Ghost tales and cocktails walk side by side. This 1 to 2 hour French Quarter tour blends local legends, drink-in-hand exploring, and paranormal toys like an EMF meter for a street-level look at New Orleans mythmaking.

What I like most is the way the stories travel from place to place, pointing you at landmark spots like the Louisiana Purchase signing location in 1803 and Jackson Square with the St. Louis Cathedral in view. You also get the fun part of the name built in, because you can do a bar crawl style route with to-go drink refills along the way, without being forced to sit inside bars.

One thing to consider up front: paranormal results are not guaranteed, and the tour is meant for entertainment. If you book expecting proof of ghosts on cue, you may leave a little disappointed.

Key Points to Know Before You Go

• Meet at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop courtyard gate on Bourbon Street
• French Quarter walk with a to-go cup setup, guide stays outside bars
• Icon stops include the Louisiana Purchase signing location and Jackson Square
• Vampire sightings stories plus an actual EMF meter you can use
• Marie Laveau and voodoo-related locations, including property tied to her legends
• Moderate pace, and bar crowds can affect timing

Start at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Courtyard, Bourbon Street Ready

Your tour begins at 941 Bourbon St, at the gate of the courtyard attached to the Legendary Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop. Do not expect to meet inside the bar, and do not stand on a street corner. This sounds picky, but it matters in the French Quarter, where groups can disappear fast in the crowd.

I like that the start is concrete and easy to find once you’re on Bourbon. You’ll check in, and you’ll get your bearings for a walk that stays in the heart of the Vieux Carré, the historic core that’s packed with bars and legend-friendly street corners.

If you’re arriving late, you should know this tour starts on schedule. The guide can be gone from the meeting spot once the tour departs, so aim to be there a few minutes early.

A Drink-to-Go French Quarter Route, With the Guide Staying On the Sidewalk

The core format is simple: you follow the guide through the French Quarter while stopping for drinks you buy yourself. The big twist is that you can keep your “cup” energy going, because you’re welcome to refill as often as you like while exploring the bars on your own time.

The guide does not go into the bars with you. That changes the vibe in a practical way. You’re not trapped waiting in one loud room, and you’re not dragged through crowded bar interiors as a group. You do need to be comfortable moving at a moderate pace while deciding where to pop in, wait in line, and grab your next drink.

What this creates for you is freedom without losing the structure of a guided story route. You get the best of both worlds: legend narration from the guide plus the chaos and charm of the Quarter right there in front of you.

The Landmark Stops That Give the Legends Weight

This tour’s storytelling is anchored to real places, not just “somewhere spooky.” You’ll visit the exact location where the Louisiana Purchase was signed in 1803, then move through the Jackson Square area to see the St. Louis Cathedral.

These are not random photo stops. They help you understand why New Orleans legends stick around. Big political moments, major religious landmarks, and the Quarter’s street layout all shape the “why” behind the tales, including why voodoo stories and vampire lore became part of the neighborhood’s public memory.

If you like walking tours where you actually learn where you are, this part delivers. Even if you’re mostly in it for the spooky fun, having named landmarks helps you keep the route straight in your head.

Jackson Square Bars and the To-Go Refill Flow

Jackson Square sits right at the intersection of tourist energy and local legend energy, so it’s a smart place to hit mid-tour. You’ll also get a chance to check out some of the neighborhood’s historic bars.

The tour passes many bars, since the French Quarter has over 200 bars. You’re allowed to stop and refill your to-go cup, which makes the experience feel like a guided night out rather than a standard sightseeing lecture.

A practical note: if bar lines get long, your tour timing can stretch. The tour duration varies, sometimes lasting closer to 2 hours, and it may run longer depending on wait time inside bars. Plan your evening with a little buffer after the tour ends, especially if you’re going to nightlife plans next.

Vampires, Ghosts, and Stories Tied to Documented Sightings

This is where the tour leans into the “drunk history” vibe, turning eerie folklore into something you can walk alongside. You’ll hear where vampires have been sighted and that police have documented sightings on a regular basis.

You’ll also learn about the most predictable ghost in New Orleans and visit the most haunted house in the city. The tour keeps the tone story-driven, not scientific. So for you, the goal is entertainment and atmosphere, not courtroom-grade evidence.

One more thing I appreciate: the guide does not hype the paranormal as a guaranteed show. The tour’s framing is realistic, meaning you’re not set up to feel robbed if you do not see something supernatural. That expectation management matters more than you’d think on a “ghost and vampires” tour.

Marie Laveau and Voodoo Locations You Can Point To on the Map

The voodoo section is the heart of the experience for many people. You’ll learn about the practice of voodoo in New Orleans, including the role of the Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau, and how the legends took root in the city’s culture.

You’ll also visit property given to Marie Laveau in payment for magic, plus places where voodoo ceremonies were held. Those details give the stories physical anchors, so the narrative feels connected to the city rather than floating in a general spooky fog.

I like this approach because it helps you do two things at once: enjoy the myth and still learn enough context to understand why these stories are part of local identity. If you’re the type who reads about New Orleans afterward, this tour gives you names and locations to follow up on.

The EMF Meter Moment: How to Treat It Like Fun (Not Proof)

This tour uses a real EMF meter, a ghost or paranormal detector you can use during the experience. The timing is built into the walking route, so it’s not a standalone “test session.” It’s part of the theatre of the street.

Here’s the practical reality for you: it’s equipment, and the tour operator treats it seriously. Paranormal equipment must be checked out at the beginning of the tour, and you’ll provide your name, phone number, address, and booking reference number. There’s also a steep fee if equipment is lost, damaged, or missing.

So if you want to use it, act like you’re borrowing gear from a responsible friend, not a disposable prop. Keep it secure, follow staff instructions, and return it before you leave the tour.

Just remember, the tour provides no guarantee you will encounter paranormal activity. If you’re open to the idea that your results might be quiet or strange, you’ll have a better time.

Guide Energy Matters, and English Delivery Can Vary

The quality of a story tour often depends on the person holding the microphone. Some guides are described as upbeat, funny, and packed with specific city info, while others may be less animated.

English delivery can also affect the experience. The tour is offered in English, but some travelers have noted that accents can be strong. If you’re sensitive to that, pick a departure time when you’re most alert, and bring patience for listening.

If you want the best shot at maximum fun, focus on the guide’s pacing and story choices rather than watching for paranormal surprises. This tour is at its best when you treat it like a guided night out, not a guaranteed haunting.

What I Think You’re Getting for $35

$35 for a French Quarter walking tour with a local guide, landmark stops, drink-to-go refills, and optional paranormal equipment availability is not a bad deal. The key is what’s not included: alcoholic drinks are available to purchase along the route.

That means the value depends on how you plan to drink. If you’re going to buy a drink or two anyway, the tour becomes cheaper than doing the same evening structure solo. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, you may still enjoy the stories, but the pricing logic leans toward people who want the “drunken tales” format to actually function.

Also, the tour is moderate paced and typically 1 to 2 hours. In the Quarter, that’s a useful block of time because you can still keep dinner or a bigger night plan afterward.

Photo Rules, Recording Rules, and What to Pack

You can take photos and they’re encouraged. What you can’t do is record audio or video during the tour. If you plan to film or do an on-camera recap, you’ll need to wait until after the tour ends.

For packing, think practical French Quarter walking: comfy shoes for uneven sidewalks, water or something non-alcoholic if you can, and layers because New Orleans weather can swing. The tour runs rain or shine, so dress for the conditions you’re actually facing that day.

If you plan to use the EMF meter, treat it like a borrowed device. Don’t bump it, don’t drop it, and don’t wander off from the group.

Who This Tour Fits Best

This tour is a strong fit if you want a French Quarter experience that mixes laughs, local legend storytelling, and named stops you can remember later. It’s especially good if you like voodoo stories, vampire lore, and the idea of paranormal equipment as part of the fun.

It’s also a good option for people who want structure without strict bar-hopping rules. You get the route, the narrative, and the freedom to pop into bars on your own time while the guide stays outside.

You might skip it if you want a quiet, museum-style tour, or if you need guaranteed paranormal results. You’ll also want to be realistic about how bar crowds and wait times can affect the walk.

Should You Book Drunken Telling of New Orleans Tales?

I’d book it if you want a playful French Quarter walk with built-in drink momentum and story stops that actually map to the city. It’s a fun choice when you’re open to entertainment paranormal stuff, and when you’ll enjoy voodoo and vampire legends as part of local storytelling culture.

Don’t book it if you need certainty. Ghosts and vampires are not guaranteed, and the tour is clear about that. If your goal is strict evidence, you’ll likely be frustrated.

If you’re curious and you can handle a moderate walking pace plus the reality of bar lines, this one can make your French Quarter night feel organized, interesting, and a little weird in the best way.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

Tours last about 1 to 2 hours. The duration can vary and may run longer depending on wait time inside bars.

Where exactly do I meet the guide?

Meet on the sidewalk at the gate of the courtyard attached to the Legendary Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar at 941 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116. Tours do not meet inside the bar.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $35.00 per person.

What is included in the ticket price?

The ticket includes an admission ticket and a local tour guide for an approximately 2-hour walking tour. A mobile ticket is also part of the experience.

Are drinks included?

No. Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase along the route.

Can I drink during the tour and refill a to-go cup?

Yes, you can drink alcoholic beverages during the tour. The route includes opportunities to stop and refill your to-go cup, and the tour guide does not go inside bars.

Is the EMF meter included, and do I need to check it out?

A real EMF meter is available for use during the tour. If you want to use it, you must check the equipment out at the beginning of the tour, and there is a $250 fee for any lost, damaged, or missing piece of equipment.

Is paranormal activity guaranteed?

No. The tour is for entertainment purposes only, and there is no guarantee you will encounter any paranormal activity.

Are audio or video recordings allowed?

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

Are children and service animals allowed?

Service animals are allowed. Children under 18 are not admitted without a parent or guardian unless authorized by one of the tour guides.