minutes

11. Stop 11

    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.

    10 minutes

12. Stop 12

    One of the most famous restaurants in New Orleans, Commander’s Palace is as well-known for its ghosts as it is for its 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 glimpses of shadowy figures moving through the candlelit dining rooms.

    10 minutes

Meeting point & pickup

Meet at the starting point

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

Cancellation & confirmation