New Orleans Bourbon Street Bar Crawl w/ Shots & Souvenir Cup

A Night Out on Bourbon Street: The Practical Guide to the Best Bar Crawl in New Orleans

If you’ve ever dreamed of soaking up the true spirit of New Orleans, a Bourbon Street bar crawl offers a perfect way to do just that. For around $28, you’ll spend about two hours exploring some of the most iconic bars and hidden gems in the French Quarter, guided by locals who know how to keep the energy lively. You start at the famous Coyote Ugly Saloon, where you meet your guide and your fellow party-goers, and from there, the night unfolds with a mix of drinks, stories, and good old-fashioned fun.

What we love most about this experience is the inclusive atmosphere—multiple welcome shots, a custom souvenir cup that doubles as a keepsake, and drink specials across the stops. The second standout? The insider knowledge from guides like Jason, who keep the vibe fun, safe, and engaging. A slight caveat? The tour’s focus on drinking might not suit those who prefer a more relaxed or sober night, as the experience is built around active participation in the nightlife.

This tour is perfect if you’re looking for a social, energetic way to experience Bourbon Street rather than just passively observing from a distance. It suits anyone eager to make new friends, enjoy lively music, and get a taste of New Orleans’ legendary party scene—all while having a guide to keep things moving smoothly.

Key Points

• Authentic local guides make the experience lively, informative, and safe.
• Includes multiple shots and drink specials—great value for those wanting to enjoy the nightlife.
• Flexible timing with both daytime and evening options, featuring live bands or DJs.
• A souvenir cup to remember your night and unlock deals at different venues.
• Walking through the French Quarter offers a glimpse into the city’s unique architecture and history.
• Group size capped at 25 ensures an intimate and engaging atmosphere.

A Closer Look at the Bourbon Street Bar Crawl Experience

Starting Point: Coyote Ugly Saloon

Our journey begins right on N. Peters Street, just steps from the Mississippi River and Jackson Square. Meeting at the legendary Coyote Ugly Saloon, we’re welcomed with a first shot—a lively icebreaker with games and friendly banter. The location is ideal, easily accessible by rideshare or public transport—literally a two-minute walk from the Riverfront Streetcar station.

What makes this start so appealing is the relaxed, welcoming vibe and the chance to meet your guide and fellow participants early on. The fact that you get your Crawl Cup here is both fun and practical; it’s your ticket to drink deals across the entire night.

Walking Through the French Quarter

After the initial high-energy start, you take a short walk through the French Quarter, hearing stories about the area’s architecture and history. This part of the tour offers more than just bars; it’s an opportunity to appreciate the city’s visual charm—old brick facades, wrought-iron balconies, and street performers.

Many reviews highlight the value of this part of the crawl, with one noting it’s a chance to “fill your Crawl Cup before leaving because we can drink in the street in New Orleans.” This is a rare perk, allowing you to enjoy the festive atmosphere without feeling rushed or restricted.

Bourbon Street: The Heart of the Night

Arriving on Bourbon Street is like stepping into a movie scene—lights, music, and a vibe that never stops. The venues chosen are “carefully selected,” capturing the essence of this legendary street, which is known for its eclectic mix of live music, street performers, karaoke, balconies, and dance clubs.

Depending on the time of day or night, the ambiance shifts—daytime tours feature live bands, while evening crawls turn up the volume with DJs and nightclub energy. The duration at each stop is flexible, but overall, you can expect about one hour and twenty minutes of lively exploration.

The Bars and Venues

Expect to visit four lively venues—from raucous pubs to dance clubs—each offering drink specials and welcome shots. Multiple reviews praised how the shots are included, with one noting, “Shots at every bar were included,” which adds significantly to the value.

The atmosphere varies but is consistently described as “fun,” “interactive,” and full of good humor. Guides like Jason keep the energy high, engaging everyone with drinking games and storytelling. Many reviewers mention Jason specifically, describing him as “amazing,” “thoughtful,” and “protective,” which underscores how important a good guide is for a safe, fun experience.

Ending the Night

The crawl concludes near Orleans Street, close to Jackson Square and St Louis Cathedral—places that might tempt you to continue the celebration on your own. Whether you stay on Bourbon Street or explore further, the experience leaves you with memories, new friends, and a souvenir cup.

What the Tour Includes and Why It Matters

This experience offers value beyond just the price tag. For $28, you get four stops, multiple shots, a souvenir cup, and a guide who ensures you’re safe and having fun. The drink deals you unlock with the cup can stretch your budget further, and the group size of around 25 keeps it intimate enough for personal interactions.

The two-hour duration means it’s long enough to feel like a true night out, but not so long that it becomes exhausting. Plus, the option for daytime or evening tours provides flexibility depending on your energy level or sightseeing plans.

Authenticity and Safety

The reviews consistently praise guides like Jason for their attention to safety and entertainment. The inclusion of drinking games and shots keeps everyone involved, but it’s also clear that guides are mindful of the group’s pace and comfort.

We noticed that most reviews mention how well the tour is organized and how much fun everyone has, which reassures travelers that they’re in capable hands.

Drawbacks and Considerations

While this tour is fantastic for party-lovers, those looking for a more subdued experience or sober night might find it a bit too lively. Also, since drinks are provided at the bars, you might not get to choose your drinks, which could be a downside for some.

Plus, the focus on drinking and lively entertainment means this isn’t a tour for those with dietary restrictions or who prefer quieter venues.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This bar crawl is ideal for young travelers, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or anyone eager to enjoy the vibrant nightlife of New Orleans. If you love live music, dancing, and socializing, this tour offers a lively, controlled environment to do just that. It’s also perfect for first-time visitors wanting a guided introduction to Bourbon Street’s best spots.

Those who value friendly guides and included shots will find this experience particularly worthwhile. And if you’re in town for a special celebration—like a birthday or bachelorette bash—it’s a memorable way to mark the occasion.

Final Words

This Bourbon Street bar crawl offers an energetic, fun-filled introduction to New Orleans’ famous nightlife scene. For just $28, you get multiple stops, friendly guides, a souvenir cup, and plenty of chances to enjoy drinks and entertainment. The tour’s small group size and flexible schedule make it a practical choice for anyone wanting a guided, safe, and lively experience.

You’ll love the informative guides, the inclusive atmosphere, and the chance to mingle with fellow travelers. The carefully curated venues and emphasis on fun make it a highlight for those wanting to live the true NOLA experience—whether it’s your first visit or a repeat trip.

If you’re ready to dance, drink, and discover Bourbon Street’s legendary charm, this tour is definitely worth considering.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for all age groups?
This tour is designed for adults, typically 21 and over, due to alcohol consumption.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately two hours, with stops at four venues.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Coyote Ugly Saloon on N. Peters St and ends near Orleans Street, close to Jackson Square.

Are drinks included?
Yes, you get multiple welcome shots and drink specials at each venue. However, you can’t choose your drinks as they’re predetermined by the bars.

Can I participate if I don’t drink alcohol?
The tour is primarily focused on drinks and lively entertainment, so non-drinkers might not find it ideal.

Is transportation provided?
No, but the start point is centrally located and easily accessible by rideshare or public transit.

What’s the group size?
The maximum is around 25 travelers, keeping the experience intimate and manageable.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

Will I get a souvenir?
Yes, the Crawl Cup serves as a memorable keepsake and unlocks drink deals.

Is this experience good for special occasions?
Absolutely, reviews mention celebrations like birthdays and bachelorette parties, making it a fun way to mark a special day.

This detailed look at the New Orleans Bourbon Street Bar Crawl shows it’s a well-organized, lively way to dive into the city’s notorious nightlife. Whether you’re in town for the first time or a seasoned visitor, this experience promises a fun and authentic taste of Bourbon Street’s legendary party spirit.