Uncover New Orleans’ Trailblazing Women with Spectral City Tours
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
1.5–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; comfortable walking shoes recommended.
Overview
Discover the untold stories of New Orleans’ trailblazing women on this small-group tour. Uncover scandal, empowerment, and history in the city’s storied streets. Keep reading to learn why this experience is a must for history lovers and cultural explorers alike.
The Badly Behaved Women Who Made New Orleans Tour
Small Groups ✦ Hilarious Scandals ✦ Craft Cocktail Stops
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Discover the untold stories of New Orleans' founding mothers on this unique small-group tour. Explore the lives of trailblazing women like Voudou Queen Marie Laveau and Baroness Pontalba, while visiting historic sites that shaped the city. Experience a captivating blend of history, scandal, and empowerment in the heart of Storyville.
Explore the history that history left out!
The Tour
In the old colonial New Orleans, the women who became its founding mothers hung red lanterns outside wooden shacks they'd built with their own two hands. Two hundred years later, those shacks had grown into the palaces of Storyville, where brothel queens decked in diamonds lived in palaces of marble and mahogany.
Hear about the fascinating lives of women who broke all the rules, such as the Baroness Pontalba, our famous Voudou Queen, Marie Laveau, and other women who made our city what it is today.
- Small-group, personalized tour
- Visuals that bring the history to life
- Drinks available for purchase at two cocktail stops
Take home a piece of New Orleans you'll never forget!
Small Group Tour : 15 guests max.
Duration: 2 hours
Meeting Place: Corner of Chartres St. & Ursulines Ave. (by the brick-walled courtyard of BK House)
Ages: 18+, some discussion of sexual topics included.
Adventure Tips
Wear comfortable footwear
The tour involves walking through historic districts with uneven cobblestones and narrow streets.
Bring water and sun protection
Summers in New Orleans can be hot and humid, so stay hydrated and shield yourself from the sun.
Prepare for storytelling distractions
Some stops may have visual or auditory distractions; stay attentive to the guide for the full experience.
Check the weather forecast
Inclement weather could alter the tour schedule; plan accordingly and dress for rain if needed.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Birds like herons and egrets along the riverfront
- City squirrels that have adapted to urban surroundings
History
The tour delves into stories of women who defied societal expectations to influence New Orleans’ cultural landscape—stories often omitted from mainstream narratives.
Conservation
The tour promotes awareness of historical preservation efforts in the French Quarter, supporting sustainable tourism and protecting the city’s unique heritage.
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Adventure Hotspots in New Orleans
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Necessary for navigating the historic streets and cobblestone paths comfortably.
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
Protects against strong sun exposure during daytime walks.
spring|summer|fall specific
Water bottle
Stay hydrated during the tour, especially in warmer months.
Light jacket or raincoat
Useful for unexpected weather changes or cooler temperatures.
spring|fall|winter specific