Many tourists may think that indulging in Voodoo souvenirs and Voodoo-inspired cocktails is the correct way to experience New Orleans Voodoo. However, authentic New Orleans Voodoo is actually a religion that won’t be found in a Bourbon Street souvenir shop, but in spiritual temples and in Voodoo specific shops and museums around the city.
Voodoo developed in New Orleans in the early 1700s as enslaved West Africans combined their beliefs with the city’s majority Catholic population. There are still practitioners all throughout the city, with stores and tours that will give anyone the chance to explore the authentic faith. View our self-guided tour to see how you can explore the true New Orleans Voodoo.
New Orleans Voodoo Museum
Open every day, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
The New Orleans Voodoo Museum is a starting place to learn about the history and origins of the religion. The museum features artifacts, paintings, relics, altars and much more to inform and entertain the curious. The museum also offers cemetery tours, with stops at other iconic Voodoo sites, including famous New Orleans Voodoo high priestess Marie Laveau’s house. While the museum itself does not have any Voodoo practitioners on staff, it can help connect visitors to local practitioners who are interested in psychic readings, rituals, ceremonies and more.
Self-guided tours are $7, and cemetery tours are $29.
Marie Laveau’s House Of Voodoo
Sunday-Thursday, 10 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 1:30 a.m.
Marie Laveau is an iconic figure in the New Orleans Voodoo culture, so of course, she would have her own House of Voodoo. Many people do not know that Marie Laveau was actually two people. The first Marie Laveau is the highly regarded Voodoo queen who greatly impacted New Orleans culture in the 19th century. After her death, her daughter, also named Marie Laveau, was said to have embraced her mother’s Voodoo practice. Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo has a museum and a shop where you can view and purchase spiritual items, tarot cards, charms, herbs, books and more. They also offer divination and psychic readings from readers, mediums and psychics.
The Voodoo Bone Lady Haunted Tours
201 St. Charles Ave., Suite 2560
The Voodoo Bone Lady is not only a Voodoo priestess but also a psychic, holistic healer, medium and life coach. She offers a few types of tours, including a 5-in-1 Haunted Tour that will take you throughout New Orleans and tell stories of all things spooky and scary. Another is the St. Louis Cemetery Infamous City of the Dead Tour, where visitors will walk through the historic burial ground and experience a group ritual and blessing at the gravesite of Voodoo priestess Marie Laveau.
Tours start at $25, and advance bookings are recommended.
Voodoo Authentica
Open 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Voodoo Authentica is run by a Voodoo practitioner and offers local, handmade items perfect for anyone looking to indulge in the Voodoo culture. If you don’t have time to visit the store, it offers an online shop for purchasing dolls, gris-gris, educational packets, ritual kits and other Voodoo items. The shop also offers spiritual consultations from experienced practitioners in person, on the phone or on Skype.
Spiritual consultations start at $45 for 30 minutes.
New Orleans Ghost, Voodoo and Vampire Night Time Walking Tour
Departure Point: 400 Royal St.
Witches and vampires and ghosts, oh my! This two-hour walking tour around New Orleans features some of the city’s most haunted spots and stories about the supernatural inhabitants of the city. The tour focuses on sites like the LaLaurie mansion, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar and the Pharmacy Museum, which has a history more haunting than you may think.
Tours start at $15 and should be scheduled in advance.
Congo Square
In the early 1700s, enslaved people were allowed Sundays off, and they found a place of serenity and community in Congo Square. This space was used for markets, African dance and drumming circles, and yes, even Voodoo. Marie Laveau practiced Voodoo here and also led Voodoo dances. Modern-day Voodoo practitioners often have rituals in the park and consider the site a spiritual base.
Happy Haunting!
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