If you’re thinking about adding a ghostly twist to your New Orleans trip, the Haunted Pub Crawl offers a lively way to experience the city’s darker stories while enjoying some of its best bars. We haven’t personally joined this tour, but from what we can gather, it’s an engaging mix of history, ghost tales, and good drinks—all served with a laid-back vibe that suits most travelers looking for fun.

What immediately stands out about this experience are the knowledgeable guides who keep the stories entertaining and the range of haunted bar locations that offer both eerie ambiance and memorable drinks. On the flip side, some might find the focus on alcohol a bit too prominent if you’re not into drinking or looking for a more historical or ghostly experience.

This tour tends to appeal most to those who enjoy a casual, social atmosphere, love hearing spooky stories, and want a taste of New Orleans’ infamous nightlife. It’s especially good for visitors who want to combine a bit of history with fun and relaxation—without the serious formality of traditional ghost tours.

Key Points

Lively, social atmosphere: You can enjoy drinks while exploring haunted spots.
Informative guides: Guides are praised for their humor, knowledge, and engaging storytelling.
Variety of locations: Stops include historic bars, old brothels, and haunted landmarks.
Flexible experience: Routes are subject to change based on city events or construction.
Value for the price: At $32, it’s a budget-friendly way to see the French Quarter at night.
Mostly adult-focused: Minimum age is 21, and alcohol isn’t included, so plan accordingly.

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What to Expect from the Haunted Pub Crawl

Let’s walk through what this tour looks like and what makes it worth considering—or not.

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The Start and Meeting Point

You’ll meet your guide outside the Jax Brewery building, right near Bon’s New Orleans Street Food. It’s a convenient spot in the heart of the French Quarter, easy to reach after a day of sightseeing. The tour usually starts in the evening, perfect for setting a spooky mood once the sun goes down.

The Atmosphere and Duration

This isn’t a stiff historical walk; it’s a laid-back pub crawl that emphasizes fun, storytelling, and the lively spirit of New Orleans. The tour runs around 2 hours, which is enough time to visit several bars, soak in a few ghost stories, and share a drink or two. It’s a relaxed pace, with plenty of chances to chat with your guide and fellow travelers.

The Bars and Stops

You’ll visit some of the city’s most iconic haunted bars, including one that was once an old brothel and another that’s among the oldest in America. During the walk, you may also see famous haunted landmarks such as the Lalaurie Mansion and Laffittes Blacksmith Shop.

The stops are designed to showcase the haunted history of the French Quarter, but also to give you time to enjoy a cocktail or two. And yes, you’re welcome to take your drink with you as you walk from spot to spot, thanks to New Orleans’ unique open-container laws.

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The Stories and Guides

Guides often share tales of murder, mayhem, and ghostly encounters passed down over centuries. Reviewers consistently praise the guides for their humor, enthusiasm, and detailed storytelling. For example, one reviewer said, “DJ was a great guide. Very funny and knowledgeable,” while another appreciated Caroline’s engaging personality.

The guides are flexible, and routes may shift depending on city events like parades or construction. This keeps the experience fresh, with the possibility of discovering new haunted corners each time you go.

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The Drinks and Cost

While the tour price of $32 per person covers the guiding, it’s important to note that cocktails are not included. You should plan for additional costs at each bar, but the experience is designed to be affordable and fun. You’ll have a chance to sample some of the city’s favorite drinks, like Hurricanes and other New Orleans cocktails, which you can sip as you listen to the stories.

The Tour Experience: Pros and Cons

Advantages
– The mix of history and humor keeps the tour lively and engaging.
– Stops at historic, iconic, and sometimes eerie locations make for memorable moments.
– The small group size and flexible route ensure a personalized experience.
– The guides are rated highly for their storytelling and fun approach.

Potential Downsides
– The focus on alcohol might not appeal to everyone, especially if you prefer a more gothic or serious ghost tour.
– Routes are subject to change, which could affect your planned stops or the overall experience.
– If you’re not a drinker, the tour might feel less relevant since the main activity is pub hopping.
– It’s strictly for those over 21, so not suitable for minors or families.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Since the tour’s route can vary, here’s what you might expect based on reviews and descriptions.

First Stop: Historic Bar with Haunted Past

Your journey begins at a well-known bar with centuries of stories. One reviewer describes the experience as “interesting and fun,” highlighting the guide’s ability to share details that bring the location alive. The focus here is on setting a spooky mood—lighting, historic decor, and ghost stories passed down through generations.

Second Stop: An Old Brothel Turned Bar

This location adds a dash of intrigue, as it’s an old brothel turned iconic drinking hole. It offers a glimpse into New Orleans’ more sinful past while providing a lively environment for drinks and conversation.

Landmarks and Ghostly Tales

You’ll also pass by the Lalaurie Mansion, notorious for its gruesome history, and the Laffittes Blacksmith Shop, reputed to be haunted by former patrons. Guides weave stories of murders, spirits, and strange phenomena associated with these places.

Final Stops and Wind-Down

The last few bars tend to be more relaxed, giving everyone a chance to unwind, share stories, and savor the city’s nightlife. The tour ends conveniently close to where it started, making it easy to continue your evening or head back to your accommodation.

Reviews and Real Traveler Feedback

The tour consistently scores a high 4.6/5 from 367 reviews, which speaks to its popularity and overall quality.

Many reviewers emphasize the entertainment and knowledge of guides. For instance, one said, “Wes was so informative. It was interesting and fun,” and another praised Gomez as “very knowledgeable and entertaining.” The humor and engaging storytelling clearly resonate with participants.

The drink stops seem to be well-balanced—enough time for a sip and a chat without dragging out the experience. One review mentioned, “plenty of time at each pub to enjoy the bars and brews,” which makes it perfect for those who want a fun, social night out.

A few reviewers highlight the fun group environment, noting that sharing stories and laughter enhances the experience. The lively ambiance paired with haunted tales makes for a memorable night.

What Could Be Improved?

While most reviews are rave, a small number mention waiting times or route changes, but these seem minor and part of the adventure. If you’re looking for a hyper-structured tour with fixed stops and a focus solely on history, this may not be the best fit.

Is This Tour Worth the Price?

At $32, this tour is quite reasonable considering it includes a knowledgeable guide, several bars, and a fun, themed experience. You’ll get a chance to see some of the most haunted spots in the French Quarter while enjoying drinks and stories in a relaxed setting. Remember, drinks aren’t included, so budget accordingly for your beverages.

The tour’s value lies in the combination of history, entertainment, and social vibe. If you’re a fan of ghost stories, enjoy a drink or two, and want to experience New Orleans’ nightlife with a spooky edge, this is a solid choice.

Who Should Sign Up?

This experience is perfect for adults who enjoy lighthearted storytelling, drinks, and a social atmosphere. It’s particularly good if you’re traveling with friends or want a fun way to explore the darker stories of the French Quarter without a solemn tone. It’s less suited for those who prefer a strictly historical or ghost-only tour or for travelers not interested in drinking.

It’s also a good pick for first-time visitors wanting a relaxed, engaging introduction to the city’s haunted history and nightlife. The informal setting and friendly guides make it approachable for almost everyone over 21.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the Haunted Pub Crawl suitable for children?
No, the tour is only for participants aged 21 and over, mainly because alcohol consumption is a part of the experience.
Are drinks included in the tour price?
No, cocktails are not included. You’ll need to purchase drinks at each bar, which allows flexibility and the chance to try local favorites.
Where do we meet for the tour?
You meet outside the Jax Brewery building, just outside Bon’s New Orleans Street Food, in the French Quarter.
How long does the tour last?
Approximately 2 hours, usually scheduled in the evening.
Is the route fixed?
No, routes may change based on parades, construction, or city events, which keeps each tour fresh.
Are the tours wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is accessible for wheelchair users.
What should I bring?
Bring your driver’s license and comfortable shoes for walking between bars.
What is the minimum age?
Participants must be at least 21 years old.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Is it suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. Many reviews mention the friendly, social environment, making it a great way to meet people.

Ready to Book?

New Orleans: Haunted Pub Crawl

4.6

(367)

Final Thoughts

The New Orleans Haunted Pub Crawl offers a fun, relaxed way to experience the city’s darker side without the gravity of a formal ghost tour. Its combination of lively storytelling, historic bars, and a social atmosphere makes it stand out as an entertaining evening activity. The guides are consistently praised for their humor and knowledge, turning familiar locations into spooky stories that stick with you.

While it’s primarily a drink-focused experience, the stories and ambiance create a memorable vibe that many travelers cherish. If you’re after a night of laughs, spooky tales, and good drinks, this tour fits the bill. Just be ready for some lively banter and a flexible route—that’s part of the charm.

For those who love exploring haunted spots with a drink in hand, this tour could be the highlight of your trip. It’s best suited for those who want an easygoing, social way to soak up New Orleans’ mysterious tales and vibrant nightlife.