Brews and Boos: New Orleans’ Top Spots for Haunted Pub Crawls
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By: Liz Wegerer
New Orleans, a city deeply rooted in history and celebrated for its lively nightlife, offers a unique blend of spirits and spirits. The city’s haunted pub tours have grown increasingly popular among locals and visitors alike, providing an exciting opportunity to explore New Orleans’ most haunted locations while indulging in a drink or two. These pub tours allow participants to uncover the city’s rich history and culture while experiencing the eerie ambiance of its notorious haunted spots.
In This Article
TL;DR
New Orleans‘ haunted pub tours combine nightlife and history, guiding participants to the city’s most haunted bars and pubs.
Haunted locations play a significant role in New Orleans’ culture, with many historical events and reported paranormal occurrences contributing to the city’s reputation as one of America’s most haunted destinations.
The popularity of haunted pub tours in New Orleans has risen significantly in recent years, attracting both locals and tourists seeking to explore the city’s spooky side while enjoying its renowned nightlife.
Historical Background of Haunted Sites in New Orleans
New Orleans boasts a long and storied history, dating back to its founding by the French in 1718. Throughout the centuries, the city has witnessed numerous historical events, from the Louisiana Purchase to the Civil War, which have left an indelible mark on its landscape and ghostly inhabitants. Many of the reported hauntings in New Orleans are connected to these historical events, such as the infamous LaLaurie Mansion, where Madame LaLaurie tortured and murdered her slaves in the early 1800s.
Other famous haunted locations that now house pubs or bars include Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, where the ghost of the notorious pirate Jean Lafitte is said to linger, and the Old Absinthe House, where the spirits of famous patrons like Mark Twain and Oscar Wilde are believed to still roam.
Understanding Haunted Pub Tours
A haunted pub tour is a guided experience that takes participants to various haunted pubs and bars in a city, while a knowledgeable guide shares stories of the ghosts and hauntings associated with each location. These tours differ from regular pub crawls in that they focus on the paranormal aspects of the establishments, rather than solely on the drinking experience.
Storytelling plays a crucial role in haunted pub tours, as the guides weave tales of the city’s dark history and the spirits that are said to still wander the streets and buildings. This combination of ghost stories and guided tours enhances the overall experience, making it both educational and entertaining.
Top Haunted Pubs and Bars in New Orleans
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop
Located on the corner of Bourbon Street and St. Philip Street, this bar is housed in one of the oldest buildings in New Orleans, dating back to the 1770s. It is named after the infamous pirate Jean Lafitte, who is said to haunt the establishment. Visitors can enjoy the bar’s signature drink, the “Purple Drank,” while listening to tales of Lafitte’s ghostly appearances.
Address: 940 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Phone: (504) 593-9761
The Bourbon Orleans Hotel
This historic hotel, situated in the heart of the French Quarter, is known for its numerous ghostly residents. The most famous of these is the ghost of a Confederate soldier who is said to haunt the third and sixth floors. The hotel’s bar, the Bourbon “O” Bar, offers a variety of themed cocktails, such as the “Ghostly Gimlet” and the “Haunted Hurricane”.
Address: 717 Orleans St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Phone: (504) 523-2222
Muriel’s Jackson Square
Located in a prime spot overlooking Jackson Square, Muriel’s is known for its ghost table, which is set each night with bread and wine for the spirit of Pierre Antoine Lepardi Jourdan, the former owner of the building who committed suicide on the property in the early 1800s. The restaurant’s Séance Lounge offers a selection of absinthe-based cocktails and other spirits.
Address: 801 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Phone: (504) 568-1885
Planning Your Haunted Pub Tour
When planning your haunted pub tour in New Orleans, it’s crucial to consider the best times to go. Many tours operate nightly, with typical start times around 7:30 or 8:00 PM. It’s recommended to book your tour in advance, as they can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons like Mardi Gras and Halloween.
Participants should dress comfortably for walking and be prepared for any weather conditions, as tours run rain or shine. It’s also important to drink responsibly and follow the guide’s instructions throughout the tour to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Experiences and Testimonials
Many participants of New Orleans’ haunted pub tours have shared their experiences and stories, highlighting the memorable moments and scares they encountered during their tours. One visitor described their experience at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, saying, “As we were listening to the story of Jean Lafitte, I swear I felt a cold breeze pass by me, even though it was a hot summer night. It definitely made me a believer in ghosts!”
Another participant shared their thoughts on the overall experience, stating, “The haunted pub tour was the perfect way to explore New Orleans‘ spooky side while also enjoying some great drinks and company. Our guide was fantastic, and the stories they told really brought the city’s history to life in a unique and exciting way”.
These experiences often leave a lasting impact on participants, causing them to view the paranormal in a new light and appreciate the rich history and folklore that surrounds New Orleans’ haunted locations.
Cultural Impact of Haunted Pub Tours in New Orleans
Haunted pub tours have become an integral part of New Orleans’ tourism industry, attracting visitors from around the world who are eager to experience the city’s unique blend of history, mystery, and nightlife. These tours contribute significantly to the local economy, supporting bars, restaurants, and other businesses that are featured on the tours.
In addition to their economic benefits, haunted pub tours also play a vital role in preserving New Orleans’ folklore and history. By sharing stories of the city’s ghostly past, these tours help keep the legends and tales alive for future generations, ensuring that the city’s rich cultural heritage is not forgotten.
Future of Haunted Pub Tours
As the popularity of haunted pub tours continues to grow, it’s likely that we’ll see new trends and innovations in the coming years. Some tour operators are already experimenting with technological enhancements, such as augmented reality and virtual reality, to create even more immersive and interactive experiences for participants.
Thematic innovations are also on the rise, with some pub tours focusing on specific historical eras or types of hauntings, such as vampire-themed tours or tours that explore the city’s voodoo history.
As more people discover the unique appeal of haunted pub tours, it’s expected that their popularity will continue to grow, not just in New Orleans, but in other cities with rich haunted histories as well. This growth will likely lead to the expansion of existing tours and the creation of new ones, providing even more opportunities for visitors to explore the paranormal while enjoying a night out on the town.
Departure Location: Jackson Square – 701 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA
Book online at: https://usghostadventures.com/new-orleans-ghost-tour/haunted-pub-crawl/
Please note that prices, times, and locations are subject to change, so it’s always best to check with the tour operator directly for the most up-to-date information and to make your booking.
Liz Wegerer is a highly experienced writer and editor with a diverse background that spans several industries. At Inside NOLA, Liz brings her exceptional writing skills and thorough research capabilities to create engaging content about New Orleans. Her global experiences, including serving as editor-in-chief of a digital magazine in London and covering international events, have shaped her into a well-rounded storyteller.
With a keen eye for detail and a passion for the unique character of New Orleans, Liz covers a wide range of topics from the city's famous attractions to its distinctive neighborhoods. Her deep understanding of the local culture and history, combined with her ability to craft compelling narratives, makes her a trusted authority on the Crescent City. When not writing, Liz enjoys traveling and exploring new culinary delights, which fuels her appreciation for the vibrant and diverse food scene in New Orleans. Her commitment to delivering top-quality content ensures that readers get an authentic and enriching experience of the city.
