New Orleans is renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and lively nightlife. The Drunk History Walking Tour offers an intriguing way to explore the city’s dark past and enigmatic traditions. Participants can uncover tales of voodoo, pirates, and haunted landmarks as they stroll through the historic Vieux Carre, all while sampling local drinks at iconic bars. With a focus on traditional burial rituals and the legacy of figures like Marie Laveau, this captivating 2-hour experience immerses visitors in New Orleans’ fascinating tapestry of mysticism and revelry. What secrets will be revealed on this unique tour?
Key Points
- This 2-hour walking tour explores the dark history, haunted sites, and cultural traditions of New Orleans, including voodoo, pirates, and historic bars.
- Participants will learn about traditional burial rituals, the legacy of the Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau, and supernatural legends while visiting significant landmarks.
- The tour offers the opportunity to sample authentic local beverages at historic establishments, providing an immersive cultural experience.
- With a focus on the unique blend of mysticism, crime, and revelry in New Orleans, the tour provides captivating insights into the city’s storied past.
- The tour is accessible, with private options available, and has received positive reviews for the expertise and storytelling abilities of the knowledgeable guides.
Tour Overview
The Drunk History Walking Tour in New Orleans’ French Quarter offers a 2-hour exploration of the city’s dark history and culture, guiding participants through haunted locations and famous bars.
Priced from €32.02 per person, the tour is led by a live guide in English and is wheelchair accessible. Groups can opt for a private tour, and there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
Participants can expect to learn about traditional burial rituals, the connections between pirates, prostitutes, and the city’s founding, as well as investigate vampire and ghost sightings.
The tour also includes stops at cultural landmarks and historic bars where guests can try local drinks.
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Experience Highlights
Guests can explore New Orleans’ dark history and culture on the Drunk History Walking Tour. They’ll learn about traditional burial rituals and the connections between pirates, prostitutes, and the city’s founding.
The tour also investigates vampire and ghost sightings, and visits cultural landmarks including St. Louis Cathedral and the Louisiana Purchase site. Participants will hear stories about voodoo, ghosts, and Marie Laveau, the voodoo queen.
The tour guide will take the group to historic bars where they can try local drinks. The experience highlights New Orleans’ unique blend of mysticism, crime, and revelry through an entertaining and informative walking tour.
Tour Description
On the Drunk History Walking Tour, a guided stroll takes visitors through the Vieux Carre, where they’ll explore haunted locations and famous bars. The tour guide brings the city’s dark history and culture to life with entertaining stories about:
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Voodoo practices and ceremonies
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Connections between pirates, prostitutes, and the city’s founding
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Vampire and ghost sightings
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The legacy of Marie Laveau, the infamous voodoo queen
Throughout the 2-hour experience, the guide makes strategic stops at historic establishments, allowing participants to try local drinks and further enjoy New Orleans’ storied past.
Meeting Point
Participants meet at the sidewalk in front of Lafittes Blacksmith Shop Bar, located at 941 Bourbon Street in New Orleans, LA 70116.
The tour doesn’t actually meet inside the bar; instead, the group gathers at the courtyard gate. This meeting point isn’t affiliated with the bar itself.
From here, the tour guide will lead the group on an exploration of the city’s dark history and culture, visiting haunted locations and famous bars along the way.
Participants can expect to hear engaging stories about voodoo, ghosts, and local legends as they make their way through the French Quarter.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyCustomer Reviews
Based on the feedback from over 150 reviews, the Drunk History Walking Tour in New Orleans enjoys an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Participants consistently praise the knowledgeable and engaging tour guides, who bring the city’s dark history and cultural legends to life with entertaining storytelling.
The value for money and overall service are also highlighted as strong points, though some note room for improvement in the tour organization.
Key customer review highlights:
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Tour guides receive a 4.8/5 rating for their expertise and storytelling abilities
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The tour’s value for money is praised with a 4.4/5 rating
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Customers rate the overall service at 4.6/5
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Some reviewers suggest the tour organization could be enhanced
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Dark History and Culture
The Drunk History Walking Tour in New Orleans immerses guests in the city’s dark history and rich cultural legacy, guiding them through the atmospheric French Quarter. From the eerie above-ground tombs to the haunting tales of vampires and ghosts, the tour delves into the city’s macabre past. Visitors learn about the connections between pirates, prostitutes, and the founding of New Orleans, as well as the intriguing practices of voodoo and the lore surrounding the legendary Voodoo Queen, Marie Laveau. Throughout the journey, the tour incorporates stops at historic bars, allowing guests to sample local libations and fully enjoy the city’s captivating aura.
Exploration | Discover |
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Haunted Locations | Ghost Sightings |
Traditional Burial Rituals | Voodoo Practices |
Pirate and Prostitute Histories | Marie Laveau |
Louisiana Purchase Site | Cultural Landmarks |
Authentic Bar Experiences | Local Drinks |
Traditional Burial Rituals
New Orleans’ unique above-ground burial vaults and tombs reflect the city’s rich cultural heritage and resilience in the face of adversity. These elaborate structures are a practical necessity due to the city’s high water table, which prevents traditional underground interments.
Visitors can explore:
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Historic St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, home to the tomb of renowned Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau
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Ornate family tombs and ‘society’ vaults, showcasing the wealth and status of prominent New Orleans families
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Centuries-old traditions like leaving personal mementos on graves and ‘second-lining’ funeral processions
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The longstanding influence of Catholic and Voodoo beliefs on local burial customs and rituals
This architectural legacy offers a poignant glimpse into the city’s deeply rooted customs and the indelible mark they’ve left on the local landscape.
Voodoo, Ghosts, and Legends
Interwoven throughout New Orleans’ rich history are captivating tales of voodoo, ghostly encounters, and legendary figures that continue to captivate visitors.
Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau, whose tomb in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 remains a site of pilgrimage, is said to have wielded immense power through her mastery of the ancient African spiritual practice.
Likewise, the city abounds with reports of supernatural sightings, from the ghostly manifestations that haunt historic bars to the eerie presence of the infamous Axeman of New Orleans, whose identity and motives remain shrouded in mystery.
These legends and lore, intertwined with the city’s vibrant culture, make New Orleans a truly captivating destination for those drawn to the otherworldly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Alcoholic Beverages on the Tour?
No, it’s generally not allowed to bring your own alcoholic beverages on a walking tour. The tour operator provides opportunities to try local drinks, and bringing outside alcohol could disrupt the group experience or violate local laws.
What Safety Precautions Are in Place for the Drinking Component?
The tour guides ensure participant safety by monitoring alcohol consumption, providing guidance on responsible drinking, and accommodating any accessibility needs. Participants are encouraged to pace themselves and hydrate throughout the experience.
Are Any Special Medical Waivers Required for the Alcohol Consumption?
No special medical waivers are required for the alcohol consumption. Participants are responsible for their own alcohol intake and must be of legal drinking age. The tour guide waits outside bars, allowing participants to pace themselves.
Is There a Minimum Age Requirement to Participate in the Tour?
The tour has a minimum age requirement of 21 years old to participate, as it involves the consumption of alcoholic beverages. This ensures all participants meet the legal drinking age in the area.
Can the Tour Guide Accommodate Dietary or Medical Restrictions?
The tour guide can accommodate dietary or medical restrictions with advance notice. Participants should inform the guide of any special needs when booking the tour to ensure an enjoyable and inclusive experience.
Recap
The New Orleans Drunk History Walking Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s captivating history and vibrant culture.
Guests can enjoy tales of voodoo, pirates, and haunted landmarks while sampling local drinks at iconic bars.
With a focus on traditional burial rituals and the legacy of figures like Marie Laveau, this experience provides a fascinating glimpse into the rich tapestry of mysticism and revelry that defines New Orleans.
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