Storyville & Vice: Walking the Red-Light History of New Orleans' Badly Behaved Women
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for people who can stand and walk for up to two hours at a relaxed pace; minimal elevation and no technical fitness required.
Overview
A two-hour, small-group walking tour that traces three centuries of vice in New Orleans—from Ursuline convent scandals to Storyville’s palaces of sin. Expect archival photos, provocative stories, and practical route details for an atmospheric evening in the Quarter.
Storyville & Vice: Walking the Red-Light History of New Orleans' Badly Behaved Women
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The brick wall at the corner of Chartres and Ursulines holds the first frame of the story: a humid gust off the Mississippi seems to whisper secrets through the ironwork as a small group gathers beneath a faded lamppost. The guide opens a leather-bound folder of archival photos, and suddenly the French Quarter loosens its daytime civility—its alleys, courtyards and backdoors flicker into a different past, one where red lanterns called customers and madams ran fortunes and the law bent around vice.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring Photo ID
This experience is strictly 18+; carry a government ID for entry and drink purchases if you plan to toast afterward.
Hydrate and Dress for Humidity
New Orleans heat can hit hard—carry a refillable water bottle and wear breathable clothing and comfortable walking shoes for cobblestones.
Plan for Cobblestones
Sturdy flats or low-ankle shoes will make navigating uneven sidewalks and small alleyways far more comfortable.
Be Respectful of Neighborhoods
This tour goes through residential streets—keep noise low, follow the guide’s directions, and ask before photographing private courtyards.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- City pigeons adapted to French Quarter life
- Nocturnal raccoons in quieter park corners
History
The city’s red-light districts were formally zoned as Storyville in 1897; the district’s existence shaped early jazz venues and the local economy until its closure in 1917.
Conservation
Respect for residential areas and historic structures is crucial—avoid touching fragile architecture, pack out trash, and support local preservation efforts by visiting museums and buying from neighborhood businesses.
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Adventure Hotspots in New Orleans
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Provides stability on cobblestones and uneven sidewalks.
Refillable water bottle
Staying hydrated is crucial in New Orleans’ humidity.
summer specific
Government-issued ID
Required for age verification (18+) and any post-tour drink purchases.
Light rain jacket or compact umbrella
Afternoon showers are common—packable rain gear keeps the tour comfortable.
spring specific