Paranormal stories start right on Bourbon Street. This New Orleans Drunk History Tour threads together French Quarter legends, historic landmarks, and a real ghost detector during a moderate-paced walk. You’ll hear about ghosts, voodoo, and supernatural forces while still getting classic French Quarter stops like St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square.

Two things I like a lot: the stories are delivered by a local guide who can keep a group moving, and the tour builds in actual activities like the EMF meter ghost-hunting game. One consideration: the price covers the guide and tour, but drinks are not included, so you’ll want to budget for to-go drinks as you go.

Key highlights you should care about

• St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square included as part of the French Quarter story route
• Real EMF meter ghost detector used during the walk (check-out required)
• To-go bar stops along the route where you can buy drinks for the walk
• 10 story locations plus bar stops means you won’t just stand in one spot
• Moderate pace built for finishing on schedule in busy streets
• Local guide storytelling style is repeatedly praised, with guides like Cody getting singled out

Why the French Quarter Feels Different on This Drunk History Walk

New Orleans has a special talent for making history feel like it’s still happening. On this tour, that comes through in how the guide links together people, places, and spooky lore you’ll actually walk past. It’s not just a lecture; it’s a guided night out where the walk itself becomes part of the show.

The big appeal for me is the balance: you get recognizable icons like St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square, but the tone stays playful and slightly unnerving. You’ll hear about voodoo ceremonies and supernatural legends in the French Quarter, with stories that focus on the darker side of local lore rather than polished tourist mythology.

Just know the concept is entertainment-first. Even with the equipment, you’re not promised paranormal proof. If you’re hoping for certainty, adjust your expectations and treat the whole thing like a fun, interactive storytelling game.

Price and Value: What $21 Buys (and What It Does Not)

At $21 per person, this tour sits in the “affordable start to your night” category. What you pay for is the guide, the group experience, and the walking route that strings together multiple stops. You’re also paying for the structure: where to meet, how the route moves through the French Quarter, and what to do during the ghost-hunting portion.

What’s not included is just as important. Drinks are not included, even though there are bar stops and the tour encourages to-go drinks during the walk. That means your true cost will depend on how many drinks you buy and where you choose to stop.

In my view, this still tends to feel good value if you’re already planning to spend time in the Quarter anyway. You’re paying for a guide and an organized route so you’re not wandering around wondering what to see next. But if you want a tour where alcohol is fully covered, you’ll need a different option.

Meeting at Lafitte’s (941 Bourbon) and the Pace Rules That Matter

This tour starts at 941 Bourbon St, at the gate of the courtyard attached to Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar. You check in there and the group departs on time from the sidewalk area (the tour does not meet inside the bar).

Arrive a few minutes early. The schedule is strict: the guide starts at the scheduled time and late arrivals may not be able to join the departing group. To keep things orderly, the operator also takes time-stamped photos at the meeting location at the start of each tour.

The pace is described as moderate, but it’s still a walking tour in an area with uneven, old streets. You’ll also spend some time waiting inside bars during stops, so the total duration can stretch within the 1 to 2 hour range depending on bar traffic and lines.

A smart tip for your night: wear comfortable shoes and keep your expectations flexible if the streets are crowded. The whole vibe depends on timing, and the Quarter can change fast.

The Route in Plain English: Lafitte’s to 10 Story Stops in the Quarter

Stop 1 is the Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop area, used as your entry point into the Quarter’s darker legends. This is where the guide sets the tone: you’ll hear about ghost stories alongside local lore tied to the neighborhood’s reputation. The tour is built to feel like you’re being guided through a living storybook of the French Quarter.

From there, the tour stays inside the French Quarter for the duration. You’ll cover roughly 10 locations along the way, mixing public landmarks and building-story moments. Some locations are stop-and-go, meaning you’ll get the narration tied to what you can see from the street or public areas rather than rushing into every building.

Two landmarks are specifically called out as part of what you’ll experience: St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square. Even if you’ve seen them before, the tour’s angle is different. Instead of just architecture and dates, you’re hearing the human and supernatural legends attached to the area.

A practical note: not every stop listed in the wider universe of Quarter attractions will be visited here. Your best mindset is to expect a curated walk with multiple story beats, plus bar stops, rather than a checklist of every major site.

Ghost Hunting With a Real EMF Meter: How It Works and What to Expect

This tour includes a paranormal activity component using an actual EMF meter, described as a ghost/paranormal detector. It’s part of the fun, and it turns the stories into an interactive game: you’ll get chances to detect, compare, and react as the tour goes along.

Two key things to understand up front:

First, paranormal activity is not guaranteed. The operator is clear that the tour is realistic and entertainment-focused, so you shouldn’t treat the EMF meter as proof.

Second, the equipment isn’t just handed to you casually. Paranormal equipment is checked out at the beginning, and you’ll need to provide details to request it. There’s also a $250 fee for lost, damaged, or missing equipment, and the instructions emphasize not dropping it. You’ll want steady hands and a plan for where you’ll hold it during the walk.

If you’re curious, this is honestly one of the most interesting parts of the tour because it gives you something to do besides listen. But if you’re someone who needs certainty and hard results, keep the mindset “game + stories” rather than “lab experiment.”

Bar Stops and To-Go Drinks: The Fun Part You Should Plan For

The tour includes bar stops where you can buy to-go drinks along the route. That means the tour doesn’t just point you toward nightlife; it organizes the pacing around it so you can take a break, grab something, and keep moving.

Drinks are available to purchase along the way, and the guide can allow alcohol during the tour. That said, there are safety rules: if someone becomes extremely intoxicated, the operator can refuse service.

This is where you should be practical. Have cash or a card ready, and decide early how you want to pace your own drinking. Since you’re walking, you’ll likely feel the route more than you expect, especially after a full day already on your feet.

Also note what’s encouraged: photos are allowed and encouraged. Audio or video recording is not allowed during the tour. So if you want to document the experience, plan for still photos and quick memories rather than filming the whole thing.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Might Want a Different Night)

This is ideal if you want a French Quarter night out that blends history storytelling with something interactive. If you like spooky legends, you’ll probably enjoy the way supernatural forces like voodoo and ghosts show up in the narration. If you also like a local voice and a lively group vibe, this format tends to work well.

It’s also a good fit for first-timers who want their bearings fast. The walk builds in iconic stops and then adds lore that makes the Quarter feel personal instead of generic.

Who might skip it: if you hate bar scenes, you may find the to-go drink stops less your style. And if you’re hoping the paranormal equipment will deliver guaranteed results, you’ll be disappointed. The tour is explicit that supernatural encounters are not guaranteed.

Finally, if your schedule is tight, don’t book this as the only thing that anchors your evening. The operator starts on time and the tour may be delayed or changed depending on real-world conditions.

Should You Book This New Orleans Drunk History Tour?

If you’re looking for a reasonably priced way to experience the French Quarter with a guide, some to-go drink stops, and real EMF ghost-hunting gear, this tour is a strong choice. You’ll get St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square energy plus darker French Quarter storytelling in a way that’s meant to be fun, not stuffy.

Skip it if you want drinks included in the ticket price or if you need guaranteed paranormal outcomes. If your plan is flexible and you show up on time, this can be a memorable start to a New Orleans night.