New Orleans: VIP Bar and Club Crawl Tour with Free Shots

Experiencing New Orleans’ legendary nightlife can be both exciting and overwhelming — especially if you’re unfamiliar with the city’s best spots. The VIP Bar and Club Crawl Tour, offered by Crawl New Orleans, promises a lively three-hour journey through some of the city’s most popular French Quarter venues, complete with free shots, drink specials, and VIP treatment.

What we love about this tour is how it balances fun with convenience — you get to skip long lines and hop quickly from one buzzing bar to another, making the most of your limited time in NOLA. Plus, the opportunity to meet fellow travelers from all over the world adds a social vibe that can turn a good night into a great one.

That said, a possible consideration is that the tour lasts only three hours, which might leave some wanting more, especially if you’re eager to stay out longer. It’s also primarily designed for those over 21, so it’s not suitable for younger visitors. This experience is perfect for groups celebrating special occasions, solo travelers looking to make new friends, or anyone wanting a curated taste of the city’s nightlife without the hassle of planning.

Key Points

• Includes VIP access and skip-the-line entry, saving you precious time and energy.
• Offers free shots and exclusive drink specials at each venue, boosting the party vibe.
• Guided by knowledgeable hosts, who ensure the night flows smoothly and everyone has fun.
• Designed for socializing, making it ideal for solo travelers, groups, or celebrating special events.
• Tour duration is around 3 hours, so plan for a lively but manageable night out.
• No hotel pickup or drop-off, so you’ll need to arrange your transportation to the meeting point.

Exploring the Itinerary: What to Expect on the Night

The tour kicks off at a designated meeting point, where you’ll check in at a large purple table after signing your waiver — a simple process available through your confirmation email. Here, you’ll meet your guide, who is licensed and well-versed in the city’s nightlife scene. Among the rave reviews, Jason gets special mention as an enthusiastic and engaging guide who creates a welcoming atmosphere.

Once checked in, the group (which can be sizable, around 40-50 people on busy nights like Halloween) heads into the first venue. The experience starts with a fun drinking game of flip cup, with the drinks on the house — a perfect icebreaker. This sets a lively tone and encourages mingling early on, especially for solo travelers who might find it easier to connect over shared drinks and games.

The Bars and Nightclubs

You will visit four of the top-rated venues in the French Quarter. These are carefully selected to showcase the area’s vibrant bar scene, including historic spots with balconies and modern nightclubs. Each location offers exclusive drink specials, and you’ll receive a free shot at each venue, though as one reviewer pointed out, the shots are pre-selected, so don’t expect custom options.

The experience is designed to give you a taste of NOLA’s diverse nightlife, from lively dance clubs to more relaxed jazz bars. The guide facilitates smooth transitions between venues and keeps the group together, even when some wander or visit the restroom, as one reviewer noted with a quick tip on how to spot the group amidst the crowds.

The Advantages of VIP Access

Long lines are a common frustration in New Orleans’ busy nightlife spots, especially on weekends. Here, your skip-the-line VIP entry means you don’t waste precious time waiting around. This is especially appreciated on Halloween or during festivals, when crowds swell. Guests appreciated how this feature allowed them to maximize their time in each venue.

The Social Element

Beyond the drinks and venues, what makes this tour stand out is the opportunity for socializing. Travelers shared that solo visitors found it a great way to meet new friends, with one noting that introducing oneself is easy since most are here to turn up. The guide’s inclusive attitude helps create a friendly environment, which can be especially valuable for first-time visitors.

The Value for Money

At $59 per person, this tour offers a solid mix of entertainment, convenience, and access. When you consider the VIP entry, free shots, drink specials, and guided experience, the value is clear. You won’t have to worry about cover charges or figuring out where to go — it’s all handled for you, leaving more room for fun.

Reviewers called it “definitely worth the money,” especially since the experience combines lively entertainment with the chance to explore multiple venues in a short time. Plus, the social aspect and professional guiding enhance the overall experience, making it feel more like a curated night out than just wandering alone.

The Group Size and Atmosphere

Expect a large group setting, especially on popular nights. While this can be lively and energetic, some travelers might find the crowd a bit overwhelming — notably at peak times like Halloween. The guides do their best to keep everyone together, but you’ll need to pay attention to avoid getting left behind, as one reviewer shared.

The crowd tends to be diverse, with many traveling groups celebrating occasions like birthdays or bachelorette parties. The inclusive vibe helps everyone feel part of the party, with plenty of opportunities to introduce yourself and mingle.

Practical Details: Timing, Meeting Point, and What to Bring

Start times are flexible, but it’s essential to arrive early to sign your waiver and check in at the purple table. The tour lasts roughly three hours, which makes it a perfect option for an energetic evening but not an all-night party — ideal if you want a taste of NOLA nightlife without staying out until dawn.

Note that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan your transportation accordingly. The tour is in English, and it’s important to bring a passport or ID card for check-in. Sleeveless shirts are not allowed at the venues, so dress accordingly.

Authentic Reviews and Insights

Guests rave about their guides, particularly highlighting Jason’s pleasant and fun demeanor. One reviewer shared, “He was pleasant and fun all wrapped in one,” emphasizing how knowledgeable guides can make or break the experience. Another guest mentioned how the tour helped them “make some friends for the night,” reinforcing the social value.

Many attendees appreciated how the tour provided skip-the-line VIP access and free drinks at each stop, making it excellent value. Several mentioned how the experience was perfect for special occasions like birthdays or bachelorette parties, with the guides ensuring everyone had a memorable night.

A few tips from reviews include watching your tabs to avoid overspending and noting that the crowds can be big, so keeping track of your group is key. Also, the drinks are pre-selected, so don’t expect to customize your shots.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This VIP bar and club crawl is a fantastic choice for travelers who want an organized, social, and fun introduction to New Orleans’ nightlife. It’s especially suited for groups celebrating special moments, solo travelers eager to meet new friends, or visitors who want to skip the hassle of planning individual bar visits.

The combination of exclusive access, free shots, engaging guides, and a lively crowd makes it a memorable part of any NOLA trip. If you’re looking for a hassle-free, energetic way to experience the city’s nightlife with a bit of VIP treatment, this tour hits the mark.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed or extended night out, or if you’re traveling on a tight budget without wanting to spend extra on drinks, consider your options carefully. But for those wanting to jump into the heart of New Orleans’ party scene with ease and fun, this experience offers great value and authentic local energy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
No, the tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. Travelers need to make their own arrangements to reach the meeting point.

What is the meeting point?
Guests should arrive at the large purple table to check in, ensuring they sign their waiver beforehand via the link in their confirmation email.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 3 hours, making it a manageable but lively evening activity.

Do I need an ID?
Yes, bring a passport or ID card, as it’s required for check-in at the start of the tour.

Can I participate if I’m under 21?
No, this tour is strictly for those over 21 years old.

Is the tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. Many solo travelers find it a great way to meet others and enjoy the night with guidance and company.

Are drinks included?
You receive free shots at each venue, and enjoy exclusive drink specials, but the shots are pre-selected, so customization isn’t available.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably but avoid sleeveless shirts, as they aren’t allowed at the venues.

This New Orleans VIP bar and club crawl represents a smart, energetic way to explore the city’s famed nightlife. Whether celebrating a special event or just looking for a fun night out, expect good value, friendly guides, and a lively, social atmosphere that captures the spirit of NOLA.