New Orleans is well-known for a rich history of voodoo, magic, and mystery. If you are planning to visit the city, you definitely won’t regret exploring that side of it! In my most recent trip to New Orleans, I went with a friend on a spur of the moment trip, and we packed as much as possible into 2 days. Let me tell you—we saw A LOT.

Day One

On day one, we explored downtown and all it had to offer! While on Bourbon Street, we were surrounded by the most vibrant sights and sounds. There is truly no limit to what you might see here! From vikings to even a “drunk” dog, Bourbon Street is a unique and unforgettable experience every single time.

The French Quarter, Jackson Square, and Bourbon Street are some of the most popular locations in New Orleans, for good reason. The streets are filled with jazz music, street performers, art, and the BEST food! Of course, you can never go wrong with a beignet from Cafe Du Monde!

While exploring the shops, we had to make sure and stop by Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo. This store had everything from dolls to real-time psychic readings, and even an offering table. At Jackson Square, we were able to see the St. Louis Cathedral, which is the oldest cathedral in all of North America!

We topped off the day by taking a final stroll on Bourbon Street to see the night life. And after a couple of drinks, we headed back to the Airbnb for a good night’s rest!

Day Two

On day two, we took a guided tour around the city to visit some of the creepiest places in New Orleans, and we absolutely loved it. Let’s dive into it!

1- The LaLaurie Mansion:

If you’re a fan of American Horror Story, there are lots of cool things to see! Many of the film locations from Coven were located in New Orleans, so obviously we had to check them out. Aside from film locations, some of the characters from the show were real people, including Delphine LaLaurie.

One of the creepiest things in New Orleans, without a doubt, is the LaLaurie mansion. Quick history: Delphine LaLaurie was a serial killer from the 1800s, well-known for torturing and murdering slaves in her home. The mansion is privately owned, so you aren’t able to tour the inside, but, as a true-crime and an AHS fan, it is an interesting sight to see!

2- St. Louis Cemetery No. 1

Some of the most famous cemeteries in New Orleans are the the three St. Louis Cemeteries, but No. 1 is the oldest and most popular. For the last 200 years, people have been reporting paranormal encounters here! In fact, the energy is so intense, the guides may warn you not to take anything (even so much as a rock) from the grounds. There are stories of people taking the rocks and bringing them back to the site after having strange things happen to them.

While this place is certainly a haunted attraction, it is also one of the most charming historical sites in New Orleans. One of the most famous tombs in St. Louis No. 1 is that of Marie Laveau, who is known as the Voodoo Queen. However, in her time, she was so much more than that. She was a renowned herbalist who provided for the needy and ministered to prisoners, and she even dedicated her life to the Roman Catholic Church! I’ve always been fascinated by Marie Laveau, so being able to see her final resting place was super cool. For years and years, people have come to visit her tomb to pray and leave offerings. We absolutely loved visiting St. Louis No. 1, and would definitely go back!

Unfortunately, the St. Louis Cemeteries are not open to the public due to frequent vandalization and destruction of the gravesites. To visit, you must either have a family pass to visit loved ones or be on a guided tour.

3- Museum of Death

Fair warning, The Museum of Death can be very sensitive for some. This museum is not part of the typical guided tour but is definitely one of creepiest places in New Orleans! In the mid 1990s, the museum was actually founded as an art museum in San Diego. However, after the owners obtained authentic artwork from a former serial killer, they were able to rebrand as a museum and the idea took off. After gaining some popularity, the museum opened a second location in New Orleans!

In the museum, there are a ton of artifacts including embalming equipment, serial killer memorabilia, skeletons, and so much more. The museum is fairly small, but there is quite a bit to read and see. We ended up spending about an hour working through the exhibits. Since the point of the museum is to be “totally immersed,” you cannot take photos inside. In my opinion, The Museum of Death is undoubtedly worth seeing. As a bonus, staff say the building is haunted!

Until Next Time, New Orleans!

After a full day of exploring all the most haunted places in New Orleans, we went to a spot known for prosperity, love and friendship: the Tree of Life. This massive, sprawling live oak tree is located in Audubon Park and is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. Since the 1700s, it has grown with the city and is said to embody the spirit of New Orleans. If you are short on time like we were, I highly encourage making the Tree of Life a must-see!

All in all, New Orleans is one of my favorite destinations! I would go back 100 times if I could, and I definitely recommend that everyone goes at least once. If creepy isn’t your style, there is still tons of rich history, music and food to enjoy in the city!

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