Private French Quarter Voodoo & Congo Square Walking Tour — New Orleans Lore Walk
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
1.5 hours (90 minutes)
Fitness Level
Light to moderate fitness—able to stand and walk about one mile on uneven surfaces.
Overview
Walk the French Quarter with a local lore expert to explore Marie Laveau’s streets, voodoo sites, and the history-steeped Crescent City gathering place of Congo Square. This private, 90-minute tour blends architectural detail with cultural context for a focused, intimate introduction to New Orleans’ living history.
Private French Quarter Voodoo & Congo Square Walking Tour — New Orleans Lore Walk
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The guide steps out of Witches Brew Gallery and into a street that still argues with its past. Shadows from cast-iron balconies fall across cracked sidewalks, and the voices of the French Quarter—tourists, street musicians, and the distant clatter of a trolley—frame the first stories. For 90 minutes, this private walk threads between carved tomb facades, colorful Creole townhouses, and the small, muted plaques that mark where legends like Marie Laveau once lived and worked.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Hydrate and carry water
Summer humidity makes the 90-minute walk tiring—bring a reusable bottle or buy water nearby before you start.
Wear sturdy, flat shoes
Streets are brick and uneven; closed-toe, supportive shoes make for a more comfortable tour.
Respect sacred sites
Guides will explain rules near cemeteries and memorials—follow photo and approach guidelines.
Arrive early to avoid crowds
Meeting 15–30 minutes before start lets you check in and avoid last-minute street traffic.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- City pigeons and roof-dwelling birds around Jackson Square
- Seasonal migratory songbirds in nearby parks and tree-lined streets
History
Congo Square was a sanctioned gathering spot for enslaved and free Black residents to drum and dance on Sundays; those gatherings helped preserve West African traditions that seeded jazz and brass-band culture.
Conservation
High foot traffic stresses fragile ironwork and historic masonry—stay on walkways, avoid touching tomb facades, and support small local businesses rather than souvenir chains.
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Adventure Hotspots in New Orleans
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Reusable water bottle
Staying hydrated in New Orleans' heat prevents fatigue and keeps you focused on the stories.
summer specific
Comfortable walking shoes
Flat, supportive shoes handle brick sidewalks and quick pavement crossings.
Wide-brim hat & sunscreen
Protects against sun and reduces heat strain during daytime tours.
summer specific
Light rain jacket or poncho
Spring and summer showers can appear quickly—compact rain protection keeps you dry without slowing the tour.
spring specific