Free shots make fear go down easy. This 2-hour ghost tour and haunted pub crawl threads through the French Quarter with storytelling tied to real locations, plus drink specials and a free shot right at the start.

I love that the experience is built for nightlife energy, not just spooky points on a map. You get Mardi Gras beads, plus one included shot and drink discounts, which helps your budget actually work in a bar-heavy neighborhood. And if you land a guide like Pandi or Clarissa, the vibe tends to mix laughs with sharper historical details.

One thing to consider: it is more about haunted history and legends than confirmed paranormal proof. A couple of people felt the drinking time and spooky moments were limited, and on some nights not every stop may land exactly as expected—so go for the story and the fun, not a full-on investigation.

Key highlights to look for

• Free shot kickoff at BMC Balcony Music Club plus drink specials to start the night right
• Inside-bar access at popular French Quarter watering holes like Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar
• Lalaurie Mansion stop tied to pop culture (it was used for American Horror Story filming)
• Bring your camera at the Andrew Jackson Hotel for a lighthearted apparitions-on-film challenge
• Small group feel with a maximum of 28 travelers and a local/pro guide leading the way
• Mardi Gras beads and end-of-tour party tips so you know where to go next

Price and what $19 actually buys you in the French Quarter

At $19 per person for roughly 2 hours, this is priced like a budget-friendly night out that comes with structure. The key value move is that you’re not paying full price for the entire bar portion—your included perks cover the essentials: one free shot and drink discounts, plus Mardi Gras beads.

In New Orleans, drinks add up fast once you’re bouncing from stop to stop. Even if you only order one more drink after the free shot, you’re already ahead of the typical solo wandering cost. And because the guide keeps the pace moving, you’re paying for time and context, not just walking in a straight line through the dark.

Start on Frenchmen Street, then follow the spooky flow

You meet at 507 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA 70116, and the tour ends at MRB Bar & Kitchen, 515 St Philip St. Most of the action happens in the French Quarter area, and the route is designed for an evening you can keep partying after, not one that forces an early exit.

You’ll want to arrive ready to move. This is a walking-focused experience, and the best nights tend to feel like hanging out with friends who know where the best stories and the best bar doors are. You also get a mobile ticket, so you can keep things simple with your phone.

Max group size is 28, which matters more than you’d think. In a neighborhood known for crowded sidewalks, a smaller group keeps the guide’s voice usable and makes it easier to find your spot when everyone stops for a story.

Stop 1: BMC Balcony Music Club for drink specials and a free shot

The night kicks off at BMC Balcony Music Club with a meet-and-mingle moment. You’ll start inside the bar for drink specials, and the host gives everyone a free shot as the stories begin.

This is a smart first stop. It gets you warmed up before the tour turns into more serious haunted history, and it also tells you what kind of evening you’re in for: a mix of party energy and dark folklore. You’ll hear tales of New Orleans’ darkest history right away, so there’s less waiting and more payoff.

Practical tip: if you’re sensitive to alcohol, go easy at the start. You’ll still enjoy the storytelling, but you’ll thank yourself later when you’re walking the backstreets and lining up for photos.

Stop 2: Lalaurie Mansion and the dark screen-to-street connection

Next comes the Lalaurie Mansion stop, about 30 minutes. This is where the tour leans into the connection between real New Orleans tragedy and the spooky stories that keep getting retold.

The mansion is also famous because it was used for American Horror Story filming, which adds an extra layer if you recognize the setting. Even if you don’t, this stop works because it grounds the ghost-tour vibe in something historically specific: the kind of place that carries a heavy reputation long after the facts fade from everyday conversation.

What I like about stops like this is that they don’t just say spooky things and move on. The time here gives you space to understand why a location becomes legend—how people mythologize fear, and how a city keeps those stories alive.

Possible drawback: if you’re expecting spooky sightings instead of tragic history, you might find yourself wanting more paranormal action here. For many people, though, the history is the haunting.

Stop 3: Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar for pirates, legends, and a real drink stop

Then you head to Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar for another about 30 minutes. This is one of the standout reasons to book this specific tour: it lets you go inside a famous bar and get a drink as part of the ghost experience.

This stop has a strong “French Quarter myth” feeling. The stories point to a past where pirates plotted and phantoms linger, and the bar itself gives you a believable setting for all that lore to land. If you’ve ever tried a ghost tour that feels like you’re only taking notes outside, this is the correction. You get actual bar energy while the guide tells the story.

Keep your expectations realistic. You’re not settling into a long happy-hour session. Instead, think of it as a brief, fun intermission where your drink is part of the atmosphere.

Stop 4: Andrew Jackson Hotel backstreets and camera-on-film fun

The last major stop is the Andrew Jackson Hotel (a French Quarter Inns hotel), around 30 minutes. This is where the tour asks you to bring your camera to catch apparitions on film.

That doesn’t mean you’ll definitely get proof. But it’s a fun challenge, and it pushes you to slow down for the visual moment instead of treating the tour like background noise. If you’ve got the kind of curiosity that makes you try a silly experiment just to see what happens, this stop is your kind of thing.

There’s also a practical plus: you’ll get time to explore spooky backstreets filled with paranormal legends. Even when you’re not photographing anything, this is often when the French Quarter feels most haunting—quiet corners, old walls, and that late-evening mood where stories feel easier to imagine.

How the whole night feels: pace, drinking, and group energy

This tour is designed for an evening that feels social. You start with meet-and-mingle, you get an included shot, and each stop gives you a chance to reset before the next story.

Still, it’s not a marathon party crawl. One earlier disappointment in the feedback was that some people felt there wasn’t enough drinking or that there were long stretches that felt more like walking and listening than bar time. So if your main goal is maximum alcohol, you may need to plan an after-stop on your own.

If you do want the full party-night effect, use the tour’s end for momentum. The experience is set up so you can leave with chilling stories and recommendations on how to continue your party in the Big Easy.

And remember the crowd factor. With a maximum of 28 travelers, you’re not in a massive crush, but you still need to be patient on sidewalks. Wear comfortable shoes, keep your phone charged, and be ready to walk.

Guides are a big part of the value

The difference between a good ghost tour and a great one usually comes down to the guide. Here, names like Pandi and Clarissa show up for a reason: people describe them as energetic and story-driven, the kind of hosts who keep attention while also sharing city context.

A good guide also knows how to pace the group so you’re not falling behind. One practical detail I took from the tour design is that you’re given drink time at stops, not just a hard stop-and-go. That keeps the experience fun instead of stressful.

If you want the most memorable version of this night, prioritize guides who lean into storytelling with humor. New Orleans ghost tours go best when the guide makes the dark material feel like a shared adventure, not a lecture.

Who should book this ghost tour and haunted pub crawl?

Book it if you want:

• A French Quarter night with structure and a built-in way to meet the city after dark
• History + bar stops instead of a ghost tour that never lets you step into the action
• A group-friendly experience that can feel like a casual party with spooky edges

It may not be the best fit if:

• You’re chasing long, intense paranormal sessions or lots of direct spooky sightings
• You need a heavy drinking schedule and long bar stays
• You’re the type who gets disappointed if every single planned stop doesn’t feel perfectly timed

For couples, friends, and “girls weekend” groups, this kind of tour is often a strong choice. It’s lively, it’s social, and you leave with both stories and a sense of where to keep going.

Should you book it?

If you want a fun New Orleans evening where you learn a little, drink a little, and laugh through the creepiness, this is a solid buy at $19. The combo of included free shot, drink discounts, and Mardi Gras beads turns it from a pure walking tour into a true night out.

Just go in with the right mindset: you’re buying storytelling and haunted-location vibes, not a guarantee of proof. If that sounds like your kind of night, book it and wear shoes you can walk in. The French Quarter is at its best after dark.

FAQ

How long is the ghost tour and haunted pub crawl?

It runs for about 2 hours.

How much does it cost?

The price is $19.00 per person.

What’s included in the ticket?

The tour includes a local/pro guide, Mardi Gras beads, and alcoholic beverages including ONE shot, plus drink discounts.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at 507 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA 70116, and ends at MRB Bar & Kitchen, 515 St Philip St, New Orleans, LA 70116.

Do I need to speak a different language, or is it in English?

It is offered in English.

How many people are in the group?

The maximum group size is 28 travelers.

Is there a free shot, and when do we get it?

Yes. A free shot is given at the first stop at BMC Balcony Music Club.

What if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.