French Quarter Haunted and Tipsy Tour

Experience the Mystery and Charm of New Orleans with the French Quarter Haunted and Tipsy Tour

If you’re looking for a way to explore New Orleans beyond the typical tourist spots, this French Quarter Haunted and Tipsy Tour offers a lively and slightly spooky journey through the city’s darker past. Priced at just $30 per person and lasting about two hours, this tour combines storytelling, history, and stops at some of the most iconic bars in the French Quarter. What sets it apart is its intimate small-group setting—limited to 15 travelers—which ensures personalized attention and a more engaging experience.

Two things we particularly love about this tour: First, the knowledgeable guides who weave historical facts with legends, making each stop both entertaining and educational. Second, the variety of stops, from haunted bars to chilling mansions, that give you a genuine taste of the city’s ghostly reputation without feeling rushed or superficial. However, a potential consideration is that if you’re expecting a heavy dose of alcohol or a truly spooky, haunted experience, this tour might lean more toward storytelling and light drinking than full-blown haunted thrills.

This tour is ideal for travelers who enjoy stories of mystery, crime, and voodoo but also appreciate a relaxed pace and some social time at local watering holes. It’s perfect for history buffs, curious ghost enthusiasts, or those simply wanting an unusual evening in the French Quarter.

Key Points

• Small group size lends to a more personal and engaging experience.
• Culturally rich stops like the Lalaurie Mansion and Old Ursuline Convent reveal the city’s darker legends.
• Bar stops include historic and haunted venues, offering a taste of local spirits and stories.
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the tour with verified facts and lively storytelling.
• Photos provided afterward help you remember the spooky highlights.
• Flexibility in storytelling, based on your interests, makes each tour unique.

A Deep Dive into the French Quarter Haunted and Tipsy Tour

This tour is designed to give you a balanced look at New Orleans’ haunted reputation while also injecting a bit of fun and socializing. Starting at Cuban Creations Cigar Bar, the tour begins with a relaxed vibe in a classy setting, known as the only smoking bar in the French Quarter. Here, you might enjoy historic cocktails as your guide, perhaps sharing tales of the city’s secret past or notorious characters.

Following that, you’ll head to Muriel’s Jackson Square, famous for being the most haunted restaurant in town. In fact, there’s even a ghost table set aside—an element that delights ghost enthusiasts. We loved how this stops blends authentic dining history with ghostly legends, making it a memorable part of the walk.

Another highlight is the visit to Jackson Square itself. Your guide will recount grim tales of the square’s bloody past and its connection to a tragic Spanish baroness, adding a layer of history to the picturesque surroundings. The stories are vivid enough to make you see the square in a different light—more than just a postcard-worthy spot.

The tour then ventures into Voodoo Authentica, where you’ll get a quick introduction to Voodoo and its most famous practitioner, Marie Laveau. The guide discusses her influence and secret underground activities, giving you a glimpse into the mystique that surrounds Voodoo in New Orleans. The tour’s flexibility allows guides to tailor stories based on what the group finds most interesting—a feature many reviews appreciated, as it keeps the experience lively and responsive.

Next, the walking continues through the French Quarter’s architectural marvels. Your guide shares amusing, bizarre, and often tragic stories about the buildings, giving you a sense of the area’s layered past. The scenery of wrought iron balconies, colorful facades, and centuries-old structures is intertwined with tales of their former inhabitants—both real and legendary.

The stops at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar and The Ice House Bar of the Provincial Hotel are where history and spirits mix. As the oldest bar in New Orleans and the oldest building to host a bar in the country, Lafitte’s is a must-see. The guide recounts pirate Jean Lafitte’s legendary presence in New Orleans, adding a swashbuckling vibe to the evening. Meanwhile, the haunted tales of the Provincial Hotel’s Ice House Bar** elevate the experience beyond just drinking; it’s about feeling the ghostly whispers of the past.

One of the most chilling stops is the Lalaurie Mansion, infamous for its inhumane serial killers and the house’s spectral reputation. The story of Delphine Lalaurie shocked the city and changed its image—an account that many visitors find both horrifying and fascinating. The guide’s detailed recounting, coupled with the house’s imposing presence, makes this stop a standout. Several reviews mention this as the “most terrifying story” in NOLA history, and it embodies the dark allure the tour aims to evoke.

The Old Ursuline Convent Museum wraps up the tour, tying together the city’s legends of vampires with historical fact. While some myths may be exaggerated, the atmosphere of the convent, combined with stories of vampire lore, leaves a lasting impression. We appreciated how the guide clarified which tales are legend and which are rooted in history, adding depth and clarity.

Practical Details and What You Can Expect

The itinerary is thoughtfully crafted—each stop lasts between 10 to 20 minutes—allowing you to soak in the stories without feeling rushed. The group size of up to 15 travelers, as praised in reviews, fosters a friendly environment where questions and interactions are encouraged.

Starting point at Cuban Creations and ending near Royal Street means you’re conveniently located in the heart of the French Quarter, close to other attractions, restaurants, and transportation options. The tour is mobile-ticket based, and you can confirm your spot quickly, often booked about 20 days in advance, ensuring you plan ahead.

The cost of $30 per person offers excellent value given the mix of storytelling, historic sites, and bar stops. Adding in the photos afterward, as some reviewers noted, helps you relive your spooky adventure.

While most travelers find the tour to be a perfect blend of fun, history, and spirits, a few mention that if you’re expecting a very “boozy” or “spooky” experience in the traditional sense, this tour may be more about storytelling and ambiance. It’s not a full-on haunted house tour or a heavy drinking session, but rather a relaxed and engaging walk with a tipsy twist.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience suits those who enjoy historical stories with a ghostly twist, appreciate small-group intimacy, and want a more authentic and personal look at New Orleans’ darker legends. It’s great for history buffs, ghost enthusiasts, and anyone curious to learn about the city’s voodoo, crime, and pirate lore in a relaxed setting. It’s also ideal for visitors who prefer guided storytelling over self-guided wandering and who want a memorable night out with local tales and drinks.

Final Thoughts

The French Quarter Haunted and Tipsy Tour offers a distinctive way to see New Orleans—by walking through its shadowy past while enjoying some of its historic bars. The tour’s small-group format and knowledgeable guides ensure you get a detailed, personalized experience that goes beyond the usual sightseeing.

The mix of architecture, legends, and haunted tales makes it a perfect choice for travelers who enjoy a narrative-driven adventure. The inclusion of bar stops (with the option to grab a drink) adds a social element that many reviews praise, making it a fun, relaxed way to explore the city’s darker side.

While it might not be the most haunted or boozy experience you’ll find, it strikes a good balance of history, storytelling, and local flavor. It’s especially well-suited for first-time visitors or those interested in learning about the city’s ghostly reputation without feeling overwhelmed.

Overall, it’s a great value for its price, especially considering the mix of stories, sights, and social stops. If you’re after an authentic, engaging, and slightly spooky evening with a hint of tipsy fun, this tour will be right up your alley.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
Approximately two hours, covering multiple stops with time for stories and photo opportunities.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Cuban Creations Cigar Bar at 533 Toulouse St and ends near 1035 Royal St.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s geared toward adults interested in ghost stories, history, and bar stops.

How many people are in each group?
Limited to 15 travelers, ensuring a small, intimate experience.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included but are available for purchase at the bar stops.

What’s the best time to take this tour?
Most reviews recommend evening slots, especially Sunday evenings, for a quieter experience.

Are photos included?
Yes, guides send photos to remember your spooky adventure afterward.

Can service animals join?
Yes, service animals are allowed on the tour.

What’s the main focus of the tour?
A combination of haunted stories, local legends, and some fun bar stops to enjoy the lively spirit of New Orleans.

This in-depth review aims to give you all the practical insight you need to decide whether this tour fits your NOLA plans. Whether you’re into ghost stories, historic buildings, or just a fun night out, this tour offers a balanced slice of what makes New Orleans both charming and mysterious.