The Drunken Telling of New Orleans Tales

Exploring New Orleans’ vibrant French Quarter can feel like stepping into a living storybook filled with ghosts, vampires, voodoo queens, and historic landmarks. The Drunken Telling of New Orleans Tales promises an adventure that blends history, paranormal stories, humor, and a little bit of drinking on the go.

While I haven’t personally taken this tour, the reviews, itinerary, and features paint a picture of a lively, engaging experience perfect for those who love a bit of spooky fun mixed with local lore.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the storytelling is delivered by local guides who know how to entertain, educate, and keep the energy high. Second, the ability to enjoy drink refills at lively French Quarter bars along the route adds a relaxed, social atmosphere.

One potential drawback? The tour’s activity level involves quite a bit of walking and standing, so it’s less ideal for travelers with mobility issues or those who aren’t fans of alcohol-fueled outings.

This experience is best suited for adventurous, curious visitors looking to experience New Orleans’ darker and more humorous side in a fun, informal way.

Key Points

• Interactive storytelling blends history, ghost tales, and humor
• Flexible drink stops make it a social, relaxed tour
• Knowledgeable guides keep the experience lively and informative
• Paranormal equipment adds a fun, spooky element
• Tour is rain-or-shine with no refunds, so plan accordingly
• Suitable for most travelers, but expect quite a bit of walking and drinking

An Honest Look at the Drunken Telling of New Orleans Tales

What the Tour Promises and What You Can Expect

This 2-hour walking tour offers a spirited journey through the French Quarter, one of America’s most historic neighborhoods. Starting at a central meeting point near Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar—one of the oldest bars in the country—you’ll set out with a guide who weaves stories of ghosts, vampires, voodoo, and local legends. The tour is designed to be both fun and educational, allowing plenty of time to enjoy drinks to go from numerous nearby bars, although the guide doesn’t go inside the bars themselves.

Timing and pace are moderate, with enough stops to keep things interesting without feeling rushed. You’re encouraged to refill your cup as often as you like—something many find a highlight—making the tour feel more like a social pub crawl with a spooky twist. The route takes in key historic sites like the Louisiana Purchase signing location and St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square, blending history and myth seamlessly.

The Stops That Make It Special

• Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar: The tour kicks off here, providing a taste of historic New Orleans while setting the tone for stories of pirates, vampires, and voodoo legends. Reviewers like Ina G appreciated the story-telling and the chance to “try the good stuff,” emphasizing the fun of combining history with drinks.

• French Quarter Landmarks: As you walk along the streets, your guide points out the Louisiana Purchase site, the iconic St. Louis Cathedral, and other significant locations. This part, described as “unexpectedly informative” by Ina G, mixes historical facts with haunted tales.

• Jackson Square: Aside from its lively atmosphere, this spot allows a closer look at some of the neighborhood’s best bars, perfect for refills. It also provides a chance to learn about the “most predictable ghost in New Orleans” and the city’s most haunted house, according to the tour’s description.

Ghosts, Vampires, and Voodoo

The paranormal elements are a major draw. Your guide points out vampire sightings and discusses Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau’s legacy, visiting sites linked to her practice and legends. Paranormal equipment is available for use, making the experience more interactive. Some reviews mention the EMF meter, adding a fun, spooky vibe.

The stories are a mix of local legends and humor, ensuring the tour remains light-hearted despite its ghostly subject matter. Jody R, for example, praised the “upbeat, hysterically funny” guide who kept the mood lively while sharing personal stories.

The Drinking Aspect: A Double-Edged Sword?

The chance to refill your to-go cup at multiple bars is a unique feature. While some, like Cindy L, enjoyed the “pleasant drinking” and the guide’s recommendations, others warn that it can lead to overindulgence. The tour recommends moderation and notes that guides may refuse service if someone is extremely intoxicated, emphasizing safety.

Guides and Atmosphere

The success of this tour hinges on the guides’ storytelling skills. According to reviews, guides like Emily and Jody R are friendly, knowledgeable, and able to balance humor with history. However, some guests found guides like Cody less energetic, noting that the enthusiasm varied. Having a local guide who is well-versed in the city’s legends is key, and it appears the majority are quite skilled at keeping the mood fun.

Group Size and Logistics

With a maximum of 999 travelers—a figure that suggests large groups are possible—the experience can sometimes feel less intimate, especially on busy nights. The meeting point is clear and easy to find, but punctuality is important. The tour departs promptly from the courtyard gate of Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, and late arrivals may miss out or face rescheduling.

Price and Value

At $35 per person, this tour offers a reasonably priced way to see some of the most iconic parts of the French Quarter while enjoying stories and drinks. The value largely depends on how much you enjoy lively storytelling, ghost legends, and the social aspect of bar stops. For those who appreciate guides with local knowledge and a relaxed, informal vibe, this is a good bang for your buck.

What Past Guests Say

• “Coty, our tour guide, ghosted us…we waited till 8:10 and got no response.” — A warning that communication can sometimes falter, so be prepared for the possibility of delays or changes.
• “Guide was very knowledgeable and gave us some awesome information and little tidbits.” — Shows the value of a well-informed guide.

• “Emily was very friendly and sweet…a great tour to take in the afternoon.” — Highlights how friendly guides can make a big difference.

• “The guide Cody was not animated enough for me.” — Reminder that guide enthusiasm varies, impacting the overall experience.

• “The tour was all right, but it was nothing special. The guide wasn’t very enthused.” — For those expecting high energy, expectations might need tempering.

• “Our guide was upbeat, hysterically funny, and stopped at enough bars for us to live up to the tour’s name.” — When guides bring humor and energy, the tour becomes memorable.

Practical Details

The tour is rain-or-shine, so check the weather and dress accordingly. It’s suitable for most travelers, but the walking and standing might challenge some. Paranormal equipment is available for check-out, adding an extra layer of fun—just remember there’s a $250 fee for lost or damaged gear.

Why This Tour Might Be Perfect for You

If you’re looking for a lighthearted, engaging tour that combines history, ghost stories, and social drinking, this tour offers a distinctive experience. It’s ideal for groups of friends, couples, or solo travelers who enjoy storytelling, a relaxed atmosphere, and a dash of spooky fun. The mix of local legends and humorous anecdotes makes it a good choice for those wanting an authentic taste of New Orleans’ darker side without the formality of traditional ghost walks.

However, if you prefer a more structured, quiet, or in-depth historical tour, you might find this experience a bit too casual or lively. Likewise, if guide enthusiasm varies, your experience could be different from one night to another.

Final Thoughts

The Drunken Telling of New Orleans Tales offers a high-energy, casual look at the city’s haunted past with plenty of humor and drinks along the way. The guides’ knowledge and ability to entertain are the backbone of this experience, making it a fun, social way to explore the French Quarter. While it’s not a deep-dive into history or paranormal investigation, it’s a memorable night out that balances history, humor, and a little bit of intoxication.

For adventurous travelers who appreciate storytelling and lively atmosphere, this tour packs great value and genuine fun. Just come prepared for walking, drinking, and maybe some ghostly tales you won’t forget.

FAQ

Is this a walking tour?
Yes, it’s a 2-hour moderate-paced walking tour through the French Quarter, with stops at bars and landmarks.

Can I bring my own paranormal equipment?
Yes, paranormal equipment can be checked out during the tour, but there’s a $250 fee for lost or damaged gear.

Are drinks included in the price?
No, drinks are available for purchase at the bars along the route. You’re encouraged to refill your to-go cup as often as you like.

What if I’m late or can’t find the meeting spot?
Late arrivals might not be accommodated, and the tour departs promptly. It’s best to arrive a few minutes early at the designated courtyard gate.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but children under 18 need parental or guardian authorization, and some bars may not admit minors.

What’s the main focus of the stories?
The tour blends ghost stories, vampire legends, voodoo history, and humorous anecdotes about New Orleans’ colorful past.

How energetic are the guides?
Guide enthusiasm varies; some are lively and funny, others more subdued. The reviews indicate this can impact your overall experience.

Is the tour appropriate for someone interested in history?
Yes, guides share historical facts alongside legends, making it informative as well as entertaining.

Are there opportunities for photos?
Photos are encouraged; paranormal equipment use is part of the experience.

What’s the weather policy?
Tours run rain or shine. Dress appropriately for the weather, and be prepared for the possibility of delays or rescheduling due to weather.

In all, if you’re after a fun, social, and slightly spooky way to enjoy New Orleans’ legendary French Quarter, this tour offers a memorable outing—especially if you love stories, history, and a little bit of a buzz.