French Quarter Walking Tour

Planning a trip to New Orleans and considering a tour of the iconic French Quarter? We’ve looked into one popular option — a 2-hour walking tour offered by New Orleans Drunk History Tours — to help you decide if it’s worth your time and money. While this tour promises a mix of history, ghost stories, voodoo tales, and visits to key landmarks, it’s important to get the full picture before booking.

What we appreciate about this experience is its focus on local insight and the chance to see some of the neighborhood’s most famous sites in just a couple of hours. Plus, the inclusion of paranormal tools like a ghost detector adds a fun twist for those intrigued by the supernatural side of New Orleans. On the flip side, the reviews reveal some inconsistencies and frustrations around cancellations, timing, and the depth of historical content. That’s why it’s helpful to weigh both the positives and drawbacks before making a decision.

This tour might suit travelers who enjoy short, themed explorations and are curious about the spooky and mysterious stories of the French Quarter. However, if you’re hoping for an in-depth historical deep dive or reliable scheduling, you might want to explore other options. Overall, it’s a tour with elements that appeal to certain interests, but it’s not necessarily a comprehensive history lesson.

Key Points

• Focus on Paranormal & Voodoo Stories: The tour emphasizes ghost, vampire, and voodoo tales, making it ideal for fans of supernatural lore.
• Landmarks Visited: Important sites like Jackson Square, the Ursuline Convent, Presbytere, Cabildo, and St. Louis Cathedral are included.
• Tour Duration & Price: At around 2 hours and $35 per person, it’s a quick, budget-friendly way to get a taste of the neighborhood.
• Variable Experience: Reviews indicate that the experience can be inconsistent — delays, cancellations, and limited historical detail.
• Interactive Elements: The use of a paranormal detector adds an engaging element but might feel gimmicky or underwhelming depending on expectations.
• Limited Inside Access: No entry into buildings is included; it’s a walking tour with exteriors only, which may be disappointing if you’re hoping to go inside historic sites.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Meeting Details

The tour begins at 941 Bourbon Street, specifically at the gates of Lafittes Blacksmith Shop Bar — a building with its own historic charm, built between 1772 and 1791. It’s a lively, recognizable spot that immediately sets the tone for exploring one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in the US. The meeting point is on the sidewalk, so arriving a few minutes early is advisable.

What the Tour Covers

Once you gather with your guide and group, the journey kicks off with a walk through the French Quarter’s streets, which are notable for their 19th-century architecture, charming lanes, and shaded plazas. As you stroll, your guide shares stories about how this neighborhood evolved from a colonial settlement into the lively, hedonistic area it’s known for today.

The tour’s narrative isn’t purely about sightseeing — it aims to weave in ghost stories, vampire legends, and voodoo tales, promising a taste of New Orleans’ darker, more mysterious side. According to reviews, a special EMF Ghost Detector is used during the tour, adding an element of the paranormal that some find fun and others see as a gimmick.

Landmarks and Highlights

During the walk, expect to stop at Jackson Square, a hub of activity and history, and visit St. Louis Cathedral, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The tour also covers the Ursuline Convent, dating back to the early 18th century, and the Cabildo and Presbytere, both of which are key historical buildings related to Louisiana’s past.

What makes these stops worth your time is not just their architecture but their stories. For example, Jackson Square is not only scenic but also steeped in stories of pirates, artists, and revolutionaries. The Ursuline Convent, which still stands, has a history linked to the city’s earliest European settlers.

What Travelers Say

Reviews paint a mixed picture. Some mention that the guide was late or that the tour was canceled last-minute, which can be frustrating especially if you’re on a tight schedule. For instance, one reviewer shared, “The tour was canceled just 10 minutes before we were to meet — no explanation was given.” Others note that the tour didn’t go inside any buildings, which might disappoint those expecting more in-depth exploration.

However, there are positive comments about the stories told and the interactive paranormal element. One reviewer appreciated the unique perspective on the city’s haunted reputation, saying it provided “a fun, spooky vibe.”

Duration, Group Size, and Cost

With a duration of about 2 hours and a price of $35 per person, this tour is relatively affordable for a guided experience in a popular neighborhood. The group size is capped at 28 travelers, which helps maintain a manageable and intimate atmosphere.

Practical Considerations

Since this is primarily a walking tour, wear comfortable shoes and be ready for uneven sidewalks. The tour is described as moderate-paced, so be prepared for a fair bit of stepping and walking. Also, keep in mind that no entry into private locations is included — all stops are from the outside or public spaces.

The Value Proposition

Given the reviews and the described itinerary, you’re mainly paying for entertainment, storytelling, and a taste of the neighborhood’s legends. If you’re intrigued by ghost stories and local legends, and are okay with a tour that’s more about storytelling than deep historical analysis, this could be a good fit. But if you’re after a detailed history or a consistently punctual experience, you might find this tour lacking.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for curious travelers interested in ghost stories, voodoo, and supernatural legends. It’s also a good choice if you want a quick overview of key landmarks without a long, intensive tour. Those who enjoy interactive elements and don’t mind some unpredictability in scheduling will likely find it entertaining.

If you are traveling with children, keep in mind that some of the stories and stops may be more geared toward adults, and not all bars allow kids inside. It’s a tour that leans toward a fun, spooky vibe rather than serious historical education.

Final Thoughts

The French Quarter Walking Tour offers a lively, themed introduction to one of New Orleans’ most famous neighborhoods. It’s a short, affordable option for those curious about the supernatural stories woven into the city’s fabric. However, the experience’s inconsistency — including cancellations and limited inside visits — means you’ll want to approach it with realistic expectations.

It’s a tour that shines when the stories and atmosphere match your interests, especially if you’re into ghost tales and local legends. But if you’re seeking a detailed, reliable, and historically rich tour, you might want to explore other options. Always check recent reviews and confirm availability before booking, especially given the frequent mention of cancellations.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children can attend, but some bars may not allow kids inside, and the stories are geared more toward an adult audience interested in ghost and voodoo tales.

How long does the tour last?
It generally lasts around 2 hours, but delays or multiple stops at busy bars could extend the time.

What landmarks will I see?
You’ll visit Jackson Square, the Ursuline Convent, Presbytere, Cabildo, and St. Louis Cathedral, among others.

Are inside visits included?
No, the tour involves exterior visits and walking. No inside access to private locations is provided.

What’s the price?
It costs $35 per person, which is quite affordable for a guided tour in such a famous neighborhood.

Are paranormal tools used during the tour?
Yes, a ghost detector is used, adding an interactive element that some find fun and others see as a gimmick.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
No, tickets are non-refundable, and cancellations are not allowed. Tours are rain-or-shine, and weather cancellations are handled with rescheduling options.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes for walking are recommended. The tour is moderate-paced, so be prepared for some uneven surfaces.

Final Word

All in all, this tour offers a quick, themed glimpse into the French Quarter’s spooky legends. It’s best for those who enjoy storytelling, paranormal tales, and a lively atmosphere, but less so for travelers seeking a comprehensive or historically detailed experience. Always check recent reviews and the current schedule — especially given past cancellations — to ensure it still fits your plans.

If you’re looking for a fun, light-hearted way to experience New Orleans’ haunted reputation and iconic sights, this might just be worth a shot. Just keep your expectations in check and prepare for a lively walk through one of America’s most enchanting neighborhoods.