New Orleans Bourbon Street Bar Crawl w/ Shots & Souvenir Cup

When planning a trip to the Big Easy, few experiences capture the city’s lively spirit better than a guided Bourbon Street bar crawl. This tour offers a chance to explore the iconic strip with knowledgeable locals who know where the magic truly happens—hidden gems, legendary venues, and vibrant street scenes. It’s a lively, sociable way to get a taste of New Orleans’ renowned party scene, all while enjoying well-curated stops and some local spirits.

What sets this tour apart are two standout features: first, the inclusion of a custom souvenir cup that grants access to exclusive drink deals even after the crawl ends—talk about a souvenir that keeps on giving. Second, the multiple welcome shots and interactive games make the experience lively and memorable, fostering a sense of camaraderie among participants. These elements combine to make the tour not just a drinking session but a fun, engaging cultural adventure.

However, a consideration for travelers is that this experience is quite social and geared toward those looking to party. If you’re seeking a relaxed, low-key evening or a focus on history and architecture, this may not be the best fit. Also, since the tour involves alcohol and lively street atmospheres, it’s best suited for those comfortable with crowds and enjoying a spirited environment.

This tour is ideal for party seekers, first-time visitors eager to dive into local nightlife, and groups looking for a fun, guided introduction to Bourbon Street. It’s a lively, well-organized way to experience the best of New Orleans’ legendary nightlife while making new friends along the way.

Key Points

• Guided tour with local experts, emphasizing authentic nightlife experiences
• Includes multiple welcome shots and drinking games for a lively atmosphere
• A souvenir cup grants ongoing drink deals across multiple venues
• Carefully curated stops for a blend of legendary and hidden venues
• Tour duration is about 2 hours, making it a quick but memorable experience
• Price point of $28 per person offers good value considering the included drinks and entertainment

An In-Depth Look at the Bourbon Street Bar Crawl Experience

When we consider a night out on Bourbon Street, it’s all about that electric energy, colorful characters, and the promise of unforgettable fun. This tour encapsulates those elements with a structured, guided approach that maximizes your time and enjoyment. Starting at Coyote Ugly Saloon, you’re greeted with a warm, lively atmosphere that sets the tone. The staff and guide foster a welcoming environment, encouraging playing drinking games and getting to know other crawlers. You’ll receive your Crawl Cup here—an essential keepsake that’s also a smart way to score deals on drinks at multiple venues throughout your night.

The First Stop: Coyote Ugly and the French Quarter

The meeting point at Coyote Ugly Saloon is a strategic choice. It’s right next to the Mississippi River, making it easy for taxis, rideshares, and public transport—like the famous streetcar—to drop you right at the door. The location is packed with energy, and it’s the perfect place to break the ice with fellow participants. The atmosphere here is casual and fun, with the added bonus of playing drinking games to loosen everyone up.

After about 30 minutes, the tour guides lead your group into the heart of the French Quarter. As you stroll through this historic district, your guide shares stories about the architecture and history that give Bourbon Street its unique vibe. The walk itself is brief—just 10 minutes—but it’s packed with visual and contextual interest, making it a pleasant prelude to the buzzing nightlife.

The Main Event: Bourbon Street

Arriving on Bourbon Street, you’re immediately immersed in the street’s famous chaos—live music spilling from balconies, neon signs flickering, and the scent of Cajun spices in the air. The tour’s venues are carefully selected to match the current vibe, whether it’s a mellow afternoon with live jazz or high-energy nightclubs with DJs. Over the course of roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes, you’ll visit 4 stops—each offering a distinctive experience.

What’s great about these stops is the mix of environments. Some venues boast live music, others feature fun karaoke nights, and many offer special drink deals thanks to your Crawl Cup. Multiple reviews highlight the fun, engaging atmosphere, with one traveler noting, “Jason was the best tour guide… very thoughtful, caring, and kept us entertained.” The inclusion of welcome shots at each venue adds to the festive feel, and some stops even feature purchased drinks with discounts or free shots—though it’s good to be aware that sometimes these freebies are conditional on buying a drink.

Authenticity and Variety

This tour strikes a balance between organized fun and authentic local flavor. You’re not just rushing through tourist traps; you’re visiting venues selected to give you a true taste of Bourbon Street’s diversity. You’ll likely encounter live bands, karaoke, balconies, and even nightclubs, depending on the time slot and day.

The guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making sure everyone feels safe and included. One reviewer raves, “Jason kept us entertained the entire time,” illustrating the importance of a personable guide when navigating a lively scene. The small group size (up to 25 people) fosters a friendly, social environment without feeling overcrowded.

The Value of the Souvenir Cup and Drink Deals

A highlight of this experience is the exclusive Crawl Cup. It’s not just a souvenir but a practical tool to access special drink discounts across many venues after the tour ends. This allows you to extend your fun without breaking the bank, making your $28 investment a good deal for the night. It’s especially appealing for those who want to keep the party going or just save some money while enjoying the local spirits.

The Overall Experience and Feedback

This tour garners an impressive average rating of 5.0 based on 34 reviews. Guests consistently mention the fun atmosphere, the engaging guide, and the quality of venues. Notably, one reviewer said, “This was one of the best experiences I’ve had,” emphasizing the memorable nature of the crawl.

Some feedback points out minor issues—like the conditional nature of free shots or the pressure to buy additional drinks—but overall, the consensus is that it’s a well-organized, lively, and authentic way to experience Bourbon Street.

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

• The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, making it ideal for an evening activity without taking up your entire night.
• The price of $28 per person includes 4 stops, welcome shots, the Crawl Cup, and entertainment—this is a compelling value given the drinks and experience.
• Meeting at Coyote Ugly ensures easy access via taxis or streetcar, and the tour ends at Bourbon Street Honky Tonk.
• The tour accommodates most travelers, with a maximum group size of 25, ensuring an engaging experience without feeling overcrowded.
• Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

Who This Tour Is Perfect For

This experience is best suited for party-loving travelers who want a guided taste of Bourbon Street’s legendary nightlife. It’s especially appealing to first-time visitors looking for a safe, fun way to explore without the worry of navigating alone. If you enjoy socializing, live music, and a lively atmosphere, you’ll likely find this tour delivers exactly what you’re after.

However, those seeking a quiet, history-focused evening or a more sedate experience might find this tour too energetic. Also, since alcohol is involved, it’s not ideal for travelers who prefer more subdued outings or are sensitive to crowds.

The Sum Up

The Bourbon Street Bar Crawl with Shots & Souvenir Cup offers an engaging, fun-filled way to experience the heart of New Orleans’ nightlife. With a knowledgeable guide, lively venues, and inclusive activities like games and shots, it provides a well-rounded snapshot of what makes Bourbon Street legendary. The added perk of a souvenir cup to access ongoing drink deals means you can keep the party going without stretching your budget.

This tour is best for those who want a sociable, spirited evening and enjoy the buzz of live music, street scenes, and a festive crowd. It’s especially great for first-timers, groups celebrating special occasions, or anyone eager to dive into local culture with a guided, safe environment.

This experience offers excellent value, memorable moments, and a true taste of New Orleans’ vibrant nightlife. Expect a night filled with laughter, music, and new friends, all in a setting that captures the city’s undeniable charm and energy.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a 2-hour guided experience with 4 stops, multiple welcome shots, a special souvenir cup, drink specials, and engaging drinking games—all led by a professional guide.

How do I get to the meeting point?
The meeting point is at Coyote Ugly Saloon, located on N Peters Street near the Mississippi River. It’s accessible via taxis, rideshare, or the New Orleans Streetcar (via the Riverfront route to Bienville Station).

What’s the experience like at each venue?
Venues may feature live music, karaoke, balconies, or nightclubs—each selected to match the current vibe. Participants enjoy drink specials and welcome shots at each stop.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
No, it’s geared toward adults of legal drinking age who enjoy lively environments and social drinking.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time, providing flexibility in your plans.

How much does it cost?
The tour costs $28 per person, which covers all stops, shots, the souvenir cup, and entertainment. Additional drinks or purchases are optional.

Are tips included?
No, gratuities are not included, so tipping your guide is appreciated if you enjoyed the experience.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 25 participants to ensure an engaging, personalized experience.

Whether you’re craving a night of dancing, live music, or just want to experience Bourbon Street in a fun, safe way, this guided crawl hits the mark perfectly. It’s an authentic, energetic slice of New Orleans that leaves you with memories—and hopefully a few stories to tell.