A ghost hunt with a drink in hand.

This New Orleans Drunk History Tour blends French Quarter folklore with real street-level history as you wander past major landmarks like St Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square. The vibe is equal parts storytelling and “try to prove it” curiosity, with a local guide keeping things moving while you stop for to-go drinks along the way.

What I like most is the guide-driven format. When the tour lands with the right energy (many guests highlight Cody/Coty’s style), you get entertaining narration without the theater kid theatrics, just sharp local context and spooky details that make the neighborhood feel alive.

One consideration: drinks are not included. You’ll buy them during the route, so if you’re expecting an alcohol-in-the-price kind of deal, adjust your budget before you meet at 941 Bourbon St.

Key things that make this tour worth your time

• To-go bar stops built into the walk so you’re sipping while you learn, not just getting lecture pacing
• Streets-and-buildings storytelling tied to places you can actually see in the French Quarter
• A real EMF meter option for ghost-hunting experiments (with clear limits)
• Photos encouraged, recordings not allowed which keeps the experience focused on the moment
• Moderate pace, 1 to 2 hours with a route that can stretch a bit depending on bar stops
• Cody/Coty as a standout guide name in guest feedback for pacing, humor, and story clarity

The French Quarter is the perfect stage for Drunk History

New Orleans does “story” better than almost anywhere else. The French Quarter is compact, full of old stonework and tight corners, and that matters for this tour. Instead of talking about history from afar, you’re hearing it as you look at the buildings, streets, courtyards, and landmarks that anchor the legends.

The best part of the concept is that it keeps switching gears. One moment you’re learning about the neighborhood’s darker past; the next you’re hearing ghost and voodoo tales; then you’re moving again. That rhythm helps if you’ve got short attention spans or you’re traveling with people who don’t all want the same kind of attraction.

And yes, the drinking angle is real. But it’s more like learning with liquid fuel than a party bus of chaos. If you keep your expectations calibrated, the tour hits a sweet spot: entertaining, walkable, and easy to roll into your night afterward.

Starting at 941 Bourbon: how to avoid the most common headaches

The meet-up point is at 941 Bourbon St, by the sidewalk at the gate of the courtyard attached to Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar. The tour does not begin inside the bar, so don’t waste time trying to find the guide within the venue itself.

Arrive a few minutes early and check in promptly. The departure time is enforced. Once the tour starts, the guide won’t be hanging around the meeting spot or answering phones while they lead the group and tell the stories.

Why this matters: New Orleans nightlife is busy. Bourbon Street crowds can scramble your timing, especially if you’re also trying to grab a quick snack or locate a nearby restroom. If you’re coming late, it can turn a fun evening into a stressful one fast.

Practical tip: wear shoes you don’t mind in old uneven sidewalks. You’re walking through the Quarter at a moderate pace, and that’s the kind of “light exercise” that adds up over an hour or two.

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop and the tour’s dark-history kickoff

The first stop starts right in one of the most famous pockets of the Quarter: Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar. This is the kind of location where the stories feel built into the walls—whether you’re into history, paranormal lore, or just enjoying the city’s talent for mixing myth with real places.

At the start, you’ll hear about the neighborhood’s “dark side,” including legends involving ghosts, vampires, and voodoo. This is where the guide sets the tone for the whole walk. You’re not just memorizing facts; you’re learning how the French Quarter became a magnet for supernatural rumors and dramatic local storytelling.

The tour also leans into the “detect” part here. You’ll explore paranormal activity using a real EMF meter. The key is expectation management: you may get readings, you may not, and either way the bigger value is the experience of testing the legends in a place where those legends grew.

Walking through the French Quarter with planned stops (and bar timing)

The tour stays inside the French Quarter for the duration. That sounds obvious, but it matters because it keeps your geography simple: you’re not crossing the city. You’re staying in the area that’s already rich in famous landmarks and street corners.

There are 10 locations covered overall, plus bar stops along the route. The exact mix of “where you stop to hear the story” versus “where you stop for a drink” can vary, and not every location is guaranteed to match a mental checklist you bring with you.

Here’s what to expect in practice:

• You’ll be guided through multiple blocks with frequent storytelling moments.
• You’ll hit bar stops for to-go drinks purchased along the way.
• The group stays together; the guide can’t stop to let people peel off for photos.

This “keep moving” structure is part of the appeal for me because it prevents the tour from becoming a standstill photo walk. You get the flow of a night out with a story thread running through it.

The flip side: if you’re hoping for lots of extra time at each stop to linger, this isn’t that kind of tour. It’s structured and schedule-driven.

The EMF meter and paranormal gear: fun science, no promises

The paranormal angle is one of the most talked-about features because it turns rumor into an experiment. You can use paranormal equipment during the tour, and the tour uses a real EMF (ghost/paranormal detector) meter.

But here’s the crucial part: there’s no guarantee you’ll encounter paranormal activity. The tour is designed for entertainment, and you’re not going to be told the experience will produce a ghost on demand. That’s important because it keeps the mood from turning into disappointment if the readings don’t go the way you imagined.

Also, the gear isn’t handed out like party favors. If you want to use it, you check it out at the beginning of the tour. There’s a major safety-and-responsibility fee if equipment is lost or damaged, and the gear is tracked.

If you want to get the most out of this portion, treat it like a group game:

• Watch for changes in readings when you’re in different spots.
• Listen to how the guide ties the readings to the legends and local lore.
• Don’t take the numbers as proof of anything. Take them as part of the storytelling.

One more practical detail: audio and video recording devices are not allowed during the tour, but photos are encouraged. So you can capture moments, just don’t set up equipment to record the narration.

Drinks and pacing: what you’ll pay for and how the night flows

Alcohol is allowed during the tour, but it’s not unlimited chaos. If someone gets extremely intoxicated, the operator can refuse service for safety.

Because drinks are not included, the value depends on how you plan to drink. At this price point, the tour is really paying for the guide, route, and the experience format. Your drink budget should be a separate line item.

For me, the smartest approach is to arrive with a clear plan:

• Decide if you want to buy one drink during the route or a couple.
• If you’re not drinking inside bars, there are to-go options/windows along the way.
• Bring a little patience for bar crowds. Some bars can be busy, and that can affect how long the tour takes to complete.

Tour length is usually about 1 to 2 hours, and it can run longer depending on waits inside bars. That makes it a good “start your night” activity, not a tight-slot “must be done by 8:00 pm” promise.

The guide makes or breaks it, and Cody is a big reason why

The tour lives or dies on delivery. The most consistent praise centers on the guide’s storytelling—especially a guide name that shows up often as Cody/Coty. In guest feedback, Cody comes across as funny, patient, and focused on keeping the group engaged while still making the stories clear.

The stories themselves can sound over-the-top on paper—ghosts, vampires, voodoo—but Cody’s style (as described by multiple groups) leans into street realism. The humor keeps it light enough to enjoy, while the details make it feel grounded in what you’re looking at around you.

If you’re the kind of person who likes a guide who can answer questions on the spot, this tour tends to fit. If you want a tour with big stage effects, costumes, and props, you might find it simpler than some other themed tours. The value here is the guide’s narration and the quality of the route.

Weather, rain plans, and last-minute changes

New Orleans weather doesn’t ask permission, so this tour is rain-or-shine. That said, heavy weather can still change the rhythm, and the time you experience may shift.

There’s also the reality of any group tour: sometimes minimum numbers aren’t met, and cancellations happen. When that occurs, you’re offered a different date or a refund/credit, depending on the situation.

One more note for peace of mind: there have been occasions where tours did not run as expected because of no-show issues or very late changes. If you’re booking for a single-night trip, it’s wise to build a backup plan so you can still enjoy the Quarter even if your tour runs into trouble.

Is the $21 price tag a good deal?

At $21 per person, this tour sits in the “reasonable for a guided themed walk” category. Here’s where the value comes from:

• You’re getting a local guide for about 1 to 2 hours
• You get multiple story stops and bar stops while staying in a compact area
• You have the option to use EMF meter equipment if you choose (gear has extra responsibility requirements)
• You’re not paying extra for admission to major sites, since it’s a street-and-neighborhood format

What you don’t get: drinks are on you. And you don’t get any guarantee of paranormal results. If you’re hoping your ticket price includes alcohol, you’ll feel the math quickly.

But if you’re okay treating the tour as an affordable guided way to get bearings, learn the Quarter’s darker lore, and then continue your night at your own pace, $21 feels fair—especially with the strong guide reputation when Cody is leading.

Who should book this tour (and who should skip it)

I’d point this tour toward you if:

• You like history that feels like a story, not a textbook
• You want an easy way to explore the French Quarter without overplanning
• You’re traveling in a group with mixed interests—some for lore, some for local context
• You enjoy interactive elements like using an EMF meter for a “test the legend” moment

You might want a different option if:

• You want alcohol included in the price
• You dislike walking (this is a moderate walk through uneven streets)
• You need a guaranteed paranormal sighting
• You’re very uncomfortable with strict “stay with the group” rules and no off-route photo breaks

This tour is also a good “pre-Bourbon Street” move. It gives you the story context before the crowds and music start taking over your senses.

Should you book the New Orleans Drunk History Tour?

If you want a fun, story-driven way to see the French Quarter, I think this is an easy yes—especially because the best feedback centers on the guide’s ability to keep a group laughing and learning without rushing you.

Book it if you’re flexible about the bar pacing and you’re willing to budget for drinks. Arrive early, check in correctly at the courtyard gate on Bourbon, and be ready for a walking tour that prioritizes momentum over hanging around.

Skip or reconsider if you’re booking for a one-and-only night and can’t tolerate any chance of schedule disruption. Also skip if the idea of buying your own drinks will stress you out.

If you’re game for dark lore, a real EMF meter experiment, and a French Quarter route that keeps the night moving, this one is worth a spot on your plan.

FAQ

How much does the New Orleans Drunk History Tour cost?

It costs $21.00 per person.

How long is the tour?

The tour runs about 1 to 2 hours.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is at 941 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116, at the gate of the courtyard attached to Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar.

Are drinks included in the ticket price?

No. Drinks are available to purchase along the route.

Does the tour stay inside the French Quarter?

Yes. The tour stays inside the French Quarter for the duration.

Is paranormal equipment included?

You can use paranormal equipment during the tour. The EMF meter is available, but it must be checked out at the beginning of the tour.

Can I record audio or video during the tour?

No. Audio or video recording devices are not allowed during the tour. Photos are allowed and encouraged.