Haunted Drunken History Tour from New Orleans

Explore New Orleans’ Raucous Past with a Boozy Twist

The Haunted Drunken History Tour from NOLA GhostRiders offers a lively way to uncover the lively, sometimes dark, stories of New Orleans’ French Quarter. For $30 per person, this 2-hour adults-only experience combines history, murder tales, pirate legends, and historic bar stops. Starting at Ryan’s Irish Pub, the tour is designed for 21+ guests who enjoy a mix of entertainment and drinks. With an impressive rating of 5.0 based on 116 reviews, the tour consistently earns high praise for its guide’s storytelling and fun atmosphere.

This experience is ideal for those seeking a lively, interactive exploration of New Orleans’ iconic district. Although it emphasizes drinks and tales, it also provides authentic stops at historic sites and taverns, making it a memorable way to blend history and nightlife. Expect a casual pace, with plenty of opportunity to socialize, learn, and enjoy a free drink at the beginning.

Key Points

• Adults-only tour with a focus on history, murder, pirates, and haunted tales
• Stops at historic bars including Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop and Tujague’s
• One free drink included at the start to kick off the night
• Tour duration of approximately 2 hours starting at 5:00 pm
• Group size limited to 28 travelers for an intimate experience
• Highly entertaining guide known as Raffle, praised for humor and knowledge

Starting Point: Ryan’s Irish Pub in the Heart of the French Quarter

The tour begins promptly at Ryan’s Irish Pub, located at 241 Decatur Street. This spot is well-chosen for its lively atmosphere and central location. Participants are advised to check in 30 minutes early to ensure a smooth start. The meeting point’s proximity to public transportation makes it easy for most to reach, with nearby street parking available, though walking or rideshare services like Uber or Lyft are recommended.

The tour concludes at 1140 Decatur Street, allowing guests to continue exploring or head directly to other attractions or dining options. The convenient location in the French Quarter makes it an excellent evening activity for hotel guests or those staying nearby.

The Stops at Historic Bars and Sites

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar: A 1770s Landmark

The first stop takes guests to Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, an oldest surviving structure in New Orleans built around the 1770s during Spanish colonial rule. This dimly lit tavern has served beer and frozen drinks since the 1700s and is renowned for its authentic historic charm. The admission is included in the tour, and the 10-minute stop offers a chance to soak in the building’s pirate lore and atmosphere.

Pirate’s Alley and Its Cultural Significance

Next, the guide leads visitors through Pirates Alley, a central part of the Vieux Carré. This alley is remembered for the pirates and diverse cultures that shaped New Orleans’ port city identity. The 10-minute visit here emphasizes the history of piracy, trade, and the influence of buccaneers who walked these streets. It offers a visual and narrative connection to the city’s roguish past.

Tujague’s: Over 160 Years of Creole Dining

The historic Tujague’s restaurant and bar has served visitors for more than 160 years. The stop provides insight into Creole cuisine and historic drinking culture. Guests experience a brief 10-minute visit in a setting filled with antique decor and stories of old New Orleans. Its long history makes it a favorite for locals and visitors alike.

Ryan’s Irish Pub: The Starting Point

The tour begins at Ryan’s Irish Pub, an inviting spot for a refreshing drink from the included complimentary beverage. The pub’s lively environment helps set the tone for a fun, adults-only evening. It’s also a practical choice for meeting, thanks to its central location and accessibility.

The Guide: Raffle’s Engaging and Knowledgeable Style

The standout feature of this tour is the guide, Raffle, who is praised repeatedly for humor, storytelling skill, and local knowledge. Reviewers highlight how Raffle seamlessly blends entertaining stories with historical facts, making even the gruesome or sexy parts of New Orleans’ past engaging. His personality and ability to customize the experience is a key reason for the tour’s glowing ratings.

A Fun Mix of History, Humor, and Booze

Raffle’s approach makes the tour less like a typical history walk and more like a pub crawl with fascinating tales. Guests appreciate his ability to share stories naturally while encouraging drinks and socializing along the way. The informal tone and entertaining insights elevate the experience from an ordinary walk to a lively night of storytelling.

The Drinking Component and Bar Stops

While drinks are not included beyond the complimentary beverage at the start, the tour encourages guests to bring their own libations. The stops at historic bars such as Lafitte’s and Tujague’s provide opportunities to order drinks. The atmosphere of these venues, combined with the guide’s stories, creates a relaxed, party feel that many reviews highly praise.

Recommendations for Enjoying the Tour

Guests are advised to dress comfortably, especially since the tour involves walking on cobblestone streets and uneven sidewalks. The casual pace allows for photo opportunities and time to enjoy the ambiance. As the tour is rain or shine, checking the weather forecast is wise; the tour will only cancel for severe weather.

Physical Requirements and Accessibility

The tour involves walking on flat surfaces, making it accessible for most travelers who are comfortable on their feet. It’s designed as a relaxed experience rather than a strenuous hike, but guests should wear comfortable shoes. The tour is suitable for most adults 21 and over willing to enjoy a few drinks and stories.

Booking, Cancellation, and Group Size

The tour typically books 22 days in advance, reflecting its popularity. It is limited to a maximum of 28 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, providing flexibility in case of change of plans. The easy check-in process at the meeting point ensures a smooth start for all participants.

Why This Tour Really Works

The combination of historic sites, lively bar stops, and a charismatic guide makes this tour stand out. The high ratings and consistent praise for Raffle’s storytelling and humor suggest that this is a well-loved experience in New Orleans. Its affordable price point and 2-hour duration make it a compact yet engaging option for anyone interested in the city’s darker, more entertaining side.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This experience is perfect for adults looking for a relaxed, fun evening in New Orleans. It suits those interested in history, ghosts, pirates, and local legends but also enjoy socializing and drinks. Tour participants appreciate a guide who can keep things lively while sharing informative stories about the city’s roguish past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the NOLA Drunken History Tour start?
The tour departs from Ryan’s Irish Pub at 241 Decatur Street. Guests are advised to check in 30 minutes early.

Is parking available at the meeting point?
Limited on-street parking is available nearby, but walking or rideshare services like Uber or Lyft are recommended due to the busy French Quarter location.

Can I bring my own drinks?
Yes, guests can bring their own libations on the tour. The guide encourages responsible drinking and respectful behavior.

What should I wear?
Dress in comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking on cobblestone streets. The tour is outdoors and proceeds rain or shine.

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, the tour is strictly for guests aged 21 and over, as it involves alcohol consumption and adult-themed stories.

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately 2 hours, with stops at various historic locations and bar venues.

Will I see haunted sites?
While the tour includes stories of haunted history, the focus is more on murder tales, pirates, and colorful legends. Some reviews note it’s not exclusively haunted, but the stories are vivid.

Can I get photos during the tour?
Absolutely! Photography is encouraged, especially at the historic sites and bar interiors.

In summary, the Haunted Drunken History Tour offers a fun, local-led exploration of New Orleans’ darker and livelier past, perfect for adults seeking entertainment, drinks, and stories in a friendly, engaging atmosphere.