Adults Only Haunted Pub Crawl in New Orleans

If you’re looking to combine a love of ghost stories with a night out on the town, this haunted pub crawl through New Orleans might just be your perfect evening. This experience invites adults to explore the city’s most haunted spots, all while enjoying drinks, music, and a lively group of fellow travelers. It’s a great way to add a touch of the supernatural to your trip, especially if you enjoy history, folklore, and a spirited atmosphere.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its engaging local guides who blend storytelling with historical facts, making the ghostly tales feel both credible and entertaining. Plus, the balance of walking and bar-hopping keeps things relaxed but lively. That said, a potential consideration is that it’s a bar crawl, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with moderate walking and who want to enjoy a drink or two in a social setting. Ideal for curious travelers, paranormal enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a fun, informal introduction to New Orleans’ haunted reputation.

Key Points

• Focuses on haunted bars and locations with historical significance
• Guided by knowledgeable locals who tell authentic ghost stories
• Includes visits to America’s oldest bar and the famed Lalaurie Mansion
• Offers a relaxed two-hour experience with a group of up to 28 participants
• Not suitable for those under 21 or anyone seeking a non-alcoholic activity
• Great value at just under $32 per person

An In-Depth Look at the Haunted Pub Crawl Experience

Setting the Scene: The French Quarter Stroll

The tour kicks off in the heart of the French Quarter, where you’ll meet your guide and start wandering the historic streets. As you sip your first cocktail, you’ll hear about the area’s dark side—stories of violence, ghostly sightings, and the mysterious past that lingers in the old buildings. Expect to spend about half an hour just soaking in the atmosphere and getting a taste of what’s to come.

What makes this stop worthwhile? The French Quarter is a visual feast, with wrought-iron balconies, colorful facades, and street musicians. But it’s the stories told by your guide that add a layer of intrigue. According to reviews, guides like Gomez and Wesley are praised for their storytelling skills—informative, humorous, and able to personalize the experience.

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar: Ghosts of the Oldest Bar

Next, you’ll step into Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar—claimed to be the oldest bar in the United States. As you stand in this historic tavern, your guide will recount tales of hauntings and pirates that supposedly still linger. You’ll learn about the bar’s storied past and maybe even enjoy a quick shot or a drink from their menu (drinks are not included, but specials are available).

Reviewers highlight: The charm of this oldest bar combined with its spooky reputation makes it a favorite stop. One participant noted, “Some guides stop at this wonderful place,” emphasizing its significance as a ghostly landmark. The 10-minute visit allows for photos and a quick chat, making it manageable within the overall tour.

Bourbon Street: The Party Epicenter

Though this stop is shorter—just about 10 minutes—you might find it a lively addition. Bourbon Street is famous worldwide for its nightlife, jazz, and partying. Depending on your group’s vibe, you could end the crawl here, soaking in the energetic atmosphere. It’s a stark contrast to the haunted stories but adds a fun, local flavor.

Travel tip: If you’re not into the throngs and loud music, you can simply observe from a distance or choose to skip this stop altogether. It’s flexible, and your guide will accommodate your preferences.

The Haunted Lalaurie Mansion

Arguably the star of the tour, the Lalaurie Mansion is often called New Orleans’ most haunted site. This grand, historic building tells a gruesome story of a 19th-century socialite and her dark secrets. Your guide will relay tales of ghostly apparitions and eerie happenings, making it a must-see for paranormal fans.

Insight from reviews: Many mention how the stories of this mansion are gripping and add a spooky thrill to the tour. The 10-minute stop doesn’t include entry, but viewing from the outside provides plenty of atmospheric photo opportunities.

The Retired Brothel with a Ghostly Past

Some guides include a visit to a former brothel that boasts a colorful history and remains a lively bar. This location combines historic charm with a storied past—perfect for those curious about New Orleans’ darker underbelly. The mix of history and hospitality offers a well-rounded experience, with drink specials and local flavor.

Practicalities and What You Can Expect

Logistics and Group Size

This tour starts at 620 Decatur St #600, right in the heart of the French Quarter, making it easy to access via public transportation or ride-sharing services. With a maximum of 28 travelers, it’s a manageable group size that encourages interaction without feeling crowded. The tour lasts around two hours, which is perfect for an evening activity without feeling rushed.

Price and Value

At $31.99 per person, this experience offers good value, especially considering the guided storytelling and exclusive visits to historic, haunted sites. While drinks are not included, the tour guides often suggest drink specials, and the social aspect adds to the overall value.

Accessibility and Comfort

The tour is wheelchair accessible and mostly flat and paved, making it suitable for most travelers with mobility concerns. Wear comfortable shoes and layered clothing, as weather can vary. Arriving 15 minutes early ensures a smooth start.

Timing and Weather

Since it’s an outdoor walking tour, good weather is essential. If canceled due to rain or storms, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Planning ahead with a rain jacket or umbrella is wise.

Authentic Stories and Honest Reviews

From glowing praise like, “Gomez is the man you want as your guide—informative, humorous, and caring,” to comments about the fun and relaxed vibe, it’s clear the guides make a difference. Many reviewers mention how knowledgeable and personable guides keep the storytelling engaging without sensationalizing, which adds credibility to the ghost tales.

The balance of historic facts and spooky legends appears to resonate well with travelers. One reviewer summed it up as “a very relaxing and enjoyable experience,” highlighting how the tour isn’t overly intense but just the right mix of fun and fright.

Highlights from reviews include:

• The “entertaining and knowledgeable” guides
• The opportunity to learn about New Orleans’ dark past
• The chance to socialise and meet other travelers
• The chance to visit iconic, haunted locations like the Lalaurie Mansion

Possible downsides:

A few reviewers point out that the duration is short—just about two hours—so if you’re craving a deeper dive into the city’s haunted lore, you might wish for longer. Also, since drinks are extra, budget-conscious travelers should plan accordingly.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

This haunted pub crawl offers a unique blend of history, ghost stories, and fun, all wrapped up in a lively social atmosphere. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy storytelling, ghostly legends, and casual bar-hopping. The guide’s knowledge and humor help bring the stories to life, making it more than just a walk through the French Quarter.

If you’re looking for a relaxed, engaging way to explore New Orleans’ spooky reputation without hefty admission fees or formal tours, this experience is a strong pick. The value is evident in the quality of guides, the historic significance of the stops, and the chance to meet fellow travelers in an informal setting.

However, if you prefer a more immersive, in-depth historical tour or are seeking a non-alcoholic activity, this might not be your best fit. Keep in mind that the tour emphasizes fun, storytelling, and socializing, which makes it perfect for those up for a good time and some ghostly tales.

FAQ

Is parking available near the meeting point?
Limited parking is available nearby, but rates may vary. Since the tour is in the French Quarter, walking or using public transportation like buses or ride-shares (Uber or Lyft) is often more convenient.

Can I use public transportation to arrive?
Yes, public transit stops are close to the meeting location, making it easy to reach without a car.

How early should I arrive?
Arriving at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time ensures you won’t miss the fun and can get settled comfortably.

Is the tour suitable for those under 21?
No, the tour is strictly for adults 21 and over, as it involves visiting bars and consuming alcohol.

How strenuous is the tour?
It involves walking on flat, paved surfaces, so it’s not physically demanding. Most travelers will find it manageable.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the route is mostly flat and paved, making it wheelchair-friendly.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, and layered clothing will help depending on weather conditions.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included, but specials are available at the bars, and there may be a celebratory shot at the end.

Which bars will I visit?
The guide will select locations based on the current happenings, but popular spots include Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar and the haunted Lalaurie Mansion exterior.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. In case of cancellation due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This adults-only haunted pub crawl offers an entertaining, spirited glimpse into New Orleans’ darker history. Whether you’re a ghost enthusiast or just looking for a fun night out, it balances storytelling with socializing in a charming, historic setting. Ideal for those who enjoy a mix of history, ghost stories, and a lively atmosphere, you’ll walk away with stories—and maybe a few chills—that will stay with you long after your trip ends.