New Orleans
Spooky Sites that Dazzle and Delight
New Orleans is, without question, one of my favorite cities in the United States. The food, the people, the soul of the city—it all has this effortless magic that makes you feel instantly at home. I’ve been back more times than I’d like to admit (and I’m already planning my next trip). However, if there’s one thing that sparks debate among travelers, it’s when to visit. Should you go for Mardi Gras? Jazz Fest? While those are tempting, in my opinion, there’s really only one time to experience the true essence of New Orleans: Halloween.
A well-known gem at a surprise time of the year
There’s something almost magical about New Orleans in the fall, and when Halloween rolls around, the city takes on an entirely new energy. It’s like the Crescent City was made for this season—rich in history, steeped in mystery, and brimming with just the right amount of seasonally spooky charm. There are, however, right ways – and wrong ways – to explore New Orleans. Read on for how to take this city by storm for all things spooky.
Where to go
First things first—skip Bourbon Street. Sure, it’s lively, but the real magic lies in the quieter corners of the city. Stay in the Marigny or the Garden District (my preference!), where historic homes are draped in Spanish moss and decked out with over-the-top Halloween decorations. Walking these streets feels like stepping into a Gothic novel, with the kind of ambiance that will have you glancing over your shoulder – of course just for fun.
What to see
And when it comes to spooky, New Orleans delivers. Ghost tours, cemetery walks, and voodoo history tours bring the city’s haunted past to life in ways that are chilling, fascinating, and surprisingly fun. We took a tour and there is no hyperbole when I say – I have never met a tour guide, more passionate, knowledgeable, and engaging than I had on this tour. New Orleans apparently just does that to you – really makes you lean into the magic and wonder of the city, even when it's a little bit creepy. For an extra layer of sinister, check out St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, with its crumbling tombs and air of mystery – an absolute must – however the less crowded but equally eerie Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 is also a hit as well.
What to eat
Of course, no trip to New Orleans is complete without indulging in the food. Fall is the perfect time to cozy up to a bowl of gumbo or savor the rich, smoky flavor of andouille sausage in jambalaya. And the beignets? They’re always in season. Stop by a local favorite like Café Beignet, or skip the line entirely and discover a smaller spot tucked away in a side street like Morning Call.
Halloween in New Orleans isn’t just a holiday—it’s a celebration of the city’s soul. Between the costumes, the stories, and the flavors, you’ll leave with more than just incredible memories. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for this vibrant, hauntingly beautiful city that does Halloween better than anywhere else.
