New Orleans Haunted Pub Crawl

If you’re considering a night out in the French Quarter that combines a dash of history, a touch of ghostly tales, and a good amount of local flavor, the New Orleans Haunted Pub Crawl might be just what you’re after. This tour offers a chance to stroll through some of the city’s most iconic and lesser-known bars while listening to haunting stories of infamous characters and eerie crimes. We haven’t done it ourselves (yet!), but based on reviews and details, it seems like a lively way to soak up the city’s spooky ambiance.

What really catches our eye about this experience is the blend of storytelling and local pub culture, especially the chance to venture off Bourbon Street to discover hidden gems that most visitors might miss. Plus, the live commentary from guides is a highlight according to many reviews, making the stories come alive. On the flip side, some folks have mentioned that the experience can be uneven—whether due to guide enthusiasm or bar selection, so it’s worth keeping expectations in check. This tour seems best suited for those who enjoy a good ghost story, a bit of adult fun, and aren’t expecting a highly polished or non-stop adrenaline rush.

So, if you’re a traveler who appreciates local character, loves a good sip at historic pubs, and wants a bit of a spooky twist, this tour could be a good fit. Just remember, it’s a 2-hour walk with some bar hopping involved, so plan on being comfortable with a bit of walking and standing. Now, let’s get into some key points before diving into the nitty-gritty details.

Key Points

• Authentic Local Bars: The tour visits some of the city’s most interesting and lesser-known pubs, not just Bourbon Street’s busiest spots.
• Storytelling Focus: Guides are known for their knowledge and storytelling skills, which can make or break the experience.
• Flexible Schedule: Two evening departures give some options to fit your plans.
• Cost-Effective: At about $30 per person, it offers decent value for an engaging 2-hour tour with drinks on your own tab.
• Unpredictable Experience: Reviewers highlight that guide enthusiasm and bar choices vary, affecting the overall vibe.
• Age Restriction: You must be 21 or older, and alcohol is not included, so budget accordingly.

Let’s walk through what this tour involves, and what you should know before booking.

Location and Meeting Point

The tour kicks off at 725 St Peter, New Orleans, right in the heart of the French Quarter. This central starting point makes it convenient, especially if you’re already exploring the city or staying nearby. The tour ends back at the starting point, so no need for additional transportation once it’s over.

Duration and Group Size

Clocking in at roughly 2 hours, it’s a manageable length that keeps the pacing lively without dragging on. The group size is capped at 28 travelers, which strikes a good balance—large enough to be social, but still intimate enough to hear your guide.

Price and What’s Included

For just $30 per person, you get a haunted pub crawl that takes you through the French Quarter’s hidden bars and local joints. Drinks are not included, leaving you free to choose what to sip and how much to spend along the way. No hotel pickup or drop-off is provided, so plan to meet at the designated spot.

What’s Not Included

• Food and drinks, which means you can choose your own budget and style
• Hotel transportation, so you’re responsible for getting there and back
• Tips, which are customary if you enjoy the guide’s storytelling

Stop 1: The French Quarter

The tour begins here, giving you a broad taste of the vibrant district. Walk through streets lined with historic architecture and lively atmospheres. Many reviews mention that the tour’s storytelling adds an eerie layer to the visual backdrop—ghostly tales seem to linger in the very stones of the buildings.

Stop 2: Finnegan’s Easy

Just next door, this pub offers a relaxed spot to unwind after the stories. If you’re over 21, you might want to try the 2-for-1 hurricanes here, which are a popular choice among tour participants. It’s a great time to soak in the local vibe and chat with fellow travelers about the spooky stories told so far.

Bourbon Street and Beyond

One of the highlights is crossing Bourbon Street, often described as the “biggest block party in the world.” It’s a lively backdrop to your haunted walk, and many find the contrast between the busy party scene and the dark tales quite fun.

Final Stop: The Haunted Bar

Many tours culminate at an iconic haunt known for its vampire culture in the 90s. Once a favorite of Aleister Crowley in the early 1900s, this bar stands as a symbol of the city’s mysterious past. It’s a fitting end, especially for those who enjoy a good story paired with a strong drink.

Many guests love the guides’ storytelling skills. For example, one reviewer praised Tiny as “great,” highlighting his knowledge and engaging style, while others appreciated the chance to explore local, lesser-known bars. Several reviews mention the fun of meeting new people and discovering spots they wouldn’t find on their own.

However, not everyone had the same experience. Some found the guide unenthusiastic, with one saying, “Our guide was very unenthusiastic, so wasn’t much fun.” Others felt the stories were fabricated or the experience was underwhelming, like a reviewer who said, “It felt like we were just shuffled around to the guide’s pick of bars.” A few noted that the drinks or bar atmospheres didn’t quite live up to expectations, and a couple of reviewers left early because of pacing or bar quality issues.

The bottom line? The tour’s success heavily depends on the guide and the bars chosen, so your experience could swing from lively and memorable to just okay.

At $30, this tour isn’t overly expensive, considering it includes a guided walk, stories, and access to some classic local pubs. Think of it as a fun and social way to spend a couple of hours exploring the haunted side of New Orleans without breaking the bank.

If you’re someone who enjoys a mix of history, storytelling, and adult beverages, you’ll likely find this tour offers good value. But if you’re expecting a highly polished or scripted experience, be aware that the reviews show varied guide enthusiasm and bar quality.

This haunted pub crawl is best suited for adults who like stories and a bit of drinking. It’s perfect if you’re keen on exploring the lesser-known bars, hearing spooky tales, and don’t mind a casual, sometimes unpredictable atmosphere. It’s also a good choice for groups looking for a relaxed, social experience that combines history with nightlife.

Not ideal for those who prefer a structured or very polished tour, or for travelers seeking family-friendly activities. Remember, you need to be 21 or older, and alcohol isn’t included—so budget accordingly.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, because you must be 21 or older to participate, and alcohol is involved.

How long is the tour?
It runs for approximately 2 hours, making it a manageable evening activity.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included. You can choose to buy your own beverages at each bar.

What if I don’t drink alcohol?
While the tour is designed for adults who can enjoy adult beverages, you can still enjoy the storytelling and explore the bars; just be aware you won’t have drinks included.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance, giving you some flexibility.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 725 St Peter and ends back there, so it’s easy to walk or get back to your hotel afterward.

The New Orleans Haunted Pub Crawl offers a fun blend of ghost stories, local bar discovery, and a lively night out in the French Quarter. It’s a good pick for those who enjoy storytelling, local spirits, and exploring off the beaten path. While it might not be perfect for everyone—some reviews point out inconsistent guide enthusiasm or bar quality—it remains a popular choice for travelers looking to add some spooky fun to their New Orleans nights.

If you’re after a relaxed, social experience that combines a little history with adult beverages and a spooky twist, this tour could be right up your alley. Just remember to have an open mind, budget for drinks, and enjoy the stories—some of which are likely to stay with you long after the night ends.