Ghost stories pair well with a stiff drink. This is a guided walk through the French Quarter that mixes voodoo lore, shady-history storytelling, and optional paranormal equipment as you hop between bars.

What I really like is the guide style. The energy is lively, and the talk stays human, not lecture-y, so it feels like a night out with someone who knows the neighborhood. I also like the mix of stops: you get the famous spots, but you also get pointed toward lesser-known bars along the way—exactly the kind of place you’d miss wandering on your own.

One consideration: this is entertainment, not a science experiment. The company’s own rules make it clear there’s no guarantee you’ll see anything supernatural, and the tour runs on schedule no matter what you’re hoping to spot.

Quick hits before you go

• You start at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop area on Bourbon Street and end near Jackson Square.
• You get a French Quarter walk that blends booze-friendly history with voodoo, ghost, vampire, and general supernatural storytelling.
• Paranormal equipment can be provided, but you must check it out and return it to avoid a $250 lost/damage fee.
• Expect moderate-paced walking and bar waits that can stretch the total time.
• The tour stays on public property, with clear rules about staying with the group and not trespassing.

Where this tour begins on Bourbon Street

The whole vibe starts on Bourbon Street, at 941 Bourbon St, by the courtyard gate attached to Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar. You don’t meet inside. You’ll check in on the sidewalk, and the guide starts promptly.

That matters in New Orleans. The sidewalks get crowded, and a missed minute turns into a missed group fast. The operator also takes time-stamped photos at the start, so arriving early is your best move for smooth check-in and an easy start.

From there, the tour’s pitch is simple: walk, sip (drinks are extra), and hear stories that connect the real French Quarter with the supernatural folklore that clings to it. You’re not just listening to facts. You’re getting a guided night-out format, where the history is tied to the bar scene so the stories land in the right setting.

Also note the pace. This is a walking tour built for an hour to two hours, and it’s described as moderate paced. Old streets mean uneven pavement, so comfy shoes aren’t optional if you don’t want to feel it by the end.

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop stop and the opening story hit

The first stop is the Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar area. This is where the guide usually sets the tone: a fast, dramatic overview of local history and how the neighborhood’s darker legends connect to real-life characters and old-world New Orleans atmosphere.

You should expect a blend of stories: voodoo-flavored history, ghost and vampire type tales, plus general French Quarter lore. It’s meant to be a fun start that gets everyone loosened up before the walk turns into a bar-hopping story trail.

A practical detail I’d plan around: the tour also says there will be a few bar stops along the route. Even though alcohol isn’t included, the timing is built around being able to buy drinks at stops. Some locations may be busy, and waiting can stretch the overall time.

If you’re bringing the paranormal gear side of the tour seriously, this is also where the “show and tell” moment usually happens. The tour provides equipment for guests who want to play along, and there’s a clear rule that it must be checked out at the beginning and returned before you leave the tour group.

French Quarter walking with shady-history storytelling

Then the tour moves into the French Quarter itself, where the focus shifts from “setup stories” to a walking “greatest hits” of the area’s infamous past. The tone stays boozy and plot-driven. Think pirates, convicted felons, and ladies of the night—New Orleans history as street legend, not museum script.

This part is ideal if you like learning geography while moving. You’ll get street-level context for why the Quarter looks the way it does, and why certain corners feel like they have backstories even if you’ve only been there for a day.

The walk also has a rhythm built for a group experience. You’re supposed to stay with your guide and not wander off to take photos or explore on your own. That’s not meant to be controlling—it’s how they keep the schedule from collapsing in a crowded neighborhood.

And there’s a safety and courtesy side to this. The tour rules say you’ll be on public property only, and you shouldn’t trespass or ring doorbells. The French Quarter is still someone’s home, and the tour asks you to respect residents while you enjoy the chaos that’s fun to look at from the sidewalk.

Voodoo, ghosts, vampires, and what the paranormal equipment adds

This tour sells a mix of history plus paranormal storytelling. That’s the fun part. But the equipment piece is the part that can change your experience from “good stories” to “interactive night.”

The operator states that paranormal equipment is a bonus for guests who love ghost stories. You can use the gear during the tour, but you’ll need to check it out at the start and return it before leaving the group. If equipment is lost or damaged, the fee listed is $250.

Two things to plan for here:

• You’ll want to handle the gear carefully during the walk. New Orleans sidewalks aren’t smooth, and distractions happen when you’re switching between story and drink lines.
• The tour’s own terms are clear: no paranormal activity is guaranteed, and they don’t promise sightings of non-human entities. In plain terms, you should treat this as entertainment with real-world rules, not a ticket to a ghost encounter.

That realism can actually be a plus. It keeps expectations grounded. You can still have a great time even if you don’t get a spooky moment from the equipment, because the history storytelling and bar-hopping format are the core.

If you’re the type who likes a little theater, this setup is right on target. If you want hard proof of the supernatural, you may feel under-satisfied—and the tour doesn’t pretend otherwise.

Value for $15: what you’re paying for and what you’re not

At $15 per person, the best way to understand the value is to separate what’s included from what’s optional.

Included:

• A local licensed tour guide
• The walking tour experience (about 1 to 2 hours)
• Admission ticket for the tour

Not included:

• Alcoholic beverages (you buy drinks/snacks along the route)
• Any extras beyond what the tour provides as part of the guided experience

For $15, you’re essentially paying for a guided, narrative bar walk—plus access to the paranormal storytelling angle and equipment availability. In New Orleans, the “price of a guided night” can easily run far higher, especially if you’re trying to cover multiple locations efficiently.

Also, the tour describes that some stops may have walk-up windows for people who don’t want to go inside bars. That’s a real value detail if you’re trying to keep things moving in crowds or if you prefer a quicker transaction and back to the story.

So, the value isn’t that drinks are cheap. The value is that you’re paying for interpretation—someone to connect the streets, the old names, and the folklore while you’re already in the right environment.

How to have a smooth night in the Quarter

A lot of small rules make a big difference on this kind of tour. If you follow them, the experience stays fun. If you don’t, it turns into stress.

First: be on time. The tour starts at the scheduled time, and the guide may not wait if you arrive late. If you think you’ll be delayed, the operator asks you to contact them before departure time, because after the tour starts the guide can’t be on phones while they’re navigating and narrating.

Second: plan for bar tempo. Some bars are busy and may slow the walk. That’s why the tour length is described as 1 to 2 hours. If you’re juggling dinner reservations or another timed activity, I’d give yourself a buffer.

Third: bring the right expectations on recording. The tour rules say audio or video recording devices are not allowed. Photos are encouraged, though, so your phone can stay ready for street shots and candid moments when the group stops.

Fourth: keep the group together. You’re not allowed to walk off for photos on your own. In the French Quarter, that’s good advice. It’s easy to get separated in seconds, and then you miss story beats you can’t easily catch up to.

Fifth: drink smart. The tour allows alcoholic beverages during the tour, but there’s a safety rule that service can be refused if someone is extremely intoxicated. If you’re planning to use the paranormal gear, staying clear-headed helps you remember what you were told and gives you a better chance to enjoy the “game” part of it.

Who should book this Cheers New Orleans tour

This is a great fit if you want your first night in the French Quarter to feel like a guided story, not just a wandering mission. It works especially well if you enjoy bar atmospheres and want to hear how local history gets twisted into voodoo and vampire-style legends.

It’s also a smart choice if you’re the type who likes asking questions. The format is built around a guide talking on the move and pausing at stops where the story theme changes.

You might consider skipping it (or at least tempering expectations) if:

• You mainly want quiet sightseeing with no drinking context.
• You’re expecting guaranteed paranormal sightings. The tour explicitly warns there’s no promise of supernatural encounters.
• You hate walking and uneven sidewalks. This route is public and older streets can be rough on the feet.

On the other hand, if you like a night that’s part history class, part bar crawl, and part spooky theater, this is built right for that mix.

Should you book Cheers New Orleans?

If you’re visiting New Orleans and want a short, story-driven introduction to the French Quarter, I’d book it. The price is low enough that you’re mostly paying for a skilled local guide to connect the dots between famous spots and the neighborhood’s darker folklore.

Just go in with the right mindset. Treat the paranormal equipment as fun and optional. Treat the stories as entertainment rooted in local legend and public history. And show up early, stay with the group, and bring comfortable shoes.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The walking tour lasts about 1 to 2 hours, with the exact timing depending on bar waits and the scheduled pace.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet on the sidewalk at the gate of the courtyard attached to Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar at 941 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116.

Where does the tour end?

The tour ends at Jackson Square in New Orleans, LA 70116.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes an admission ticket and a local licensed tour guide. Paranormal equipment is available as a bonus during the tour.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not included, and drinks/snacks can be purchased along the route at various locations.

Is paranormal activity guaranteed?

No. The tour is for entertainment purposes only, and the operator states there is no guarantee of paranormal activity.

What happens if I lose or damage the paranormal equipment?

If paranormal equipment is lost or damaged, a $250 fee will be charged. Equipment must be checked out and returned to the guide before you leave the tour group.

Is the tour rain or shine?

Yes. The tour runs rain-or-shine, so you should dress for the weather.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes. Service animals are allowed.

Are audio or video recordings allowed during the tour?

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

If you’d like, tell me your travel dates and whether you’re going solo or with friends, and I’ll suggest a good start time and how to pair this with a dinner plan in the Quarter.