New Orleans Walking Tour Experience

This tour promises a unique blend of history, humor, and alcohol, and while we haven’t personally taken it, the details make it sound like a true taste of New Orleans’ lively spirit. For those who love a good story—especially if it’s told with a laugh—paired with a chance to sip as you stroll, this tour stands out as a fun way to experience the city’s infamous French Quarter.

What we particularly like about this tour is its informal, entertaining approach to history. It’s not just about facts and dates; it’s about stories—some spooky, some bizarre, all delivered with a good dose of humor. Plus, the fact that you can enjoy drinks throughout the walk, with the tour guiding the logistics, makes it a relaxed, social experience. One potential drawback, however, is that the ‘drink while walking’ style might not suit travelers seeking a more traditional or structured historical tour—it’s definitely about the fun as much as facts.

This tour is a perfect pick for adventurous spirits, history buffs with a sense of humor, and anyone curious about the darker tales of New Orleans’ past. If your idea of sightseeing involves a little mischief and a lot of stories, you’ll likely find this a memorable part of your trip.

Key Points

• Lively storytelling blended with alcohol makes the tour both informative and entertaining.
• Flexible for families, but some locations may not permit children inside, so plan accordingly.
• Starts at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, the oldest working bar in the U.S., setting the tone for a historic yet lively experience.
• Focus on NOLA’s haunted and infamous past with a humorous spin, making history approachable and fun.
• Small group of up to 28 travelers ensures a more personal experience.
• Duration of about 2 hours offers a compact but immersive taste of the French Quarter.

Exploring the French Quarter with a Twist

New Orleans’ French Quarter is a magnet for visitors eager to soak in vibrant streets, historic architecture, and legendary nightlife. This walking tour adds a twist by making the experience boozy, spooky, and downright entertaining. The tour kicks off at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, a landmark that dates back to the early 1700s, which immediately sets a tone of historical significance mixed with a lively bar atmosphere.

The First Stop: Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop

Meeting at the oldest operating bar in the U.S., you’re instantly immersed in a sense of history—this place has seen everything from pirates to Prohibition. Expect the guide to share stories that highlight the bar’s long past, but also its role in the city’s colorful nightlife. The tour’s informal nature means you can enjoy your drink as you listen, making it a relaxed way to start your NOLA adventure.

The Heart of the Tour: Drunk History and Haunted Tales

Following the guide through the streets of Vieux Carre (the French Quarter’s proper name), you’ll visit landmarks that have witnessed centuries of history and mischief. The guide’s focus is on the darker, often hilarious stories—from notorious events to paranormal mysteries. As one reviewer pointed out, “We loved the way they put their own spin on some of the city’s most talked-about events,” making the history come alive with humor and vivid storytelling.

Key Landmark: Louisiana Purchase Location & Jackson Square

The tour’s highlight includes a stop at the site where the Louisiana Purchase was signed in 1803—an event that doubled the size of the U.S. and forever changed the region. Visiting the iconic St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square follows, where you can soak in the architecture and hear about the many tragedies that struck the city—yellow fever outbreaks, destructive fires, hurricanes—all woven into the tour’s narrative.

The Final Stretch and Concluding Remarks

The tour concludes in Jackson Square, a hub of activity and history. Here, the guide may recount some of the darker events that have shaped New Orleans—fires, hurricanes, and epidemics—culminating in a lively, story-filled walk through the city’s past.

What’s Included and What to Expect

For $55 per person, you get a professional licensed guide who is also a storyteller, blending facts and folklore seamlessly. The tour’s format allows for drinking throughout, with staff courteously refilling cups outside bars and at to-go windows. This is a key part of the experience, designed to keep the mood light and social.

Since alcoholic beverages are not included in the price, you’ll want to budget for drinks if you want to participate fully. The tour’s mobile ticket format means you can join easily, and with a maximum of 28 travelers, it feels intimate enough for engaging storytelling without feeling crowded.

Accessibility and Family-Friendliness

While the tour is as kid-friendly as possible, keep in mind that some venues may not allow children inside. The guide will wait outside with children during drink stops, and there are to-go windows for drinks. This setup makes it manageable for families, but it’s best suited for older kids or teens comfortable with a lively, adult-oriented atmosphere.

How Does It Stack Up in Value?

At $55, you’re paying for a two-hour tour that doesn’t just deliver history but offers a lively, social experience. Comparing this to other attractions like boat cruises or haunted tours, it stands out for its casual, humorous approach. You’re not just listening to a lecture; you’re actively participating in a fun, authentic aspect of NOLA’s nightlife scene.

Further, the inclusion of a professional guide means you’re getting a well-informed narrative, which is often more engaging than self-guided walks. The free stops at iconic sites like the Louisiana Purchase location and Jackson Square mean you’re hitting major highlights without extra cost.

Price versus Experience

Considering the lively atmosphere, the historical insights, and the chance to enjoy drinks responsibly while exploring, many would agree that this tour offers great value—especially for those who want a fun, social way to learn about New Orleans’ darker lore.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers who enjoy a relaxed, humorous approach to history and don’t mind a little alcohol-fueled storytelling. It’s perfect for groups of friends, couples, or solo travelers looking for a lively way to experience the city’s haunted tales and colorful past. Families with older kids might also appreciate the mix of history and entertainment, provided they’re comfortable with the drinking aspect.

If you prefer traditional, silent museum-type tours, this might not be your style. But if you’re after a fun, light-hearted look at New Orleans’ past—especially the spooky and scandalous bits—you’ll likely find this tour a memorable highlight.

The Sum Up

This walking tour offers a distinctive blend of history, humor, and drinks, making it a standout way to explore the French Quarter. The stops at iconic landmarks, combined with lively storytelling and the freedom to drink throughout, create an experience that’s as much about the city’s lively spirit as it is about its past misdeeds and ghostly tales.

It’s best suited for those who enjoy a relaxed, social atmosphere and are open to a less formal, more entertaining take on New Orleans history. The tour provides a good value for the price, especially given the small group size and the knowledgeable guide.

In essence, if you’re looking for a fun, memorable experience that combines storytelling, a dash of the paranormal, and a bit of liquid courage, this tour will serve you well. Just remember: it’s as much about the laughs and stories as it is about the history.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s as kid-friendly as New Orleans can be, but some locations may not allow children inside. The guide will wait outside with children during drink stops, and there are to-go windows for drinks.

Are alcoholic beverages included?
No, drinks are not included. You’re welcome to bring your own or purchase drinks at stops along the way. The tour guides will help you refill your cups outside the bars.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a manageable and engaging experience without being overly long.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, located at 941 Bourbon Street, and concludes near Jackson Square.

Is the tour accessible?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. The tour is walkable and doesn’t involve complicated transportation.

What are some highlights I can expect?
You’ll visit historic sites like the Louisiana Purchase location and St. Louis Cathedral, hear about tragic events like yellow fever outbreaks, fires, and hurricanes, and enjoy the lively storytelling about NOLA’s haunted past.

Can I cancel or change the booking?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed. If canceled due to insufficient bookings, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This tour offers a lively, humorous, and insightful way to experience the haunted, scandalous, and fascinating stories of New Orleans’ French Quarter. Ideal for those who love history with a side of mischief, it’s sure to leave you with plenty of stories to tell back home.