New Orleans Drunk History Tour

The New Orleans Drunk History Tour: An Entertaining Dive into the French Quarter

If you’re looking to combine a bit of history, paranormal intrigue, and local flavor, the New Orleans Drunk History Tour offers a lively way to experience the French Quarter. Priced at $35 per person, this tour lasts about 1 to 2 hours — a perfect quick immersion into one of America’s most colorful neighborhoods. Your guide (often praised for their knowledge and humor, such as Cody) will walk you past iconic spots like St Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square, sharing tales of ghosts, voodoo queens, and the city’s darker legends. Along the way, you’ll have opportunities to sip your favorite drinks from nearby bars, and if you’re up for it, use paranormal equipment to see if you can detect spirits lurking around the historic streets.

What we love most about this experience is how it balances entertaining storytelling with interactive elements. The guide’s familiarity with the area’s spooky legends makes every stop feel alive and authentic. Plus, the chance to use real ghost detectors adds a fun twist that appeals to those curious about the supernatural. The tour’s focus on local culture and legends makes it more memorable than a standard stroll, especially with the lively atmosphere of Bourbon Street and the French Quarter’s vibrant vibe.

A possible consideration is the variable length and pace; depending on bar crowd levels and the group size, the tour might extend or slightly shorten, but it generally stays within the 1-2 hour window. Also, some reviews mention issues like cancellations or no-shows, which can be frustrating, but those seem to be exceptions rather than the rule.

This tour is best suited for history buffs, paranormal enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a lively, unique way to explore New Orleans’ iconic French Quarter. If you’re traveling with friends, interested in local stories, or just looking for a fun way to start an evening out, this tour hits the mark.

Key Points

• Authentic Local Guides: Knowledgeable, humorous, and engaging storytellers.
• Rich Cultural Stops: Visits to landmarks like St Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square.
• Supernatural Twist: Use of real paranormal equipment to try detecting spirits.
• Flexible Experience: Drink stops at neighborhood bars, with time for purchases.
• Short & Sweet: Perfect for a quick but memorable introduction to the French Quarter.
• Variable Length: Duration can range from 1 to 2 hours depending on factors like crowds or stops.

In-Depth Review of the New Orleans Drunk History Tour

What You Can Expect from the Tour

Starting at 941 Bourbon Street, the tour kicks off with a walk through the lively heart of the French Quarter. From the very beginning, the guide sets a friendly, informal tone, making it clear that this is a fun, relaxed exploration rather than a stiff history lesson. As you stroll past iconic sites, your guide shares stories that range from Macabre tales of ghosts and vampires to tales of Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau and her influence in the city.

One major highlight is the stop at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, which is notably one of the oldest bars in the United States. Here, the guide often shares legends about pirates, supernatural activity, and the neighborhood’s darker past. You have the chance to buy drinks here or at other local bars along the route, making the experience more immersive and relaxed. The guide encourages you to sip your drinks as you walk, creating a lively, social atmosphere.

The Highlights: Landmark Visits and Stories

The tour stays within the French Quarter, focusing on its most famous sights, including Jackson Square and the St Louis Cathedral. Expect to hear fascinating tales about the area’s history, seeing where voodoo ceremonies once took place, and learning about the city’s connections to the Louisiana Purchase. The guide’s storytelling includes a mixture of historical facts and local legends, making the experience appealing to both history buffs and those craving ghost stories.

Paranormal Activity and Equipment

What truly sets this tour apart is the interactive element. Participants are encouraged to use paranormal equipment (like EMF meters) to ‘detect’ ghosts or supernatural forces. Reviews show that many guests find this part especially fun, adding a layer of authenticity and excitement. The guide checks out the equipment at the start, ensuring it’s used properly, and most guests enjoy trying their hand at ghost hunting.

The Drinking Component

While the tour cost covers the guide and the storytelling, drinks are paid for separately at neighborhood bars. This flexibility allows guests to choose their drinks and pace. Several reviews praise the bar recommendations, with one noting that the tour guide’s picks are “the bomb,” and others saying it’s a great way to start an evening in New Orleans.

Group Size and Atmosphere

With a maximum of 999 travelers, the tour can accommodate many people, but most reviews mention a friendly, intimate feel. The moderate walking pace and the guide’s engaging style help keep everyone involved, even in a lively crowd. It’s a social experience, perfect for groups, couples, or solo travelers wanting to meet others.

Considerations and Caveats

Some reviews mention the possibility of cancellations or no-shows, which can be disappointing. This is a rare occurrence, but it underscores the importance of booking in advance (most guests book about 6 days ahead). Also, as the tour is rain-or-shine, weather can affect the experience. In heavy rain, the outdoor stops might be less atmospheric, but the paranormal theme still holds.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar
This is the tour’s starting point, where you’ll gather outside and begin your exploration of the neighborhood’s secrets. The guide shares legends of the area’s pirate past, ghosts, and voodoo legends. The bar’s historic atmosphere adds a tangible sense of the past, with many guests describing it as “interesting” and “the perfect intro” to the spooky side of New Orleans.

Stop 2: French Quarter
The entire tour remains within this beloved neighborhood, exploring its narrow streets, historic facades, and lively ambiance. Stops include Jackson Square, with its street artists and performers, and the area around the St Louis Cathedral, where stories of ghost sightings and supernatural legends abound.

Throughout the walk, the guide points out locations linked to haunted tales and voodoo ceremonies, blending historical facts with local lore. You might learn about the haunted mansion, which the guide notes as “very sad,” adding emotional depth to the ghost stories.

Additional Details

The tour is designed to be moderate-paced, enabling you to take in the sights without feeling rushed. It’s suitable for most travelers, including service animals, and offers flexibility to purchase drinks or use paranormal equipment. The group size allows for personal interaction, and the guide’s engaging storytelling makes the experience enjoyable even for those unfamiliar with New Orleans.

How the Tour Offers Value

At $35, the tour provides a value-packed experience. For that price, you get a knowledgeable guide who brings the city’s haunted tales to life, a chance to enjoy drinks from local bars, and interactive paranormal testing. Many reviews highlight the guide’s expertise and humor, describing Cody as “the best tour guide we’ve ever had,” which enhances the overall experience.

This tour is especially attractive for first-time visitors wanting a lively overview of the French Quarter’s spooky side, or for groups celebrating special occasions like bachelor/bachelorette parties, as many reviews suggest. It offers an engaging way to start an evening out, with plenty of stories to share later.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience works best for those who enjoy storytelling, local legends, and a relaxed pace. If you’re comfortable walking through historic streets, appreciate a good ghost story, or want to combine sightseeing with a bit of paranormal fun, you’ll find this tour rewarding. The mix of history, humor, and interactive elements makes it stand out among New Orleans tours.

However, if you prefer more structured or private experiences, or are seeking a tour with guaranteed private access, this might not be the best fit. Cancellations and weather can sometimes impact the schedule, so plan accordingly.

All in all, if you’re in New Orleans and want a fun, engaging, and atmospheric tour that mixes history, hauntings, and a little bit of drink-driven adventure, this tour offers a memorable way to explore the French Quarter.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While children are allowed to participate, the tour involves walking and visiting bars, so younger guests should be supervised. Check if the bars allow children beforehand, as some may have age restrictions.

Can I purchase drinks during the tour?
Yes, you can buy drinks at neighborhood bars along the route. The tour guide encourages you to sip your drink while walking, making it a social and relaxed experience.

What equipment is provided for paranormal investigating?
The tour supplies a real EMF Meter — a ghost or paranormal detector — which guests can use to try to pick up signals during the walk.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not eligible for refunds. The tour operates rain-or-shine, with refunds offered if canceled due to weather.

How long does the tour last?
Typically, the tour lasts from 1 to 2 hours, depending on the group size, weather, and stops. Most reviews mention it’s a moderate-paced walk, ample enough to enjoy stories and sights without feeling rushed.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins outside the courtyard gate of Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar at 941 Bourbon Street and concludes in the heart of the French Quarter, making it easy to continue exploring afterward.

To sum it up, the New Orleans Drunk History Tour offers a lively, authentic way to explore the city’s haunted corners and lively streets. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a paranormal hunter, or just after a fun way to kick off your night, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in this engaging, well-reviewed experience.