The Badly Behaved Women Who Made New Orleans Tour

New Orleans , United States

The Badly Behaved Women Who Made New Orleans Tour

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(7 reviews)

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About this experience

Hear 300 years of history of vice and red light districts in New Orleans, and all that's not fit for print!

» Small groups: 15 guest max

» Suggested cocktails

» Fun extras: historical images, a take-home Polaroid of the group, and more!

France shipped women from the brothels and prisons to the colonies in the 1720s, sending them to Ursulines nuns for 'correction'. Instead, many hung their red lanterns out back of town, and created a thriving red light district.

In the same location, a century later, madams decked in diamonds reigned in 'palaces of sin'. Some were so rich and powerful they committed murder and got off scot free!

Hear the jaw-dropping history of New Orleans you'll never forget!

Ages 18+

Available options

The Badly Behaved Women Who Made New Orleans Tour

What's included

2-hour walking tour of the history of vice and red light districts in New Orleans

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

See the convent of the Ursulines nuns, the oldest building in the French Quarter (construction began 1727), and hear how the church and King Louis XV became sex traffickers to force more women to the colony, and had the nuns keep these "correction girls" in line with nude public lashings. But the girls were the ones with the problem?

Often we stop by this oldest building housing a bar in North America, and discuss its history as a smuggling front.

Although not one of our historic cocktail spots, we often take a break here and cool down in the heat.

Actually we won't see this shop on the tour, we'll go to the real Marie Laveau's birthplace, and discuss... "Wait, she doesn't belong on this tour! She's a voudou leader not a... " High class madam?

Find out where she made most of her real money!

Stop 4

The decadent palaces thrown up in Storyville on Basin St. were replaced by the Iberville Projects. So we take you to the gorgeous Louis Armstrong Park that overlooks what once was Storyville, with enough seating and shade for guests to sit and view photos of this historic time period, see and hear about its wildest characters.

What's not included

We have suggested cocktail stops at the start and one of the tour breaks. Drinks are NOT included but we do have fun suggestions on historic cocktails.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.8

5 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

We meet at the corner of Chartres St. and Ursulines Ave., by the brick wall of the BK House courtyard.

About New Orleans

New Orleans is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant music scene, and unique Creole and Cajun cuisine. It's famous for its annual Mardi Gras festival, historic French Quarter, and the lively atmosphere of Bourbon Street.

Top Attractions

French Quarter

The heart of New Orleans, the French Quarter is known for its vibrant nightlife, historic architecture, and cultural landmarks.

Historical Half day to full day Free to explore, attractions vary

Garden District

A picturesque neighborhood known for its antebellum mansions, oak-lined streets, and historic cemeteries.

Historical Half day Free to explore, tours available

National WWII Museum

A world-class museum dedicated to the history of World War II, featuring immersive exhibits and personal stories.

Museum 2-3 hours Moderate to expensive

City Park

A vast urban park featuring lush gardens, walking paths, and cultural attractions.

Nature Half day Free to enter, attractions vary

Frenchmen Street

A lively street known for its live music venues, art galleries, and vibrant nightlife.

Entertainment Evening Varies by venue

Must-Try Local Dishes

Gumbo

A rich and flavorful stew made with a dark roux, meat or seafood, and the 'holy trinity' of vegetables (onions, bell peppers, and celery).

Main Course Can be made with chicken, sausage, or seafood, and may contain gluten and dairy.

Jambalaya

A one-pot dish made with rice, meat or seafood, and the 'holy trinity' of vegetables, seasoned with a variety of spices.

Main Course Can be made with chicken, sausage, or seafood, and may contain gluten and dairy.

Beignets

A deep-fried pastry dusted with powdered sugar, often served with café au lait.

Dessert Contains gluten and dairy.

Po' Boy

A classic New Orleans sandwich made with French bread, filled with fried seafood, meat, or vegetables, and topped with lettuce, tomatoes, and mayo.

Sandwich Can be made with various fillings, and may contain gluten and dairy.

Popular Activities

Swamp tours Kayaking Biking Spa treatments Park picnics Café hopping Museum visits Historic site tours

Best Time to Visit

February to April

This is the best time to visit New Orleans, with pleasant weather and major events like Mardi Gras. The city is lively, but also more crowded and expensive.

15-25°C 60-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: French, Spanish, Vietnamese
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Central Time Zone (CT) (GMT-6)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

New Orleans is generally safe for tourists, but visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to avoid theft and other crimes.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use licensed taxis and rideshare services
• Be cautious of strangers offering services or assistance

Getting there

By air

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport • 15 miles (24 km) from downtown

By train

New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal

By bus

Greyhound Bus Station, Megabus Stop

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is affordable and covers most of the city, but can be slow due to traffic.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

French Quarter Garden District Warehouse District Faubourg Marigny Mid-City

Day trips

Plantation Country

30-40 miles (48-64 km) • Full day

Explore the historic plantations of Louisiana, with tours and exhibits showcasing the region's complex history.

Swamp and Bayou Tours

30-50 miles (48-80 km) • Half day to full day

Take a boat tour through the Louisiana swamps and bayous, with opportunities to see alligators, birds, and other wildlife.

Baton Rouge

80 miles (129 km) • Full day

Explore the capital of Louisiana, with its historic sites, museums, and universities.

Festivals

Mardi Gras • February or March (varies by year) Jazz & Heritage Festival • Late April to early May (two weekends) French Quarter Festival • April (four days)

Pro tips

Visit during the off-peak season for fewer crowds and lower prices
Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and attractions
Try local cuisine and support local businesses and restaurants
Use public transportation, such as buses and streetcars, to get around the city and save money
Be cautious of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid theft and other crimes