New Orleans: Haunted Pub Crawl French Quarter & Bourbon St

Summary

French Quarter spirits, haunted bars, and Bourbon Street tales

You’ll walk New Orleans’ French Quarter after dark with a local guide who knows every haunted corner and infamous bar. Sip unique drinks (absinthe is a must), hear wild stories about ghosts and crimes, and maybe even laugh at your own attempts at Cajun words. The city’s energy lingers long after you finish your last hurricane.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the streetlights flickered on Bourbon Street — kind of yellow, kind of tired, but still hanging in there. Our guide, Marcus (he wore a battered Saints cap), gathered us up outside this old brick bar that smelled like sugar and something herbal. He grinned and said, “Ready to meet some ghosts?” Someone behind me laughed nervously. I wasn’t sure if he was joking or not.

We wandered through the French Quarter with Marcus weaving stories about murders and heartbreak — honestly, I lost track of which story belonged to which crumbling balcony. The air felt sticky against my neck, and at one stop I tried a drink called an absinthe frappe. It tasted like licorice and fire at the same time. There was this moment when a woman from our group tried to pronounce “lagniappe” — Marcus just shook his head and laughed, “Close enough.” That made everyone relax a little.

I didn’t expect how much the city’s haunted side would get under my skin. At one point we ducked into a bar that apparently had real vampire regulars back in the ‘90s (no fangs tonight though). The bartender slid us hurricanes in plastic cups while telling us about Aleister Crowley’s favorite corner booth — I still think about that weird chill when she pointed it out. After the tour ended, some of us just stayed on Bourbon Street for another round. The music leaked out of every doorway; you couldn’t really tell where one song ended and another started.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Haunted French Quarter pub crawl

• Explore haunted French Quarter
• Cross Bourbon Street block party
• Visit iconic haunted bar
• Enjoy 2-for-1 hurricanes at Finnegan's

Top questions

Is this New Orleans haunted pub crawl suitable for wheelchair users?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

How long does the French Quarter haunted pub crawl last?

The experience lasts around 2 hours.

Are drinks included during the haunted pub crawl?

No drinks are not included but you can purchase them at each bar stop.

Do I need to bring ID for this New Orleans pub crawl?

Yes, all participants must be 21 or older with valid ID; bars may check ID during visits.

What areas does the tour cover?

The route includes haunted bars in the French Quarter and along Bourbon Street.

Is public transportation nearby for getting to or from the tour?

Yes, there are public transportation options available close by.

Can service animals join this New Orleans pub crawl?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

What’s included

Your night includes a guided haunted pub crawl through New Orleans’ French Quarter with stops at infamous bars along Bourbon Street; you’ll hear ghost stories from your local guide as you sample unique drinks (purchased separately) — just bring your valid ID if you’re 21 or older since each bar may check it during your visit.