Ghost Tour and Haunted Pub Crawl Party

Exploring New Orleans’ Haunted Nightlife: A Review of the Ghost Tour and Haunted Pub Crawl Party

If you’re visiting New Orleans and craving a mix of history, ghost stories, and a bit of nightlife, the Ghost Tour and Haunted Pub Crawl Party might just be your perfect evening. This tour combines the city’s eerie tales with the social buzz of its legendary bars, creating a unique way to experience the French Quarter after dark.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the chance to step inside some of the city’s most haunted and historic bars—something rare among ghost tours. Second, the lively guides, who are not only knowledgeable but also genuinely fun, adding humor and intriguing stories to each stop. Third, the inclusion of a complimentary drink and the option for additional discounts make it an affordable way to enjoy a spooky night out.

One potential consideration? The tour’s focus on storytelling and bar visits means it isn’t a traditional ghost walk with extensive walking or haunted house exploration. It’s more social and spirited, so if you’re looking for a serious ghost-hunting adventure, this might feel a tad light on ghostly activity.

This tour is ideal for travelers who love a good story, enjoy meeting new people, and want to combine history with a night of drinks and fun in the French Quarter. It’s especially well-suited for those who appreciate lively guides and a relaxed pace.

Key Points

• Authentic Historic Stops: Visit some of New Orleans’ most haunted bars and landmarks with rich stories behind them.
• Inside Access: Unlike many ghost tours, you get to go inside select bars and enjoy a drink on the spot.
• Engaging Guides: Guides like Clarissa and Pandi receive glowing reviews for their storytelling, friendliness, and energy.
• Incredible Atmosphere: The tour’s mix of storytelling, haunted locations, and Mardi Gras beads creates a festive, spooky vibe.
• Affordable Experience: At just $25 per person, including a drink and discount options, this tour offers great value.
• Flexible and Social: The group size is capped at 28, ensuring a cozy, engaging experience with plenty of time for socializing or taking photos.

An In-Depth Look at the Ghost Tour and Haunted Pub Crawl Party

The Overview and Booking

This experience is priced at $25 per person, making it a budget-friendly option considering the insider access to haunted bars and the chance to hear chilling stories. Booking well in advance—typically around 23 days—is recommended, as this tour is popular among both travelers and locals. The tour lasts approximately 1 hour 45 minutes, a manageable window that balances storytelling, bar visits, and opportunities for photos or mingling.

The tour is operated by Big Easy Walking Tours, a well-regarded provider with strong reviews and a reputation for lively, authentic experiences. You’ll receive a mobile ticket, simplifying the process from booking to arrival.

Meeting Point & Logistics

The tour kicks off at 507 Frenchmen Street at 5:00 pm, a lively part of the French Quarter famed for jazz and nightlife. It ends at MRB Bar & Kitchen at 515 St Philip Street, making it easy to continue your night afterward or explore nearby spots. The group size is limited to 28 travelers, fostering a more intimate atmosphere.

The Itinerary: What You’ll Experience

Stop 1: New Orleans Jazz Museum
Your guide will meet you in front of the Old U.S. Mint building. Expect a brief introduction to the area’s history, including why one street bears the name of four Frenchmen. This 20-minute stop could be a good warm-up to get your bearings and hear some fun historical facts about the city.

Stop 2: LaLaurie Mansion
Known as the most haunted house in New Orleans, the LaLaurie Mansion is steeped in tales of atrocities and ghostly sightings. You’ll spend about 25 minutes here, learning about the dark history that still echoes in its walls. Reviewers note that this stop is a highlight, with guides elaborating on the mansion’s gruesome past and ghostly legends.

Stop 3: Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar
This bar claims to be America’s oldest haunted bar, and you’ll get the chance to order a Purple drink Daiquiri—a fun nod to the city’s cocktail heritage. During the 25-minute visit, guests often share how they appreciated the chance to step inside a lively bar with a storied past, and some mention the drinks as a bonus beyond the spooky tales.

Stop 4: Andrew Jackson Hotel
Voted as America’s most haunted hotel, the Andrew Jackson Hotel is famed for its poltergeist activity. Here, you’ll learn about ghostly encounters that have been reported over the years. This stop is free to enter, giving guests a chance to soak in the eerie ambiance.

Stop 5: MRB Bar & Kitchen
This location has an intriguing history—it was once one of 1300 brothels in the city. The guide shares stories about the area’s past, and you’ll have around 25 minutes to enjoy a drink or chat with fellow travelers. Many reviews highlight the friendly, lively atmosphere here.

Stop 6: BMC Balcony Music Club
The final stop features a meeting with Kalindah Laveux, the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans. This can be a powerful moment, as she performs a voodoo blessing ceremony. This part of the tour is shorter—about 15 minutes—but leaves a lasting impression. It’s a rare chance to witness a real voodoo practitioner and learn about this fascinating aspect of the city’s spiritual culture.

What’s Included & Special Features

The tour includes one alcoholic beverage—a shot or drink discount is provided—allowing you to sip while listening to ghost stories. The guides, like Clarissa and Pandi, are praised for their lively personalities, humor, and rich storytelling. Several reviews mention how Clarissa’s friendly demeanor and fascinating stories made the experience stand out, with some even meeting her husband or hanging out afterward.

Guests also receive complimentary Mardi Gras beads—a fun souvenir—and are introduced to some of the city’s most haunted and vampire hot spots. The experience strikes a balance between spooky storytelling and social fun, making it perfect for groups wanting a lively night.

The Atmosphere and Group Dynamic

The tour’s small group size — capped at 28 — ensures everyone can hear the stories and ask questions. The ambiance is lively, with guests cheerfully sharing drinks and photos. Many reviewers remark on the energetic guides, who bring humor and local knowledge to each stop, enriching the ghostly tales with personal anecdotes and photos.

The Value and Overall Experience

At only $25, this tour delivers a compelling mix of history, entertainment, and drinks. Given that some stops are free to enter and include stories of haunted locations with centuries of history, the value is high. The ability to go inside bars and enjoy a drink on-site adds a layer of authenticity and comfort that many ghost tours lack.

The reviews indicate that the experience is especially memorable when guided by engaging storytellers like Clarissa—who fans describe as friendly, funny, and well-informed. The mix of spooky tales, historic locations, and lively guides creates a fun, memorable night that’s perfect for groups, couples, or solo travelers seeking a different perspective on New Orleans.

Final Thoughts: Who is This Tour For?

This tour is best suited for those who love a good story, enjoy socializing over drinks, and want to explore the city’s haunted side without hours of walking or heavy ghost hunting. It’s particularly appealing to travelers looking for a relaxed, entertaining way to spend an evening in the French Quarter. If you’re into lively guides, historic bars, and a bit of voodoo magic, this experience hits the mark.

However, if you’re after a serious paranormal investigation or a more intense haunted house experience, this tour might feel a bit light on the ghostly action. It’s more about storytelling, fun, and atmosphere—perfect for those who want to enjoy New Orleans’ mischievous spirits with a side of good drinks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book this tour last minute?
While booking in advance is recommended (around 23 days ahead on average), you can often find availability closer to your planned date, especially during less busy season.

Is there an age limit?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. Since alcohol is involved, it’s best suited for adults, but the specific age restrictions aren’t listed.

What is included in the tour price?
You get access to several haunted bars and locations, a guided storytelling experience, and one alcoholic beverage (with discounts available). The tour also provides complimentary Mardi Gras beads.

Are the stops inside bars?
Yes, the tour includes inside visits to bars like Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop and others, giving you a chance to enjoy drinks at historic and haunted spots.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 28 travelers, ensuring a more personal and engaging experience.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable.

In closing, the Ghost Tour and Haunted Pub Crawl Party offers a lively, authentic way to explore New Orleans’ haunted past while enjoying its legendary nightlife. Whether you’re a history buff, a ghost enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun night out, this tour combines storytelling, spirits, and socializing in a way that’s memorable and fun.