Walking Tour New Orleans Craft Breweries & Beer Flights

Our review explores a lively, well-rated tour that offers a taste of New Orleans’ vibrant craft beer culture. Designed for those craving an authentic, behind-the-scenes experience, this tour combines local breweries, regional stories, and a chance to enjoy the city’s architecture—all with a friendly guide leading the way.

We love how this experience emphasizes local flavor—visiting established breweries like Abita, which has been a staple since 1986, and newer spots that grew out of community resilience after Hurricane Katrina. Plus, the tour’s relaxed pace and opportunity to walk with your drinks “to go” help you soak in the neighborhood’s sights and stories at your own rhythm.

The one thing to consider: This tour is focused on beer enthusiasts and those comfortable with moderate walking and tasting. If you’re not a drinker or traveling with very young kids, it might not be your best fit. Still, if you enjoy learning about local craft cultures or trying regional brews with friends, this is a highly enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours in historic Tchoupitoulas Street.

Ideal for groups, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or anyone curious about New Orleans’ brewing scene with a sense of adventure and taste for local stories.

Authentic local breweries: Visit three breweries with a guide who shares insider stories.
Tasting and regional bites: Enjoy beer flights at each stop, finishing with a Creole-Italian snack.
Cultural insights: Learn about the Mississippi River and New Orleans’ neighborhood history.
Flexible and social: Walk “to go” with your drinks, explore architecture, and chat about city life.
Knowledgeable guide: Well-rated guides enrich the experience with stories and brewing details.
Accessibility and convenience: Half the fun is the walk between stops, all within a manageable area.

Starting Point: Abita New Orleans Tap Room

The tour kicks off at Abita New Orleans located at 2375 Tchoupitoulas Street. Founded in 1986, Abita is one of the oldest craft breweries in the southeastern US, making it a fitting starting point. Here, you’ll sample your initial flight and get a feel for the city’s brewing roots. Reviewers have noted that Abita “is a mainstay of New Orleans’ craft beer scene,” offering a solid introduction to local and regional brews. The atmosphere is casual, and the guide provides background on Abita’s history and signature beers, which helps set the tone for the rest of the tour.

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The Walk and Second Brewery: Funky Beekeeping-Inspired Beers

After your first tasting, you’ll walk with your drinks “to go” along the neighborhood, soaking in the sights and architecture. This relaxed pace allows you to appreciate the local vibe, colorful buildings, and riverfront charm. The walk is about half a mile, which is manageable and adds a casual social element to the experience.

The second stop is Funkytown, a brewery whose name nods to the owner’s beekeeping hobby. This spot is known for its off-the-wall and funky beers, which are paired with more common brews to create interesting flights. Guests often appreciate the unique flavors and the quirky, creative atmosphere. One reviewer mentioned that the beers are “interesting, with funky undertones,” making it a favorite for those wanting something different from the usual.

The Final Brewery: NOLA Brewing Co.

The tour’s highlight for many is the last stop at NOLA Brewing Co., established in 2008. This brewery was created to fill the void left by the closure of Dixie Brewing after Hurricane Katrina—highlighting how resilience shapes local brewing. It’s a significant part of the city’s brewing comeback, and you’ll get to sample a variety of beers that reflect this spirit. This stop offers another tasting session, along with regional food options that complement the beers—think Creole-Italian snacks and slices of hand-tossed pizza.

Guests consistently remark on the friendly, knowledgeable guides who share insights about the brewing process and the city’s history. One review praised the guide for “making the experience fun and informative,” which elevates a simple tasting tour into a memorable intercultural exchange.

Ending on a High Note

The tour wraps up at NOLA Brewing & Pizza Co., about half a mile from the starting point, around a relaxed, convivial atmosphere. You’ll leave with recommendations for other local breweries, bars, and places to explore, plus a better understanding of New Orleans’ craft beer scene and neighborhood.

This 2-hour tour is designed to be leisurely, with a focus on quality over quantity. The price includes three brewery flights, regional food, and the guidance of a local expert. You’ll need comfortable shoes for the walk, and since you’ll be drinking alcohol, a valid ID or passport is required. The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for a broader range of visitors.

Timing-wise, you can reserve your spot with flexible payment options—pay later and cancel up to 24 hours in advance if needed. The small group size and engaging guide ensure a personalized experience that’s both educational and fun, especially for those interested in craft beer culture and local stories.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Beyond the beers, it’s the insider stories that truly enhance this tour. The guide’s knowledge about New Orleans’ neighborhoods, river life, and brewing history adds depth that many generic tours lack. Plus, the chance to sample regional beers and leave with tailored recommendations makes it a valuable experience.

The tour has received rave reviews for the friendly, engaging guides and the high-quality breweries visited. Several travelers have noted that the guides “made the experience fun and informative,” which confirms the tour’s strength as both an educational and social activity.

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Price and Value

While not the cheapest option, it offers good value considering the three brewery flights, regional food, and guided insights. Sampling at established breweries like Abita plus a newer, resilient brewery that grew out of Hurricane Katrina’s aftermath gives you a well-rounded taste of local brewing ingenuity. If you’re keen on craft beer and local stories, this tour provides an efficient, enjoyable way to explore New Orleans beyond the usual tourist spots.

This craft brewery tour is ideal for adventurous drinkers who love discovering local flavors while learning about a city’s resilience and culture. It’s perfect for groups, friends, and party-goers looking for a lively, social experience. If you’re curious about the city’s neighborhoods and enjoy walking with your drinks, you’ll find this tour hits the mark.

However, it’s not suitable for those under 21, or anyone not interested in beer or moderate walking. It’s also best for travelers looking for a relaxed pace rather than a high-energy, fast-paced outing.

This walking tour offers a rare blend of local history, neighborhood charm, and craft beer tasting that captures the spirit of New Orleans. The combination of well-chosen breweries, engaging stories, and a friendly guide makes it a standout experience for those wanting an authentic taste of the city’s brewing culture.

Whether you’re a seasoned beer connoisseur or a curious traveler, you’ll appreciate the genuine, informal atmosphere and the opportunity to explore the city’s riverfront neighborhoods through a different lens. The tour’s focus on local, resilient breweries makes it more than just a tasting—it’s a story of community, craft, and resilience told over excellent beers.

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers?
This tour is designed around beer tasting, so it’s best suited for those who enjoy sampling craft beers. Non-drinkers might find less value, but they can still enjoy the walk and the neighborhood scenery.

How much walking is involved?
You’ll walk about half a mile between breweries, which allows for a relaxed pace and a chance to enjoy the neighborhood views while carrying your drinks.

Are the breweries indoor or outdoor?
Most of the tastings are at breweries, which are typically indoor tap rooms, providing a comfortable environment regardless of the weather.

Can I bring children?
No, this tour is only for those 21 and over due to alcohol consumption.

What should I bring on the tour?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, and remember to bring a valid ID or passport if you plan on drinking.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it accessible for all visitors.

In all, this New Orleans craft brewery tour combines the city’s authentic drinking culture with local stories and neighborhood charm, making it a thoughtful and lively addition to your travel plans.