Ghost Hunting in New Orleans with Ghost Hunter University

As we mentioned last month, Ghost Hunter University is coming for a special 2 day event at Hotel Maison de Ville. Over two days you can learn basic and advanced Ghost Hunting Techniques, learn how to use equipment you have or learn on equipment provided by famed Ghost Hunter Christopher Moon, have dinner while learning about the many ghosts that haunt the Hotel Maision de Ville, go on a hunt for these ghosts yourself, and debrief each evening. You can register for one or both sessions, and we have special room rates to go with this special Ghost Hunting event.

You may want to extend your stay to leave yourself time to test out your new skills and explore the many haunted sites around New Orleans. Generally recognized as the most haunted city in America, New Orleans is famous for its pirates, infamous crime victims, vampires, voodoo practitioners, and all those who rest uneasy in the night.

Feeding these legends is the simple fact that New Orleans is a city built below sea level. Because of this, cemeteries do not bury the dead – rather they are interred in mausoleums that often rival city homes for architectural detail and beauty. Lafayette Cemetery was the first cemetery in the Garden District and includes a number of victims from the 1853 yellow fever epidemic as well as the location of the Interview with a Vampire novels.

St. Louis #1 in the French Quarter is the oldest cemetery in the city dating back to the time when New Orleans was a French colony.

There are over 40 cemeteries in New Orleans. We recommend not going alone – not only the undead walk the narrow pathways. Take a friend or ask the concierge to book one of the many available tours of the Cities of the Dead.

If you’re looking for more haunted locations than just cemeteries, New Orleans has plenty to offer. In addition to the ghosts occupying the Maison de Ville, be sure to visit:

Pat O’Briens – more than just a restaurant and famous New Orleans landmark, Pat O’Briens is also known for their otherworldly visitors including one just inside the front door and in the ladies room.

Lalaurie Mansion – On the corner of Royal and Governor Nicholls Streets sits a Creole-style mansion that was the site of a massacre and remains one of the most haunted sites in New Orleans. Dr. and Madam Lalaurie mistreated their servants terribly even burying some alive inside the house. The Lalauries escaped justice, fled the city and were never heard from again.

Pere Antoine’s Alley – Pere Antoine came to New Orleans with the Spanish Inquisition but became a beloved pastor of St. Louis Church (now Cathedral). He can still be seen walking down the alley next to the Cathedral reading his book of prayers, most often in the morning.

La Petite Theatre – Several ghosts are resident at the theatre including an actress who fell to her death from a third story balcony before a show.

Safety First

In addition to not going into the cemeteries alone at night, it’s generally a good idea to not go ghosting hunting alone at all – especially at night. Take a buddy or at least make sure someone knows where you’re heading and when to expect you back.

Respect private property – don’t trespass. Many sites are available to visit on tours or can be seen from the street, but some sites are still private homes.

Some ghost hunters find it helpful to wear or carry a spiritual protection (a cross, star of David, holy water – whatever works for your faith) or sea salt to create a barrier that ghosts cannot cross. In addition, always keep in mind that you can leave the area to get away from any ghostly intruders. If the ghosts could leave the area they are haunting, they probably would have.

See the full schedule, registration rates and special group room rates for Ghost Hunter University.