Ghost stories and cocktails make a sharp night. This adults-only haunted pub crawl threads famous stops like Lalaurie Mansion and Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop through the French Quarter, with a licensed guide telling ghost lore tied to New Orleans’ darker past. You’ll hop around the area near Jackson Square and Decatur Street, hear tales of places like Pirates Alley, and end with a complimentary alcoholic beverage.

I like the way this tour mixes bar-hopping with real place-based storytelling instead of just jumping from one loud drink stop to the next. I also like the range of guides you might get, from Gomez’s history-to-hauntings flow to DJ’s high-energy hosting and Caroline’s fun, “macabre fan” style.

The main trade-off is walking. You’re moving through old French Quarter streets, and the tour needs good weather, so plan for a chilly evening (and bring shoes that can handle uneven sidewalks).

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• A complimentary drink comes at the end: you pay for drinks during stops, then get an included alcoholic beverage at the last stop
• Jackson Square sets the tone fast with the story of executions and the paranormal reputation of the area
• You get more than Bourbon Street: the route includes historic alleys and older bars, not just the party blocks
• Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar is a centerpiece as one of the oldest bar stops in the US
• Your guide affects the pace: some are playful and fast-moving, so expect an energetic night
• Route tweaks can happen due to parades, festivals, or construction, so be flexible with timing

Haunted Pub Crawl in New Orleans: What You’re Really Buying

This isn’t a passive ghost tour where you stand still and listen. It’s a 2-hour, adults-only group crawl that pairs a short route with bar stops, then wraps the night in stories that fit the places you’re seeing. If you like New Orleans at night and you enjoy the idea of learning the city through its bars and legends, this format makes a lot of sense.

The price is $29.60 per person, which is low for a guided, bar-hopping-style experience. The value part is in the combination: you get a licensed guide, several haunted-leaning stops, and that included drink at the final stop—while you still keep control over how much you spend on alcohol during the tour.

One thing to keep in mind: drinks are not included at each stop. You’re paying for what you order along the way, plus there’s a celebratory shot or drink at the end. So if you want the cost to stay friendly, you’ll do best with a plan: pick one signature thing to try at the bars, then keep expectations clear.

Starting at Bon’s on Decatur Street and the Jackson Square Hook

The tour begins at Bon’s New Orleans Street Food, 620 Decatur St Unit 1B, near Jackson Square. It’s a smart starting point because it puts you right in the old-core action—easy to find, and close enough to set your bearings fast without long cross-town logistics.

Your first story lands at Jackson Square, where the guide frames the area as the location of public executions in the past, now tied to strong paranormal activity. Even if you’re skeptical, I love how this works: you’re not just told ghosts are around; you’re shown why locals associate certain corners with fear and rumor.

Plan to arrive about 15 minutes early. You’ll want a little cushion for checking in and getting your group together before you start moving.

French Quarter Stops That Feel Like Walking Through Footnotes

After the Jackson Square opener, you’ll spend time in the French Quarter hearing the area’s gruesome, haunted-leaning tales. This part is where the tour earns its “pub crawl” name, because you’re not only hearing stories—you’re seeing street-level New Orleans as you go.

Expect a steady walking rhythm with frequent “pause here” moments. In the tour experience itself, speed seems to vary by guide, but at least a few people recommend coming ready for a brisk pace. If you’re the type who likes to linger for photos, you may need to multitask and shoot between stops.

One stop includes a bit of a “you’re in the know” feel: you may enter a private location for about ten minutes at Orleans Street. That short break matters because it breaks up the outside-walk rhythm with something more sheltered, and it also helps the guide tell sharper stories tied to a specific spot.

Also, keep your eyes open on streets like Pirates Alley. The tour connects the paranormal vibe to the idea that pirates and famous authors once drank there. It’s a fun way to link legend with everyday city life.

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar: Old-School New Orleans With a Ghost Story

One of the best segments is the stop at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar. It’s described as America’s oldest bar, and that reputation gives the stop instant weight. Even if you don’t care about the supernatural angle, you still get a historic bar experience layered with haunting lore.

This is a great bar to visit because it’s exactly the kind of place that feels like it has lived through everything. You’re there for the story, but you’re also there for the mood: dark corners, old-world New Orleans energy, and a guide who can connect the legend to the physical space in front of you.

If you’re a picture person, you might want to bring your phone and try to capture atmosphere. Some tour experiences include visual aids from the guide, and a few people mention “ghost sightings” tied to what the guide showed during the night.

Bourbon Street Without Being Stuck on Bourbon Street

You will continue through the area around Bourbon Street, but the tour doesn’t only center on the most famous stretch. The value is that you’re mixing the “party street” feel with bars that feel more rooted in the city’s older identity.

This is where the guide really matters. One type of guide keeps the group moving and frames each stop with a punchy story. Another keeps things more conversational and slows down to answer questions. Either way, the goal is the same: help you see New Orleans as a set of locations with personality, not just a map of bars.

Also, since the route can shift because of parades, festivals, or construction, it’s smart to keep your priorities flexible. If one bar stop changes, your guide can still steer you toward the best available haunting settings.

Lalaurie Mansion Outside: One Stop With Serious Gravity

A major highlight in the route is the Lalaurie Mansion, including time to look around outside. It’s framed as one of the most haunted places in New Orleans, and it carries that heavy, uncomfortable kind of history that works well for a haunted crawl.

Standing near it does something different than hearing a random ghost tale. The mansion’s presence gives the stories weight, and you start to understand why legends stick to certain buildings for decades. You’re not meant to go inside on this tour; the value here is the exterior, the atmosphere, and the guide’s narration.

If you tend to get spooked easily, this is the part where you’ll probably feel it most. If you’re more of a “tell me the story” person, you’ll still get something out of it—because it’s one of the few stops on the route that feels unmistakably serious.

The Last Stop Possibility: May Bailey’s Place and the Included Drink

Time and conditions permitting, the final stop can be May Bailey’s Place, described as a former brothel turned bar. The tour sets this up as a closer for the night, so it’s where the pacing typically begins to feel more like a wrap-up.

The big rule for planning your budget is simple: you’re paying for drinks at each bar stop, but you should receive a complimentary alcoholic beverage at the last stop. Since at least one person reported not getting the free drink they expected, I’d treat this as a “check it at the end” moment. When your group reaches the final bar, ask the guide what’s included so you’re not left guessing.

Your Guide Shapes the Night: Gomez, DJ, Caroline, Jenna, John, Pinky

This kind of tour lives or dies on the guide’s tone. The best moments come when the guide connects city history to the street corner you’re standing on, then makes the stories fun enough to keep the group engaged.

Here’s what I’d watch for, based on real examples of guide styles named in this experience:

• Gomez: praised for navigating both the city’s broader history and haunted history without feeling chaotic
• DJ: often described as funny, energetic, and able to answer questions, sometimes at a fast pace
• Caroline: described as fun, informative, and very knowledgeable about the French Quarter’s oddities
• Jenna: noted as a fan of all things macabre, with a good mix of stories and drink enjoyment
• John: praised for being fun and entertaining with strong city storytelling
• Pinky: mentioned as very knowledgeable and especially loved by people who wanted lots of site-and-story connection

A balanced caution: one review flagged an issue with pace and style when the guide spoke very fast and used unclear references, plus raised concerns about some accuracy. That doesn’t mean the tour is always like that. It does mean you should go in expecting a lively, sometimes speedy storyteller, and choose the night accordingly.

If you want a slower, more sit-down experience, arrive with patience. If you like high-energy narration, you’ll probably have a great time.

Price, Alcohol, and Pacing: Plan This Like a Smart Adult

Let’s talk real-world planning. You pay $29.60 for the tour itself. Then you control spending on drinks during the stops. The included drink at the end helps, but it’s not a full open bar.

If you’re trying to keep the spend down, order one drink per stop and build your night around the included final beverage. If you’re going with friends and you want to sample more, set a rough cap before you start so the night stays fun instead of stressful.

Pacing matters too. The tour is about two hours with multiple short stops. Some people recommend being ready for fast walking, which matters if you’re coming straight from dinner or you’re dressed for a late-night stroll instead of solid walking shoes.

And yes, it can get chilly. Layer up. One person specifically wished it had been warmer and mentioned how chilly it was during the night. New Orleans can go from warm-to-cold depending on season and evening wind, especially when you’re outside between bars.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Want Another Option)

This tour is a strong match if you:

• enjoy paranormal themes but still want real New Orleans street context
• like bar culture and want to see historic spots beyond just the most famous strip
• want a small group night out, with a maximum of 28 travelers
• are 21+ and want an adults-only evening with fellow fans of ghost lore

It may feel less ideal if you:

• hate walking or want an extended sit-down pace
• need fully predictable routes, since the route can change for events and construction
• want a slow, heavy history lecture without movement

Also, keep in mind street conditions. The tour is described as mostly flat and paved for mobility support, but it also notes that historic French Quarter conditions can challenge guests with mobility issues. If that’s you, I’d think carefully and consider whether a shorter, less movement-heavy option would suit better.

Should You Book This Haunted Pub Crawl?

I’d book it if you want a 2-hour adults-only night that mixes haunted storytelling with actual bar stops in the French Quarter. The combination of a licensed guide, classic historic bars like Lafitte’s, and a dramatic stop at Lalaurie Mansion makes it feel like more than a gimmick.

Skip it or shop around if you’re very sensitive to fast walking, you need a calm pace, or you want guaranteed drink inclusions at every stop. The tour is clear that drinks cost extra during the crawl, with only the final beverage included.

If you’re game for stories, atmosphere, and a lively guided route, this is a good value way to see the darker side of New Orleans—while still making the night feel like a proper outing.

FAQ

How long is the Adults Only Haunted Pub Crawl in New Orleans?

The tour is about 2 hours (approx.).

How much does the haunted pub crawl cost?

It costs $29.60 per person.

Is the tour adults only?

Yes. The minimum age is 21.

Are drinks included in the tour price?

Drinks are not included at the bar stops. A complimentary alcoholic beverage is provided at the last stop.

What is included with the tour?

A licensed guide is included.

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Bon’s New Orleans Street Food, 620 Decatur St Unit 1B, New Orleans, LA 70130.

Does the tour run in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

How much walking is involved?

There is a fair amount of walking, but it is mostly on flat surfaces and not considered strenuous.

Is the route wheelchair accessible?

It is described as wheelchair accessible, with the route mostly flat and paved, though the French Quarter’s street conditions can present challenges for those with mobility issues.

What happens if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.