New Orleans Original True Crime Pub Crawl

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Introduction

If you’re a fan of true crime stories and enjoy exploring vibrant neighborhoods, the New Orleans Original True Crime Pub Crawl offers a unique blend of both. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, reviews and descriptions suggest it’s a compelling way to combine a historical murder tour with some of the city’s best cocktails.

What makes this experience stand out for us is the expert storytelling, the chance to sample iconic New Orleans drinks, and the opportunity to hear lesser-known cases that you won’t find in typical guidebooks. It seems perfect for lovers of crime stories, local history, and lively pub atmospheres. That said, one potential downside is that the “pub crawl” aspect isn’t as extensive as some might expect, with only a few stops along the way.

This tour looks like a fun, engaging way to spend a couple of hours in the French Quarter, especially if you’re curious about the city’s darker side but still want to enjoy some drinks and socializing.

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Key Points

Engaging storytelling from knowledgeable local guides brings true crime stories to life.
Multiple pub stops in the French Quarter offer opportunities to enjoy signature cocktails and local drinks.
Lesser-known cases provide a fresh perspective beyond typical haunted history tours.
The price point ($30) delivers good value considering the guided stories, drinks, and walking.
The duration (2.5 hours) makes it a manageable and fun addition to your New Orleans itinerary.
Accessibility includes wheelchair-friendly features, making it inclusive for a wider range of travelers.

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Analyzing the Experience: What You Can Expect

Starting Point and Overall Flow

The tour kicks off at the Golden Lantern Bar (1239 Royal St), a lively spot in the heart of the French Quarter. From there, the journey flows through a series of bars and historic sites, blending storytelling with socializing and drinking. The entire experience lasts roughly 2.5 hours, which means you’ll get a good dose of crime tales without feeling rushed or exhausted.

Guides and Storytelling

The guides, like the one praised in a review for her “great storytelling,” are local experts bringing a wealth of insider knowledge. They share a mix of historic and modern crimes, including serial killers, unsolved mysteries, and scandals. The review highlights that the stories are interesting and varied, helping to keep everyone engaged—whether you’re a true crime veteran or just curious.

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Pub Stops and Atmosphere

The tour features several pub stops, including Harry’s Corner, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, Pour House @ District, The Dungeon, Fahy’s Irish Pub, and Bar Tonique. Each offers a chance to enjoy local drinks or cocktails, with a flexible approach—you can buy anything you like, or just enjoy the stories.

One review noted that while the “true crime part of the tour was great,” there was only one pub stop along the way, which might be less of a typical “crawl” for some. Still, the stops are well-chosen, offering both historic charm and vibrant atmospheres.

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The Stories: Historic and Modern Crimes

Stories range from blood-soaked murders to modern unsolved mysteries. Some tales are graphic or gory, making this a tour best suited for mature audiences. The stories are told in a lively, engaging manner—almost like a guided podcast—but with the added benefit of being physically present at the crime locations.

The “To-Go” Drinks Concept

Unlike traditional pub crawls, this tour doesn’t provide drinks but encourages participants to purchase their own. This approach allows guests to select their preferred beverages—whether a local cocktail or a beer—and enjoy them at their own pace. It also keeps the experience flexible and relaxed, without pressure to stick to specific drinks.

Practical Details

Cost: At $30 per person, the tour offers good value considering the storytelling, guide expertise, and multiple stops.
Availability: Check the schedule for specific starting times, as they can vary.
Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible, a thoughtful feature for travelers with mobility concerns.
Cancellation/Rescheduling: Full refunds are available if canceled up to 24 hours in advance—great for flexible planning.

The Experience in Detail

Stop 1: The Starting Point

The tour begins in the lively Royal Street area, setting the tone for a fun yet slightly macabre journey. Guides introduce themselves and get everyone comfortable before heading out.

Stop 2: Harry’s Corner

One of the first stops, Harry’s is a charming corner bar with a history of its own. Here, the guide shares stories that set the stage, mixing local history with crime snippets. At this point, guests can order drinks to enjoy during the storytelling.

Stop 3 & 4: Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar and Pour House

These historic spots are among the oldest in New Orleans, with Lafitte’s famously linked to the notorious pirate Jean Lafitte. The stories told here include tales of pirates, gangsters, and some bloodier crimes. The atmosphere is lively and authentic, giving a real sense of the city’s rougher past.

Stops 5-7: The Dungeon, Fahy’s Irish Pub, Bar Tonique

Each of these stops offers a different vibe, from the haunted reputation of The Dungeon to the cozy, friendly atmosphere of Fahy’s Irish Pub. The guides share stories at each location, creating a narrative thread that ties the crimes to the city’s architecture and local lore.

Final Stop: End at Rampart Street

The tour wraps up at 820 N Rampart St, giving guests plenty of opportunity to continue exploring the city or head back to their accommodations. Guests appreciate that the tour ends conveniently in the heart of the French Quarter, close to many other attractions and bars.

Authenticity and Value

What truly sets this tour apart is the expert storytelling and the mix of historic and modern cases. Guests have appreciated guides like the one described, who can “tell interesting stories and keep everyone engaged,” making the experience more than just a walk through the city.

While some reviewers note that the pub aspect is minimal—just a handful of stops—this actually works for those more interested in the stories than in crawling between bars. The flexibility to buy your own drinks means you can enjoy your preferred beverages while soaking in the stories.

Price Versus Experience

At $30, the tour is quite affordable for a themed, guided experience with multiple stops and storytelling. Compared to other tours that may charge more for similar content, this offers a good balance of entertainment, education, and socializing.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for true crime enthusiasts, history buffs, or anyone intrigued by the darker side of New Orleans. The pace and content suit adults comfortable with mature themes, some of which are graphic.

It’s also great for social groups wanting a lively, shared adventure, or couples looking to mix a bit of history with a fun night out. If you prefer a more traditional pub crawl with extensive bar-hopping, this might not fully meet your expectations, but if stories and atmosphere are your priorities, you’re in for a treat.

The Sum Up

The New Orleans Original True Crime Pub Crawl offers a distinctive way to experience the city’s shadowy past while enjoying its vibrant nightlife. Guided by knowledgeable locals, you’ll hear stories of serial killers, mysteries, and scandals that add a layer of intrigue to your visit. The combination of storytelling, historic bar stops, and the freedom to choose your own drinks makes it both fun and flexible.

This tour is especially suited for those interested in dark history, authentic neighborhood atmospheres, and social experiences. It’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on quality or engagement, providing a memorable peek into the city’s more sinister side.

Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends, this tour offers a lively, authentic slice of New Orleans that’s both entertaining and enlightening.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
It’s designed for adults 21 and older, mainly due to alcohol consumption and mature content in the stories.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 2.5 hours, making it a manageable and engaging experience without overextending your schedule.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not provided; you purchase your own at each bar. This allows flexibility in choosing your preferred beverages.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, it’s wheelchair accessible, ensuring inclusivity for guests with mobility needs.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, along with a jacket or umbrella depending on the weather, plus insect repellent if needed.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

What’s the main focus of the stories?
They cover a range from historic murders to modern unsolved mysteries, some graphic and blood-soaked, told with lively narration.

Is it a “typical” pub crawl?
Not exactly—while there are pub stops, the emphasis is more on storytelling than bar-hopping, making it ideal for crime story fans.

How many stops are there?
There are several stops, including Harry’s Corner, Lafitte’s, Pour House, The Dungeon, Fahy’s Irish Pub, and Bar Tonique, ending on Rampart Street.

Would I enjoy this tour if I’m not into crime stories?
Probably not, as the main appeal is the crime narratives. But if you love local history and a lively atmosphere, it might still be worth trying.

This comprehensive review aims to give you a clear picture of what the New Orleans Original True Crime Pub Crawl offers. It combines history, storytelling, and local pub culture into a distinctive experience—great for those curious about the city’s darker stories and eager for a fun night out.