New Orleans: Haunted Pub Crawl French Quarter & LaLaurie

Summary

French Quarter ghost tales with drinks, laughter and haunted legends

You’ll wander through New Orleans’ French Quarter as dusk falls, hearing true ghost stories from a local guide while stopping for drinks in haunted bars. Feel the city’s eerie energy outside LaLaurie Mansion and laugh with new friends over creaky floorboards and strong cocktails. It’s not just spooky — it’s oddly connecting.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I almost bailed when I realized I’d left my umbrella behind. It had just started to drizzle in Jackson Square, that sticky New Orleans kind of rain that’s more like walking through soup. But our guide, Marcus, just grinned and said, “That’s when the ghosts come out.” So we huddled under the iron balconies and listened to him tell us about public executions right where we were standing. He pointed at a spot near the old cathedral and said people still hear chains at night. I swear I felt something cold brush past my arm, but maybe it was just the rain.

The French Quarter really does feel different after dark — louder, somehow softer too. We ducked into this bar where apparently some famous writers used to drink (I forgot which ones; blame the Sazerac). The floorboards creaked under us and there was this musty sweetness in the air, like spilled whiskey mixed with old wood. At one point Marcus tried to teach us how to pronounce “LaLaurie” correctly — Li laughed when I butchered it. We stood outside the LaLaurie Mansion while he told us about its history, and even though there were other tour groups around, it felt weirdly quiet for a moment. Someone’s phone buzzed and everyone jumped.

I didn’t expect to end up on Bourbon Street — honestly thought it’d be too much — but by then we were all a little braver (or maybe just tipsy). There’s something about hearing ghost stories with strangers that makes you feel like you’ve known them longer than two hours. The last stop was supposed to be America’s oldest bar; I couldn’t tell if my goosebumps were from the story or the draft coming through the door. Anyway, if you’re looking for a haunted pub crawl in New Orleans that isn’t just silly jump scares but real history mixed with local weirdness… well, this is it. I still think about that chill outside LaLaurie Mansion.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Haunted French Quarter pub crawl

• Start at Jackson Square
• Hear haunted stories in French Quarter
• Visit haunted bars with drink stops
• Enter a private location
• See LaLaurie Mansion
• Hear haunting of oldest bar
• End on Bourbon Street

Top questions

Is this haunted pub crawl in New Orleans adults only?

Yes, you must be 21 or older to join this tour.

Where does the haunted pub crawl start?

The tour begins at Jackson Square in the heart of the French Quarter.

Are drinks included on this New Orleans haunted pub crawl?

No, drinks are not included but you’ll have time to buy your own at several bar stops along the way.

How long does the French Quarter haunted pub crawl last?

The tour lasts approximately two hours.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, but some streets in the historic French Quarter may present challenges for those with mobility issues.

Will we visit LaLaurie Mansion during this pub crawl?

You’ll stop outside LaLaurie Mansion to hear its stories as part of the route.

Does this tour include Bourbon Street?

You can choose to end your haunted pub crawl on Bourbon Street if you wish.

Who leads the New Orleans haunted pub crawl?

A local licensed guide leads each group through the French Quarter.

What’s included

Your evening includes a licensed local guide leading you through Jackson Square and into several historic bars across the French Quarter—plus plenty of time for drinks (not included) and ghost stories at legendary spots like LaLaurie Mansion before finishing near Bourbon Street.