New Orleans Drunk History Tour

New Orleans Drunk History Tour Review: A Fun and Fascinating Look at the French Quarter’s Dark Side

If you’re heading to New Orleans and want a tour that mixes history, spooky tales, and a bit of fun with drinks in hand, the New Orleans Drunk History Tour might be just what you’re after. This experience promises a lively stroll through the French Quarter, blending entertaining storytelling with visits to iconic sites and a peek into the city’s supernatural tales.

What we especially like about this tour is how it combines knowledgeable guides with hands-on paranormal investigations and bar stops. It’s set up for a good time, whether you’re into ghosts, voodoo, or simply wish to learn more about the city’s darker legends. A potential snag, though, is the inconsistent review scores—some folks have had less-than-stellar experiences, including cancellations or no-shows. So, it’s worth considering whether a more structured or private tour suits your vibe.

Ultimately, this tour is perfect for those who enjoy a mix of history and fun, don’t mind walking and socializing, and want a more relaxed, party-like atmosphere. If you’re after in-depth historical detail or private experiences, you might want to explore other options. But if you’re in the mood for an engaging, spirited exploration of the French Quarter with a dash of the supernatural, this could be just right.

Key Points

• Lively, engaging guides make the stories come alive and keep the energy high.
• Visit iconic landmarks like St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square, with stories that go beyond the usual tourist fare.
• Includes bar stops and to-go drinks, making it a social experience — perfect for groups or bachelorette parties.
• Use paranormal equipment to add an interactive element, trying to detect ghosts or supernatural activity.
• Tour stays within the French Quarter, so you get a concentrated dose of NOLA’s historic and spooky vibe.
• Flexible duration (about 1-2 hours) suits most schedules, with a relaxed walking pace.

A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

What’s the vibe of this tour?

Picture yourself wandering through the lively streets of the French Quarter with a friendly, knowledgeable guide who’s eager to share stories about the city’s haunted past and supernatural legends. The atmosphere is casual, fun, and geared toward laughter and curiosity. Guides like Cody have earned accolades for keeping things lively and informative. As one reviewer noted, “Cody was very informative and knowledgeable of the area. He easily kept our interest and made the tour better.” Most descriptions highlight how the tour manages to balance lighthearted entertainment with fascinating facts.

What’s included? What’s not?

For $35, you get a group walking tour led by a local guide. The tour is designed to be moderate paced, so even if you’re not the most athletic, you’ll find it manageable. Drinks are not included, but there are plenty of bars along the route where you can purchase beverages and sip as you walk. This adds a social element that many travelers love, especially for groups celebrating special occasions.

The tour also features the use of paranormal equipment—a real EMF meter—to try to pick up ghostly signals. Guests are encouraged to check equipment out at the start and return it at the end. It’s a small detail but adds an interactive layer, especially fun for those interested in supernatural phenomena.

How does the itinerary unfold?

The tour kicks off at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, one of the oldest bars in the U.S., where you can start with a drink or simply soak in the historic setting. Here, your guide begins weaving tales of ghosts, vampires, and voodoo legends that are woven into the fabric of the French Quarter. From there, the group stays within the neighborhood, visiting top sights like Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral, all while hearing stories that go beyond what you’ll find in guidebooks.

One unique feature: the tour allows time for guests to buy drinks from various establishments along the route, making it a relaxed, social experience. Some reviews mention the tour was cut short by weather but still rated it highly because of the guide’s personality and the engaging stories.

What about the haunted and supernatural elements?

This isn’t just a sightseeing walk; it’s infused with ghost stories, voodoo lore, and haunted sites. The guide will tell tales of the city’s dark past, and the paranormal equipment lets you get a hands-on feel for detecting supernatural activity. While there’s no guarantee of actual ghost encounters (that’s just not how these things work), many guests have shared photos capturing mysterious phenomena.

One review mentioned, “Guests have captured paranormal photos during our tours so rest assured it is most definitely possible.” It’s all about the fun of trying to sense unseen forces and learning about the mysterious side of NOLA.

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts about 1 to 2 hours, depending on group size, weather, and how many stops you make for drinks or stories. It’s designed to be a moderate-paced walk, so you won’t be rushing through or exhausting yourself. Some reviews appreciated the length, calling it “a fun way to start the night,” especially before heading out to explore more of Bourbon Street.

What do reviews say?

The tour boasts a solid 4.4/5 from 124 reviews. Many rave about the guide Cody, calling him engaging, knowledgeable, and hilarious. Guests deeply appreciated the storytelling, the bar hopping, and the paranormal activity detection. One reviewer summed it up: “Our tour guide Cody was awesome!! We’ve done several tours in multiple cities, and Cody was hands down the best tour guide we’ve ever had!”

However, there are some less positive experiences noted—such as cancellations or no-shows—which highlight the importance of booking in advance and confirming. Some travelers also mentioned that the tour was cut short due to weather, which can happen since tours are rain-or-shine. The company’s policies are clear that no refunds are given for weather or cancellations unless they cancel proactively.

The Value in This Experience

At just $35 per person, this tour offers a good bang for your buck if you’re looking for more than just a typical sightseeing walk. The combination of entertaining storytelling, bar stops, paranormal equipment, and iconic sites makes it a memorable outing. It’s especially appealing for groups, couples, or anyone wanting a relaxed, social way to learn about New Orleans’ haunted lore.

The price reflects the interactive elements and the emphasis on fun over strict historical deep dives. If you’re after a lighthearted introduction to the city’s spooky side, you’ll find this tour hits the right notes. Plus, the guide’s reputation for being personable and engaging adds to the overall experience’s warmth and authenticity.

Who is This Tour Best Suited For?

This tour is ideal for those who enjoy storytelling with a side of drinks and paranormal intrigue. If you’re traveling with friends or a group looking for a casual, lively way to explore the French Quarter’s darker stories, this is a solid choice. It’s perfect for bachelorette parties, birthday celebrations, or just a fun night out.

If you’re someone who prefers more structured, in-depth historical tours or private experiences, you might want to look elsewhere. Also, remember that the tour is within the French Quarter, so it’s best suited for those who don’t mind walking and spending time in busy, vibrant areas.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 18 aren’t admitted without a parent or guardian, and some bars may not allow minors. It’s primarily geared toward adults who enjoy drinks and spooky stories.

Are drinks included in the tour?
No, drinks are not included. You will have the opportunity to purchase beverages at local bars along the route, which keeps the price low and the experience social.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs approximately 1 to 2 hours, depending on how many stops and the pace of the group.

What’s the meeting point?
It starts at 941 Bourbon St, outside the courtyard gate of Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop. Guests should arrive a few minutes early and check in with the guide.

Can paranormal equipment be checked out?
Yes, guests can request to use paranormal detectors, which are checked out at the start and must be returned at the end. There’s a fee for lost or damaged equipment.

What if the weather is bad?
Tours are held rain or shine. If canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. No refunds are given for weather if the tour proceeds.

In essence, the New Orleans Drunk History Tour offers a fun, casual way to uncover the city’s haunted stories while enjoying drinks and interactive elements. If you’re looking for a lively, storytelling experience that captures the spirit of the French Quarter with a supernatural twist, it’s worth considering. Just keep in mind the occasional cancellations or weather disruptions, and plan accordingly.