New Orleans Drunk History Tour

Exploring New Orleans on the Drunk History Tour: An Insightful and Entertaining Experience

If you’re considering a way to explore the soul of the French Quarter with a mix of humor, history, and some ghostly intrigue, the New Orleans Drunk History Tour might just be what you’re looking for. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a picture of a lively, amusing, and surprisingly informative experience that many travelers seem to enjoy.

What we love about this tour is its ability to blend entertaining storytelling with historical facts—all with a spirited twist. The chance to visit iconic sites like Jackson Square and St Louis Cathedral while hearing tales of voodoo Queen Marie Laveau or haunted houses offers a unique way to connect with the city’s mysterious side.

Plus, the inclusion of bar stops and paranormal equipment adds a lively, interactive layer that appeals to those who want a bit of everything.

However, a possible consideration is the variable nature of the experience—it’s weather-dependent, and tours can be canceled if minimum numbers aren’t met. Also, while the price of $35 is quite reasonable, it’s mainly for the tour itself, so you’ll want to factor in drinks or tips separately.

This tour will best suit history buffs, party-goers, or anyone curious about New Orleans’ supernatural reputation seeking a fun, social way to learn.

Key Points

• Authentic storytelling about NOLA’s haunted history and voodoo legends
• Casual, lively atmosphere with bar stops and paranormal equipment
• Affordable price point for a 1-2 hour guided walk in the French Quarter
• Interactive elements like ghost detection with real EMF meters
• Flexible and accessible with mobile tickets and near public transit
• Mixed reviews on organization—some cancellations and communication issues noted

An In-Depth Look at the New Orleans Drunk History Tour

Introduction to the Tour

This walking tour aims to bring out the darker, spookier, and more colorful stories of New Orleans’ French Quarter. It’s marketed as a drunken history experience, but don’t worry—it’s more about storytelling and fun than heavy drinking. The mix of history, ghost stories, voodoo, and haunted house visits is designed to entertain while giving you some context on the city’s famed supernatural reputation.

At $35 per person, this tour offers a budget-friendly way to explore the city’s mysterious side without breaking the bank. It’s a mobile ticket, so you can easily check in and join the group, which tends to be booked about six days in advance, indicating solid demand.

What Travelers Love About This Experience

According to reviews, guides like Cody are praised for being knowledgeable, engaging, and funny—making the storytelling highly enjoyable. Many mention how the guide’s personality adds a lot to the experience, with numerous reviewers describing Cody as “hilarious,” “great,” and “the best tour guide ever.” This personal touch makes the tour feel more like a fun outing with friends rather than a stiff, scripted event.

Another highlight is visiting iconic landmarks such as Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, one of the oldest bars in the United States, and the historic Jackson Square with its stunning architecture and lively atmosphere. Travelers enjoy the balance of sightseeing, storytelling, and bar stops, which keeps things lively and social.

A Possible Drawback

While the tour promises a lot of engaging stories and paranormal investigations, some reviews mention disappointments with logistics—such as cancellations or delays. For instance, one reviewer experienced a no-show after waiting 30 minutes, and others noted that weather or low participation could cause the tour to be canceled or cut short.

The duration—about 1 to 2 hours—also means it’s a brief taste of New Orleans’ haunted side, which might leave history buffs wanting more. Plus, since the tour involves walking through the French Quarter, it’s important to be comfortable on your feet and prepared for the weather.

Detailed Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar

The tour kicks off at this notorious historic pub, known for its dark, atmospheric vibe. It’s a prime spot to start the night, and you’ll have the chance to purchase a drink here. As the oldest building used as a bar in the U.S., it oozes history and legend. The guide shares stories of pirates, ghosts, and the neighborhood’s decadent past.

What’s special: The dark ambiance and tales of ghostly legends make it a memorable start. You’ll also get a chance to use paranormal equipment—a real EMF meter—to attempt to detect ghostly activity.

Stop 2: The French Quarter

The tour remains within the historic French Quarter, walking past Jackson Square, the St Louis Cathedral, and other significant sites. Here, the guide dives into stories about Marie Laveau, the Voodoo Queen, and the neighborhood’s supernatural forces.

What to expect: The guide’s storytelling is lively and often humorous, with some guests noting how enthralled they were by the tales of vampires, ghosts, and voodoo ceremonies. Many reviews praise the guide for being knowledgeable and engaging, making the history come alive.

Paranormal Investigation

A fun aspect is the use of paranormal equipment—the ghost detector—which adds an interactive element. While no claims are made about guaranteed ghost sightings, some guests have found the experience entertaining and curious.

Bar Stops and Drinks

Guests are encouraged to purchase drinks along the route from local bars, which adds a relaxed, social element. Many reviewers appreciate the easygoing atmosphere and great bar recommendations. Because you can sip on to-go drinks, it enhances the feeling of a casual night out rather than a stiff tour.

Overall Length and Pace

The tour lasts about 1 to 2 hours, which is perfect for a quick but immersive experience. It’s designed for moderate-paced walking, so comfortable shoes are recommended. The small group size (up to 999 travelers, but usually smaller) ensures you can hear the guide and engage easily.

Evaluating Value and Logistics

At $35, this tour is reasonably priced, especially considering the informal, lively atmosphere and entertaining guide. It’s a group tour, so you’ll be part of a shared experience, which can be fun or a little crowded depending on the day.

The tour includes a local guide and walking route through the French Quarter, but drinks are not included—so budget for those when planning. The use of paranormal equipment is a unique feature, adding a layer of authenticity and fun.

Booking and Cancellation

Most travelers book about six days in advance, which indicates good demand. The cancellation policy is straightforward: full refunds are available if canceled 24 hours prior, making it flexible enough to accommodate changes.

However, weather can affect the experience. While tours are rain-or-shine, heavy rain might cause delays or cancellations, and some reviews report this happening.

The Experience: What You’ll Likely Encounter

Expect a fun, slightly spooky walk through the French Quarter, rich with stories of ghosts and voodoo legends. The guide’s personality is often highlighted as a major strength, making complex or dark stories engaging and accessible.

You’ll get visuals of key sites like Jackson Square and St Louis Cathedral, with plenty of photo opportunities. The bar stops serve as a perfect chance to relax and socialize. The paranormal equipment adds a curious twist, though it’s more playful than scientific.

Guests often describe the tour as entertaining and educational, with some capturing paranormal photos. The focus is on storytelling and fun, rather than guaranteeing supernatural encounters—so keep your expectations in check.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for those seeking a casual, fun introduction to New Orleans’ haunted reputation and vivid local legends. It suits history buffs, party enthusiasts, or curious travelers looking for an engaging night out. It’s especially great if you appreciate informal bar stops and a guide who knows how to keep things lively.

It’s not ideal if you’re looking for a comprehensive historical tour, or if weather conditions are poor, since cancellations are possible. Also, those sensitive to walking or weather should plan accordingly.

This tour offers a blend of entertainment, local culture, and spooky storytelling at an accessible price point. It’s a fun way to experience some of the city’s mysterious allure with a group of fellow adventurers.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1 to 2 hours, depending on the pace and any delays at bars or with paranormal equipment.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at 941 Bourbon St, outside the courtyard gate of Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar. You should arrive a few minutes early to check in.

Are drinks included in the price?
No, drinks are not included; you can purchase drinks at bars along the route.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children under 18 are not admitted without a parent or guardian, and some bars may not allow minors inside.

Can I use paranormal equipment during the tour?
Yes, paranormal equipment is available for use when checked out at the start of the tour. There is a fee for lost or damaged equipment.

What if the weather is bad?
Tours are rain or shine, but heavy rain might cause delays or cancellations. If canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a reschedule or a full refund.

Are tips included?
No, tips are not included, but they are recommended if you enjoyed the guide’s storytelling.

What if I arrive late?
Late arrivals cannot be refunded and may miss the tour if they arrive after departure. Contact the tour provider beforehand if you expect to be late.

To sum it up, the New Orleans Drunk History Tour offers an inviting glimpse into the city’s supernatural legends and lively culture. With a charismatic guide, engaging stories, and a relaxed pace, it’s ideal for those wanting a fun, social way to explore the French Quarter. While not a comprehensive history lesson, it excels at creating memorable moments, especially if you enjoy a bit of ghostly charm with your drinks. Perfect for party lovers, curious travelers, and history enthusiasts alike, it promises an evening full of stories and laughs—plus a little paranormal intrigue to spice up your trip.