Discover New Orleans’ Dark Side: The True Crime Pub Crawl

If you’re a fan of murder mysteries, scandal, and history, the New Orleans Original True Crime Pub Crawl offers a unique way to experience the city’s notorious past. For about 2.5 hours, this tour takes you through the French Quarter, visiting several iconic bars while sharing stories of serial killers, unsolved mysteries, and scandalous crimes. Led by local guides, this tour combines entertaining storytelling with a little liquid courage — and no, you don’t have to drink to enjoy it.

The tour costs around $50 per person, with stops at seven different bars, offering a chance to sample some of New Orleans’ signature cocktails. Expect a balanced mix of chilling tales and lively atmosphere—perfect for those interested in the city’s darker history without feeling overwhelmed. We especially appreciate the knowledgeable guides and the authentic stories that go beyond the usual tourist fare.

One point to consider: this isn’t a traditional pub crawl in the sense of heavy drinking, as the focus is on storytelling and history. Some travelers might find the pub stops brief and wish for a more extended bar experience. Still, if you’re eager for local insight into NOLA’s mysterious and sometimes grisly past, this tour makes for a memorable evening. It’s best suited for history buffs, true crime enthusiasts, and social travelers looking for an unusual way to see the French Quarter.

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Key Points

Authentic stories from local guides that go beyond podcasts or surface-level tales
Multiple bar stops offering a chance to enjoy New Orleans’ signature drinks or just listen in a lively setting
Focus on lesser-known cases and local mysteries, making it a unique alternative to typical city tours
A relaxed, social atmosphere with no pressure to drink, making it accessible for all

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An In-Depth Look at the True Crime Pub Crawl

What makes this tour stand out?

We loved the way this tour combines history, storytelling, and socializing. The guide’s expert storytelling makes each crime story vivid and engaging, whether it’s about historic murders or modern mysteries. As one reviewer noted, their guide was “a great storyteller and easy to follow,” which makes all the difference when wandering through stories that can range from gruesome to surprisingly funny.

Plus, the opportunity to take drinks To-Go from several stops adds a fun, practical element — you can sip a cocktail while walking and listening, creating a relaxed vibe. The French Quarter, with its beautiful architecture and lively pubs, enhances the tour’s atmosphere, giving it an authentic New Orleans feel.

The Itinerary — Step by Step

The tour begins at 1239 Royal St, where you meet your guide, usually at the Golden Lantern Bar. From there, the stops include:

Harry’s Corner: A quick 20-minute stop, perfect for settling in and getting the first taste of the city’s drinks and stories. Here, your guide introduces some of the local crime lore, and you get your first drink to-go.
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar: Spend 25 minutes at this historic bar, said to be one of the oldest in the US, with tales of pirates and perhaps some ghostly whispers. The stories here often involve murder, deception, and high-seas scandal.
Pour House @ District: Another 25-minute stop, combining the lively atmosphere of this well-loved pub with more local crime tales.
The Dungeon: Expect another 25-minute stop, where the dark ambiance lends itself well to stories about unsolved mysteries and gruesome murders.
Fahy’s Irish Pub: This 25-minute stay is a good chance for a second round or just to soak in the lively pub scene while hearing more about NOLA’s notorious characters.
Bar Tonique: A quick 10-minute visit, but enough to get a feel for this local favorite and hear a few more stories.
The tour concludes at 820 N Rampart St, wrapping up after 2.5 hours of entertaining storytelling and bar hopping.

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What the tour offers

This structured walk combines history, ghost stories, and true crime tales with the chance to sample classic New Orleans drinks. While some reviews mention that the pub stops are brief and that it somewhat resembles a “storytelling walking tour with pub stops,” this setup allows for intimate storytelling and flexibility.

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Authentic stories and local insights

Guides tend to share lesser-known cases and local mysteries that you won’t find in typical tourist guides. This makes the experience especially valuable for history buffs or anyone interested in the darker side of New Orleans.

The reviews paint a clear picture

One traveler from the U.S. praised the “interesting stories” and the “easy-to-follow guide” but noted that the pub crawl aspect was somewhat limited, as they only stopped at one bar along the way. Another from Canada appreciated the great tour but felt it could have ended at a more fitting spot. These comments highlight that the main draw is the storytelling—not necessarily a full night of drinking—making it a more laid-back, educational experience.

Practical considerations

The tour’s 2.5-hour duration makes it a perfect evening activity, especially if you want a mix of history and social time without a late night. The cost is reasonable, especially considering the multiple stops and guided storytelling. Since drinks are not provided, you’re encouraged to bring your own or buy at each bar, which allows flexibility depending on your preferences.

The tour is wheelchair accessible and runs in English, accommodating a variety of travelers. To maximize comfort, bring comfortable shoes, a jacket or umbrella (NOLA weather can be unpredictable), and insect repellent if you’re sensitive.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience suits history buffs, true crime fans, and social travelers interested in a unique storytelling experience. It’s ideal for those who want to learn about NOLA’s darker stories in a relaxed, social setting. If your main goal is a drinking tour, you might find it somewhat light on pub stops, but if you’re eager to pair history with local drinks, this is a perfect choice.

It’s especially appealing if you enjoy guided stories delivered by someone knowledgeable, and you’re comfortable with brief pub stops rather than a full night of bar-hopping.

The Sum Up

The New Orleans Original True Crime Pub Crawl offers a unique blend of storytelling, local history, and pub atmosphere. It’s a great way to explore the darker side of the French Quarter while enjoying some of the city’s signature drinks. The knowledgeable guides and carefully curated stories make it stand out from more generic city tours, providing both entertainment and education.

This tour is ideal for those interested in true crime stories, history enthusiasts, or travelers looking for a lively yet insightful evening in NOLA. It’s a leisurely, social experience that balances storytelling with the charm of historic bars. If you want a more in-depth and authentic glimpse into New Orleans’ notorious past, this tour is worth considering.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
The tour is for 21+ travelers due to the nature of alcohol consumption and the bar stops.

Do I need to drink alcohol during the tour?
No, you can bring your own drinks or abstain — the tour is flexible and no one is judged for their choices.

How long are the pub stops?
Stops range from 10 to 25 minutes, giving enough time to enjoy a drink or listen to the story without feeling rushed.

Are the stories appropriate for children or sensitive travelers?
Many stories are gory or graphic, so it’s best suited for adults or those comfortable with mature themes.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, along with a jacket or umbrella if needed, and insect repellent in warmer months.

Final Word

The New Orleans Original True Crime Pub Crawl offers a compelling look into the city’s twisted tales with a relaxed, social vibe. Whether you’re fascinated by murder stories, ghostly legends, or local mysteries, this tour provides a balance of entertainment and education that’s hard to beat. It’s especially suited for history lovers, crime enthusiasts, and curious travelers eager for a different perspective on New Orleans. With its combination of authentic stories, charming bars, and lively guides, it promises an evening that’s both informative and memorable.