True Voodoo History of NOLA's Congo Square with Local Guide
Description
Voodoo has long reigned in New Orleans legends, folklore, and history. It is shrouded in mystery and secrecy and often misrepresented in popular culture. Spirituality was hidden among the enslaved persons of the 1700s, popularized and commercialized by the famous Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau in the 19th century, and still functions as a valid religion in the modern-day city. Explore the vibrant heart of Congo Square, where enslaved Africans once gathered to practice their cultural rituals and music, laying the foundation for the city’s rich Voodoo traditions. Discover the life and legends of Marie Laveau, the most famous Voodoo practitioner in history. Voodoo Dolls, Vevers, and Gris-Gris Bags: Get hands-on with Voodoo artifacts, learning about dolls, vevers, and gris-gris bags, and learn their meanings and uses. Voodoo Authentica and other modern temples: End the tour outside contemporary Voodoo temples, including Voodoo Authentica, to witness modern practices and rituals.
Tour Options
Itinerary
The tour takes you to Congo Square in Armstrong Park. Guests will visit the traditional location for Voodoo traditions and gatherings for 100's of years.
Explore the vibrant heart of New Orleans, where enslaved Africans once gathered to practice their cultural rituals and music, laying the foundation for the city’s rich Voodoo traditions.
Discover the life and legends of Marie Laveau, the most famous Voodoo practitioner in history. Due to new security regulations by the Archdiocese of New Orleans pilgrimages, this tour does not visit St. Louis #1 Cemetery. Offerings to Marie Laveau's tomb are discouraged.
A small and teeming network of laissez-faire living lounged out on the balmy banks of the Mighty Mississippi, the French Quarter has long been a port of call for folks in search of a good time and a great story.
We end outside the Voodoo Authentica of New Orleans Cultural Center and Collections. You will have as much time as you'd like to explore after the tour. This is not only a shop, but also a temple and educational space. Everyone working here is a practitioner of Voodoo, and everything in the shop (save the African and Haitian art pieces) are made by local practitioners.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(141)
I took a tour with guide, High Priest Robi, and it was amazing! The crowd size was intimate, and was the perfect amount of time to both get to know Robi, the city, and each other! The overall atmosphere was cinematic, the perfect mix of humor, moments of silence to acknowledge past sacrifices, and heartfelt. The price is truly worth the experience, but I would recommend it more for adults or families who can handle discussing heavier topics (as mentioned in the content acknowledgement in the listing). Robi is extremely knowledgeable from both an academic standpoint and anecdotal experiences, which was a real pleasure to be let in on his personal experiences/how those practices relate in the larger story of the tour. He also made the point to share additional information before/after the tour, while citing sources throughout the visit, which made all of the vibrant storytelling all the more credible. This was one of the best tours I've been on in any city, and Robi's magnetic personality is something you have to experience for yourself. ╰(*´︶`*)╯♡
Thank you for your amazing review! We're so glad you had such a meaningful experience with High Priest Robi. His knowledge, storytelling, and personal insights help create a truly unique and impactful tour. We appreciate you highlighting the intimate group setting and thoughtful balance of humor and reflection. Thank you for joining us—we hope to see you again on another tour soon!
I was very fortunate to be guided through Congo Square by High Priest Robi on March 26, 2026 with my 8 friends from Montana. It was a highlight of our week-long stay. My friend Beth booked the event so not sure what app she used. I have witnessed few people in my life that are as moving, funny, informed, and life-changing as High Priest Robi. My friends and I are still talking about the experience.
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that your experience with High Priest Robi in Congo Square was such a highlight of your trip. It’s amazing to know the tour left such a lasting impression on you and your group. We truly appreciate you sharing your kind words and hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable experience in the future!
High Priest Robi was nothing short of phenomenal! He was so kind and welcoming - my husband is recovering from back surgery and walking with a cane. High Priest Robi was so sweet and accommodating, he frequently pointed out places for Richard to sit during the tour. He is incredibly knowledgeable about Voodoo and Louisiana history, and he is a dynamic and fascinating storyteller. We were enthralled the entire time. At the end, High Priest Robi gave us an authentic blessing that centered around self love and care - it was genuinely beautiful. High Priest Robi is treasure - please do yourself a favor and experience this incredibly thought provoking, positive, informative tour!
Thank you for your heartfelt review! We're so glad to hear that your experience with High Priest Robi was so meaningful. His kindness, knowledge, and thoughtful approach to storytelling truly make his tours special, and we're especially happy he was able to accommodate your husband comfortably throughout the experience. It’s wonderful to know the tour was both informative and uplifting, and that it left such a lasting impression on you. We truly appreciate you sharing your experience and hope to welcome you again in the future for another memorable tour!
Entertaining and educational. Had a great time. Robi is full of love and wisdom and he knows how to share both.
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're so glad to hear you had a great time on the True Voodoo History of NOLA’s Congo Square tour. It’s great that you found it both entertaining and educational, and that the experience left such a positive impression. We truly appreciate you joining us and hope to welcome you again on another tour soon!
High Priest Robi is truly such a gem! He has such a wealth of knowledge and beautiful light. Best history tour I have ever gone on! He has great recommendations for everything you can think of. If you are new to NOLA he should be your very first stop to ensure you have the best time!
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're so glad you had such an incredible experience and found the tour to be the best history tour you've ever taken. It’s great to hear the guide’s knowledge, positive energy, and local recommendations helped make your time in NOLA even more special. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you again soon!
I truly enjoyed this tour it was the type of educational, fun, learning experience I was hoping for! Robi was phenomenal and full of light! Come with an open mind and heart and enjoy this journey!
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're so glad you enjoyed the tour and found it to be both educational and fun. It’s great to hear that Robi made such a positive impression with his energy and storytelling. We truly appreciate you joining us and hope to welcome you again for another meaningful experience in NOLA!
We did both the afternoon Voodoo History tour as well as the morning tour with High Priest Robi. I HIGHLY recommend both for anyone interested in learning more about voodoo and it's history in New Orleans. There isn't much overlap between the two tours, and they're very different experiences. The time with High Priest Robi is something I will always remember and was a total highlight of our trip to New Orleans. Open mind is a must.
Thank you for your amazing review! We're thrilled you enjoyed both tours and found them to be such unique and complementary experiences. It’s wonderful to hear that your time with High Priest Robi was a highlight of your trip and left such a lasting impression. We truly appreciate your recommendation and are glad you joined us in New Orleans. Hope to welcome you again on another tour soon!
Incredible history and context, from one of the most interesting, inspiring and hilarious people that I’ve been lucky enough to meet. I went in without any particular expectation, on the recommendation of a friend and I’m so glad I did. I learnt a lot, got some tips on good reading and left feeling more informed, and seriously empowered to do my own research too.
Thank you so much for this incredible review! We’re thrilled to hear that your experience was not only informative, but also inspiring and empowering. It means a lot to know the tour sparked your curiosity and encouraged you to keep exploring and learning. We’ll be sure to pass your kind words along to your guide—they’ll be so happy to hear it. Thanks again for joining us!
Highly recommend high priest robi - a ray of light and a highlight of our trip!
Thank you! We’re so glad High Priest Robi was a highlight of your trip — we’ll be sure to share your kind words with him. Hope to see you again!
Our guide (Matthew, I believe, I'm embarrassed that I don't remember) was literally a walking encyclopedia of all things voodoo but also all things history based in NOLA. We felt lucky to have him for this tour. He provides a non- judgmental space for learning & asking questions. We learned so much. This was exactly what I wanted, no hokey outfits or acting, just history. Thank you so much!
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! We’re thrilled you had such a meaningful experience and felt comfortable asking questions while learning. Our guides are passionate about sharing authentic history, and we’re so glad that came through. Hope to see you again on another tour!
