New Orleans is louder after dark. This 1 to 2 hour Drunk History-style crawl turns the French Quarter into a story you can walk through, mixing booze, voodoo, and ghost and vampire talk with a licensed local guide. You get a street-level way to understand how the city’s legends stuck, and why certain bars matter.

I especially like the idea of pairing drinks you buy yourself with guided history that stays fun instead of lecture-like. The tour also leans into the theatrical side of New Orleans, so even if you know only a little, the stories give you a frame to see what you are looking at.

One thing to consider: paranormal equipment is optional and not a guarantee. It can add to the experience, but you should go in expecting entertainment and “realistic” results, plus rules that keep the group moving and safe.

Quick hits before you go

• $15 price point for a guided night out, with alcohol available to purchase along the way
• Bourbon Street start at 941 Bourbon St, then ending around Jackson Square
• Voodoo, ghost, and vampire storytelling layered over real landmarks
• Paranormal equipment on request, checked out and returned, with a $250 lost or damaged fee
• Moderate walking pace that can run longer if bars are crowded
• Stories delivered by local guides, including names like Coty and Cody in past tours, known for friendly, question-friendly delivery

A $15 toast to New Orleans after dark

For $15, you are buying your way into a guided evening, not a full open bar. That matters, because you can pace your night the way you want, from one cocktail to a couple, without feeling boxed in by a fixed drink package. If you like to sample New Orleans, this price-to-story ratio is hard to beat.

The best value here is the format. It is history told like a good night story, with enough edge to keep you paying attention, and enough context that it still feels like New Orleans, not just spooky noise. The tour’s whole premise is simple, you walk the French Quarter while someone connects the dots between places, characters, and myths.

You also get a guided path to bars you might never find on your own. That is not just convenience. In a neighborhood like the French Quarter, “finding the right door” is half the game, and a local guide can point you toward spots that feel part of the city’s living story.

Your walking route: Bourbon Street to Jackson Square

The tour meets at 941 Bourbon St at the courtyard gate attached to Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar. Then you head into the French Quarter on foot and finish near Jackson Square. Expect 1 to 2 hours total, with a moderate walking pace, and some extra time if stops get busy inside.

New Orleans streets can be uneven and crowded, and this tour stays outdoors along the way. Comfortable shoes help a lot. Also plan your night around the scheduled departure time, because the guide cannot wait after the tour starts.

If you want the experience to feel smooth, show up a few minutes early and keep your group together. The tour rules are pretty clear that you should not wander off for photos, and you may not record audio or video during the tour.

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop: where the stories start swinging

The first stop is Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, a classic anchor on Bourbon Street. This is a smart opening point because it is already an icon on the map, so the guide can start with a story that feels grounded in place before the tour turns heavier on the voodoo and paranormal themes.

Here, you should expect more than a quick stop-and-go. The guide sets the tone with general city history, then adds sharper edges like ghost and vampire tales, plus voodoo seasoning. You also get your first chance to grab a drink along the route since drinks are purchased separately.

This opening step is also where you get “how to watch the city” tips. New Orleans can feel like a blur when you first arrive, so having someone frame what you are looking at early helps the whole night click. If this is your first evening in town, you will likely leave with better bearings for your future wandering.

French Quarter stories that mix booze with street-level history

The next stretch is the French Quarter itself, where the tour leans into the city’s sketchier legends. The way the tour is described, it is not gentle postcard history, it is the kind of storytelling that covers pirates, convicted felons, and ladies of the night, plus the voodoo and paranormal angles that New Orleans is famous for.

This part is built for people who want context while they are out drinking. The French Quarter is full of symbolism, from architecture to street corners to the way certain places are spoken about. A guide helps you connect those dots without making you memorize dates.

At this point, you should also expect more movement and bar energy. Some bars can be busy, and that can stretch the timing. If you are the kind of person who likes to get in, get out, and keep moving, you will probably do fine. If you dislike waiting, plan to be patient once you step into nightlife crowds.

The good news is that the tour is designed to keep your attention by switching between “look at this” moments and “listen to the story” moments. That pacing is a big reason the tour works, especially if you are new to the neighborhood.

The paranormal kit: what you get, and what you should not expect

One of the most talked-about add-ons is the paranormal equipment. You can use it during the tour, but it is checked out at the beginning and returned to the guide before you leave the group.

Read that as two things: first, it is a fun extra for people who enjoy ghost stories. Second, you need to treat it responsibly. The fee for lost or damaged equipment is $250, so keep track of it just like you would an expensive rental.

Just as important, the tour sets expectations clearly. Paranormal activity is not guaranteed. The company emphasizes that the stories are realistic entertainment, and you should not go in expecting a guaranteed supernatural event. That honesty actually helps your mindset. You will have more fun if you treat the kit and the claims as part of the night’s theater, not a promise.

If you are the type who loves the science-of-the-spooky vibe, this is still worth it. Even when you do not get clear results, having a structured way to participate can make the tour feel more interactive than a standard walking lecture.

Drinks, safety, and the rules that keep it fun

Alcohol is not included in the ticket price. You buy drinks yourself at various spots along the route. That is good value for some people, and less good if you were hoping the $15 covers everything.

The tour does allow guests to drink alcoholic beverages during the experience. At the same time, the operator can refuse service to anyone who is extremely intoxicated. Translation: it is a party night, but it is also managed, so the group can move safely and on time.

A few other rules matter for your comfort. Audio or video recording devices are not allowed, and the guide has to keep the tour schedule. You are encouraged to take photos, but you are expected to stay with the group and not block sidewalks or streets.

One more practical note: the tour takes time-stamped photos at the meeting location. That is not a surprise if you know how these tours document check-ins, but it is worth remembering so you do not feel caught off guard when it happens.

Why this tour can be a great first night in town

There are two big reasons I think this tour works well for many visitors. First, it gives you a “story map” of the French Quarter. Instead of seeing streets as random lines, you learn what people linked together over time, including the darker folklore that shaped the neighborhood’s reputation.

Second, it blends walking with nightlife. Many tours in New Orleans feel too early in the day or too quiet for the city. This one is designed as an evening activity that fits the way people actually experience the French Quarter.

The guides are central to that. Past tours have named guides like Coty and Cody, and the descriptions focus on being friendly, informative, and ready to answer questions. Even if you never talk much during a tour, a good guide makes the pacing smoother, and it is easier to stay engaged.

If you are planning your trip, consider slotting this on night one. You will see more clearly what you want to revisit later, and you will understand why certain bars are always mentioned. If it is not your first night, it is still a solid “reset,” because it pulls legends and landmarks into the same conversation.

Who this suits best, and who should skip it

This tour is best for you if you want a guided French Quarter night with history plus spooky storytelling, and you are comfortable buying your own drinks. It is also a good fit if you like interactive extras like paranormal equipment, as long as you understand the results are not guaranteed.

It might not be for you if you hate walking for up to 2 hours at a moderate pace, or if you want a quiet, museum-style experience. It is a bar-focused evening, with rules around staying with the group and not wandering for photos.

Also, if you are someone who needs certainty about paranormal outcomes, you might feel let down. The tour is explicit that you cannot be promised supernatural sightings. Going in for the atmosphere and the stories is the move.

Finally, if you are the type who plans around a very tight schedule, build in buffer time. Bar crowds can slow things down, and local timing can shift.

Book it or pass: my practical recommendation

I would book this tour if you want a low-cost, high-entertainment way to get oriented in New Orleans. The value is strong because you pay $15 for a licensed guide, a structured walking route, and a story format that mixes voodoo, ghost, and vampire themes with real places like Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop and the French Quarter.

I would hesitate if you only want a “guaranteed paranormal” experience or if you prefer alcohol to be included. Also be smart about expectations: equipment can be fun, but it is not a promise, and the tour is designed as realistic entertainment.

If you are traveling in a group, this is also a friendly activity. People can share jokes, compare notes on the stories, and keep the night moving without needing to plan every stop. If you are solo, it is still workable, because you get a set group and a clear meeting point.

My final advice is simple: arrive a little early, bring comfortable walking shoes, and treat the spooky parts as the city’s living folklore. Do that, and the night should feel like New Orleans at street level.

FAQ

How long is the Cheers New Orleans! Cocktails, History, Voodoo & Paranormal Tour?

The walking tour lasts about 1 to 2 hours. It may run longer if stops are busy inside the bars.

Where does the tour meet and where does it end?

You meet on the sidewalk at the courtyard gate attached to Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, 941 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116. The tour ends at Jackson Square, New Orleans, LA 70116.

Is alcohol included in the ticket price?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not included, but you can purchase drinks and snacks at various locations along the route.

Is paranormal equipment included, and is it guaranteed to work?

Paranormal equipment is provided for guests who love ghost stories, and it can be used during the tour. However, paranormal activity is not guaranteed.

What happens if paranormal equipment is lost or damaged?

A $250 fee will be charged for lost or damaged paranormal equipment. Equipment must be checked out and returned to the guide before you leave the tour.

Can I record audio or video during the tour?

Audio or video recording devices are not allowed during the tour.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes. Service animals are allowed.

Is the tour refundable or changeable after booking?

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.