New Orleans: Guided Bourbon Street Bar Crawl with Shots

Our review of the Bourbon Street Bar Crawl in New Orleans offers an inside look into a lively, energetic experience that promises fun, drinking, and a taste of local culture. While we haven’t personally joined this tour, the detailed information, reviews, and itinerary paint a compelling picture of what you can expect. It’s an affordable way to explore some of the city’s most iconic nightlife spots, especially if you enjoy socializing and live music.

This tour shines in three key areas: it provides a structured yet relaxed way to experience Bourbon Street, it includes welcome shots and drink deals that add value, and it introduces you to a variety of venues, from lively bars to karaoke spots. However, one thing to keep in mind is that the tour runs for about 2 hours, so if you’re looking for a longer, more in-depth experience, you might want to plan additional nights out. This experience is perfect for groups of friends, first-time visitors, or anyone wanting a fun, guided taste of New Orleans nightlife.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At $35 per person, it offers good value considering the included shots and drink deals.
• Vibrant Atmosphere: The tour takes you through some of the most energetic and lively venues on Bourbon Street.
• All-Inclusive Experience: From a souvenir cup to welcome shots and special drink deals, it’s designed to maximize fun without breaking the bank.
• Expert Local Guide: Your guide shares interesting stories about the area, enhancing the experience.
• Music & Entertainment: Expect live bands, DJs, karaoke, and fun drinking games.
• Well-Organized & Safe: The 2-hour guided walk ensures you see the best spots without the stress of navigating alone.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Bourbon Street Bar Crawl Experience

Starting Point: Coyote Ugly Saloon

Your journey begins inside the famed Coyote Ugly Saloon, known for its lively, welcoming vibe and iconic purple decor. Meeting your guide here, you’ll get a quick introduction and a chance to mingle with fellow participants. A welcome shot helps break the ice, setting a friendly tone for the night ahead. This initial gathering is more than just a start; it’s a lively way to kick off your evening with energy and anticipation.

Picking Up Your Souvenir Cup and Setting the Tone

One of the tour’s charming touches is the souvenir “crawl cup”, which acts as your passport to drink deals throughout the tour. This not only encourages you to sample several beverages but also creates a fun keepsake. With your cup in hand, you’re ready to enjoy the savings on drinks offered at various venues, making this a wallet-friendly way to experience Bourbon Street’s nightlife.

Exploring Bourbon Street’s Best Bars

The core of the tour is a guided walk along Bourbon Street, lasting approximately 1.5 hours. Your guide—whose reviews highlight their engaging storytelling—will take you to a curated selection of bars, each with its own unique personality. Some venues offer balcony access, allowing you to soak in the vibrant street scene while sipping your drinks, while others feature live music, from jazz bands to DJs that keep the energy high.

A standout aspect is the variety of venues you’ll visit—each providing a different slice of New Orleans entertainment. For instance, one spot might be a lively dance bar with a DJ spinning local tunes, while another could be a karaoke bar where you might get the chance to belt out your favorite song. The mix ensures the tour caters to different tastes and keeps the experience fresh.

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Participating in Drinking Games and Local Drinks

The tour isn’t just about drinking; it’s about sharing in the festival spirit of New Orleans. You might engage in drinking games or sample special local drinks that highlight regional flavors. These moments are designed to foster camaraderie and make the experience more memorable. Plus, your guide shares stories and tidbits about the history and culture of the area, adding a layer of context to the lively surroundings.

Authentic Live Music & Entertainment

Music plays a significant role in the tour. From live bands at certain venues to DJs at others, the musical backdrop complements the energetic vibe. One reviewer mentions that their guide, Jason, kept the group entertained and engaged, adding a personal touch that made the evening stand out. Expect plenty of opportunities to dance, sing along, or just soak in the musical atmosphere.

Ending the Night on Bourbon Street

The tour wraps back at the starting point, Coyote Ugly Saloon, or nearby, ensuring everyone can easily continue their night if they wish. The brief duration of around two hours makes it manageable for most travelers, especially those wanting a taste of the city’s nightlife without committing to a long night out.

Is This Tour Worth It?

When considering the value, the $35 fee covers a guided experience, a souvenir cup, welcome shots, and access to drink specials—these elements alone add up in terms of value in a city where drinks can be pricey. The reviews consistently highlight how much fun people had, with one reviewer stating, “Jason was awesome, and the whole group had a blast.” It seems the tour succeeds in creating a lively, inclusive atmosphere that appeals to a wide range of travelers.

However, keep in mind that the tour is designed as a quick, energetic introduction rather than an in-depth exploration. If you’re after a more leisurely or extensive bar-hopping experience, you might want to supplement this tour with additional nights out.

Practical Details & Considerations

• Duration & Timing: Lasts approximately 2 hours, with check-in times varying based on availability.
• Starting Point: Inside Coyote Ugly Saloon on Bourbon Street, at the big purple table.
• Age Restrictions: Not suitable for those under 21.
• Accessibility: Not suitable for non-folding wheelchairs; some venues may have limited accessibility.
• Weather: Operates rain or shine, so dress appropriately.
• What to Bring: Passport or ID, comfortable shoes, and clothes suitable for a night out.
• Included: Walking tour, local guide, souvenir cup, welcome shots.
• Not Included: Additional drinks beyond the included deals.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This guided crawl is perfect for first-timers eager to experience Bourbon Street’s buzz without the hassle of organizing independent bar visits. If you’re traveling in a group and want to share some laughs over drinks, you’ll find this tour highly enjoyable. It’s also ideal for those who appreciate live music, fun social activities, and a chance to meet travelers from around the world.

On the flip side, if you’re looking for a long night of bar-hopping or a more relaxed pace, this might be just the starter you need rather than the whole experience. Also, if accessibility is a concern, note that some venues have limited wheelchair access.

Final Thoughts

For just $35, this guided Bourbon Street bar crawl offers a lively, fun-packed introduction to New Orleans’ iconic nightlife. It balances structured fun with spontaneous moments, making it a fantastic choice for travelers wanting to experience the city’s party scene in a safe, guided environment.

You’ll appreciate the well-curated venues, engaging guide, and drink deals that help stretch your dollar while maximizing fun. The tour’s social atmosphere, combined with live music and infectious energy, makes it a memorable part of any trip to New Orleans.

Whether you’re new to the city or a seasoned visitor, this experience delivers a lively taste of Bourbon Street that you’ll remember long after your trip ends.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers? Yes, solo travelers often join and enjoy the social vibe, meeting new people along the way.

Can I participate if I don’t drink alcohol? The tour is centered around drinking, so it might not be ideal if you prefer to abstain, but you can still enjoy the atmosphere and music.

What is the meeting point? Inside Coyote Ugly Saloon, at the big purple table.

How long does the tour last? About 2 hours, making it easy to fit into a busy schedule.

Are there age restrictions? Yes, you must be 21 or older to join.

Can I cancel this tour? Yes, with a full refund if canceled up to 24 hours in advance.

Is it available rain or shine? Absolutely, the tour operates regardless of weather conditions.

What should I wear? Comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for a night out are recommended.

What’s included in the price? The tour, a souvenir cup, welcome shots, and a guided walk.

Are additional drinks available? Yes, beyond the included shots and deals, extra drinks can be purchased at the venues.

This tour is a fantastic, budget-friendly way to experience the lively night scene of Bourbon Street with a knowledgeable guide and a new group of friends. It’s especially suited for those who want a fun, social, and authentic slice of New Orleans nightlife without the stress of planning each stop.

You can check availability for your dates here: