If you’re looking for a unique way to experience New Orleans, a city famous for its haunted reputation and lively nightlife, the Haunted Pub Crawl offered by Ghost City Tours might just be your perfect evening outing. While I haven’t personally taken this tour, a careful look at the details, reviews, and offerings suggests it’s a lively, engaging way to combine some of the city’s best historic bars with a touch of ghostly storytelling.
What makes this tour appealing? First, the focus on the most haunted bars in the French Quarter promises a mix of spooky tales and local lore that you probably won’t find in guidebooks. Second, the small group size — limited to only 9 participants — ensures a more intimate and personalized experience.
On the downside, food and drinks are not included in the price, so you’ll need to budget accordingly, and some reviews hint that the guide’s ability might vary. Still, for those who love a mix of history, ghost stories, and a relaxed evening with a small group, this tour can be quite rewarding.
This experience is best suited for adults who enjoy storytelling, history, and a bit of the supernatural, especially those curious about New Orleans’ darker, ghostly side.
Key Points
- Small group format enhances interaction and ensures a more personal experience.
- Thoroughly researched locations promise authentic stories rooted in real history.
- Focus on haunted pubs in the French Quarter offers an atmospheric setting full of character.
- Price point of $35 provides good value for a two-hour guided tour with storytelling.
- Not including food and drinks means you’ll need to plan for additional expenses.
- Guides’ knowledge and storytelling ability can significantly impact your experience, as highlighted in reviews.
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Contents
- Key Points
- An Authentic Night Out in the French Quarter
- Visiting Haunted Bars
- The Experience of the Stops
- The Atmosphere
- Value and Cost
- The Role of Guides and Reviews
- Practical Details
- Who Would Love This Tour?
- Final Thoughts
- FAQ
- Our Top Picks in New Orleans
- More Drinking Tours in New Orleans
- More Nightlife Experiences in New Orleans
- More Tour Reviews in New Orleans
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in New Orleans we have recnetly reviewed
An Authentic Night Out in the French Quarter
The French Quarter is the heart of New Orleans’ ghostly reputation, with its centuries-old architecture, winding streets, and historic pubs. The tour begins at the Ghost City Tours storefront on 809 Royal Street, marked clearly with a “Ghost City Tours” sign — a straightforward meeting spot that keeps logistics simple.
Once you meet your guide, the fun begins. The tour is designed to take about 2 hours, usually in the evening, which makes it perfect for a relaxed after-dinner activity. The guide’s role is critical here, as they not only lead you through the streets but also weave stories that bring the history and haunted tales alive.
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Visiting Haunted Bars
The main attraction is the chance to visit some of the most haunted bars in the city that are often overlooked by travelers. These are not your typical tourist traps; many of these establishments are hidden gems with a chilling past. Expect to hear grisly acts, ghostly sightings, and local legends associated with each location.
While the pub crawl emphasizes drinks and spooky stories, it’s also grounded in solid historical research. This balance helps ensure you’re not just being entertained, but also learning something about the dark corners of New Orleans’ past.
The Experience of the Stops
Each stop is carefully selected for its haunted reputation and historical significance. For instance, one bar might be infamous for a ghostly apparition seen by bartenders, while another may have a story linked to the city’s violent past. The stories are often accompanied by vivid descriptions, making you feel as if you’re part of the history.
The reviews reflect this enthusiasm. One guest raved, “Lisa was an excellent tour guide. She knows the history and kept it entertaining! And has the cutest accent!!” — indicating that knowledgeable guides make a big difference. Conversely, there was a less favorable review mentioning that “they don’t count and it’s okay to leave behind people,” highlighting that guide consistency can vary.
The Atmosphere
Walking through the French Quarter at night, with its gas lamps and historic facades, sets a perfect spooky scene. The stroll itself feels like stepping back in time, and the narrow streets add to the eerie ambiance.
More Great Tours NearbyValue and Cost
At $35 per person, this tour offers an affordable way to spend a couple of hours immersed in the city’s haunted side. Since food and drinks are not included, you’ll want to budget extra for your beverages, which allows you to pick your favorite spots and enjoy a drink or two at your leisure.
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The Role of Guides and Reviews
Reviews consistently highlight the importance of a good guide. Several mention guides like Rhodie and Jenna who are friendly, knowledgeable, and entertaining, making the stories come alive. One review states, “Rhodie was very friendly, knowledgeable, and entertaining,” which underscores how a guide’s personality can elevate the experience.
However, some travelers felt that guide quality varied, and a few expressed dissatisfaction with the group management. This suggests that if guide engagement is important to you, it might be worth confirming who your guide will be or reading recent reviews before booking.
Practical Details
The tour runs rain or shine, so you should dress weather-appropriate and wear comfortable shoes — the streets can be uneven. The group size is kept small, capped at 9, which helps facilitate conversations and a more personalized experience.
Age restriction is strictly 21 and over — you’ll need a valid ID for bar entry. Since pets aren’t allowed, plan accordingly. Cancellation policies are flexible, with full refunds available if canceled 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve and pay later if you prefer flexibility.
Who Would Love This Tour?
If you’re a curious traveler who enjoys history, storytelling, and a touch of the supernatural, this tour is a solid choice. It suits those who appreciate small-group experiences rather than large tour buses, and anyone eager to explore the darker side of New Orleans in a relaxed setting.
It’s particularly ideal for adults who want an evening activity that combines a walk, some drinks, and spooky tales in one package. If you love ghost stories, atmospheric streets, and learning about local legends, you’ll likely find this tour both fun and memorable.
However, if you’re sensitive to ghostly themes or prefer a more lively, bar-centric night with less storytelling, this might not be your first pick. The focus on haunted history and storytelling might not appeal to everyone, but for those who love a good ghost story delivered with insight and local flavor, it hits the mark.
Final Thoughts
The New Orleans Haunted Pub Crawl offers a fun, reasonably priced way to explore the city’s haunted corners with a knowledgeable guide and a small group. It’s an experience that balances history, ghost stories, and social drinking, making it ideal for those who want a more authentic, less commercial look at the city’s darker past.
The atmosphere of the French Quarter combined with the ghostly tales makes for an evening that’s both informative and atmospheric. The guided storytelling, when delivered well, can leave you with a fresh appreciation for the city’s haunted reputation — and maybe a few ghostly legends to share back home.
While it’s not perfect, especially if you’re looking for a guided experience with consistent quality, the overall value and charm of this tour make it worth considering. If you’re open to a little spooky fun and storytelling, this night out is likely to be both entertaining and memorable.
New Orleans: Haunted Pub Crawl
“better tour guide apparently they don't count and it's ok to leave behind people”
FAQ
Is the tour suitable for children?
No, it’s only for adults 21 and over, and you’ll need a valid ID to get into the bars.
How long does the tour last?
It’s approximately 2 hours, usually held in the evening, perfect for a relaxed night out.
Are drinks included?
No, drinks and food are not included, so you should plan to purchase your beverages separately.
Where do I meet the tour?
You meet at the Ghost City Tours storefront at 809 Royal Street, clearly marked with a sign.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it more inclusive.
What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, as you’ll be walking through the streets.
Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve and pay later to keep plans flexible.
In all, if ghost stories, history, and the charm of the French Quarter sound appealing, the Haunted Pub Crawl offers a well-balanced way to enjoy an evening. It’s a good value for those interested in local tales and atmospheric walks, especially with guides who bring stories to life.
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