French Quarter Haunted and Tipsy Tour

A Fun and Spooky Night in the French Quarter: The Haunted and Tipsy Tour

If you’re looking to get a taste of the mysterious side of New Orleans without traipsing through endless museums or reading through dusty history books, the French Quarter Haunted and Tipsy Tour might just be what you need. This tour promises a lively mix of spine-tingling stories, historic landmarks, and drinks along the way—all wrapped into about two hours of easy walking through the city’s most iconic neighborhood.

What immediately caught our attention about this experience is how it blends history and legend with a casual bar crawl, making it a perfect option if you want something that’s engaging but not overly serious. The small group size, capped at 15, adds a cozy vibe that feels more like hanging out with friends rather than being herded through a tourist trap. Plus, the chance to get photos after the tour to remember your adventure is a nice touch.

One thing to consider: While the name suggests it’s a “tipsy” tour, it’s not a wild drinking party. The focus is more on storytelling and atmosphere, so if you’re expecting to get heavily intoxicated or super spooky, you might be mildly disappointed. It’s more about having a fun, relaxed evening with some great stories and good company.

All in all, this tour seems best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of history, ghost stories, and local lore combined with a laid-back pub atmosphere. It’s especially good for those who want to avoid large crowds or prefer an intimate experience.

Key Points

• Small group size (max 15) creates a more personal experience.
• Expert guides with good knowledge of NOLA’s dark tales and history.
• Bar stops add a fun, social element to the storytelling, perfect for those who like a drink or two.
• Diverse stops from haunted restaurants to historic landmarks give a rounded look at the city’s spooky side.
• Photos provided after the tour help you keep memories alive.
• Tour duration of about 2 hours makes it a manageable, engaging evening activity.

The Itinerary in Depth

Start at Cuban Creations Cigar Bar

The tour kicks off at Cuban Creations, a classy spot known as the only smoking bar in the French Quarter. This is a great way to set the tone—relaxed, stylish, and ready for some stories. The bar’s specialty cocktails rooted in New Orleans history give a tasty beginning. The 15-minute stop is short but leaves you feeling comfortably settled into the vibe of the city.

Muriel’s Jackson Square

Next, you’ll visit Muriel’s, arguably the most haunted restaurant in town. The guide will tell you about its ghostly reputation, including the tale of a ghost’s table that’s kept just for spirits. It’s a quick 10-minute stop, but the stories here really stick with you. Many reviews highlight the guide’s engaging storytelling, making this an authentic peek into NOLA’s haunted scene.

Jackson Square

Walking through Jackson Square, the guide shares the city’s bloody legacy and tales of a Spanish baroness supposedly held in a moated castle. This spot feels historic and atmospheric, and you’ll learn about the dark past that shaped the iconic square. It’s a solid 15-minute visit, offering a mix of history and ghostly lore.

Voodoo Authentica

The tour then takes a brief detour into voodoo territory, introducing Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau’s fascinating story—her underground railroad, her power, and her influence. While this is a quick 12-minute stop, it offers a glimpse into the spiritual side of New Orleans and its legends. The guide might tailor the stories to your interests, making it more interactive.

French Quarter Architecture and Stories

Strolling through the French Quarter, you’ll be treated to stunning architecture and plenty of bizarre, tragic, or even hilarious stories about those who lived in these historic buildings. This part emphasizes the city’s layered history, giving you a visual and narrative appreciation of NOLA. Only 10 minutes here, but plenty to soak in.

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar

Next, the oldest bar in New Orleans and the country’s oldest building housing a bar. It’s the perfect spot to hear about Jean Lafitte, the legendary pirate. Drinks aren’t included, but the historic ambiance and pirate stories make this a memorable highlight. Many reviews praise Evan’s storytelling here, adding to the bar’s allure.

The Ice House Bar of the Provincial Hotel

A quick visit to one of the most haunted hotels in the city, with a story so intriguing that the guide might not want to reveal all here. This stop is about 10 minutes, but it’s enough to pique your curiosity and imagine ghostly happenings in the historic hotel.

Lalaurie Mansion

One of the most notorious landmarks, the Lalaurie Mansion, has a chilling story of serial killers that forever stained its reputation. This stop spans about 20 minutes, giving you time to absorb its horrifying history and how it changed local perceptions of safety and morality. Many guests find this segment especially gripping.

Old Ursuline Convent Museum

Finally, the tour wraps up at the Old Ursuline Convent, linked to vampire legends and more. It’s a quiet but pivotal spot for the city’s supernatural tales, providing a fitting end to your ghostly adventure with about 15 minutes of storytelling.

Practical Details and What to Expect

Price-wise, at $30 per person, this tour offers good value, especially considering the small group size and the variety of sites visited. The tour’s duration of approximately two hours makes it a manageable evening activity—you won’t feel exhausted or rushed, but you’ll get a good dose of stories and sights.

The tour is highly rated, with travelers praising the knowledgeable guides—especially Evan—who make the stories come alive. Many reviews emphasize the engaging storytelling, with some even mentioning they learned things they didn’t find in books. The addition of photos post-tour is a nice bonus for those wanting to keep memories.

It’s worth noting that the tour starts at Cuban Creations Cigar Bar and ends at Royal Street, near the heart of the French Quarter. It’s accessible via public transportation or walking, and the small group setting allows for a more intimate experience.

Considering the reviews, it’s clear that the guide makes a difference; many guests mention how Evan’s storytelling, humor, and knowledge elevated the experience. The bar stops provide a relaxed social atmosphere, perfect for chatting about what you’ve just heard.

Who Is This Tour For?

This experience is ideal for travelers who
– Want a light-hearted introduction to NOLA’s haunted legends without a long commitment.
– Enjoy stories that blend history, ghost lore, and local myth.
– Appreciate a small, intimate group for a more personalized vibe.
– Like to combine sightseeing with socializing over drinks.
– Are interested in historic landmarks and the stories behind them, especially if they’re curious about the city’s darker tales.

It’s probably less suited for those looking for spooky, heavily haunted experiences or party-heavy tours, as the focus is on storytelling and atmosphere rather than drunken antics. Also, if you’re expecting very loud or wild bar-hopping, this might not meet those expectations.

Final Thoughts

For a relaxed, engaging, and slightly spooky evening in New Orleans, the French Quarter Haunted and Tipsy Tour stands out as a solid choice. The small group setting makes it feel more like a friendly chat than a guided lecture, and Evan’s storytelling skills are consistently praised. The combination of historic landmarks, ghost stories, and bar stops offers a balanced experience that appeals to many types of travelers seeking a taste of NOLA’s darker side.

While it’s not a raucous or super spooky tour, it does deliver on its promise of spooky stories and a fun night out. The price point is reasonable, especially given the quality of the guides and the variety of sites covered. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or part of a small group, this tour offers a chance to see a different side of the city—one filled with legends, history, and a little ghostly mischief.

If you enjoy stories that are well told, love historic architecture, and want a relaxed way to spend an evening, this tour might be perfect. Just keep your expectations in check about the “tipsy” part—this isn’t about wild drinking, but rather enjoying local drinks in historic settings while soaking up spooky tales.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour is generally aimed at adults and those comfortable with stories about hauntings and dark history. It’s not specifically designed for children, but older teens who enjoy ghost stories might find it interesting.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 2 hours, making it a manageable evening activity without feeling like a full-day commitment.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included in the tour price. You can purchase drinks at the bar stops along the way.

What is the group size?
The tour is small, with a maximum of 15 travelers, which helps ensure a more personal experience.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Cuban Creations Cigar Bar on Toulouse Street and ends near 1035 Royal Street. Both are central locations in the French Quarter.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour, receiving a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
While the tour involves walking through the French Quarter, which has uneven surfaces, it might be challenging for those with mobility concerns. It’s best to check with the provider if you have specific needs.

Will I get to see the haunted spots at night?
Yes, the tour takes place in the evening, which adds to the spooky atmosphere and makes the haunted stories even more immersive.

What about the weather?
The tour is outdoor and weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

All in all, the French Quarter Haunted and Tipsy Tour offers a friendly, well-rounded way to explore the darker corners of New Orleans without taking things too seriously. It’s perfect for those who want a bit of fun, a dash of history, and some memorable stories in a cozy setting.