New Orleans: Ghost and Haunted Pub Crawl Tour with Free Shot

REVIEW · NEW ORLEANS

New Orleans: Ghost and Haunted Pub Crawl Tour with Free Shot

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Operated by Big Easy Walking Tours · Bookable on GetYourGuide

Traveller rating 5.0 (24)Price from$18Operated byBig Easy Walking ToursBook viaGetYourGuide

Streetlights flicker, and the stories turn spooky. This 2-hour haunted pub crawl pulls you through some of New Orleans’s most talked-about ghost stops, starting at the Old U.S. Mint and kicking you off with a party bag that includes a drink.

I like two things a lot. First, the guide-led storytelling feels sharp and genuinely entertaining, with named guides like Wendy and Clarissa specifically praised for answering questions and keeping the mood fun. Second, it is not just curbside sightseeing: you go inside three haunted bars, so the night has more punch than a typical walking tour.

One thing to consider: this is a fast-moving, drink-included format. If you want long hangs in one place or quiet, sit-down history, 2 hours can feel a bit quick.

Key points you should know

New Orleans: Ghost and Haunted Pub Crawl Tour with Free Shot - Key points you should know

  • Old Ursuline Convent and the Casket girls are part of the main route, not an optional detour.
  • Dragon’s Den is included, linked in the tour to Aleister Crowley.
  • Three haunted bars are part of the experience, with time to step inside.
  • A party bag with 1 alcoholic shot is included, plus other drinks in the mix.
  • Bring your camera if you want to try catching apparitions and orbs in your photos.
  • The route covers spooky stories tied to the 1700s and 1800s.

Meet at the Old U.S. Mint and start with a real party bag

New Orleans: Ghost and Haunted Pub Crawl Tour with Free Shot - Meet at the Old U.S. Mint and start with a real party bag
The tour meets in front of the Old U.S. Mint (also called the New Orleans Jazz Museum). That matters because you get oriented right away, and you start the night with the guide instead of trying to piece together a route on your own.

You also get a skip-the-line setup through a separate entrance. That is a small detail, but in the French Quarter area it can save you time and keep the night from feeling like you are just waiting around.

Then comes the practical fun part: the tour includes a party bag with 1 alcoholic shot. The tour also frames it as a bag full of drinks as you try to catch ghosts, so expect the vibe to be more playful than museum-quiet. If you are the type who needs snacks or a buffer before drinking, plan accordingly.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in New Orleans.

The walking route: French Quarter and Marigny after dark

New Orleans: Ghost and Haunted Pub Crawl Tour with Free Shot - The walking route: French Quarter and Marigny after dark
This tour takes place at night through parts of New Orleans known for ghost stories, especially around the French Quarter and the Marigny neighborhood. You are on foot, so I recommend wearing comfortable shoes you do not mind getting a little crowded near popular spots.

The guide focuses on horrendous tales that stretch over 300 years, with particular attention to the 1700s and 1800s. In practice, that means you get more than jump-scare nonsense. You get names, legends, and the kind of grisly atmosphere that makes New Orleans famous for nightlife storytelling.

You should also expect a mix of famous addresses and lore-linked landmarks. Some stops are tied to well-known names like Lalaurie and Lafitte, while others are framed around rumored hauntings and local legend.

Madam Delphine Lalaurie’s Haunted House and the darker side of fame

New Orleans: Ghost and Haunted Pub Crawl Tour with Free Shot - Madam Delphine Lalaurie’s Haunted House and the darker side of fame
One early stop on the route points toward the famous Madam Delphine Lalaurie haunted house, referenced through the American Horror Story connection. Even if you know the show, I like how the tour uses that modern pop-culture bridge to steer you toward the older legend underneath.

What makes this stop worth your time is how it sets the tone. It anchors the crawl in a specific story-world so the later bars and convent tales feel connected, not random.

A consideration here: if you are squeamish about gruesome historical-style storytelling, this part may be intense. The tour leans into the horrendous details in how it tells the tales, so this is not a light, cute ghost tour.

John Lafitte’s Haunted Pirate Bar and Madam John’s Legacy

New Orleans: Ghost and Haunted Pub Crawl Tour with Free Shot - John Lafitte’s Haunted Pirate Bar and Madam John’s Legacy
Next, the tour highlights John Lafitte’s haunted pirate bar. Lafitte is one of those New Orleans names that keeps coming up in different forms, and that is part of the fun: the night turns into a guided map of recurring legends.

From there, you also pass by stops connected to Madam John’s legacy. This is where the tour keeps its pace while still trying to give context across eras. You end up with a sense of how the city’s reputation grew from layered stories, not one single era.

The practical value for you: these named locations help you remember what you saw later. After the tour, you can point to actual places you walked past instead of just having general spooky impressions.

MRB Brothel and Mary the Beauty: a stop with a specific name

New Orleans: Ghost and Haunted Pub Crawl Tour with Free Shot - MRB Brothel and Mary the Beauty: a stop with a specific name
One of the more uniquely named stops is MRB Brothel, described as the resting place of Mary the Beauty. I like when a tour includes a specific person like that, because it turns the ghost talk from vague atmosphere into something you can hold onto.

It also helps you feel the “why” behind the haunting claims. Even when you are skeptical, a named legend gives you something concrete to explore later—especially if you want to connect the dots between New Orleans culture, past reputations, and the stories that linger.

A caution: this stop, like much of the crawl, can feel more rumor-and-legend than fully documented facts. I recommend treating it as storytelling that reflects local myth as much as it reflects history.

The Andrew Jackson Hotel: the most haunted hotel in America angle

New Orleans: Ghost and Haunted Pub Crawl Tour with Free Shot - The Andrew Jackson Hotel: the most haunted hotel in America angle
Another major stop is The Andrew Jackson Hotel, called the most haunted hotel in America within the tour framing. Hotel hauntings always work in New Orleans because the city’s nightlife energy tends to amplify the feeling of being near something secret after dark.

I like this stop because it changes the scenery. A hotel setting feels different from street-level bar legends, so it keeps the crawl from becoming repetitive.

If you are hoping for quiet, hushed vibes only, this is the opposite. The tour energy stays social—part ghost stories, part nighttime entertainment.

Dragon’s Den and Aleister Crowley: history meets controversy

New Orleans: Ghost and Haunted Pub Crawl Tour with Free Shot - Dragon’s Den and Aleister Crowley: history meets controversy
Then you reach The Dragon’s Den, described as the home of Aleister Crowley the Satanist. The tour uses that connection to spark more intense, darker storytelling, and it helps explain why certain places get branded with supernatural reputations.

How I would read this stop for your own expectations: treat it as a conversation-starter. Even if you do not buy the hauntings literally, the way the guide ties together a famous controversial figure with local lore adds a memorable edge to the night.

One downside to be aware of: depending on your personal comfort level, this stop may feel heavy. The tour does lean into fear and scandal themes, not just playful spookiness.

Old Ursuline Convent and the Casket girls

New Orleans: Ghost and Haunted Pub Crawl Tour with Free Shot - Old Ursuline Convent and the Casket girls
Old Ursuline Convent is one of the biggest anchors of the crawl, described as the home of the Casket girls. This is the stop that often gives people that goosebump feeling because it ties the spooky talk to a specific place people recognize.

What makes this stop valuable is that it gives your brain a visual anchor. You can walk away thinking about architecture and location, not just words.

If you prefer lighter entertainment, this may feel darker than you expected. But if you want the tour to feel authentic to New Orleans ghost lore, this is exactly the kind of classic stop that helps it land.

Three haunted bars you go inside: what that changes

New Orleans: Ghost and Haunted Pub Crawl Tour with Free Shot - Three haunted bars you go inside: what that changes
The tour includes stops at three haunted bars, and it specifically notes that you go inside bars notorious for being haunted by local ghosts. That changes the experience in a big way.

Outside, you can only hear stories over street sounds. Inside, you get dim lighting, background noise, and more of that “you are part of the night” feeling. The guide can also shape the mood because you are in a controlled setting with your group.

Also, you are not spending all your time standing in one spot. The crawl moves, and each bar stop functions like a scene change. For many people, that is what turns a ghost tour into something you actually remember.

Keep in mind: the crawl includes at least one alcoholic shot in the party bag. That is great for vibe, but pace yourself. If you want to stay present for the whole story, do not let the first shot sprint ahead of the night.

Camera tips: chasing apparitions and orbs (without expecting miracles)

The tour encourages you to bring your camera to try to catch ghost apparition and orbs in your photos. I like this because it turns the experience into an interactive challenge.

Just set realistic expectations. A camera capturing odd light or dust can look spooky, but it is also normal night-photo behavior. Your best move is to treat it as a fun game, not a guarantee that you will photograph a supernatural event.

If you are using a phone camera, use night mode or a similar low-light setting if your device has it. Then take a few shots and move on. The point is the story and the atmosphere, not getting stuck framing every corner.

Price and value at about $18 for a guided night out

At $18 per person and a duration of 2 hours, you are paying for three things: a live guide, a structured route through multiple locations, and included drink content via a party bag with 1 alcoholic shot.

That is solid value if you want a guided experience without doing homework. New Orleans ghost lore can be wide and confusing, and having the guide connect eras—especially the 1700s and 1800s threads—turns random stops into a coherent night.

Is it a bargain if you are only looking for casual sightseeing? Maybe not. If you do not drink or you dislike group storytelling, you might feel the structure is not for you.

Still, the pricing works well for people who want an organized spooky night that also gives you social time inside bars.

Guides Wendy and Clarissa: why the storytelling matters

The tour stands or falls on the guide, and the strongest praise centers on storytelling quality and engagement. Wendy is highlighted for being amazing and for being able to answer questions, while Clarissa is praised as well versed, friendly, and a strong story teller.

For you, that means the guide should not just recite names. You should expect explanations that connect the locations to the legends, plus time to react with the group.

It also suggests a good tone. The guide keeps it fun and entertaining, which matters because ghost tours can turn tense if the narration leans too grim without any lightness.

Who should book this haunted pub crawl in New Orleans

This tour fits you best if you want:

  • A social, nighttime experience in areas like the French Quarter and Marigny.
  • Real stops you can point to later, including Old Ursuline Convent and Dragon’s Den.
  • A guided night that mixes fear-style storytelling with drinks and bar atmosphere.
  • A guide-led pace that keeps the evening moving for a full 2 hours.

You might rethink it if you want purely historical detail with minimal scare tactics. The tour is built around horrendous stories and haunted locations, so it is meant to entertain through the spooky angle.

And if you are traveling with someone who loves legends but not long lectures, this is a good compromise: you get locations, names, and a reason to stand in the dark and listen.

Before you go: comfort, camera, and pacing

Do not over-plan what you will do after the tour. You may leave with energy, and the added shot means you should plan your next steps responsibly.

Wear shoes that handle walking at night. Even if you are not doing long distances, you will still be moving between points and spending time inside bars.

Bring your camera if you want to play along with the apparition and orbs suggestion. Then put it away sometimes and just listen. Some of the best moments happen when you are not trying to film them.

Also note: the tour is described as wheelchair accessible, so it is built to accommodate that need.

Should you book this New Orleans haunted pub crawl?

I think you should book it if you want a guided ghost night that feels like part bar crawl, part story hour, and part New Orleans legend tour. The structure is tight: a clear meeting point, a set duration, multiple famous stops, and three haunted bar interiors with a party bag that includes a free shot.

I would not book it if you want a quiet, slow history walk or if included alcohol is a dealbreaker. But for most people who like spooky stories and a fun group vibe, this is a straightforward, value-friendly way to spend an evening.

If you are new to New Orleans, you will also get an instant sense of where the city’s ghost stories cluster, which makes the rest of your trip more interesting.

FAQ

How long is the Ghost and Haunted Pub Crawl Tour?

The tour lasts about 2 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

You meet in front of the Old U.S. Mint (New Orleans Jazz Museum) and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

What is included with the ticket?

The ticket includes a live guide and 1 alcoholic shot.

How many haunted bars do you visit?

You stop at 3 haunted bars, and the tour includes going inside them.

Which major haunted locations are included?

The route includes sites such as Old Ursuline Convent, The Dragon’s Den, the Andrew Jackson Hotel, and stops associated with locations like Madam Delphine Lalaurie’s haunted house and John Lafitte’s haunted pirate bar.

Is the tour in English?

Yes, the live tour guide speaks English.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Can I bring a camera?

Yes. The tour specifically encourages you to bring a camera to try to catch ghost apparition and orbs.

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