Hands-On Haunted Walk: French Quarter Ghost Tour with EMF Detectors
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required—expect standing and short walks over cobblestones; suitable for most visitors.
Overview
Hand a humming EMF detector to a stranger in Jackson Square and the French Quarter’s shadows feel suddenly sharper. This one-hour, interactive ghost tour blends real paranormal gear with local history at landmarks like LaLaurie Mansion and Pirate’s Alley—perfect for travelers who want chills and context.
Hands-On Haunted Walk: French Quarter Ghost Tour with EMF Detectors
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The lamps along Jackson Square throw long, wavering ovals across the worn bricks as your guide clicks on an EMF detector and hands it to you. The device hums faintly in your palm—a scientific talisman in a city that keeps its stories close to the bone. For the next hour, the French Quarter sheds its daytime gaiety and lets its shadows take center stage: narrow alleys, iron-laced balconies, and facades that hold decades of whispered violence, ritual, and rumor.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Charge your phone and bring a small power bank
EMF detectors are provided but your phone will be needed for photos, notes, and the guide’s contact details; batteries drain quickly at night.
Wear quiet, sturdy shoes
Cobblestones and occasional steps make low-profile, grippy footwear important—avoid new sneakers that can slip on wet bricks.
Respect private property and memorial sites
Many stops are on or near private homes and historic cemeteries—observe from public sidewalks and follow your guide’s directions.
Bring a light rain layer in summer
Sudden showers and humidity are common; a lightweight packable jacket keeps you comfortable without adding bulk.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Urban bats flying off rooftops at dusk
- Plump city pigeons and stray cats that patrol the square
History
The French Quarter’s layout and many surviving buildings date to 18th-century French and Spanish colonial planning; sites like the Old Ursuline Convent (1752) are among the oldest structures in the Mississippi Valley.
Conservation
Respect for historic facades and private properties is central—avoid touching old plaster, and follow group instructions to minimize wear on fragile surfaces.
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Adventure Hotspots in New Orleans
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Grip and support are useful on uneven cobbles and occasional steps.
Charged smartphone (plus power bank)
Needed for photos, contact info, and to minimize interference with EMF readings keep electronics on airplane mode when possible.
Light rain jacket or compact layer
Summers bring sudden storms; a packable layer keeps you comfortable without overheating.
summer specific
Small flashlight or headlamp
Useful for reading maps, adjusting gear, and adding atmosphere for low-light photos.
fall specific