French Quarter legends pair with a cup you refill. This Drunken Telling tour turns Jackson Square and Bourbon Street into a roaming storybook, with stops tied to the Louisiana Purchase, Marie Laveau, and even vampire sightings. You also get a shot at using real paranormal gear, like an EMF meter, during the walk.

I love how the stories land on real places in the Vieux Carré, not just generic spooky talk. I also like the energy on the route when the guide leans into comedy and quick history tidbits, like the kind of storytelling people praise from guides such as Emily and Cody.

One possible drawback: paranormal encounters are not guaranteed, and the guide does not promise ghosts, vampires, or any specific result from the equipment.

Key things I’d plan around

• Meet at Lafitte’s courtyard gate on Bourbon Street, not inside the bar
• Drink at your own pace with refills allowed, while the guide stays out of the bars
• History anchors the horror: Louisiana Purchase signing spot and St. Louis Cathedral
• Voodoo lore centers on Marie Laveau, including property tied to her and ceremony locations
• EMF meter use is optional, with equipment checkout and a loss/damage fee

French Quarter, With a Drink in Hand (Rules You’ll Feel)

This isn’t a quiet sit-and-learn tour. It’s a walking show that treats the French Quarter like an outdoor stage, where you keep moving while the guide threads together history, legend, and comedy. The “drunk history” part is mostly about the experience of carrying a drink as you go, since you buy your own alcohol.

Here’s the key practical detail: the tour is set up so you can stop for drinks and refill a to-go cup. You get plenty of bar opportunities along the way, but the guide does not go inside the bars. That means you’ll explore on your own between story stops. If you prefer structured, guided time inside venues, this may feel a little hands-off.

The route also means you’re walking on old, uneven streets. Wear shoes you’d wear for a full afternoon on foot, not for “just a little stroll.”

Price and Logistics: What $35 Buys in Real Life

For $35 per person, you’re paying for a local guide, a roughly 1–2 hour moderate-paced walk, and the themed storytelling package: voodoo, vampires, ghosts, and French Quarter history. Drinks are on you, so the true cost can climb depending on how often you refill.

Value-wise, it’s a good fit if you want:

• A concentrated “orientation” loop through the French Quarter
• A guide who connects landmarks to legend
• A fun, party-friendly tone without needing a nightclub ticket

It’s less of a bargain if you’re expecting guaranteed paranormal moments or a full-on bar crawl. The operator is clear that it’s entertainment and that paranormal activity can’t be promised.

Where the Tour Meets and Ends: Lafitte’s Courtyard Gate to the Quarter

The meeting point is very specific. You’ll start at 941 Bourbon St, at the gate of the courtyard attached to Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar. You do not meet inside the bar, and you do not meet at a street corner.

This matters because the tour starts on schedule. The operator also takes time-stamped photos at the meeting location. So if you show up late, you risk missing the group.

The tour ends in the heart of the French Quarter, close to where you can keep going for dinner and nightlife. That’s a nice setup because you’re not left miles away once the stories wrap up.

Stop One: Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop and the “Interactive” Start

The first stop anchors the tour at one of the most famous “dark history” tasting rooms on Bourbon. While you’re there, you’ll get the opening stories about New Orleans and the way the neighborhood mixes culture, legend, and nightlife.

The tour’s format is meant to feel interactive in the sense that you’re not stuck in a monologue. Expect humor, quick history threads, and a sense that the guide is guiding you to see the Quarter differently as you walk.

Even with that playful tone, remember this is still a walking tour. Your time starts at the meeting gate, and you’re moving steadily from there.

Louisiana Purchase Location and St. Louis Cathedral: History That Sets the Mood

Partway through, the stories shift to landmarks that give the tour its grounding.

You’ll hear about the exact location where the Louisiana Purchase was signed in 1803. That’s a big deal historically, and it also changes the vibe: the French Quarter isn’t only about ghosts and vampires. It’s also where world-changing politics played out.

Then comes St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square. Seeing the cathedral as a story piece works because Jackson Square is one of the Quarter’s central “you can’t ignore it” sights. It’s where people naturally slow down, and it’s a smart place to pivot from official history into local legend.

If you love when a guide ties the supernatural to real neighborhoods (not just spooky vibes), this segment is likely to click for you.

The Most Predictable Ghost, the Haunted House, and the EMF Reality Check

The tour promises you’ll learn where to find New Orleans’ most predictable ghost, and you’ll also see the location of what’s described as the city’s most haunted house. These parts are where the story goes for maximum atmosphere.

But here’s the honest piece: the operator does not guarantee you will see anything paranormal. They also frame the tour as entertainment, not a paranormal promise. That’s important for your expectations, especially if you’re buying this for a sure thing.

Still, you can add another layer. A real EMF meter (Ghost/Paranormal Detector) is available for use during the tour. If you want to play along, it’s a fun way to make the legend feel more hands-on.

Two practical notes:

• The paranormal equipment has to be checked out at the beginning of the tour.
• There’s a $250 fee if any piece is lost, damaged, or missing—so treat it like something you wouldn’t drop.

Vampire Sightings and Police-Documented Lore

In between the more history-forward stops, you’ll also hit multiple locations where vampires have been sighted and where police documentation is mentioned as part of the story framework.

This is one of those New Orleans themes that can go two ways: either it’s a heavy lecture, or it’s legend-driven fun. The tour leans into story and atmosphere, with a tone that can range from spooky to comedic depending on the guide’s style.

This is also where language and delivery can matter. One past experience noted a guide with a strong accent that made it hard to follow for non-native English speakers. Another experience praised a guide who stayed upbeat and funny. So if clarity matters most to you, pick a tour time that fits your comfort with spoken English and storytelling rhythms.

Voodoo in the French Quarter: Marie Laveau and Ceremony Locations

If you’re coming for voodoo stories, this is the core thread.

You’ll learn how voodoo came to New Orleans, and the tour focuses on Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau, including places connected to her life. You’ll also visit property described as being given to her as payment for magic, plus locations where venerations and ceremonies were held.

This segment is valuable because it connects the legends to the actual French Quarter geography. You’re not just hearing names. You’re walking through the spaces where the stories say these things happened.

One extra tip: keep a respectful attitude, even if the tour is comedic. It’s a working neighborhood with residents nearby, and the operator asks guests not to trespass or ring doorbells of private homes.

Drink Stops: How the Refill Works and Where People Can Feel It

The French Quarter has 200+ bars, and the tour route is designed so you pass plenty of options at frequent intervals. You can stop to refill your to-go cup whenever you want.

Important: you’re responsible for what you buy. The guide is not taking you into bars as a group. So the experience is part walking tour, part self-paced drink breaks.

You’ll also hear advice from the “drunk history” angle itself. One specific warning stands out from prior experiences: the Hand Grenade drink can mess with you. Translation: don’t plan on staying casual with your alcohol choices if you’re aiming for easy walking and clear listening later.

For the best experience, I’d treat the first drink like a “permission slip” for fun, not a dare.

What the Reviews Tell You to Expect From the Guide

The tour has a solid overall rating of 3.9 from 12 reviews, which basically screams: guide quality can swing your experience.

The most praised aspects point to a few traits you should listen for in any guide style:

• Upbeat delivery and comedy that keeps it moving (people singled out an energetic, hysterically funny approach)
• Strong city and story knowledge tied to quick history tidbits
• Friendliness and clear explanations, with praise for guides such as Emily and Cody

On the other hand, you should also know the risks:

• One experience described a guide who was not animated enough, with higher expectations going unmet.
• Another flagged an accent strong enough to make listening difficult.
• A serious issue happened once when a guide reportedly ghosted at the meeting point after earlier communication about a schedule shift.

So my practical advice is simple: arrive early, stay reachable by phone or text for any updates, and don’t assume the guide will wait. The operator even notes that if you arrive even a few minutes late, the guide may no longer be there.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Want Another Option)

This tour suits you if:

• You want a fun walking tour that mixes legend with real landmarks like Jackson Square
• You like the idea of learning voodoo and vampire lore in a story-first format
• You enjoy light comedy plus history stops, not just “spooky facts”

It may not fit you if:

• You need a guaranteed paranormal payoff (the tour cannot promise sightings)
• You dislike listening to guided stories while walking at a moderate pace
• You’re sensitive to strong alcohol options, especially if you plan to sample multiple drinks
• You struggle with accents or spoken English clarity

It also works well for couples, groups of friends, and solo travelers who want an easy way to spend a focused block of time in the French Quarter without building a full self-guided route.

Final Call: Should You Book Drunken Telling of New Orleans Tales?

I’d book it if you want a low-cost, high-story-density way to see major French Quarter sites and hear spooky themes tied to real geography. The EMF meter option adds a layer of interactivity if you’re the type who enjoys trying something during the walk.

Skip the tour if your main goal is confirmed paranormal evidence or if you want the guide to personally escort you inside bars. This is a walking, refills-allowed, legend-led experience with realistic expectations.

If you go in with that mindset, you’ll likely come away with both better bearings in the French Quarter and a head full of stories you can tell later over dinner.

FAQ

How long is the Drunken Telling of New Orleans Tales tour?

It runs about 1 to 2 hours. The walking pace is moderate, and it may run longer depending on wait time inside bars.

Where do I meet the guide?

Meet at 941 Bourbon St, New Orleans, at the gate of the courtyard attached to Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar. The tour does not meet inside the bar or at a street corner.

Are drinks included in the $35 price?

Alcoholic drinks are not included. You can buy drinks along the route, and you can refill your to-go cup, but the guide does not go inside the bars.

Can I use the EMF meter during the tour?

Yes, paranormal equipment is available, including an EMF meter. You need to check it out at the beginning of the tour, and there is a fee if equipment is lost or damaged.

Is a ghost or vampire sighting guaranteed?

No. The tour is for entertainment, and there is no guarantee of encountering any paranormal activity.

Are audio or video recordings allowed?

Audio or video recording devices are not allowed during the tour. Photos are allowed and encouraged.

Is the tour still happening if it rains?

Tours are described as rain-or-shine events. If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.