Ghost stories and drinks in old New Orleans. This adults-only pub crawl weaves through the French Quarter with a licensed guide sharing local hauntings, from the Jackson Square area to Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop and the Lalaurie Mansion exterior.

I love the focus on atmosphere you can actually walk to: you’re not just hearing spooky lore, you’re seeing real places like Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar (often called America’s oldest) and the outside of the Lalaurie Mansion. I also like that the guide’s stories are tied to historical research, so the “ghost” part feels grounded in the city’s past, not random scifi fluff.

One drawback to keep in mind: it’s about 2 hours and there’s a fair amount of walking on historic sidewalks, which can feel rough in weather or around crowds. Plan for comfort and you’ll be fine.

Quick hits before you go

• Adult-only, age 21+ with a smallish group cap (max 28)
• A guided bar route that includes Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar and the Lalaurie Mansion exterior
• Two-story feel to the night: execution-site lore near Jackson Square plus pirate-and-authors tales around Pirates Alley
• A complimentary alcoholic beverage at the last stop (time and conditions permitting)
• Guides can be high-energy and some include visuals like photos of supposed ghost sightings
• Route changes happen if parades, festivals, or construction get in the way

Why this haunted crawl makes sense in New Orleans

New Orleans at night already feels like theater. What I like about this tour is that it gives the “spooky” side structure: you follow a guide through the French Quarter, hit a handful of notable stops, and get stories with a historical spine.

The price is $29.60 for roughly two hours, and the real value is what you’re buying besides walking: a licensed guide who keeps you pointed in the right direction and connects each stop to the city’s legends. Drinks are mostly your expense, but there’s still a complimentary alcoholic beverage at the end, which takes the edge off the overall cost.

Also, you’re not trapped on Bourbon Street the whole time. The route leans into the nearby lanes and darker corners of the Quarter, including places associated with authors and pirate-era nightlife. If your idea of fun is ghost stories with a cold drink in hand, this format fits.

Starting point on Decatur Street: find Bon’s, then get moving

You meet at Bon’s New Orleans Street Food, 620 Decatur St Unit 1B. This is right where the French Quarter action starts, near Jackson Square, so you can arrive by foot or public transportation without a big hassle.

I suggest you show up 15 minutes early. Not because you’ll be late—because the first part depends on keeping the group together and getting you into position for the early story beats.

Bring a charged phone for the mobile ticket. And wear shoes you’d choose for a night out that includes real walking, not just a “stroll.” One review theme is that the pace can feel brisk, so you’ll enjoy it more if you’re ready to keep up.

Jackson Square and the execution-lore opener

The tour kicks off in the Jackson Square area. This is where the guide turns the spooky dial up by explaining the only place in the city where public executions were held, and how that area became associated with paranormal activity over time.

Even if you’re not a hardcore paranormal person, this opening works because it gives you a mental map fast. Instead of wandering, you understand why certain streets feel charged at night.

The best way to enjoy this first stop is to listen closely for the “why this matters” part of each story—because those explanations become the thread that links later stops like Lafitte’s and the mansion exterior.

French Quarter looping: grubby alleys, pirate tales, and authors at the bar

After the opener, you spend time exploring the French Quarter with the guide focusing on the area’s most haunted and gruesome stories. The vibe here is classic Quarter-at-night: narrow lanes, dim corners, and that sense that everything is older than it looks.

One detail I like: the tour doesn’t only do generic ghosts. It nods to specific local culture, including stories around Pirates Alley—where pirates and famous authors used to drink. That matters, because New Orleans hauntings feel more convincing when they’re connected to real social life: writers meeting, sailors showing up, and regular people treating bars like newsrooms.

You also get a short stop at Orleans Street described as a private location. It’s brief (about 10 minutes), but it adds variety so the night doesn’t feel like a single long sidewalk line.

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar: America’s oldest bar + vampire folklore

Next up is Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar. The tour frames it as one of the oldest bars in the US, and the stories here lean into the darker corners of local folklore, including a connection to North American vampire lore.

This stop is where the tour becomes truly bar-hopping in the fun sense. You’re not just viewing haunted landmarks from the curb—you’re inside a famous drinking room, hearing the story in the same space where legend says it began or took shape.

If you drink alcohol, plan to order something you actually want rather than what looks “touristy.” A few people highlight signature drinks as part of the fun. If you don’t drink, you can still enjoy the atmosphere and story delivery, but make sure you’re able to keep pace for the rest of the route.

Bourbon Street section: a party street break without losing the plot

Then you head back along Bourbon Street as the night continues. This is a smart choice because Bourbon is where most visitors expect to end up—but the tour uses it as a moving reference point, not the whole show.

The key here is timing and attention. Bourbon can be loud and crowded, so the best benefit of the tour is that the guide helps you hear the story over the noise and keeps the group from getting pulled in ten directions.

If you’re hoping for a long hang at Bourbon, adjust your expectations. This crawl is about motion and story beats, not sitting for an hour.

Lalaurie Mansion exterior: see one of the city’s most infamous sites

Time permitting, you stop at the Lalaurie Mansion. The tour keeps it outside, which is important: you get the visual impact and the lore without turning the experience into something disrespectful or intrusive.

This is often called one of the most haunted spots in town, and that reputation isn’t subtle. The guide ties the stories to the mansion’s place in New Orleans legend, so you’re not just looking at a big old building—you’re learning what people attach to it and why.

Practical note: if you’re the kind of person who wants to take photos, do it efficiently. The group needs to keep moving, and the story will move on whether you’re still composing your shot.

May Baily’s Place (if conditions allow): from brothel to bar

The last stop may be May Baily’s Place, described as a former brothel turned bar. This is labeled as “time and conditions permitting,” so it’s not guaranteed, but it’s a great way to end the crawl if you get there.

This final stop matters because it closes the loop: the tour isn’t just doing haunted bars as a theme. It’s also showing how New Orleans nightlife evolved—step by step—into what you recognize today.

Even at the end, keep an eye on the group timing so you don’t miss the complimentary alcoholic beverage at the last stop. (That drink is part of what makes the overall ticket feel more worth it.)

Pace, drinks, and how to get $29.60 worth of fun

The official duration is about 2 hours. Real life means you’ll spend some of that time standing in conversation clusters, walking between stops, and listening to stories.

Here’s the value logic: you’re paying for a licensed guide, a route that hits multiple famous targets, and a structured flow of stories. Drinks aren’t included except for the complimentary beverage at the end, so you’ll want to set your own spending comfort level ahead of time.

If you’re aiming to maximize the experience, do three things:

• Eat something first. You’ll enjoy the stops more if your stomach is ready for a night of drinks.
• Bring patience for walking and crowds. The French Quarter can be tight and uneven.
• Stay present for the story beats. The tour becomes more fun when you’re not always scanning for the next drink.

One more practical tip from the vibe of the night: some guides can talk fast and the group can move quickly. If you’re easily distracted in noisy streets, plan to focus early, not late.

The guides: DJ, Gomez, Caroline, Jenna, and others who shape the mood

The biggest difference between a fun haunted tour and a forgettable one is the guide’s energy and pacing. This tour often gets high praise for exactly that.

Names that show up in feedback include DJ, Gomez, Caroline, Jenna, John, and Pinky. Common threads: guides keep things lively, answer questions, and connect bar stories to the broader city. Some guides also share visuals—like photos tied to supposed ghost sightings—so if that’s your thing, you’ll likely enjoy the way the guide “shows” rather than only tells.

Balance check: not everyone loves breakneck delivery. A few people mention that a guide spoke quickly or that they wished for more visual aids. If you know you tune out when someone talks too fast, pick a night when you can slow down mentally and listen closely from the first stop.

Who this tour fits best (and who should think twice)

This is a great match if you:

• love paranormal-themed storytelling that’s tied to real places
• want a social night out with a group (capped at 28)
• are 21+ and open to buying your own drinks along the way

It can be a weaker fit if you:

• have mobility concerns and expect smooth, even walking everywhere
• hate busy sidewalks and noise, since the French Quarter can be crowded and uneven
• want a slow, sit-down pub crawl with lots of downtime

The route is described as wheelchair accessible with mostly flat, paved surfaces, but the historic French Quarter also brings real-world sidewalk challenges. If that’s you, plan carefully.

Should you book the Adults Only Haunted Pub Crawl?

Book it if you want a night that combines iconic New Orleans bars with a guided story path, and you’re okay paying extra for drinks beyond the complimentary end-stop beverage. At $29.60, the guide and route structure are the main value—especially if you’d otherwise be guessing where to go after Jackson Square.

Skip it (or consider a different format) if you prefer a leisurely pace, need lots of seating time, or get stressed by crowds and uneven old-street sidewalks.

If you do book, try not to wait too long. It’s commonly booked around 16 days in advance, which tells me the good slots go first. And remember the tour requires good weather—if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

FAQ

What does the tour cost?

The tour costs $29.60 per person.

How long is the haunted pub crawl?

It lasts about 2 hours.

Is the tour adults only?

Yes. The minimum age is 21.

What’s included in the price?

You get a licensed guide, plus a complimentary alcoholic beverage at the last stop.

Are drinks included?

Alcoholic beverages are not included at the bar stops on your own expense, but the tour includes a complimentary alcoholic beverage at the end.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Bon’s New Orleans Street Food, 620 Decatur St Unit 1B, New Orleans, LA 70130.

Is there parking near the meeting point?

There is limited parking nearby, but it’s recommended to walk or use public transportation because of the French Quarter location. Ride-share like Uber or Lyft can also help.

How strenuous is the walking?

There is a fair amount of walking, but it’s mostly on flat surfaces and not considered strenuous.

What if I need to cancel?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I request specific bars?

You can tell your guide at the start if there’s a specific bar you want. The guide will do their best to include it if possible, but the route may change based on happenings in the area.