New Orleans ghosts taste better with a drink in hand. This French Quarter drunken ghost and vampire tour mixes real local lore with a guided walk and a few bar stops, so you get history, humor, and eerie atmosphere without needing to chase clues on your own. I liked the way the tour keeps moving, and I liked the practical way the stories connect to specific places, especially around Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop and Jackson Square. The main drawback to consider is simple: paranormal sightings are never guaranteed, and the walk is timed, so you need to stay with your group.

This is also one of those tours where the details matter. You meet at the courtyard gate attached to Lafitte’s at 941 Bourbon St, you start on schedule, and you’ll spend part of the experience outside on older sidewalks that are not made for slow wandering.

The other big factor is your expectations. The tour includes time with a real electromagnetic radiation / paranormal detector, but that’s not a magic wand. You’re here for a fun, spooky investigation vibe mixed with New Orleans storytelling.

Key things to know before you go

• A real EMF meter / paranormal detector is used during the tour as part of the group investigation
• Stop 1 is Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop area, a classic French Quarter setting where the guide ties stories to architecture and local practices
• Jackson Square is the second stop, with ghost stories centered on Julie and the Carter Brothers
• To-go drink stops are built into the route, but alcohol is not included in your ticket
• Moderate-paced walking is the format, and bar wait times can stretch the experience toward the longer end
• Photos are encouraged, but audio or video recording devices aren’t allowed during the tour

Where to Meet and What the Tour Feel Is Like

You’ll want to arrive a few minutes early at the meeting point: the sidewalk at the gate of the courtyard attached to Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, 941 Bourbon St. Tours do not meet inside Lafitte’s, and the guide isn’t stationed at some random street corner. If you show up late, the tour starts without you.

The walk is built for people who want a night out without heavy logistics. The tour lasts about 1 to 2 hours, and it stays at a moderate pace through the French Quarter, with occasional pauses around bar locations. The operator keeps group timing tight, which means you shouldn’t plan on drifting off for long photos on your own.

Group size is capped at 50 travelers, so you get a social feel without it turning into a massive herd. You’ll also be moving between notable spots rather than covering every inch of the Quarter, which is great if this is your first night in town.

Stop 1 at Lafitte’s: Architecture, Burial Traditions, and the Detector

Stop 1 is the Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop bar area, where the tour begins with New Orleans’s occult and gothic charm. You’ll admire French Quarter architecture while hearing stories that connect to hauntings, voodoo, vampires, and ghosts. This first stretch is where the guide sets the tone and gives you the map of what the tour is going to do.

One detail I really like about this kind of opening stop is that it helps you understand the city’s “why.” The tour touches on traditional burial practices and how those traditions shaped the way locals talk about death, spirits, and memory. Then it shifts into love stories that end in tragedy, which matters because a lot of New Orleans folklore is emotional, not just spooky.

The tour also makes a point of separating vampires of legend from vampires of history. That’s a useful distinction if you’ve read vampire stories that have nothing to do with Louisiana. It gives context for the idea that some people treat sightings as part of a lived, local narrative rather than pure fiction.

And yes, there’s a moment when you’ll be investigating. The group uses a real electromagnetic radiation detector / paranormal detector—described as a real EMF meter used during the tour. Expect the guide to explain what it is, then you’ll use it together as you move through the story.

A practical note: if you want to use the paranormal equipment, you have to request it at check-in. It’s not a casual grab-and-go prop.

Stop 2 at Jackson Square: Julie, the Carter Brothers, and an Unsolved Crime

The tour continues to Jackson Square, the kind of spot where you can look around and immediately feel why legends get stuck here. At this stop, you’ll get a short break, and the format allows you to stop in local bars along the route and grab to-go drinks.

The ghost stories at Jackson Square focus on a character the tour calls Julie, described as the most predictable ghost. That phrasing matters because it frames the story like folklore with patterns—something people believe you can encounter rather than something random. The tour also shares a tragic love story linked to her.

Then it turns to the Carter Brothers, who were tried, convicted, and put to death. The tour mentions them as being seen by some to this day and adds that the tour route includes the location of what it calls the largest mass murder in New Orleans history, one that remains unsolved. Even if you’re not trying to be “scared,” that blend of crime history and haunting lore is exactly what makes the Quarter so addictive.

Drawback time: if you’re hoping for a long sit-down at Jackson Square, you won’t get it. This stop is structured, timed, and meant to keep the story momentum going toward the final stretch.

The Final French Quarter Stretch: Drink Stops and Spooky Story Momentum

After Jackson Square, you’ll move through the French Quarter for the last major section of the tour. This portion is where the route feels most like a pub crawl: story, walk, story, then another chance to pick up a drink while staying with the group.

The tour mentions drink stops and ongoing ghost and vampire stories along the route. If you want your night in New Orleans to feel social—lightly boozy, lightly eerie—this is the section that delivers the vibe.

For many people, the best part here is pacing. You don’t spend too long stuck in one bar, and you don’t spend too long standing around either. You’re outside often enough to feel the Quarter, but not so much that the whole night becomes a slow shuffle.

The tour concludes in Jackson Square, so you’re not stuck trying to figure out where you end up. It’s also a convenient place to continue your night with dinner or music nearby—just plan to keep the rest of your evening moving at a relaxed pace.

Price and Value: What $19.25 Really Buys

At $19.25 per person, this tour sits in the “affordable for a themed night out” category. You’re paying for three core things: a licensed tour guide, a guided walking route through big French Quarter landmarks, and the included group experience using a real EMF detector as part of the act.

Alcohol is not included, so your total cost can climb depending on how many to-go drinks you grab or whether you step inside bars. But the structure does help you control spending because the tour doesn’t force you into one specific venue where the price shock lands all at once.

Also, the route includes both history-heavy stops and a more “pub crawl” feeling segment. That matters because cheaper ghost tours sometimes end up as either all story with no fun moments, or all drinking with no payoff. Here, you’re getting both, and it’s easier to justify the price when the schedule is tight and the stops are purposeful.

One caution: this is not the kind of tour where you can freestyle the timing. If you’re the type who wants to roam and take your time, you’ll probably enjoy the stories more if you treat it like a guided night mission.

The EMF Detector: Rules, Limits, and How to Think About It

The tour is very clear that this is for entertainment purposes only and there’s no guarantee you’ll encounter paranormal activity. That’s the right mindset. The detector is a tool in the experience, not a promise.

If you want to use the equipment, it’s checked out at the beginning of the tour. The operator emphasizes that equipment must be checked out and returned before you leave, and there’s a $250 fee if equipment is lost, damaged, or missing. They also note that the equipment is marked and tracked via GPS, and you’re told not to drop it.

What this means for you is that the EMF moment is not an afterthought. It’s managed, timed, and treated like part of the tour’s safety and accountability plan. If you’re excited by the tech side, arrive ready to ask at check-in for the equipment.

And if you’re hoping for a full-on ghost spectacle, set your expectations around the storytelling plus investigation vibe. You might catch interesting readings, or you might not. Either way, the value comes from doing this with a guide and hearing why these places matter in New Orleans folklore.

Alcohol on the Route: Fun, But With Guardrails

This is a walking pub crawl format, and you’re allowed to drink alcoholic beverages during the tour. You’ll be able to stop in local bars and get to-go drinks along the route. That makes it easier to keep the mood going while you’re still following the itinerary.

But there are safety guardrails. The operator reserves the right to refuse service to anyone showing signs of extreme intoxication. So if you’re planning to treat this like a full party night, don’t. Think “two or three drinks in the course of a guided walk,” not “turn the entire tour into a blackout plan.”

The other practical piece is that some bars can be busy, which may delay the tour a bit if you’re waiting inside. The schedule is designed to be moderate paced, but bar crowds are real, especially in peak French Quarter hours.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Skip It)

This tour is a good fit if you want:

• A fun, spooky night in the French Quarter without booking a complicated itinerary
• A mix of vampire and ghost stories tied to specific places like Lafitte’s and Jackson Square
• Some social energy through drink stops, without the stress of planning where to go next
• The chance to see a real EMF detector used as part of the show

It’s less ideal if you want:

• A quiet, purely academic history lecture
• Flex time to wander off alone for photos and long side quests
• A guaranteed paranormal encounter

For first-timers in New Orleans, I think it works especially well because it hits a few of the most story-dense landmarks fast. For repeat visitors, it can still be fun if you like gothic lore and want to compare how the guide frames local legends versus the way other tours present them.

Should You Book This French Quarter Drunken Ghost and Vampire Tour?

I’d book it if your goal is a low-friction Halloween-season style walk that still feels like New Orleans, with a licensed guide and a hands-on investigation moment using a real EMF meter. The price is reasonable for the combination of guided storytelling, multiple major stops, and the tech-in-the-mix gimmick that keeps it from feeling like a standard ghost walk.

I’d hesitate if you hate uncertainty. Paranormal activity is never promised, and tours run on a schedule—arrive on time, stay with the group, and accept that the experience is shaped by timing and bar conditions.

One last tip: keep your expectations grounded and your shoes comfortable. The French Quarter can be uneven, and you’ll enjoy the stories more when you’re not thinking about your feet every two minutes.

If you want a fun, spooky night with structure, this is a solid choice. If you want a guaranteed supernatural show, look elsewhere.

FAQ

What is the tour price?

The tour costs $19.25 per person.

How long is the experience?

The tour lasts about 1 to 2 hours.

Where do I meet the guide?

Meet at the sidewalk at the gate of the courtyard attached to Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, 941 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116. Tours do not meet inside Lafitte’s.

Where does the tour end?

The tour ends in Jackson Square.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

No. Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase along the route.

Are to-go drinks allowed?

Yes. The tour route includes stops where you’re allowed to grab to-go drinks.

Is there a paranormal detector involved?

Yes. The tour uses a real electromagnetic radiation / paranormal detector (EMF meter) during the investigation portion.

Can I record audio or video during the tour?

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

What if I want to use the paranormal equipment?

You must request to check out the equipment at the beginning of the tour. There is a $250 fee for lost, damaged, or missing equipment.

Is the tour cancelable or stopped for weather?

The tour runs rain-or-shine. If it’s canceled due to reasons like weather or minimum traveler numbers, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.