When it comes to New Orleans, no city does drinking tours quite like the Big Easy. Its lively bars, haunted legends, jazz-filled streets, and iconic nightlife make it a prime destination for those looking to experience the city’s spirited side. Whether you’re into ghost stories, jazz, or just want to hit the best bars with new friends, New Orleans offers a variety of tours that cater to different tastes. We especially like the Haunted Pub Crawl for its spine-tingling stories and historic venues, and the Bourbon Street Bar Crawl with Shots for a high-energy, social experience in the city’s legendary nightlife hub.
For those interested in a more local and culinary approach, the Treme Bar Crawl & Seafood Experience offers a taste of authentic NOLA flavors with a side of cultural storytelling. And if crime stories are your thing, the True Crime Pub Crawl offers a fascinating look at the city’s darker past. No matter which tour you pick, you’ll find a way to soak up the lively spirit of New Orleans while enjoying some of the best drinks and stories the city has to offer.
Quick Overview
Our list features five top drinking tours in New Orleans, each with a unique theme and vibe:
- Haunted pub crawls & spooky spirits
- Guided bar crawls with shot challenges
- Local seafood and cultural experiences
- True crime stories paired with cocktails
- Ghost stories with to-go drinks
From spooky legends to lively street parties, these tours highlight what makes New Orleans special. Now, let’s dive into each one to see what sets them apart.
1. New Orleans: Haunted Pub Crawl
This two-hour Haunted Pub Crawl takes you through the haunted parts of the French Quarter, with stops at some of the city’s most historic and spooky bars. For $32 per person, you get an entertaining journey into the ghostly side of New Orleans, all while enjoying a drink at each stop.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on haunted history and iconic locations. Your guide will share stories about the city’s haunted past, including tales about one of America’s oldest bars, and even how New Orleans played a part in JFK assassination lore. You’ll step inside a former brothel to sip a drink in a building with stories that send shivers down your spine. Routes can change due to parades or construction, but the focus remains on immersive storytelling and fun.
Guests often comment how the mix of drinks and ghost stories makes for a memorable night. This tour is best for those who love spooky tales, history, and a lively atmosphere. It’s a fantastic way to experience the French Quarter’s darker side without sacrificing fun.
Bottom Line: A perfect choice for history buffs and ghost-story lovers who want a relaxed but intriguing evening in the French Quarter.
2. New Orleans: Guided Bourbon Street Bar Crawl with Shots
At number 2, the Guided Bourbon Street Bar Crawl with Shots offers a lively two-hour experience for $35 per person. This tour dives into the heart of New Orleans’ most famous street, Bourbon Street, where you’ll visit some of the best bars the area has to offer.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on social fun and drink deals. You’ll get a souvenir cup to use at multiple bars, with special deals on drinks that help stretch your budget. The guide will help you meet new people and keep the energy high, often with welcome shots to break the ice. Live music — from DJs to bands — adds to the energetic vibe.
Guests love the lively, inclusive atmosphere, and the small group size makes it easy to chat and make friends. With this tour, you get a taste of Bourbon Street’s vibrant nightlife without the chaos of wandering aimlessly. It’s ideal for travelers who want an interactive, fun-filled night with some added drinks and music.
Bottom Line: Perfect for social butterflies and music lovers who want to experience Bourbon Street’s nightlife in a friendly, guided setting.
3. Treme Bar Crawl & Seafood Experience
For around $25, the Treme Bar Crawl & Seafood Experience offers a more relaxed way to enjoy New Orleans. This one-hour tour combines visits to beloved local seafood spots with stories about the city’s cultural roots. It’s designed to give a taste of authentic NOLA flavors while sharing insights into the music, art, and history that define Treme.
What makes this tour unique is its focus on local cuisine and storytelling. You’ll visit top seafood eateries, enjoying bites and drinks, while your guide shares legends and facts about Treme’s significance in jazz and civil rights history. The tour offers personalized photo opps at key landmarks, making it especially appealing for those wanting a more intimate experience.
Guests appreciate the flexibility and the chance to sample genuine local flavors, especially if they’re also interested in cultural stories. It’s best suited for foodies and history fans who want a more relaxed pace and meaningful connection to the city’s roots.
Bottom Line: Ideal for culinary travelers and those interested in the cultural heart of New Orleans, with a focus on seafood and local stories.
4. New Orleans Original True Crime Pub Crawl
If murder mysteries and true crime stories are your thing, this 2.5-hour tour is hard to beat. For $30 per person, you’ll visit several French Quarter pubs while learning about some of NOLA’s most notorious crimes and unsolved mysteries.
Led by a local guide with a knack for storytelling, the tour offers a mix of history, mystery, and drinks. Stops include Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop and The Dungeon, where you can enjoy drinks while listening to tales of infamous figures and ghostly legends. The itinerary includes about 25-minute stops at each location, with a total focus on lesser-known cases and local legends.
One reviewer noted, “The true crime part was great, and our guide was a fantastic storyteller.” The tour is best for those who enjoy crime stories, dark history, and a bit of spooky fun, even if it doesn’t involve a traditional pub crawl experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for crime enthusiasts who want a dark twist on their NOLA nightlife with plenty of storytelling and cocktails.
5. New Orleans Spooky Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl
Rounding out our list is the Spooky Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl, a two-hour tour that combines ghost stories with top cocktails. For $30 per person, you’ll visit a handful of bars in the French Quarter, each with its own haunted tale.
This tour emphasizes eerie legends and spirits, with stops at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop and Finnegan’s Easy, where you can enjoy drinks while soaking in ghostly lore. The tour lets you take your drinks To-Go, which is great for mingling and exploring the street scene. Expect to learn about the spooky secrets of the French Quarter, with stories designed to send a shiver down your spine.
Guests report enjoying the mix of fun and fright, with laughs and learning along the way. It’s suitable for those who want to combine spirits with ghost stories in a relaxed, social setting.
Bottom Line: A good pick for ghost story lovers who want to enjoy drinks and spooky tales without a heavy schedule.
How to Choose Your Perfect Drinking Tour in New Orleans
When selecting a tour, think about what kind of experience you’re after. If haunted legends are your thing, the Haunted Pub Crawl offers ghostly tales and historic bars. For a lively, music-filled night out, the Bourbon Street Bar Crawl is hard to beat. Foodies and culture lovers should consider the Treme Seafood & Bar Crawl, which combines local cuisine with storytelling. Crime buffs will find the True Crime Pub Crawl captivating, while ghost enthusiasts will enjoy the Spooky Spirits Haunted Crawl.
Factor in your budget, time constraints, and whether you prefer a relaxed or energetic vibe. Many tours include drinks to-go or special deals, making them good value. Book early, especially in peak seasons, to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
From spooky ghost stories to lively street parties, New Orleans offers a fantastic variety of drinking tours that suit different tastes and interests. For a spooky night, the Haunted Pub Crawl is a standout. If you want to soak up the city’s famous nightlife, the Bourbon Street Crawl is perfect.
For those who want a taste of local flavor and history, the Treme Seafood Experience offers an authentic cultural dive. Crime fans will enjoy the [True Crime Tour], and ghost lovers can’t miss the [Spooky Spirits Haunted Crawl].
No matter your choice, these tours give you a fun, memorable way to enjoy the best of New Orleans’ drinks and stories. Remember to book early — the city’s lively nights fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Cheers to a great adventure in the Big Easy!