Introduction
Few places in the U.S. can match New Orleans for its love of good drinks, lively music, and colorful stories. The city’s unique charm is reflected in its many drinking tours, which combine history, local culture, and a bit of fun with your favorite beverage. Whether you want to cruise down the Mississippi on a VIP jazz dinner cruise, wander haunted bars steeped in ghost stories, or hop from brewery to brewery, there’s an experience tailored for you. These tours are more than just bar hops—they’re a chance to see the city through its liquid lens, with stories, music, and spirits that you won’t find anywhere else.
The following list covers 16 of the best drinking tours in New Orleans, each offering something distinctive. From luxury river cruises to spirited ghost walks, this guide will help you find the perfect fit—whether you’re a history lover, a beer enthusiast, or a night owl eager to experience New Orleans’ legendary nightlife.
Quick Overview
Our list includes luxury river cruises with live jazz and open bars, haunted ghost tours with bar stops, live music pub crawls on Frenchmen Street, and specialty-themed pub crawls like true crime and haunted bar adventures. Some tours are VIP experiences with private tours and front-row seating, like the Steamboat Natchez VIP Jazz Dinner Cruise, while others keep it casual but atmospheric, such as the Leud Spirits Haunted Tour. Whether you prefer microbrewery hopping or dinner and jazz on the river, the options below highlight what makes each uniquely worth booking.
1. Steamboat Natchez VIP Jazz Dinner Cruise with Private Tour and Open Bar Option
Starting with a luxurious experience on the Mississippi River, this tour offers front-row seats to the Dukes of Dixieland while enjoying a gourmet buffet of Louisiana favorites. The VIP upgrade includes early boarding, a private guided tour of the boat, and a commemorative gift bag. Guests rave about the personalized service and the live jazz performance, which is a highlight of this 3-hour cruise. The open bar upgrade features call brand cocktails, beer, and wine, making this an excellent choice for those seeking a relaxed, high-end evening with scenic views and soulful music.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of river scenery, live music, and personal attention. The guests’ reviews emphasize the royalty treatment—many mention that VIP tickets are well worth the extra cost. It’s suited for travelers who want a special night out with gourmet food and jazz as their soundtrack.
Bottom Line: A perfect choice for those wanting a romantic, memorable cruise with top-tier service and a scenic backdrop.
2. New Orleans Lewd Spirits Haunted Tour with Bar Stops
This adults-only haunted tour combines ghost stories with bar visits, making it ideal if you’re into mystery, history, and a bit of risqué fun. Over about two hours, you’ll wind through the French Quarter, hearing tales of murder, adultery, and mayhem from an entertaining guide. The tour includes stops at historic haunted bars, like a former brothel where the madam is said to still haunt the halls, and you’re welcome to purchase drinks at each location.
Guests love the small-group setting, which ensures a more personal experience, and the stories are described as engaging and historically accurate. The tour is perfect for adults seeking a spooky yet lively night with a dash of local ghost lore.
Bottom Line: A unique blend of ghost stories and bar hopping, ideal for those with a taste for the darker side of New Orleans lore.
3. Frenchmen Street VIP Live Music Pub Crawl in New Orleans
For music lovers, the Frenchmen Street VIP Pub Crawl offers guided access to some of the best live music venues in the city. The tour explores famous spots like Snug Harbor and the Spotted Cat, with stops at local art markets and a included New Orleans cocktail. Over about three hours, you’ll get personalized attention and an insider’s view of Frenchmen Street’s musical heartbeat.
Guests praise the variety of venues and the lively, authentic atmosphere—a major plus compared to the more touristy Bourbon Street scene. The guided commentary adds context to the music and the neighborhood’s history, making it more meaningful.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want to experience the real music scene with VIP access and a casual, fun vibe.
4. True Crime Pub Crawl in New Orleans
If you’re fascinated by dark tales of murder and mayhem, this True Crime Pub Crawl is your perfect match. Over about two hours, your guide takes you through haunted bars, including a former brothel and sites linked to infamous crimes. You’ll hear about the Zack and Addy murder-suicide and the Ax Man serial killer, all while enjoying drinks in historic locations.
Guests describe the tour as highly engaging and well-paced, with guides who bring the stories to life. This tour suits adults who enjoy history, crime stories, and a lively pub scene. Some reviews mention the personalized storytelling and interesting bar choices as highlights.
Bottom Line: For those wanting a thrilling, story-filled night with drinks and dark tales, this tour is a top pick.
5. New Orleans: Adults Only True Crime Pub Crawl
This tour offers a more intimate look into NOLA’s crime history with a focus on infamous figures and events. Led by guide Wes, the tour visits hidden bars and iconic sites, where stories of serial killers, famous murders, and scandals unfold. With free cocktails included, the 2-hour tour combines history and drinking seamlessly.
Guests appreciate the personalized storytelling and witty, engaging guides. The tour is particularly suited for adults interested in true crime stories and local legends. Many reviews describe it as “interesting and fun”, emphasizing the balance of history and entertainment.
Bottom Line: Best for crime buffs seeking a spirited night with a personal touch.
6. New Orleans Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of The Irish Channel
Explore the Irish Channel neighborhood on this small-group pub crawl. Guided by an expert, you’ll learn stories of pirates, vampires, and war heroes while visiting local bars. The tour offers two options: the Happy Hour with four draft beers, or a pay-as-you-go choice, making it flexible.
Guests praise the local insights and the friendly guide. The leisurely pace allows for meaningful conversations and a genuine experience of a neighborhood often overlooked by travelers.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you want to combine local history with casual drinks in a less touristy neighborhood.
7. New Orleans Bourbon Street Bar Crawl w/ Shots & Souvenir Cup
If Bourbon Street is on your radar, this Bar Crawl is a lively way to see its best bars. Starting at Coyote Ugly, you’ll receive a Crawl Cup—your ticket to special drink deals—and enjoy free shots at each bar. The tour runs about 2 hours and includes stops at iconic spots like Old Absinthe House and other hidden gems.
Guests highlight the interactive experience, with many praising the fun games and lively atmosphere. The guide keeps things engaging and the group size manageable. It’s suited for party-minded travelers looking for a high-energy night.
Bottom Line: The ideal choice for bachelorette parties, birthdays, or anyone wanting a fun, social night out in the heart of the city.
8. Craft Brewery Hopping through New Orleans | Uptown
This flexible hop-on hop-off brewery tour offers you the freedom to explore New Orleans’ craft beer scene at your own pace. Starting in the French Quarter and traveling to Uptown, Mid-City, or Bywater, you’ll visit specific breweries like Brewery Saint X and Urban South, with recommendations on which to visit.
Guests love the self-guided style and local insights, giving a personalized experience. It’s perfect for beer enthusiasts who want to customize their day without the constraints of a traditional tour.
Bottom Line: Best for independent beer lovers who appreciate flexibility and local breweries.
9. New Orleans Seafood Bar Crawl
For seafood fans, this bar crawl takes you through Treme’s top spots, offering delicious seafood and local music. Stops include Sweet Lorraine’s Jazz Club and Kermit’s Treme Speakeasy, where you can sample fresh oysters and other local treats.
Guests mention the informative guides and authentic food experiences. This tour is suitable for foodies who want to combine culinary delights with downtown exploration. It’s a quick, lively tour lasting about 1 hour 20 minutes.
Bottom Line: Ideal for seafood lovers wanting to sample the best while enjoying music and local culture.
10. New Orleans Haunted Pub Crawl
Combining nightlife with ghost stories, this tour visits haunted bars like Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop and Pirate’s Alley. Over about two hours, you’ll learn of ghostly legends and spooky histories while enjoying a drink at each stop.
Guests appreciate the atmosphere and personalized stories. It’s well-suited for adults who like a mix of history and ghostly tales with their drinks.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those seeking a spooky, atmospheric night with a few drinks and a thrill.
11. Nola Culture City / Music & Celebrities Combo Tour with Bar stop
This combination tour offers a deep dive into New Orleans’ cultural scene, visiting neighborhoods associated with famous musicians and celebrities. Guided by a passionate local, you’ll learn about Hurricane Katrina, musical legends, and local neighborhoods like Treme and the Garden District.
Guests praise the knowledgeable guide and the mix of cultural and musical insights. It’s great for those wanting to combine history, music, and celebrity culture in a 3.5-hour adventure.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want an interactive mix of culture and celebrity stories with some drinks along the way.
12. New Orleans’ Historic Haunted Bar Crawl
This small-group tour explores haunted bars like Lafitte’s and the Historic French Quarter. Over about 2 hours, you’ll hear spirited tales of ghosts, murders, and local legends while enjoying drinks (own expense).
Guests enjoy the personalized experience and rich stories. It suits adults interested in history, ghosts, and atmospheric bars.
Bottom Line: For a dark, atmospheric night with stories and drinks in historic locations.
13. New Orleans: VIP Bar and Club Crawl Tour with Free Shots
This VIP tour features skip-the-line access to top-rated bars and clubs in the French Quarter. The tour includes free shots, drinking games, and exclusive drink specials across 3 hours. Guides ensure a lively, inclusive atmosphere that’s perfect for parties and celebrations.
Guests mention friendly guides and a lively environment that’s perfect for groups. It’s suited for party-goers who want easy access to nightlife with added perks.
Bottom Line: Best for groups celebrating special occasions and nightlife enthusiasts.
14. Craft Beer and Garden District Bike Tour in New Orleans
Combine exercise with beer tasting on this bike tour through the Garden District and Irish Channel. You’ll visit three breweries and learn about local architecture and community stories. The tour emphasizes local flavor and laid-back pace.
Guests appreciate the personalized guides and the small group size, making it a more intimate experience. It’s ideal for active travelers who love local beers and history.
Bottom Line: Perfect for adventurous beer lovers who prefer a healthy dose of exercise with their drinks.
15. New Orleans Original True Crime Pub Crawl
This small-group tour mixes true crime stories with pub stops across the French Quarter. Over 2-2.5 hours, you’ll hear stories of serial killers, scandals, and murder sites while enjoying drinks at each location.
Guests praise the engaging storytelling and well-chosen bars. It’s ideal if you want a mix of crime lore and bar hopping in a relaxed setting.
Bottom Line: For dark history fans who want a fun, story-rich night in local pubs.
16. New Orleans Happy Hour Ghost Walking Tour Pub Crawl
This happy hour-themed ghost tour begins with special drink discounts in haunted bars. Over two hours, you’ll hear spooky stories of spirits and outlandish legends while enjoying affordable drinks.
Guests mention the friendly guides and atmospheric locations. It’s perfect for those wanting a relaxed, spooky experience with budget-friendly drinks.
Bottom Line: Great for cost-conscious travelers who want ghost stories and drinks in a fun, casual setting.
How to Choose Your Perfect Drinking Tour
When selecting among these options, think about your budget, interests, and how much time you want to spend. If you’re after a luxury experience with scenic views, the Steamboat Natchez VIP Jazz Dinner Cruise is hard to beat. For history and ghost stories, tours like the Lewd Spirits Haunted Tour and the Haunted Pub Crawl offer immersive storytelling with bar stops.
Budget travelers should consider the True Crime Pub Crawl or the Bourbon Street Bar Crawl for fun without breaking the bank. If you want to combine local breweries with sightseeing, the craft brewery hop in Uptown is a fantastic choice.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons, to secure spots on popular tours. Think about your personal interests—music, history, spirits, or food—and choose a tour that offers a tailored experience.
Final Thoughts
From luxury river cruises to spirited ghost walks and music-filled pub crawls, New Orleans offers a wide array of drinking tours suited for any mood or interest. For a romantic night, the VIP Jazz Dinner Cruise stands out, while adults craving a spooky thrill might prefer the Haunted Pub Crawl. Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate pub crawls with free shots or self-guided brewery tours.
Whatever your taste, booking early and choosing a tour aligned with your interests will ensure a memorable, fun-filled night in the Big Easy. Cheers to your next adventure—your perfect drinking tour in New Orleans awaits!