Everything You Need to Know About New Orleans Pub and Bus Crawls

New Orleans—also known as the Big Easy—is one of the most vibrant and lively cities in the United States. There is always something to do, from classic NOLA dishes, to jazz clubs, to rich and colorful street art. While you could spend days if not weeks exploring all the city has to offer, for any traveler who’s short on time and wants to experience New Orleans at its best, a pub crawl or a bus crawl offers the ideal solution.

At its most basic, a pub crawl is a social activity wherein participants traverse several bars or pubs in the same night over a certain period of time, stopping in to sample different beers, cocktails, and cuisine unique to each spot. On the other hand, a bus crawl is a slightly more organized type of pub crawl taking place on a bus (or a trolley, depending on the coordinators).

Here’s what you need to know about planning a pub or bus crawl in The Big Easy, why it’s worth your while, and how you can make the most of your experience:

The Advantages of a Pub or Bus Crawl

• Convenience. With either a pub or bus crawl, you don’t have to worry about driving between multiple spots, so you can responsibly enjoy yourself in each locale without the risk of getting a DUI. This also means that you get to cover more ground and experience more of what New Orleans has to offer.
• Company.No one likes feeling like a party of one, so if you’re traveling solo and want to make some new friends during your stay in The Big Easy, you’ll love joining a pub or bus crawl. You can even plan one with your own friends.
• Quality. Most pub crawls are run by experienced operators with inside knowledge on where to find the best—and the most affordable—selections of craft beers and local cocktails in New Orleans.
• Safety. Assuming you’re traveling with an organized and legitimate pub or bus crawl operator, you won’t have to worry about getting mugged as you traverse the city. And if at any point you become inebriated and need assistance, the operator will be more than happy to help out.

Choosing a Pub or Bus Crawl Tour Operator

Good pub and bus cawls are booked in advance and with reputable operators. This is key because you want a professional and experienced operator who is knowledgeable about the city, so they can guide you to different spots unique to New Orleans, while also following the law. If you decide that a pub or bus crawl is for you, make sure you research operators, read reviews, check prices, and learn about their options.

An official operator will make your outing safe—especially for first-time visitors as well as local New Orleanians. A highly recommended tour operator is GetYourGuide. GetYourGuide specializes in pub crawls and bus crawls, inviting locals and travelers alike on a fun experience around The Big Easy. All GetYourGuide packages come with an experienced tour guide, who can answer all your questions about the city and its culture while keeping everyone safe and on an ideal trajectory throughout the night.

What You Can Expect From Your Pub or Bus Crawl

When it comes to scheduling a pub or bus crawl, there are many different options, so it all depends on what your preferences and tastes are:

• Group Tours.If you don’t feel so comfortable joining an official pub or bus crawl—or if your budget is too tight for an organized tour—it might be best for you to plan a group tour with your own friends who also want to explore the city. That way, you could each chip in for accommodation, transportation and happy hour items without anyone feeling overburdened.
• All-inclusive Packages.For those looking for a worry-free and upscale pub crawl experience, an all-inclusive package tour might be ideal. This usually includes private transportation between venues, food, specialty drinks, experienced tour guides, VIP access to certain spots, discount vouchers for your favorite bars, and other perks like souvenirs.
• Theme Nights. A lot of pub crawl organizers offer themed nights where everything like outfits and songs will be tailored to one specific concept. From neon night crawls to 80s parties, these kinds of nights add up to an unforgettable experience. Also perfect if you’re celebrating an event like a birthday or bachelorette party.
• Crowlers. Like bottles and can beers? Then crowlers should be your go-to for every pub crawl! A crowler is essentially a large aluminum can designed for pouring beer that can be conveniently stored inside backpacks so you have something to enjoy even after the crawl officially ends.

Have Fun Exploring New Orleans!

If you’re looking for an exciting yet laidback way to explore characterful New Orleans neighborhoods with like-minded people—while responsibly enjoying some delicious grub and amazing local drinks in the process—then consider signing up for a pub or bus crawl. Yes, there are plenty of other activities like ghost tours and scenic boat rides available in The Big Easy—but nothing quite rivals experiencing this magnificently eccentric city through its food, drinks—and plenty of fun!

So what are you waiting for? Don’t miss out on a unique opportunity to create lasting memories while visiting New Orleans—book your spot on GetYourGuide’s exclusive pub or bus crawls now!