Haunted New Orleans Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour

If you’re heading to New Orleans and looking to combine a little ghostly intrigue with a taste of the city’s vibrant nightlife, the Haunted New Orleans Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour could be just the ticket. This experience promises a mix of haunted stories, historic sights, and a handful of bar stops—all led by guides in costumes that add a dash of theatrical flair. It’s a tour that’s been highly rated, often booked well in advance, and offers an engaging way to see NOLA’s darker side.

What we love about this tour is how approachable and intimate it feels. With group sizes capped at just ten people, you get plenty of chances to ask questions, share your own ghost stories, and really connect with your guide—and that’s a real plus for anyone who prefers a more personal experience. Plus, the fact that it’s a walking tour means you’re close to the action, with plenty of chances to soak in the city’s old-world charm.

One possible consideration is that the tour doesn’t include drinks—it’s a bar crawl with a spooky twist, rather than a drinking experience. You’ll need to purchase your own beverages during the stops, which might add up if you’re planning to indulge. Still, the value comes from the storytelling, the atmosphere, and the fun of discovering hidden corners of the French Quarter after dark. This tour is perfect for history buffs, ghost story lovers, and anyone eager for a lively evening with a dark twist.

If you’re comfortable walking about for a couple of hours, enjoy engaging guides, and appreciate a good spooky story, this ghost tour could be right up your alley. It’s especially well-suited for travelers who want to experience New Orleans’ haunted reputation in a relaxed, friendly setting.

Key Points

• The tour is led by lively, knowledgeable guides in costumes, adding to the fun atmosphere.
• It visits at least three haunted bars, perfect for those who enjoy a pub crawl with a story.
• Group sizes are small, capped at ten travelers for a more personal experience.
• It combines historical sights with ghost tales, offering a well-rounded dark tour.
• The tour is about 2.5 hours long, making it a manageable evening adventure.
• It costs around $36 per person, which provides good value considering the storytelling and exclusive access.

A Closer Look at the Experience

Starting Point and First Impressions

The tour begins at 415 Dauphine Street, right in the heart of the French Quarter. This location puts you smack in the middle of the city’s most historic and atmospheric neighborhood. We loved how the meeting spot feels authentic, surrounded by old buildings and the lively buzz of the city at night.

Your guide—dressed in costume—immediately sets the tone with a mix of humor and storytelling. Expect a friendly, approachable host who’s eager to share spooky tales and local lore. The group is limited to a maximum of 16 travelers, ensuring you won’t feel lost in a crowd and can easily engage with your guide.

First Stop: The Slice of NOLA History

Your first stop is a bar where you can enjoy a craft cocktail while learning about the city’s first “licensed” brothel. It’s a surprisingly intriguing start, blending real history with a touch of humor. Sitting in a cozy corner, you’ll hear about the city’s colorful past—stories that often blur the line between fact and legend.

The Iconic St. Louis Cathedral

Next, the tour takes you to the stunning St. Louis Cathedral, arguably the most picturesque spot in New Orleans. While the cathedral itself isn’t haunted, it’s a great photo opportunity, and your guide might share ghostly tales linked to its history or nearby sites. With just ten minutes here, it’s enough time to appreciate the architecture and maybe catch a glimpse of a lingering spirit from the stories.

Pirates and Privateers: Jean Lafitte’s Path

From there, you’ll stroll the streets of the French Quarter, focusing on tales of pirates and privateers like Jean Lafitte. Expect colorful stories about these notorious figures, who seem to have left a ghostly footprint behind. Some travelers find these stories particularly compelling, especially when the guide shares details about the “Green Fairy,” a nod to absinthe legends.

Historic Hotels and Spirit Phenomena

Another highlight is hearing about the spirits that supposedly refuse to leave a well-known, historic hotel. The tales of ghostly encounters here aren’t just spooky—they’re rooted in the city’s long-standing history of spiritual activity. The guides do a great job of balancing storytelling with respect for the past, making these stories engaging rather than overly sensational.

The Haunted Bars

The core of the tour is visiting at least three haunted bars. Each spot offers a unique vibe, combining historic charm with ghostly legends. For example, one bar might have tales of a rogue privateer who still haunts the premises, while another could be linked to stories of illicit activities and secret spirits.

You won’t be offered drinks as part of the tour—those are available for purchase, so if you’re planning to imbibe, budget extra accordingly. Many reviews mention enjoying the drinks at each stop, but the real highlight remains the stories and dark ambiance.

Souvenir and Final Stop

To remember your night, each guest receives a themed can cooler or cup—a small memento that adds a fun touch to the experience. The tour wraps up at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar on Bourbon Street, an iconic spot that’s steeped in history and ghostly lore. It’s a fitting end, as you can continue to soak in the lively yet mysterious atmosphere of the Quarter.

What We’ve Learned from Reviews

Reviewers consistently praise the guides, often describing them as “lively,” “knowledgeable,” and “fun.” One reviewer called their guide “fabulous,” highlighting how storytelling brought the dark tales to life. Others appreciated the personalized feel—mentions of small groups and attentive guides show how this setup makes the experience memorable.

Many mention that the tour was “worth the walking,” with the small group size making it perfect for conversation and questions. Several travelers noted that the stories, combined with the historic sights, made it a lively and entertaining way to spend an evening.

Value for Money

Given the $36 price point, the tour offers excellent value—especially considering the engaging guides, the unique stories, and the small group size. The included souvenir adds a nice touch, and the overall experience is more about storytelling and atmosphere than just visiting sites.

Considerations

While the tour is rich in stories and atmosphere, it doesn’t include drinks as part of the package. If you’re a light drinker or want to keep the experience more focused on history, this isn’t a drawback. But if you’re expecting a drinking tour, you’ll need to budget for drinks separately. Also, since it’s a walking tour, wearing comfortable shoes and being prepared for weather (rain or shine) is a good idea.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This ghost walk is perfect for curious travelers who enjoy history, ghost stories, and lively guides. It’s especially suited for those who prefer small groups for a more intimate experience. If you’re looking for a fun, dark-themed tour that mixes storytelling with nighttime city views, this one hits the mark.

It’s not ideal if you’re seeking a heavy drinking experience or want to explore beyond the French Quarter, but if you’re after good stories and a taste of local legends, expect to have a memorable night.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
No, the minimum age is 21, and valid photo ID is required. As it involves bars and alcohol, it’s geared toward adults.

How long does the tour last?
It runs approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, which is a manageable length to enjoy without fatigue.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

Are the guides in costumes?
Yes, guides dress in costumes, adding to the spooky fun and theatrical atmosphere.

Do I need to book far in advance?
Most travelers book about 24 days ahead, indicating good availability but also suggesting it’s popular.

Are the tours weather-dependent?
Operates in all weather conditions; dressing appropriately for rain or shine is recommended.

What’s included in the tour?
Visits to at least three haunted bars, stories of haunted history, a local guide, and a commemorative cup or cooler.

Final Thoughts

For anyone eager to explore the haunted side of New Orleans in a fun, engaging way, this ghost walking tour offers an excellent blend of history, spooky tales, and lively local bars. The guides’ storytelling ability makes the dark corners of the French Quarter come alive, and the small group size ensures a personal touch that larger tours often lack.

While the tour doesn’t include drinks, the experience is still thoroughly enjoyable and offers good value for the money. It’s perfect for history buffs, ghost story enthusiasts, or anyone looking to add a little mystery to a night out in NOLA.

If you’re after a cultural experience that combines storytelling, local legends, and a bit of nightlife, this tour should not be missed. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes, bring your curiosity, and be ready for a spirited night filled with stories and spirits—both ghostly and human.