Charles Westley “Wes” F.United States
This was a really fun tour to check out the "off the beaten path" sites of New Orleans. Leanne made this fun and exciting and we had a marvelous time. We highly recommend this tour.
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Private tour in New Orleans Leanne S
Heard dat - History of Voodoo, Zombies and Vampire Legends
4.5
(11) reviews
-
3 hours
30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
3 hours
30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
Leanne S.
4.9
Guide rating
156
Reviews
Tours delivered
4 hrs
Avg. response time
Hi! My name is Leanne and I am a 6th generation New Orleanian. That means my triple G (great X3) grandpa came and settled in New Orleans in the early 1800's, a family history that runs back about 200 yrs. I really love New Orleans, I know I am so lucky to have my roots so deep in these swampy soils so many people and critters have been blessed to call home. For instance a secondline parade just rolled down my street yesterday with brass bands and thousands of people from a tradition that started in the early 1700's. And it's not Mardi Gras! :-) I'd love to tell you about it! And bring you to my family tomb in my neighborhood cemetery and give you a tour of my home through a historic shotgun home. My ancestors are tied into the rich food traditions of New Orleans; from my triple G grandpa selling boudin out of his Creole cottage window in the bywater in the 1860's to today at our local Frey family restaurant. I'm local through and through and that's why I wanna tell you all about this amazing city. I started giving swamp tours at the Science and Nature Center in high school and college. I've been giving tours for 20 years! Serving in West Africa for Peace Corps I learned even more intimately about the Central and West African ties to this city. It was there I learned the real story behind Voodoo and Gombo. During Hurricane Katrina, my house got 13 feet of water and my neighborhood is only about 40% rebuilt today. I talk about what's real and what's legend from a very local perspective. I have a passion for people, culture, my family history and having a great time with you in the Big Easy! I given hundreds of tours to thousands of people all over the city and working for myself it never gets old. This city on any day has something totally unique to share. Ive toured school groups, volunteers, business groups and travelers from around the world! I love people and I guarantee you will fall in love with my city and probably me too! ;-) But that's what New Orleans is all about, being real, friendly, taking it easy and letting the good times just roll. You'll meet strangers who become lifelong friends and this city will become your second home and Marie Laveaux makes sure people have to come back again and again and again! I hope to be a part of your New Orleans experience! - Tour guide license - Louisiana Master Naturalist
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Leanne S.
Local Hauntings walking tour, Explore what's real about New Orleans' haunted past
Overview of your New Orleans tour
Hundreds of wretched hovels in a wet and malarious thicket. . . . infested by serpents and alligators! Even the first quote about New Orleans hinted at it's dark and treacherous beginnings. The great French explorer LaSalle bones' are consecrated in New Orleans after he was murdered by his own men and the first European settlers were prisoners sent to this soggy death trap against their will. New Orleans was feared by settlers, the enslaved and many throughout her 300 year dark history, even today the water continues to rise as the soggy soils continue to sink. . . God forbid you get sold down River to New Orleans, now the Big Uneasy. . . Will one day this infamous burial ground lay beneath the Sea!? During this tour New Orleans will be revealed through her most haunted legends and history and we will find out what's real and what's just a bunch of mumbo jumbo. . . MuhahahaHahaha hahaha. . . ah hem **Day time and kid friendly tours available, please message me in advance if under 21 will be on tour.
Recent Reviews
Marianne L.United States
We loved our tour with Leanne! She is very knowledgeable, flexible with planning, and delighted our children by engaging in all of the facts of the city. Would highly recommend..
Logan J.
Leanne is incredibly knowledgeable, kind, and fun to spend hours with as you learn more about New Orleans! She does a great job of picking up what's most interesting to you (for example, I really love the history, so she delved pretty deeply into that piece) and catering the tour to your desires! I really appreciated that she knew exactly where to take us -- whether that was the best muffalettas and poboys in town for our food tour, or the best haunted sites for the ghosts/voodoo tour (which, when she realized we also wanted some cocktails, turned into a combo ******** tour! The dream!). I heartily recommend that anyone who goes to New Orleans makes time for at least one, if not as many as possible, tours with Leanne!
Eric D.United States
Our second tour with Leanne. Once again she did not disappoint. Not only did she know all of the lore about the dark side if the city but she also knew which shops to visit. We saw many other Tours while we walked and all of the people looked board and were on their phones. Not us! In fact a couple wanted to join us in our last stop ... the Dungeon. Not for the faint of heart but definitely a must. Leanne is a remarkable tour guide. Loved every minute!
MaryAnn S.United States
A GREAT tour! Leanne was an excellent guide. Her knowledge of New Orleans history was extensive, and she nicely connected ghost/creepy stories into the narrative. As requested, she incorporated mention of Interview With the Vampire filming locations. Also loved the stop at the Vampire Cafe, and the ending stop at The Dungeon. I would definitely recommend this tour!
Melissa H.United States
Leann was an amazing guide, full of colorful historical facts. She helped us get everything on our French Quarter bucket list. We loved Leann, and would highly recommend this tour. It was absolutely perfect for our group!
Your New Orleans tour itinerary
We start at sundown at the Mississippi River and make our way through the alleyways of the French Quarter. Visiting the most haunted historical sites in the French Quarter. Many stories will be told. . . . some real, some legend by a 6th generation New Orleanian whose ancestors came here in the early 1800s. We will stop at the creepiest bars for a really bloody Mary and stop at the Dugeon. Visiting the estate of the psychotic Madame Lalaurie and the oldest building in the French Quarter the Ursuline convent where are first legend of the vampire from the Old World came. Telling the stories of Zombie ritual and Voodoo that came from Western and Central Africa and how the oldest Faith in the world completely transformed on New Orleans soils and became feared by many onlookers and demonized till today. We will explore the real devoted Life of the Voodoo priestess Marie Laveau and how her powers and legends still affect New Orleans to this day.
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Transport details
Type: Walking
A walking tour
What's included
Private Guide
What's not included
Food Drinks Snacks
Tickets: streetcar tickets
Public Transportation
Meeting location
New Orleans, Louisiana, 70130, United States
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: At the Monument to the Immigrant closest address is at the Mississippi River next to the Steamboat launch at 400 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Off The Beaten Path
History
Tour reference number
561099
Languages
EnglishActivity level
Light
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Accessible
Traveller reviews
4.5
FAQs
Who is this private tour in New Orleans best suited for?
This private tour in New Orleans is perfect for those interested in the city's haunted past, including its history of Voodoo, zombies, and vampire legends. It's also suitable for families, as it offers daytime and kid-friendly options. If you're looking to connect with a local and explore the darker side of New Orleans' history, this tour is ideal.
Where does the tour start and end?
Is transportation included?
How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?
What languages is this tour offered in?
What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?
Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?
AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide
-
3 hours
30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
3 hours
30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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