The streets of New Orleans are always alive with energy, but on certain nights, they're downright spooky

I stepped out of the French Quarter and into the eerie glow of the city's most infamous mansions, rumored to be haunted by the ghosts of the past.

My journey began at the LaLaurie House, once the grand estate of Madame Delphine LaLaurie, a wealthy socialite with a dark secret. In the 1800s, she tortured and murdered her slaves, and their restless spirits are said to still roam the halls. As I walked up the crumbling steps, a chill ran down my spine. The mansion's ornate facade seemed to loom over me, casting long shadows that stretched like skeletal fingers.

The LaLaurie House, located on Royal Street, was built in the 1830s and is considered one of the most haunted mansions in New Orleans. Its grand facade belies the horrors that took place within its walls. Madame LaLaurie's cruelty was legendary, and her slaves suffered unimaginable cruelty at her hands. On April 10, 1834, a fire broke out in the kitchen, revealing the shocking mistreatment of her slaves. Responding to the fire, authorities found slaves chained in the attic, bearing evidence of gruesome torture. The slaves were subjected to cruel punishments, including being burned alive, scalped, and dismembered.

As I explored the mansion, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched. The air was thick with the scent of decay and rot, and I could have sworn I heard the faint whispers of the slaves who suffered and died within these walls. I felt a chill run down my spine as I gazed up at the attic where the slaves were tortured. The LaLaurie House is said to be haunted by the ghosts of these slaves, and I could sense their presence lingering in the air.

Next, I ventured to the Bourbon Orleans Hotel, where guests and staff have reported strange occurrences – doors slamming shut, lights flickering, and ghostly apparitions in the mirrors. The hotel is said to be haunted by the ghost of a young girl named Julia, who died in one of the hotel's rooms under mysterious circumstances. I checked in, hoping to catch a glimpse of the paranormal activity. As night fell, I explored the labyrinthine corridors, my footsteps echoing off the walls. Suddenly, a cold breeze swept past me, extinguishing the candles in the lobby. I spun around, but there was no one there.

The Bourbon Orleans Hotel is located on Bourbon Street and has a rich history dating back to the 1800s. It was built as a ballroom and later converted into a hotel, which has hosted many famous guests, including Mark Twain and Charles Dickens. However, it's not just the famous guests that make this hotel famous – it's the ghostly apparitions and paranormal activity that have been reported by guests and staff. I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease as I walked through the hotel's corridors, wondering if I would encounter Julia's ghost.

The most spine-tingling experience, however, was yet to come. I visited the infamous St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, where crumbling mausoleums and above-ground tombs stretch as far as the eye can see. The air was thick with the scent of jasmine and decay. As I wandered through the narrow paths, I stumbled upon the tomb of Marie Laveau, the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans. According to legend, leaving offerings and making wishes at her tomb can conjure up her spirit. I left a small token, made my wish, and waited. The wind rustled through the leaves, and I could have sworn I heard a faint whisper – "Your wish is granted."

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is one of the most famous cemeteries in the world and is said to be haunted by the spirits of those buried within its walls. The cemetery is home to the tomb of Marie Laveau, who was a powerful Voodoo priestess in New Orleans during the 1800s. Her tomb is a place of pilgrimage for many, who come to leave offerings and make wishes. As I stood before her tomb, I felt a sense of reverence and awe, wondering if her spirit was truly present.

As the night wore on, I made my way to the next location – the LaFitte Guest House, said to be haunted by the ghost of Jean LaFitte, the infamous pirate. The guesthouse is located in the heart of the French Quarter and is said to be one of the most haunted places in New Orleans. As I explored the labyrinthine corridors, I stumbled upon a hidden courtyard, where I discovered a mysterious statue of a pirate. Suddenly, the wind picked up, and the statue seemed to come to life, its eyes glowing with an otherworldly energy.

The LaFitte Guest House is said