Explore the origins of Voodoo • All ages! • 1.5 to 2 hours
Explore the rich history and spiritual roots of Voodoo in New Orleans on a captivating 1.5 to 2-hour guided tour led by an authentic Voodoo Priest. Discover the true stories behind this misunderstood tradition and experience a respectful mock ritual that brings local culture to life.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; mostly walking at a leisurely pace
Wildlife
History
Voodoo became a vital part of New Orleans culture after enslaved Africans brought West African spiritual traditions to the city in the 1700s.
Conservation
Tour operators emphasize respect for historic sites and encourage responsible tourism that supports local communities and preserves cultural heritage.
Jonathan Weiss Tours
Explore the origins of Voodoo • All ages! • 1.5 to 2 hours
Jonathan Weiss Tours is a New Orleans-based walking tour company specializing in dark history, voodoo, vampire lore, ghost stories, and cocktail-themed experiences. Founded and operated in the French Quarter, the company offers a range of guided walks that highlight the city's supernatural legends, historical events, and bar culture.
Tours include the Cocktales Tour, a 1.5–2 hour small-group mixology walk with stops serving signature New Orleans cocktails; the Vampire Tour and Vampire VIP Tour, which explore local vampire legends and offer an adult-only VIP option with extended discussion and speakeasy access; the Ghost Tour, which focuses on hauntings, pirates, and romantic tragedies; and the Voodoo Tour, led by an authentic Voodoo Priest and including a mock ritual. Several Dark History Tours delve into unsolved murders, disasters, and other unsettling events that shaped the city. Two Dark History Tour listings are marked without summaries.
Trust and credibility come from local expertise: many guides are pre-Katrina licensed guides and long-term residents who lived in New Orleans for decades. Tours operate primarily in the Old French Quarter and emphasize historically grounded storytelling drawn from local records and oral traditions. Group sizes are intentionally small on certain tours, and several experiences run approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Jonathan Weiss Tours provides immersive, themed walks for visitors seeking a deeper, sometimes darker, understanding of New Orleans.
Booking is available for public scheduled walks and private groups; participants should confirm age requirements for specific tours such as the Vampire VIP Tour, which is restricted to 21+ adults.
Location
New Orleans, LA
Tours based in the French Quarter
Group Size
14 max
Small-group Cocktales Tour capacity
Tours Offered
8 tours
Range of themed walking experiences
Duration
1.5–2 hours
Typical tour length for most trips
Book now to secure small-group spots in the French Quarter — limited capacity on specialty and VIP experiences.
Respect Sacred Practices
Remain open-minded and respectful during the ritual segment to honor spiritual traditions.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The tour involves walking through historic neighborhoods—comfortable footwear is recommended.
Bring a Camera
Photos are welcome at most stops, so have your camera ready to capture unique landmarks.
Stay Hydrated
New Orleans can be warm and humid; carry water especially during summer tours.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Ideal for navigating the cobbled streets and sidewalks of New Orleans.
Light Rain Jacket
Spring showers are common; staying dry enhances comfort.
spring
Portable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated during warm, humid summer days.
summer
Wide-Brim Hat or Sunscreen
Protect yourself from sun exposure during daytime tours.
summer