New Orleans does horror-comedy better than most cities, and this tour is built for that exact mood. You’ll stroll the Vieux Carre with a guide who turns pirates, burial rituals, voodoo, and the supernatural into stories you can actually picture on these very streets. I especially liked how the tour leans into the French Quarter’s contrasts: sacred sites next to sketchy characters, big landmarks next to the creepy corners.

Two things I really liked: the stop-by-stop mix of voodoo and paranormal lore, anchored to real, named places, and the lively bar timing that makes the walking feel like part of the fun. I also enjoyed how different guides (like Coty, Donna, and Ashley/Ashli) stay funny without losing the thread of the city’s history.

One possible drawback: this is a walking tour with nightlife energy, so if you want a quiet, museum-style pace, you may find the bar stops and spooky storytelling a bit too “party-forward.” Also, video recording isn’t allowed, so bring your eyes, not your phone camera.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

• Meet at Lafittes Blacksmith Shop’s courtyard gate on Bourbon Street, then head straight into French Quarter storytelling
• Voodoo focus that includes Marie Laveau, plus locations tied to rituals and a historic payment story
• Burial and vault details that explain why some tombs in New Orleans sit above ground
• Ghost, vampire, and haunted-house stops with night-friendly mystery built into the route
• Bar refills along the way, with the guide waiting outside while you duck in
• A guide-driven show, with stories that many people say beat other similar tours

Meeting at Lafittes Blacksmith Shop and Getting Into the Right Starting Mood

Your night begins on Bourbon Street at 941 Bourbon Street, in front of Legendary Lafittes Blacksmith Shop Bar. The key detail: the tour does not meet inside the bar. You’re looking for your guide on the sidewalk at the gate of the courtyard attached to the bar.

This matters because New Orleans can be confusing at night. If you arrive late or try to meet up elsewhere, the tour can’t flex to a new location—so I’d plan to get there a few minutes early and stay put at the exact meeting spot. Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable; you’re walking through cobblestones and crowded sidewalks for about 2 hours.

If you’re a solo traveler, this kind of setup can be reassuring. One review even described the tour as feeling safer at night in a small group situation. And if you’re planning a private night out with friends, there’s a private group option too.

French Quarter Dark Legends: Pirates, Prostitutes, and the Story Behind the City

Once you start walking, the tour’s tone clicks fast. It’s called Drunk History for a reason: you’ll hear the city’s darker side, but it’s delivered with humor and a storyteller’s rhythm rather than a lecture.

Early on, you’re guided through the French Quarter and prompted to look at things you might otherwise walk past—especially the connections between major events and the people who benefited from them. The tour highlights include what pirates, prostitutes, and convicted felons have to do with New Orleans’ founding and development. That alone is a good sign for value: you’re not just getting dates and plaques; you’re getting cause-and-effect characters.

This kind of storytelling works because the French Quarter is all layers. A street corner can feel like a postcard and a warning sign at the same time. When your guide ties the vibe to the human story underneath, you start seeing the Quarter in scenes rather than stops.

What to watch for

If you’re easily spooked, you might still enjoy it, because the “supernatural” pieces are mixed with cultural and historical explanation. But if you dislike nightlife energy, plan your expectations around that bar element—more on that next.

Voodoo, Marie Laveau, and the Burial Vault Mystery

One of the strongest parts of this tour is the voodoo thread. The guide explains how the practice of voodoo came to New Orleans and brings in key figures, including Marie Laveau—often described as a central presence in the city’s voodoo history. You’ll also visit the property that was given to her as payment for her magic, plus locations connected to where ceremonies were held.

That’s not just legend-dumping. The tour also tackles traditional burial practices, including why certain vaults are above ground. If you’ve ever stared at New Orleans cemeteries and wondered how anyone planned to keep bodies from sinking into swampy ground, this is the kind of explanation you’re looking for.

Why this section is worth your time

New Orleans voodoo is tied up in culture, religion, and survival in a way that’s easy to misunderstand if you only see it through pop culture. When the guide anchors the supernatural stories to actual places—plus the practical reasons behind traditions—it becomes less about shock and more about context.

Also, guides on this tour seem to vary in style, and that’s a good thing. Several reviews point out different guides (like Coty and Donna) for being funny and hitting the right balance between facts and story. You’re getting a “night out” approach to learning.

Ghosts, Vampires, and the Haunted House Stop in the Quarter

If your idea of fun includes a little creepy, you’ll like the tour’s paranormal portion. It investigates reports of vampires and ghosts still roaming the streets, and it points you toward the “most predictable” haunting locations—so you’re not just hearing general ghost stories. You’ll also hear about the haunted-house stop described as the most haunted house in the city.

One review even called out a location associated with American Horror Story, which tells you the tour is tuned for people who like recognizable spooky setpieces as well as older folklore.

How to enjoy this part

This is where your imagination does the heavy lifting. You’ll be walking at night through places that already look eerie in the dark. But instead of leaving you with vague “it’s haunted” claims, the guide includes the surrounding context—voodoo, ghost lore, and the city’s darker characters—so it feels like New Orleans storytelling, not just jump-scare theater.

If you don’t care about vampires and ghosts, you can still get value from the cultural side. But if you do like paranormal stuff, this portion is a big reason people recommend the tour.

Bar Stops That Feel Built Into the Route (Not Just Added On)

The tour includes a built-in bar component, and it’s handled in a way that keeps you moving. You’ll check out some of the French Quarter’s friendliest and most historic bars, and the tour passes dozens of bars as you walk.

Here’s how it works practically: there’s a stop at a bar or two, and you can try new drinks. Drinks are not included, so you’re paying your way during those stops. But the value is in the selection and timing—this isn’t random bar-hopping. Your guide is bringing you to places that fit the story you just heard.

Also, there’s a detail that shows the tour is designed for adults who want refills without losing the group: the guide waits outside while the adults go inside to get refills.

Practical tip for ordering

If you’re trying a drink and you’re not sure what to get, use your first stop to establish your pace. Many people end up buying enough drinks across a night out anyway, and this tour is long enough that you’ll want to keep things enjoyable, not exhausting.

And a heads-up: the supplier reserves the right to refuse service if someone is extremely intoxicated. No refund is issued if you’re asked to leave. So pace yourself. You want the walking and storytelling to stay fun.

How the Tour’s Drunk History Style Helps You Actually Remember New Orleans

The name could make it sound like pure party fluff, but the best version of this tour is the way it blends humor with specifics. People consistently praise guides for having a strong grasp of the city’s details and for keeping the energy up the whole way through.

Several reviews highlight things like:

• Guides telling stories with a natural southern flair and nonstop engagement
• Funny “useless facts” type details that people ended up googling later because they checked out
• A tour that mixes scary legends with history you can explain later

One review even described the tour as a strong alternative to other similar tours because it didn’t reuse the same tired bits. Another mentioned the route being done in a different direction than some other group tours, which can help you avoid feeling like you’re just following the same crowd loop.

Why this matters for your trip

If it’s your first time in New Orleans, you need an anchor. A walking tour like this can give you that anchor fast—names, places, and story threads. If you’ve been before, it still helps because guides often point out things you missed: building details, neighborhood history, and the connections behind the scenery.

This is the kind of experience that’s good for groups too, because the stories are built to spark questions and side conversations as you walk.

Price and Value: Is $28 Worth It for a 2-Hour French Quarter Night?

At $28 per person for about 2 hours, you’re paying for a guided walking experience plus a nightlife-style route through major landmarks and side streets. The tour includes a tour guide and the walking tour itself.

The part you have to factor in is that drinks aren’t included. So your total night cost will depend on how many drinks you choose to buy during the one or two bar stops.

Even so, I think it’s good value if you want:

• A guided route through the French Quarter at night
• Storytelling that covers both history and supernatural legend
• Bar stops that are integrated, not random

If you’re only interested in reading museum-style plaques, you’ll probably feel underwhelmed. But if you like an evening that mixes laughing with learning, the price-to-time ratio works.

Who this tour suits best

This tour is a strong match for:

• History buffs who like the human side of history (not just dates)
• Paranormal fans who want a story-led walk instead of a generic ghost tour
• People who want a fun night out while still learning where the big landmarks fit

The tour is also described as wheelchair accessible, which is helpful to know if you’re planning with mobility needs.

Small Details That Can Make or Break Your Night

A few rules and realities are worth knowing so you don’t get surprised mid-walk.

• No video recording: you can’t record video during the tour. Photos might still be fine, but the policy explicitly calls out video recording.
• Check-in matters: you must check in before the tour departs, and you can’t join at an alternative location.
• Phone use is limited: out of respect for guests, guides do not use their phones during the tour.
• Lost or damaged paranormal equipment fee: there’s a $250 fee for lost or damaged paranormal equipment. This suggests the tour may include a paranormal-focused item on some nights.
• Weather can change the plan: the supplier reserves the right to reschedule due to inclement weather. If the tour doesn’t have enough participants after confirmation, you’ll be contacted within the hour before departure with an alternative tour or a full refund.

None of these are deal-breakers, but they do affect how smoothly your night goes. If you’re the kind of person who forgets rules until it’s too late, read these once now and you’ll enjoy the walk more.

Should You Book This New Orleans Drunk History Walking Tour?

I’d book it if you want a lively French Quarter night that mixes dark history, voodoo stories, and supernatural lore with real places you can point to later—like the St. Louis Cathedral area and the Louisiana Purchase connection your guide is set up to discuss.

I’d skip it if you want a calm, academic tour with minimal nightlife energy. This one is for people who like walking after dark, hearing spooky stories, and possibly grabbing a drink at historic spots along the way.

If you can handle a few bar stops, you’re in good shape. Also, if you’ve got a group, ask about private options—it can make the experience feel more like a custom night out with stories shaped for your pace and questions.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet?

Tours meet on the sidewalk in front of Legendary Lafittes Blacksmith Shop Bar at 941 Bourbon Street. Please meet your guide on the sidewalk at the gate of the courtyard attached to the bar, not inside the bar.

How long is the New Orleans Drunk History Walking Tour?

The tour lasts about 2 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $28 per person.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes a tour guide and the walking tour itself.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are not included, though the tour includes a stop at a bar or two where you can buy drinks.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is described as wheelchair accessible.

Is video recording allowed?

No. Guests are not allowed to video the tour.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes for walking.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What if the tour is canceled due to weather or not enough participants?

The supplier can reschedule tours due to inclement weather. If there are not enough participants, you’ll be contacted in the hour before the scheduled departure and offered an alternative tour or a full refund.