Explore New Orleans' Red Light District and Vice History
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Discover the wild and scandalous history of New Orleans' vice districts on the Badly Behaved Women Who Made New Orleans Tour. This 2-hour walking journey takes you through 300 years of stories about the city’s red light districts, from the early days of colonial punishment to the lavish palaces of Storyville.
Learn how women, from nuns to madams, shaped the city’s reputation—and its secrets. Along the way, you'll see historic sites like the oldest building in the French Quarter and hear tales of smuggling, corruption, and high society scandals. The tour also offers fun extras, including historical images and a take-home Polaroid of your group.
While drinks aren’t included, we suggest some historic cocktails at select stops to add a flavorful touch to your experience. This tour is perfect for adults 18 and over who love history, intrigue, and a bit of mischief.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours.
Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour is designed for adults aged 18 and older. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, but the content is geared toward adults.
Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included. We recommend some historic cocktail stops during the tour, and we provide suggestions for these.
What are the meeting details?
You meet at the corner of Chartres St. and Ursulines Ave., by the brick wall of the BK House courtyard. The tour starts promptly at the scheduled time.
Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure. Cancellations made within 24 hours are non-refundable.
Free cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reserve now
Check a date here, then finish booking with our partner. Payment options are confirmed at checkout.
Duration 2 hours
Check availability to see start times.
Live tour guide
English
Key facts
What's included
Included
- 2-hour walking tour exploring the history of vice and red light districts in New Orleans
Not included
- Suggested cocktail stops at the start and during the tour breaks. Drinks are NOT included, but we offer fun recommendations for historic cocktails.
Itinerary
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Stop 1
Visit the Ursulines convent, the oldest building in the French Quarter (begun in 1727). Hear how the church and King Louis XV were involved in sex trafficking, with nuns maintaining order through public lashings—yet, the girls often had the real problem.
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Stop 2
Pause at the oldest building housing a bar in North America, which has a history as a smuggling front. Although not a historic cocktail spot, it’s a cool place to relax and learn about its shady past.
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Stop 3
Visit the birthplace of Marie Laveau, the famed Voodoo Queen, and discuss her surprising connections—she made most of her money as a high-class madam, not just as a spiritual leader.
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Stop 4
See where the grand palaces of Storyville on Basin Street once stood before being replaced by the Iberville Projects. Enjoy a scenic view of Louis Armstrong Park, where you can sit, relax, and hear stories of the district’s wildest characters.
Meeting point & pickup
Meet at the starting point
We meet at the corner of Chartres St. and Ursulines Ave., by the brick wall of the BK House courtyard.
Open in Google MapsCancellation & confirmation
Free cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- 100% refund if cancelled at least 1 day before
- 0% refund if cancelled within 0–24 hours
Instant confirmation
Your booking is confirmed immediately after checkout.
From $35.00 per person
- Free cancellation
- Secure checkout with our booking partner
