New Orleans: Guided Bourbon Street Bar Crawl with Shots

If you’re looking for a way to soak up the electric atmosphere of New Orleans’ famous nightlife, a guided Bourbon Street bar crawl is hard to beat. Designed to introduce visitors to some of the city’s top watering holes, this tour combines lively group fun, local stories, and the chance to enjoy some of the best drinks on offer—all in just two hours. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned returnee, this experience offers an authentic taste of New Orleans’ vibrant party scene.

What we love most about this tour is its focus on value and authentic local spots. For a modest fee of $35, you’ll get a souvenir cup for drinks specials and a lively guide to steer you through the best venues. Plus, the mix of live music venues and fun drinking games ensures you’ll enjoy every moment—especially if you’re keen on making new friends. One potential consideration is the fast pace, which leaves little time for lingering at any one bar. But if your goal is a spirited night with a mix of drinks, stories, and music, this tour will suit you perfectly.

This tour is ideal for travelers who enjoy social outings, want a taste of New Orleans’ nightlife without the hassle of planning, and are comfortable with the drinking age (21+). It’s a lively, friendly experience that highlights the best of Bourbon Street’s bar scene and creates memorable moments, especially for those seeking a mix of fun and local flavor.

Key Points

• Affordable price point: At $35, it offers good value, including drinks deals and a souvenir cup.
• Authentic local experience: Visits a variety of top bars with live music, balcony views, and lively atmospheres.
• Social and energetic: Perfect for meeting new people, doing shots together, and enjoying the festive spirit.
• Guided tour with stories: Your guide shares interesting insights about the area’s culture and history.
• All-weather operation: Rain or shine, the tour runs, so dress according to the weather.
• Limited accessibility: Not suitable for non-folding wheelchairs and under 21s.

Starting at Coyote Ugly Saloon, a well-known Bourbon Street icon, the guide greets your group at a big purple table. This spot sets the tone with its spirited atmosphere and friendly vibe—ideal for breaking the ice with your fellow crawlers. Once assembled, you’ll each receive a “crawl cup”, your ticket to special drinks deals at each stop. This is a practical way to save money while sampling local favorites.

The tour meanders down Bourbon Street, visiting a variety of bars, each offering its own unique touch. Some will have balconies overlooking the street, giving you a chance to watch the lively parade of costumes, performers, and merrymakers passing by. Other venues boast live bands or DJs, which will get your feet tapping and your spirits high. The mix of venues ensures you’ll get a well-rounded taste of what makes Bourbon Street famous.

One of the highlights is visiting a karaoke bar, where you might find yourself singing your heart out—or just enjoying the spectacle. Drinking games are also part of the fun, capturing the lively, festive atmosphere that makes New Orleans nightlife so memorable. You’ll sample special local drinks, and your guide will share stories that add context and color to each venue—making each stop more than just a quick drink.

Throughout the two hours, your guide ensures the pace stays lively but manageable, so you’ll cover several bars without feeling rushed. The focus remains on enjoying the moment—whether through music, good company, or a well-timed shot. As reviews note, groups tend to have a blast, with many praising the guide’s enthusiasm and the camaraderie fostered during the crawl.

Your ticket covers a walking tour, a local guide, your souvenir cup, and welcome shots at the start—set to break the ice and kick off the evening. Additional drinks are available for purchase at each venue, giving you the flexibility to indulge further if your budget allows.

It’s worth noting that this experience is designed to be value-focused. The drinks deals using your cup help stretch your dollar, making it a cost-effective way to sample a variety of drinks without breaking the bank. The tour doesn’t include extra drinks, so plan your spending accordingly.

Meet your guide inside Coyote Ugly Saloon at the big purple table. This iconic spot serves as a logical starting point—easy to find and with the lively vibe that kicks off the evening. The tour usually runs for two hours, predominantly in the evening, aligning well with most travelers’ plans.

Dress comfortably—think casual shoes and clothes, as you’ll be on your feet walking through the lively streets. The tour operates rain or shine, so come prepared for the weather. Keep in mind, non-folding wheelchairs are not permitted, and under-21s are not allowed to participate, so plan accordingly.

Based on reviews, the overall experience scores highly with a 4.8/5 rating from 8 travelers. People praise the good value for money, with comments like “Group had a blast” and “Jason was awesome,” highlighting the guide’s enthusiasm and the group’s enjoyment. Another review simply called it “Good,” which, while modest, suggests a solid, dependable experience.

The value here isn’t just in the price but in the well-curated selection of bars, the lively spirit of the group, and the stories your guide shares. Visitors repeatedly mention the fun atmosphere and the opportunity to meet like-minded travelers—making it more than just a bar crawl but a memorable social experience.

The Experience in Context

While it’s a quick two-hour jaunt, this tour offers an energetic taste of Bourbon Street’s nightlife. It’s perfect if you’re short on time but want to get a sense of the local scene. The mix of music, drinks, and stories provides a lively, authentic touch that many visitors find appealing.

The inclusion of live music venues, the chance to do shots with strangers, and the opportunity to save money with drink deals all contribute to making this tour a worthwhile option for those wanting a fun, guided introduction to New Orleans’ nightlife. It also caters well to groups looking for a communal, lively experience with minimal fuss.

This tour is best suited for travelers 21 and over who want an upbeat, social night out. It’s particularly appealing for first-timers in New Orleans eager to experience Bourbon Street’s famous party scene without the hassle of planning. The focus on drinks, music, and friendly guides makes it ideal for groups of friends, solo travelers looking to meet others, or couples seeking a lively evening.

If you prefer quieter, more relaxed evenings, or have mobility challenges with non-folding wheelchairs, you might want to explore alternative options. Still, for those craving lively fun and a taste of local nightlife, this guided crawl hits the mark.

A guided Bourbon Street bar crawl with shots offers a practical, fun way to experience New Orleans’ most famous street. For just $35, you get a spirited introduction, a chance to sample local drinks, and lots of opportunities to meet new people and listen to great music. It’s a lively, well-organized experience that delivers good value without sacrificing the authentic party vibe.

The tour’s focus on friendly guides, memorable venues, and the festive atmosphere makes it an excellent option for anyone wanting to dive into the heart of New Orleans’ nightlife scene. Just remember to bring your ID, dress comfortably, and be prepared for a fast-paced, fun-filled evening.

Is this tour suitable for people under 21?
No, the tour is only for those 21 and over, as it involves drinking.

Where do I meet the guide?
You meet inside Coyote Ugly Saloon at the big purple table, making it easy to find.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately two hours, usually in the evening.

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

Can I buy more drinks during the tour?
Yes, additional drinks are available for purchase at each venue.

Is the tour operated rain or shine?
Yes, it runs regardless of weather, so dress accordingly.

Are there any accessibility restrictions?
Yes, non-folding wheelchairs are not permitted, and the tour is not suitable for those under 21.

What kind of venues will I visit?
You’ll go to a variety of bars, some with live music, balcony views, and lively atmospheres.

Is this a good way to meet new people?
Absolutely, many reviews highlight the fun group vibe and friendly guides that foster socializing.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby