The Drunken Telling of New Orleans Tales

The Drunken Telling of New Orleans Tales: A Deep Dive into the Vieux Carré’s Haunted & Historic Heart

If you’re looking for a lively way to explore the French Quarter, this 2-hour walking tour offers a spirited mix of history, ghost stories, and local legends—all served up with a healthy splash of fun. For $35 per person, you get to wander through iconic sites like Jackson Square, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, and the oldest bars in the city, all while hearing tales of Voodoo, vampires, and the city’s notorious nightlife. Guided by a local storyteller, this tour is designed for those who enjoy a bit of paranormal intrigue with their cocktails.

What we love about this experience is how it combines entertaining storytelling with ample opportunities to sip cocktails on the go—a true New Orleans specialty. The guide’s knowledgeable narration makes historical landmarks like the Louisiana Purchase signing site and the Saint Louis Cathedral come alive, blending fact and folklore seamlessly. Plus, the inclusion of paranormal equipment adds a fun, slightly spooky touch.

One possible drawback is that the tour has some variability; reviews mention occasional late starts or guides with strong accents that might be hard to understand. Also, since it involves walking and drinking at your own pace, it’s best suited for those comfortable with a moderate stroll and a lively, social atmosphere. This tour is perfect for history buffs, paranormal enthusiasts, and anyone who wants a fun, relaxed way to experience the French Quarter’s unique character.

If you enjoy stories that mix history with humor and a dash of supernatural, this tour will hit the spot. It’s ideal for travelers eager to explore authentic local legends while enjoying the city’s famous bar culture.

Key Points

• Authentic storytelling: Knowledgeable guides share a mix of history, ghost tales, and local legends that add flavor to your walk.
• Drink-friendly format: With cocktails to-go available at many bars, you can enjoy sips in hand as you explore.
• Historic landmarks: Visit sites like the Louisiana Purchase signing location and the iconic St. Louis Cathedral.
• Paranormal gear: Use EMF meters and other paranormal equipment for a fun extra dimension.
• Flexible pace: The tour moves at a moderate pace, with plenty of opportunities to refill your drink and soak in the sights.
• Group dynamics: While generally well-received, some reviews mention guides with strong accents or occasional delays, so flexibility is key.

An In-Depth Look at What Makes This Tour Special

Starting Point & First Impressions

The tour kicks off at the courtyard gate attached to Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, one of the oldest bars in New Orleans. Meeting here offers an immediate taste of the city’s historic drinking culture. We appreciated how the guide, Dustin or Ashli, set a cheerful tone with lively stories before setting off through the vibrant streets of the French Quarter.

Exploring the French Quarter’s Historic Sights

As we moved along, the guide’s storytelling brought landmarks like the Louisiana Purchase signing site and Jackson Square to life. The fact that the tour includes inside tips on where to find the “most predictable ghost” or the most haunted house in New Orleans makes it a useful guide for further exploration after the tour.

Reviews highlight that guides are generally very knowledgeable; one reviewer called Emily “very friendly and sweet” and praised her for being “very knowledgeable,” adding that her personal stories made the experience more engaging. Another reviewer appreciated a guide’s ability to provide “awesome information and little tidbits of history,” making the walk both educational and entertaining.

Haunted and Occult Landmarks

This tour’s real charm is in its ghost and vampire stories. You’ll visit multiple locations known for paranormal sightings, with police documented vampire sightings adding a fun, curious twist. The story of Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau and her property payment adds depth to the city’s mystical reputation.

Bars and Drinks in the French Quarter

One of the tour’s unique features is the opportunity to stop at a dozen or more historic bars along the route. Guests are encouraged to refill their to-go cups—though the guide does not go inside—and enjoy the lively bar scene. Several reviews mention how guides take guests to the best spots for drinks and stories, making it a social, relaxed experience.

Paranormal Equipment & The Experience

The tour features paranormal equipment like EMF meters, which travelers can check out at the start. Using these tools adds an interactive dimension, especially for those curious about the supernatural. While no ghostly encounters are guaranteed, some guests have captured paranormal photos, which adds a fun element of possibility.

The Overall Experience: Balancing Fun and Substance

The tour’s lighthearted approach is appreciated by most, but a few reviews mention guides with strong accents or less enthusiasm. For example, one reviewer felt Cody’s narration was “not animated enough,” while others found guides to be “hysterically funny” and “upbeat.”

Suitability & Final Thoughts

This tour suits adventurous travelers who enjoy history with a humorous twist, ghost stories, and casual bar hopping. It’s perfect for those who want a social experience rather than a formal historical lecture, and who don’t mind moderate walking and drinks in hand. Keep in mind that late arrivals or guides with strong accents may affect your overall experience, so arriving on time and asking questions if you have difficulty understanding are good tips.

The Sum Up: Who Should Book This Tour?

If you’re after a fun, lively experience that combines history, myths, and nightlife in New Orleans, this tour will suit you perfectly. It’s especially great if you enjoy storytelling, paranormal lore, and a relaxed, social atmosphere. The opportunity to drink while walking adds a distinctly NOLA flavor that many travelers find appealing.

However, if you prefer a more structured or less informal tour, or are sensitive to guides with strong accents, you might want to consider other options. Likewise, if ghost hunting or paranormal activities are your main focus, remember that the tour offers a lot of stories and fun, but ghosts are never guaranteed.

Overall, it offers value for the price, given the combination of storytelling, historic sights, and bar stops. It’s a memorable way to get to know the spookier side of New Orleans with an engaging guide and like-minded explorers.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 18 are not admitted without a parent or guardian unless authorized by the guide. Some bars may not allow children inside, and the overall tone is geared toward adults.

Can I participate if I don’t drink alcohol?
Yes, you can still enjoy the storytelling and sightseeing. The tour encourages drinking, but it’s not mandatory. You can opt out of drinking or simply enjoy the stories in between sips.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the gate of the courtyard attached to Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop at 941 Bourbon Street and concludes in the heart of the French Quarter, close to restaurants and nightlife.

Is there a dress code?
No specific dress code, but comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to the moderate pace and street walking.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1 to 2 hours, depending on the group’s pace and the number of bar stops.

Can I buy drinks along the route?
Yes, there are many bars offering cocktails to go. You’re encouraged to refill your cup as often as you like.

Is paranormal equipment included?
Guests can check out paranormal gear like EMF meters at the start of the tour. A fee applies for lost or damaged equipment.

What if the tour is canceled?
Tours are rain or shine. If canceled due to weather or low minimums, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is this tour a good value?
Considering the blend of history, ghost stories, bar hopping, and paranormal fun, many find the $35 price to be quite reasonable for the experience offered.

If you’re after an offbeat, engaging way to experience New Orleans’ haunted streets, with plenty of chances to sip and socialize, this tour delivers. Just arrive on time, prepare for some stories, and enjoy a uniquely spirited look at the city’s dark and lively side.