New Orleans: Guided Bourbon Street Bar Crawl with Shots

Exploring New Orleans’ Famous Bourbon Street with a Guided Bar Crawl

If you’re looking to get a true taste of New Orleans’ legendary nightlife without the hassle of planning, a guided Bourbon Street bar crawl might be just what you need. Priced at a reasonable $35 per person, this experience combines fun, local storytelling, and plenty of opportunities to sample the city’s vibrant bar scene. While it’s a lively, social affair designed for those eager to meet new people and enjoy the city’s festive atmosphere, it’s also aimed at travelers who want a curated, insider’s look at Bourbon Street’s best venues.

One of the standout features of this tour is the inclusion of welcome shots and a souvenir cup, which not only add to the fun but also help you save on drinks at various stops. The tour’s guide, known to many as Jason according to reviews, is praised for creating a welcoming atmosphere and making the experience memorable. However, it’s worth noting that this activity is best suited for those 21 and over, and it’s designed to operate rain or shine, so come prepared for any weather.

This experience is perfect if you love social outings, live music, and discovering local bars with a bit of storytelling thrown in. It’s a great way to break the ice, especially if you’re traveling solo or in a small group, and it offers an authentic taste of New Orleans’ lively street culture.

Key Points

• Cost-Effective Fun: At $35, it offers good value, especially with included shots and a souvenir cup.
• Social Atmosphere: Perfect for meeting fellow travelers and sharing a lively night.
• Local Insights: Your guide will share interesting stories about the area, adding depth to your experience.
• Variety of Venues: From live bands to karaoke spots, each bar offers a different vibe.
• Convenient Meeting Point: Starts inside the iconic Coyote Ugly Saloon, a well-known Bourbon Street fixture.
• Weather-Resilient: Operates rain or shine, so plan accordingly.

An in-depth look at what makes this Bourbon Street crawl worth considering

A Warm Welcome at Coyote Ugly Saloon

Your journey begins inside the famous Coyote Ugly Saloon, a lively spot renowned for its energetic atmosphere and vibrant staff. Meeting your guide here, who’s often praised for being friendly and engaging, sets the tone for the evening. Once everyone’s introduced, the first of many welcome shots is downed — a simple yet effective way to loosen up and start the night on a high note. The guide will hand out your souvenir “crawl cup,” which becomes a handy tool for accessing drink deals across different venues.

The Heart of Bourbon Street

From Coyote Ugly, you’ll walk just five minutes into the heart of the French Quarter, where the action truly begins. The highlight here is the guided tour through a selection of bars, each with its own unique character. The group size tends to be manageable, fostering a social environment where everyone feels included. Many reviews mention Jason’s storytelling skills, sharing fascinating tales about Bourbon Street’s history and the local scene, making each stop more than just a drinking session.

A Mix of Bars and Entertainment

The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours on Bourbon Street, during which you’ll visit a variety of venues. Expect some bars to feature live music — from jazz bands to DJs — ensuring the atmosphere is lively and engaging. For those who love a bit of karaoke, there’s an opportunity to belt out your favorite songs, adding a personal, fun touch to the night. Drinking games and special local drinks keep things festive, and with your coupon cup, you’ll access various drink specials, helping you stretch your dollar further.

Authentic Local Vibes

What sets this experience apart is its focus on authentic, local entertainment. Your guide will share stories that give context to the venues, adding layers to your understanding of New Orleans’ vibrant culture. It’s not just about drinking; it’s about soaking in the lively street scene, the music, and the stories that make Bourbon Street legendary.

Value and Group Dynamics

At only $35, the tour is a solid deal considering the included welcome shots, the souvenir cup, and the guided experience. The review from Ana sums it up well: “Jason was awesome! The group had a blast.” The tour’s small group size fosters a friendly atmosphere, making it easier to connect and feel part of a shared adventure. Plus, with the flexibility to reserve now and pay later, travelers can plan with confidence, knowing they can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Practical Details and Tips

• Meet-up Location: Inside Coyote Ugly Saloon, at the big purple table — an easy-to-find spot on Bourbon Street.
• Duration: Around 2 hours, enough to enjoy several venues without feeling rushed.
• What to Bring: Passport or ID, comfortable shoes, and casual clothes suitable for a lively night.
• Accessibility: Not suitable for non-folding wheelchairs, and some venues may have limited accessibility.
• Weather Considerations: The tour operates rain or shine, so bring an umbrella or raincoat if needed.
• Age Restrictions: Only for those 21 and over.

Breaking Down the Itinerary

Stop 1: Coyote Ugly Saloon

Starting in this iconic spot, you’re immediately immersed in a spirited environment. It sets the tone for the entire evening, with upbeat music, friendly staff, and the first shot to kick things off. The guide’s friendly demeanor was highlighted in reviews, making everyone feel welcome right from the start.

Stop 2: French Quarter Walk

A quick five-minute walk takes you into the heart of the action. Walking between venues allows you to take in the sights, sounds, and street performers that make Bourbon Street famous. This stroll also helps build anticipation for what’s to come at each stop.

Stop 3: Bourbon Street Venues

The main event is a guided tour of several bars, each with its own character. Some offer balconies overlooking the street, perfect for people-watching and photos. Others feature live bands that fill the air with soulful tunes. Participating in karaoke or drinking games, many guests say, helped break the ice and made the experience more memorable.

Stop 4: End at Bourbon Street

The tour concludes back on Bourbon Street, giving you the option to continue exploring, grab a late-night snack, or head back to your accommodations. Many reviews mention how the guide’s stories added depth, making each stop more than just a bar visit.

Authentic Experiences and Unique Highlights

What really makes this tour stand out is the combination of social fun, local storytelling, and access to Bourbon Street’s top venues. Unlike just wandering alone, here you benefit from the expert guidance of someone who knows the area well and can navigate the lively atmosphere safely. The included souvenir cup and drink specials help maximize value, letting you enjoy more drinks for less money.

Guests have also highlighted the lively music and engaging venues as major pluses. One reviewer noted that the guide, Jason, was “awesome,” and that the group had a great time. The presence of live bands and karaoke adds a genuine local flavor, making each stop feel like part of an authentic New Orleans night out.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This Bourbon Street bar crawl offers what many travelers seek — an affordable, social, and lively way to experience New Orleans’ legendary nightlife. The inclusion of welcome shots, a souvenir cup for drink deals, and a knowledgeable guide makes it a practical choice for those wanting a structured yet relaxed evening out. It’s especially suited for solo travelers, couples, or small groups eager to meet others and enjoy the city’s music and party scene.

While it’s not a tour for those seeking a quiet, cultural experience or accessible venues, it excels as a fun, energetic introduction to Bourbon Street. The value for the price, combined with the friendly guidance and lively venues, makes it a worthwhile addition to any New Orleans itinerary.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for under 21?
No, this activity is only for guests 21 and over due to alcohol consumption and legal restrictions.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket includes a walking tour, a local guide, a souvenir cup, and welcome shots at the start.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility if your plans change.

Is there a specific start time?
Start times vary; you should check availability when booking to find a time that suits your schedule.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, comfortable shoes, and casual clothes suitable for a lively night out.

Are the venues accessible for everyone?
Not all venues may be fully accessible for non-folding wheelchairs, so consider this before booking.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts around 2 hours, making it a manageable and fun evening activity.

What if it rains?
The tour operates rain or shine, so come prepared for weather conditions.

To sum it up, this guided Bourbon Street bar crawl is a fantastic way to learn about New Orleans’ nightlife without the stress of planning. With a friendly guide, great venues, and inclusive drinks deals, it delivers a lively, authentic experience that’s hard to match at this price point. Ideal for those wanting a social night out, it offers a taste of the city’s musical soul and festive spirit — perfect for creating memorable stories of your trip.