New Orleans: True Crime Pub Crawl

If you’re curious about the darker tales of New Orleans and want to combine storytelling with a fun night out, the True Crime Pub Crawl might be worth considering. It’s a guided tour that takes you through some of the city’s most notorious crime scenes and stories — all while you visit local watering holes.

We love that this experience blends history and entertainment, giving you a different perspective on the city beyond its jazz and Mardi Gras. Plus, the guides are praised for their knowledge and storytelling skills, making the stories come alive. On the flip side, a potential snag is that the route can change unexpectedly because of parades or construction, which might affect your plans.

This tour is especially good for those who enjoy true crime stories, are interested in New Orleans’ less-glamorous side, and want a social, lively evening. It’s not suited for kids under 21, but for adults, it’s a fun way to learn some local lore with a cold drink in hand.

Key Points

• Engaging storytelling from knowledgeable guides
• Visit popular bars with dark histories
• Focus on notorious crimes and local legends
• Flexible routes that adapt to city events
• Cost-effective at $37 per person for two hours
• Includes a guided experience but drinks are extra

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the True Crime Pub Crawl in New Orleans

When considering this tour, it’s helpful to know what your evening will look like. Starting in the French Quarter, you’ll meet your guide outside Bon’s New Orleans Street Food. From there, the tour takes about two hours, during which you visit a handful of bars with stories that will send shivers down your spine.

The tour’s core focus is on some of the city’s most unnerving crimes — from infamous murders to the mysterious story of the Ax Man, a serial killer legend. You’ll also learn how New Orleans played a surprisingly important role in the JFK assassination, adding a layer of intrigue to the evening.

The Route and Stops

Since routes can change due to parades or construction, exact stops aren’t fixed, but you’ll typically visit bars that have been part of the city’s dark side stories. The bars chosen are praised for their ambiance and drinks, and many reviews highlight the fun of having a drink while listening to chilling tales.

The emphasis is on storytelling, so expect your guide to share details that make the crimes feel more real. One reviewer mentioned, “Jamie was brilliant, great knowledge, the stories were fascinating and got me to learn more of the city’s history.”

Drinking and Atmosphere

While the tour includes visits to some of the best local watering holes, drinks are not included in the price. You’ll need to buy your own, but the guides are known for recommending drinks and local specialties, boosting the experience. Several reviews mention the quality of the suggested drinks and the friendly, lively atmosphere of the bars.

The Guide and Group Size

The success of a tour like this heavily depends on the guide. From the reviews, guides like Wes, Gomez, and Bubby consistently receive high praise for their knowledge, humor, and storytelling ability. Tour groups tend to be small and intimate, which makes for a more engaging experience.

Wes, in particular, is called an “absolute star” by multiple reviewers, and many guests note that their guides’ personalities and storytelling skills made the tour memorable.

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The Value and Cost

At $37 per person, this tour offers a lot of value. For two hours of entertainment, storytelling, and some local bar hopping, it’s quite reasonable. The price doesn’t include drinks, but with recommendations from guides, you can easily enjoy a cocktail or local brew that fits your taste and budget.

The reviews emphasize the quality of the guides and the stories, which suggests this tour offers a lot more than just a walk around bars. It’s genuinely an entertaining way to learn about infamous crimes and legends in the city’s history, making it a memorable part of your trip.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect if you’re interested in true crime stories and local legends. It’s also great for those who want a relaxed, social evening with friendly guides and engaging stories. If you enjoy informative but fun storytelling and don’t mind a bit of walking and bar-hopping, you’ll likely find this tour hits the mark.

It’s especially suited for travelers who want to see a different side of New Orleans, beyond the usual tourist sights. Since the tour is mostly conversation and storytelling, it’s a good fit for those who prefer small group experiences over large guided tours.

Who Might Want to Consider Other Options?

If you’re looking for a tour that includes transportation, or if you prefer a more structured or historical walking tour without the bar aspect, this might not be ideal. Also, keep in mind that the route can change, so if you have specific sites in mind, make sure they’re covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for people under 21?
No, the tour is not suitable for under-21s, as it involves visiting bars and drinking.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs approximately 2 hours, usually in the evening.

Are drinks included in the price?
No, drinks are not included. You’ll buy them separately at each bar, but guides often recommend good options.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour rain or shine?
Yes, the tour takes place regardless of weather conditions, so dress accordingly.

Where do I meet the guide?
Meet outside Bon’s New Orleans Street Food in the French Quarter.

What’s the typical group size?
While not explicitly stated, reviews suggest groups are small and intimate, which enhances the storytelling.

Do I need to reserve in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to book ahead to secure your spot, especially during busy seasons.

Is this a walking tour?
Yes, it involves walking from bar to bar, but no additional transportation is included.

Final Thoughts

The New Orleans True Crime Pub Crawl offers a unique way to experience the city’s darker stories amid a lively, social atmosphere. Guided by knowledgeable, engaging storytellers, you’ll get to hear about infamous murders, legends like the Ax Man, and even the city’s connection to the JFK assassination.

It’s a perfect choice for those who love true crime, storytelling, and an evening of relaxed bar hopping. The high praise from guests about the guides’ personalities and storytelling skills suggests you’re in good hands. Plus, at a reasonable price, it offers excellent value for anyone wanting to blend history, mystery, and fun.

However, it’s not for everyone—if you’re seeking a more traditional historical walk without bars, or need transportation, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you’re after a memorable, entertaining, and slightly spooky night, this tour could be a highlight of your New Orleans trip.

In short, this tour is best for adults who love stories of crime and legend, enjoy a lively social scene, and want an informal way to learn about New Orleans’ darker side. It’s well-reviewed, reasonably priced, and led by guides who genuinely know how to make stories come alive. Just be ready for some walking, and make sure to have some cash for your drinks. Enjoy the spooky side of the Big Easy!

You can check availability for your dates here: