Bourbon Street meets the supernatural. This New Orleans Drunken Voodoo tour mixes street-level history with spooky stories, plus a hands-on moment using an EMF meter to check for paranormal activity. I really like the “walk and talk” format because you’re moving through the French Quarter instead of sitting in one place.

What I also like: the stories connect to real landmarks, including the Jackson Square area and the St Louis Cathedral area, rather than vague spooky talk. One thing to consider up front is that there’s no guarantee you’ll actually see anything paranormal, and the tour is dependent on timing at busy bars.

I’ve seen enough guide-style consistency in the experience to expect lively storytelling and practical city context—especially when the guide is Cody/Coty, who people praised for staying patient while answering questions. You’re also likely to get bar-hopping flavor without turning it into a chaotic pub crawl, since the route is set and the guide keeps you on schedule.

The drawback to plan around: the meeting point is specific (the courtyard gate tied to Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop), and late arrivals can miss the start.

Key Things That Make This Tour Worth Your Time

• EMF meter access during the walk, with paranormal equipment rules made clear
• Drunk-history storytelling anchored to recognizable French Quarter locations
• Marie Laveau and voodoo site mentions tied to New Orleans lore (and where ceremonies took place)
• Vampire sightings and haunted-house stops presented as part of the city’s documented stories
• Stops at Jackson Square to close out the experience near the heart of it all
• A guide-led bar route across historic drinking spots (drinks not included)

A One-to-Two-Hour French Quarter Walk That Keeps Moving

This is a moderate-paced walking tour built for people who want atmosphere and answers at the same time. You’ll spend roughly 1 to 2 hours moving street to street, with the guide talking as you go and with some time that may expand a bit depending on bar traffic. The group size can go up to 99 (so it can feel busy), but it’s still paced like a walking experience, not a lecture hall.

The vibe is clearly “fun + spooky + local facts,” with the key twist being that you’re drinking your way through the French Quarter’s legend-making history. Drinks are not included, but the tour is designed for alcohol-friendly strolling, and you’re allowed to have alcoholic beverages on the tour (with the usual safety caveat that staff may refuse service if someone is extremely intoxicated).

If you’re the type who likes your New Orleans with a side of night energy, this fits. If you’re hoping for a quiet, museum-style history stroll, you might find the tone too playful.

Stop 1: Lafitte’s Area History, EMF Meter Use, and Voodoo Legends

Your tour starts at 941 Bourbon St, at the sidewalk gate of the courtyard attached to Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar. Important: you’re not supposed to meet inside the bar, and the tour does not meet at random corners. Show up a few minutes early so you can check in before the group departs on time. The operator also takes time-stamped photos of the meeting location at the start.

From there, the tour’s first big block is the “drunken voodoo” history part, framed around the Vieux Carré streets and major landmarks. The most concrete anchor you’ll hear: the exact location connected to the Louisiana Purchase signing in 1803. Even if you already know the headline of the purchase, the way it’s tied to walking distance landmarks is the point.

This stop also leans hard into paranormal lore and voodoo context:

• You’ll hear stories connected to Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau, including mention of property given to her as payment for her magic.
• You’ll visit locations tied to voodoo ceremonies.
• You’ll also be directed to places described as haunted, plus references to vampires and claims of regular sightings.

The tour includes a real EMF meter ghost/paranormal detector. That’s the part paranormal fans often care about most, but here’s the practical truth: the tour itself frames this as realistic entertainment. They also make it explicit that there’s no guarantee you’ll encounter anything supernatural during your time out.

So what should you expect from the EMF piece?

• You’ll have a moment to use the equipment during the tour window.
• You’ll follow staff rules for checking it out and returning it.
• You’re not signing up for a guaranteed ghost encounter; you’re signing up for a guided chance to measure and react to “what might be there.”

One more practical thing: paranormal equipment comes with strict tracking. If you check it out, the tour notes a $250 fee for any piece that goes missing or is damaged. Treat it like it’s your phone on a crowded sidewalk. No dropping, no “I’ll hold it for a second.”

French Quarter Stop 2: Bar Culture Meets the Drunk-History Route

After the first history-heavy phase, you shift into the French Quarter itself: the tour heads through an area loaded with bars. The description is clear: the French Quarter is home to over 200 bars, and your route includes opportunities to check out some of the neighborhood’s friendliest and historic ones.

This is where the experience changes gears. The guide keeps the stories rolling while you pass (and sometimes pause for) multiple drinking spots. The tour describes it as passing “a dozen at every turn,” and that matches the reality of walking Bourbon and nearby streets: you don’t have to search for places; the street does that for you.

A key value here is pacing and format. This isn’t just “here are scary stories while you walk.” It’s a guided loop where the history and lore keep being tied back to places you can look at: the architecture, the street vibe, the drinking-house tradition that New Orleans does so well.

Two things to plan around:

• Bars can slow the tour. If a bar is busy, you may wait longer than expected.
• Drinks aren’t included, so your total night cost depends on what you order.

If you want to keep your budget under control, go for one drink you enjoy and then balance it with water. It’s also worth noting that audio/video recording is not allowed during the tour, though photos are encouraged.

Jackson Square Finish: Where the Night Feels Like the Main Character

The tour concludes in Jackson Square, described as the heart of the French Quarter. This matters because Jackson Square sits at a natural “wrap-up zone.” You get a central landmark, you can reorient fast, and you can decide what to do next without needing a map app for every turn.

Before you get there, the tour highlights the St Louis Cathedral area in connection with Jackson Square. Even if you’ve seen photos of it, seeing it as part of a walking route with a guide’s story connection changes how it feels. It’s no longer just a postcard. It becomes a “this is where the city’s identity shows itself” stop.

Also, you’re ending in the zone most visitors use as a starting point for later exploring. So even though the tour ends there, you don’t feel stranded. You can stroll on, grab dinner nearby, or link up with other tours.

Price and Value: Why $35 Can Make Sense in NOLA

At $35 per person, you’re buying three things:

1. A guided walk through iconic areas you’d probably visit anyway
2. Storytelling that blends history with the supernatural theme
3. A structured paranormal-equipment experience via the EMF meter

For New Orleans, that price point can be a good value if you care about context. A lot of bar-and-haunt activities cost more and deliver less structure. Here, the time is set, the route is defined, and the tour ends where you can keep sightseeing easily.

Is it “cheap”? No. But it’s also not a premium-price private tour. And because it’s only 1–2 hours, you’re not committing an entire chunk of your day to it. That makes it easier to fit into a first-night schedule.

The biggest value variable is the guide quality and group management. The reviews strongly emphasize that some guides (notably Cody/Coty) deliver engaging storytelling and patience for questions. If you get a strong guide, you’ll probably feel the money was well spent.

The biggest value risk is the expectation problem: if you expect guaranteed paranormal proof, you’ll likely feel disappointed. The tour itself frames it as entertainment, and they also state there’s no guarantee of encountering supernatural activity.

Group Tour Reality: Fun Energy, Busy Stops, and Clear Rules

Because this is a group experience, you’ll feel the benefits and the friction:

• Benefits: shared energy, guide storytelling you can’t easily replicate on your own
• Friction: schedule pressure, bar crowding, and the fact that you stay with the group

The operator limits the experience to public property and says there’s no entry into private property. That helps set expectations: you’re not doing secret house tours. You’re walking and learning, with the paranormal angle presented in the open.

They also make one rule very clear: tour participants can’t walk off to take photos. The guide has to stay on schedule, and the tour depends on timing.

You should also know the tour includes a drinking element. Alcohol is allowed during the tour, but if someone is extremely intoxicated, the operator can refuse service. If that’s your concern, pace your drinking and set expectations with your group.

Finally, if you’re traveling with kids, note that children under 18 are not admitted without a parent or guardian, and not all bars may allow children inside. If you’re a parent, it’s your job to plan around that.

What the Past Experiences Tell You About Booking Smart

Most of the review praise centers on the guides—especially Cody/Coty—for being engaging, patient with questions, and able to add useful city context beyond the ghost theme. People also liked that the tour created a fast foundation for what to see afterward.

The downside pattern is less about content and more about operations: there are multiple complaints about no-show situations or late/unclear check-in, plus cases where people felt the refund communication wasn’t handled well. Some reviews also mention confusion about finding the check-in point.

So here’s how you protect yourself without overthinking it:

• Arrive early at the correct courtyard gate location on Bourbon Street.
• Take a quick photo or note of what you see at the meeting point so you can confirm you’re at the right spot.
• If you’re running late, contact them before departure time, not after.

If you’re the type who hates uncertainty, go in with a calm plan: have dinner nearby that you can switch to, and keep your night flexible.

Should You Book New Orleans Drunken Voodoo?

Book it if you want an easy first-night plan that mixes French Quarter landmarks with voodoo and paranormal storytelling, and you’re okay with a playful, adults-first energy. It’s a good fit for couples, groups of friends, and anyone who likes their history with a little danger seasoning.

Skip it (or pick something else) if you need a quiet, fact-only tour, or if you’re hunting for guaranteed proof of supernatural activity. The EMF meter is part of the entertainment, not a certainty machine.

If you do book, treat it like a guided night walk: show up early, budget for drinks, and keep your expectations realistic. You’ll get a structured route through the French Quarter’s most famous symbolism—plus enough spooky lore to make your next stop feel richer.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet on the sidewalk at the gate of the courtyard attached to Lafittes Blacksmith Shop Bar at 941 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116. The tour does not meet inside the bar.

How long is the tour?

The walking tour runs about 1 to 2 hours (approx.). It’s a moderate pace, and bar wait times can affect how long it takes.

Are drinks included in the price?

No. Drinks are not included. Alcoholic beverages can be taken during the tour, depending on safety rules.

Is paranormal activity guaranteed?

No. The tour is realistic entertainment, and there is no guarantee you will encounter paranormal activity.

Can I use the EMF meter during the tour?

The tour offers access to an EMF meter. Paranormal equipment can be checked out during the tour, and there is a $250 fee for any lost, damaged, or missing equipment.

Can I get a refund if plans change?

Yes. The experience has free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancel within 24 hours and the amount paid is not refunded.