New Orleans Drunk History Tour

New Orleans Drunk History Tour mixes French Quarter history with ghost stories, voodoo lore, bar stops, and a chance to test an EMF meter. The blend is part of its appeal: you get local stories while moving through the streets they’re tied to, rather than listening to a lecture indoors.

I like two things in particular: the guide-led walk puts landmarks such as St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square in context, and the paranormal equipment gives the ghost stories a playful, hands-on twist. Past guides Cody and Coty earned especially strong praise for clear storytelling, an easygoing manner, and useful suggestions for places to eat or drink afterward.

The main caveat is reliability. There have been instances of tours being canceled late or guides not appearing, and the terms about weather refunds are inconsistent. Drinks are also extra, and a busy bar can stretch the tour beyond its one-hour estimate.

The key points before you book

• A French Quarter walk with a dark-history angle: Expect local stories about ghosts, vampires, voodoo, and the district’s past, alongside stops at prominent landmarks.
• An EMF meter adds a playful activity: You can request paranormal equipment at check-in, but there is no promise you will detect anything.
• Drinks are not included: You can buy to-go drinks from neighborhood bars along the route, so budget extra if you plan to sip as you walk.
• The tour begins at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar: Meet outside at the courtyard gate on Bourbon Street, not inside the bar.
• Allow one to two hours: The pace is moderate, and waits at busy bars can make the walk run longer.
• Go in with a backup plan: There have been reports of late cancellations and no-shows, so keep the operator’s contact details handy and avoid making the tour your only plan for the evening.

Starting beside Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar

The meeting point is 941 Bourbon Street, at the sidewalk gate of the courtyard attached to Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar. The tour does not meet inside the bar, and the operator is not affiliated with it. Arrive a few minutes early, check in with the guide, and be ready to leave at the scheduled time.

That firm start matters. The guide may not be able to answer calls once the group has set off, and late arrivals are not promised a refund. If you are running behind, contact the operator before departure rather than assuming the group will wait.

Lafitte’s makes a fitting starting point for a tour built around the French Quarter’s legends and shadowy corners. The route starts with the neighborhood’s atmosphere, then moves into stories connected to its buildings and streets. The stop at the bar is brief in the planned itinerary, so think of it as a meeting place and landmark, not a sit-down drink included in your ticket.

Stories, landmarks, and the French Quarter’s darker side

The walk stays in the French Quarter. Along the way, the guide covers about ten locations, with stories about supernatural legends, voodoo ceremonies, and the district’s darker history. St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square are among the highlighted sites, giving the walk familiar landmarks as well as less obvious tales.

This format works well if you want more than a list of dates and building names. A guide can tie a story to a place, answer questions, and keep the group moving through streets that are easy to revisit on your own later. You are not entering private buildings: the walk takes place on public property, and the guide tells stories from outside.

The content is presented for entertainment, not as a promise of supernatural proof. The company makes clear that it cannot guarantee a ghost, vampire, or other spirit will appear. That is a sensible expectation to set. Treat the ghost stories as local lore and the equipment as a bit of participatory fun, rather than buying a ticket in the hope of witnessing a paranormal event.

Guides are central to the experience. Cody and Coty have been singled out for engaging delivery, patience with groups, and the ability to answer questions. The style described is casual rather than theatrical: more storyteller walking you through the Quarter than costumed performance. Guides can vary, so do not assume you will have a particular person.

Buying drinks as you go

The word Drunk in the name can set the wrong expectation. This is not an open bar, and drinks are not part of the $21 ticket. You can buy to-go drinks at bars along the route, but you pay for each one yourself.

That setup lets you choose whether to drink, and how much. It can also make the tour appealing if you prefer a walk with a few bar options over spending the evening inside crowded bars. The trade-off is that drink costs add to the ticket price, and busy bars may slow the group down.

Some past participants found the tour more history-focused than drinking-focused, while others enjoyed the bar stops and drink suggestions. That difference makes sense: the main activity is a guided walk, and the alcohol is optional. If you are booking for a group that mainly wants a bar crawl, this may feel too story-heavy. If you want history with the option of a drink, the balance is more likely to suit you.

The guide may also suggest places to continue your evening or get a meal afterward. That can be useful if you are new to the area, but treat any recommendation as an extra tip rather than a promised part of the tour.

Trying the paranormal equipment

The tour provides an EMF meter, an instrument used in paranormal investigations to detect electromagnetic fields. You can use the equipment during the walk, which gives you something to do as the guide shares ghost stories. It is a lighthearted way to join in, not a scientific test that confirms a haunting.

If you want to use a device, ask for it at check-in. You will need to provide your name, phone number, address, and booking reference. The equipment is tracked, and the operator states that a $250 fee applies to lost or damaged items. Handle it carefully and return it to a staff member before leaving the tour.

The practical point is simple: do not expect the guide to produce a ghost on cue. The operator makes no guarantee of paranormal activity, and you should book for the stories, neighborhood walk, and group atmosphere first. Any unusual reading or photo is a bonus, not the basis of the ticket’s value.

How long the walk takes, and what the pace is like

The tour lasts about one to two hours. The route is described as a moderate-paced walk, but the final duration can vary, especially if bars are busy. Some past walks have lasted close to two hours, while one account described a shorter visit to several bars and story stops.

Give yourself a little breathing room afterward. If you have dinner reservations or another scheduled activity, avoid placing it too close to the tour’s estimated end time. A bar queue can change the timing, and the guide needs to keep the group together and on schedule.

The streets and walkways in the Quarter can be old and uneven. Wear shoes you can walk in, and pay attention to where you step, especially if you are carrying a drink or using the paranormal equipment. The operator warns that participants are responsible for their own safety and belongings. Service animals are allowed, and the tour is described as suitable for most people, but no specific route accessibility details are provided.

The operator lists a maximum group size of 999, which is not a useful picture of the usual experience. One past group included more than 30 people, and differently named tours may be combined. If you strongly prefer a small group, ask about the expected group size before booking.

Is $21 good value?

At $21 per person, the ticket covers a local guide, a walking tour, and access to paranormal equipment. It does not cover drinks or gratuities. The price is reasonable if you value the storytelling and want a guided introduction to the Quarter’s ghost lore and landmarks. It is less compelling if you expect included cocktails, long indoor visits, or a guaranteed paranormal encounter.

A good guide can make a short walk feel worthwhile. Past guide feedback points to strong storytelling, an engaging manner, and local suggestions as the main reasons people enjoyed the experience. You are paying for someone to connect the sites and stories, not for admission to a collection of buildings.

The ticket price is also only part of your evening’s cost if you plan to buy drinks. Set a spending limit before you start, especially if you are walking with friends and the group makes several bar stops. The tour’s name may invite a generous pour, but your drinks are your own purchase.

Booking, cancellations, and a practical caution

The tour averages about 55 days of advance booking, so reserve early if you have a particular date in mind. Confirmation is provided at booking, but the operator also says minimum numbers apply and a tour can be canceled if too few people sign up. In that case, the stated options include an alternative or a refund.

There is a significant mismatch in the cancellation information. The booking policy says you can cancel at least 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and says a cancellation for poor weather brings a different date or full refund. The operator’s terms, however, describe tours as rain or shine and say no refunds are issued for weather, while also saying a canceled tour may receive credit for a future tour. Check the conditions shown at checkout and clarify which terms apply before you pay.

The operational concerns deserve equal attention. Some bookings have been affected by a last-minute cancellation or a guide who did not arrive, followed by difficulty getting a response or refund. That does not mean your tour will fail to run, but it is sensible to keep a flexible backup plan, particularly if this is your last evening in New Orleans. Make sure your reservation includes a working mobile number, since text is the operator’s stated way of sending updates.

Tours are conducted in English. Children under 18 need a parent or guardian unless a guide authorizes otherwise, and some bars may not admit children. To-go bar windows are available along the route for people who do not want to enter a bar.

Who will enjoy this tour most?

I would choose this walk if you want a casual, guided introduction to French Quarter stories and do not mind mixing history with ghost lore. It suits couples and groups of friends looking for an easy evening activity, and it can work well as a start to a longer night out. The guide-led format also helps if you want a little context before exploring the Quarter on your own.

It is a weaker match if you want a formal history lecture, a small-group guarantee, drinks included, or a tightly timed activity. It also is not a good choice if your main goal is to see a ghost. The equipment is an amusing addition, but nothing in the tour can promise a supernatural encounter.

Should you book it?

Book the New Orleans Drunk History Tour if $21 for a guided French Quarter walk, dark local stories, and optional bar stops sounds like a fair evening’s value. I would go for the storytelling and neighborhood context, with the EMF meter as a playful extra.

Before booking, confirm the cancellation terms, keep your phone available for updates, and leave space in your schedule in case the walk runs long. If you need a guaranteed departure or a fixed end time, choose a tour with clearer operating assurances. Otherwise, this is a lively way to hear the Quarter’s stranger stories while getting your bearings on foot.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

Meet at 941 Bourbon Street, on the sidewalk by the courtyard gate attached to Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar. The tour does not meet inside the bar.

Where does the tour end?

It ends in the French Quarter.

How long does the tour last?

It takes approximately one to two hours. The duration can vary, including when bars are busy.

Are drinks included in the ticket price?

No. Drinks are available to purchase along the route, but they are not included in the $21 ticket.

What landmarks does the tour visit?

The tour highlights St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square, along with other French Quarter locations. The route covers about ten locations, though it may change.

Can I use the paranormal equipment?

Yes. You can request an EMF meter at check-in. You must provide your name, phone number, address, and booking reference, and return the equipment to a staff member before leaving.

Does the tour guarantee that I will see a ghost?

No. The operator does not guarantee paranormal activity or a ghost sighting.

What happens if I need to cancel?

The stated booking policy allows a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. The operator’s terms also describe different refund rules, particularly for weather, so check the conditions that apply to your booking.

Can children join the tour?

Children under 18 are not admitted without a parent or guardian unless a guide authorizes it. Some bars may not allow children inside, though to-go bar windows are available along the route.