New Orleans: Haunted Pub Crawl

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Exploring the New Orleans Haunted Pub Crawl: A Spooky Night Out

When it comes to ghost stories, legendary bars, and a spirited atmosphere, New Orleans has no shortage of haunted tales and lively nightlife. The New Orleans Haunted Pub Crawl, offered by Tour Orleans, promises a two-hour adventure through the city’s most mysterious and historic spots — all with a drink in hand. While I haven’t personally taken this tour, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions give a strong sense that it’s a fun, engaging experience perfect for those who love a good ghost story paired with a good cocktail.

What really stands out are the knowledgeable guides, the chance to see both iconic and hidden haunted sites, and the opportunity to enjoy some of the city’s best bars. The tour’s affordability at just $26 per person adds to its appeal, making it an accessible way to explore the spooky side of the French Quarter. That said, it’s best suited for those who don’t mind walking around for two hours and are comfortable with a lively, social setting.

One potential consideration is the limited duration — at just two hours, it’s a quick trip into NOLA’s haunted lore and bar scene. If you’re craving a deep dive into history or more extensive tasting, this might feel a bit rushed. Still, for anyone wanting a fun, atmospheric night with some ghostly tales, this tour hits the right notes.

This tour is ideal for visitors who enjoy storytelling, historic architecture, and a spirited atmosphere, especially those who want to combine a bit of culture with a lively bar crawl.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Affordable Price: At just $26, this tour offers great value for a mix of ghost stories and bar hopping.
Engaging Guides: Tour guides like John Gomez and Caroline receive high praise for their storytelling skills and personality.
Iconic Sights: Stops include the Lalaurie Mansion, Pirate’s Alley, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, and more.
Flexible and Social: You can purchase drinks at check-in and each bar stop, and the tour is designed to be relaxed with frequent restroom breaks.
Authentic Atmosphere: The walk through haunted locations and lively bar stops deliver a true taste of New Orleans’ mysterious charm.
Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for those comfortable with walking and social interactions.

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The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point and Check-in

Your spooky adventure begins at the Jax Brewery building, outside Bon’s New Orleans Street Food. Here, a friendly, licensed guide greets you, checks you in, and sets the tone for the night. You’ll want to arrive a little early so you can get oriented and purchase your first drink — the tour includes a cocktail to kick things off, which is a nice touch considering the price.

Haunted French Quarter Tour

The route takes you through the heart of the French Quarter, where the atmosphere is thick with history and ghosts. The guide will lead you on a leisurely stroll of just under a mile, making stops that are filled with stories and legends. The walk itself is designed to be relaxed, with frequent chances to sip your drink, take photos, and soak in the sights.

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Lalaurie Mansion

One of the most famous stops is the Lalaurie Mansion, which has become a symbol of New Orleans’ haunted past, thanks in part to its appearance on “American Horror Story: Coven.” Reviewers mention that the guide’s storytelling at this stop is particularly engaging, and the brief 10-minute photo opportunity allows for some memorable shots of this eerie mansion.

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Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar

Next up is Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, one of America’s oldest bars. This spot is renowned for its dark, timbered interior, and the ghost stories that surround it. With about 15 minutes here, you’ll have the chance to grab a drink and enjoy the historic ambiance, which is perfect for a spooky night. Reviewers often highlight the good drinks and the intriguing tales that make this bar a highlight.

Pirate’s Alley and Other Stops

The tour continues through Pirate’s Alley, a narrow, atmospheric street once frequented by pirates and outlaws. Your guide will share stories that add layers of intrigue to your walk. Other stops include passing by May Bailey’s Place and the Vampire Café, adding variety and flavor to the experience. Many guests appreciate the balance of sightseeing, storytelling, and casual bar stops, which keeps the tour lively and engaging.

Wrapping Up

The tour concludes back at the starting point, leaving you with a good sense of New Orleans’ haunted history and a few new ghost stories to share. The entire walk lasts around two hours, making it manageable for most travelers, especially after a day of sightseeing.

Why This Tour Works Well

The frequent praise from past participants highlights the expert guides who know how to blend storytelling and humor, making the history both fun and memorable. For example, reviewers like “John Gomez was the best tour guide ever” and “Caroline was amazing,” underscore the importance of personality and knowledge in creating a great experience.

Plus, the mix of haunted stories and historic bars offers an authentic taste of the city’s nightlife. The fact that you can purchase drinks at each stop means you won’t be restricted to just a single cocktail; you can sample multiple drinks and enjoy the bars’ unique atmospheres.

The price point is particularly attractive, especially given the high quality of storytelling, the variety of locations, and the lively group environment. This makes it a solid choice for budget-conscious travelers who want a memorable, fun night out.

Practical Tips for Your Haunted Pub Crawl

Arrive early at the Jax Brewery building for check-in and to purchase your first drink.
Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking just under a mile, with frequent stops.
Bring your ID: You must be 21 or older to participate.
Consider your drinking pace: The tour allows purchasing drinks at each bar, so pace yourself to enjoy the full experience.
Prepare for the weather: The tour is outdoors and on foot, so bring sunscreen, sunglasses, or an umbrella if needed.
Capacity and group size: Based on reviews, the tour seems to be well-managed and groups stay lively but manageable.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
It’s roughly two hours long, covering just under a mile of walking with frequent stops.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes a guided walk, storytelling, and a cocktail to start. Additional drinks can be purchased at each bar.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for a broader range of guests.

What is the minimum age requirement?
You need to be at least 21 years old to participate.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Where do I meet the guide?
At the Jax Brewery building outside Bon’s New Orleans Street Food.

Are food options available?
Food is not included in the tour, but guests can purchase snacks or meals at the bar stops if desired.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For those who enjoy a mix of ghost stories, historic bars, and lively guides, this tour offers good value at just $26. The fact that multiple reviewers rave about guides like John Gomez, Caroline, and DJ indicates that engaging storytelling is a key part of the experience. The chance to explore iconic sites like the Lalaurie Mansion and Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop adds to its appeal.

The casual pace, humor, and authentic atmosphere make this a perfect choice for visitors wanting a relaxed yet intriguing evening. It’s especially ideal for solo travelers, couples, or groups looking for a fun way to experience the city’s haunted legend and nightlife without overextending their schedule.

If you’re after a memorable, budget-friendly night out that combines history, a bit of scare, and great drinks, this pub crawl could be just the ticket. Just remember to bring your ID, wear comfy shoes, and prepare to be entertained by some of New Orleans’ best ghost stories and guides.

Final Verdict

This tour’s focus on engaging storytelling, iconic haunted locations, and lively bar stops make it a well-rounded experience for anyone curious about the city’s spooky side. It’s a fantastic way to add some mystery and fun to your New Orleans trip, especially if you’re with friends or a like-minded crowd. Whether you’re a seasoned ghost story enthusiast or simply looking for a fun night out, this pub crawl delivers a memorable mix of history, humor, and spirits.