The 16 Best Drinking Tours in New York City
Few places offer a drinking scene as diverse and dynamic as New York City. Whether you’re interested in learning about the city’s Prohibition past, sipping craft beers in Brooklyn, or enjoying panoramic views from rooftop lounges, NYC’s nightlife is a treasure trove of experiences. The city’s mix of historic bars, trendy lounges, secret speakeasies, and scenic cruises make it a perfect playground for those looking to combine sightseeing with a bit of spirited fun. These tours are designed not just for drinking but for exploring local culture, history, and hidden corners that often elude the casual visitor.
If you’re considering a drinking tour in NYC, it pays to choose something tailored to your interests—whether that’s history, craft beer, or just a lively night out. Many tours include skip-the-line privileges, insider stories, and the chance to meet fellow travelers, making your night in the city memorable. Just remember, booking early can secure spots on the most popular tours, especially during peak seasons.
1. NYC: Bar, Lounge and Rooftop Nightlife Tour
At number 1 on our list, the NYC: Bar, Lounge and Rooftop Nightlife Tour offers a fun, social evening exploring Manhattan’s top nightlife venues with a local insider. For just $36, you get complimentary admission, skip-the-line privileges, and the chance to visit historic bars, sleek cocktail lounges, and a majestic rooftop with panoramic city views. The tour lasts around 3 hours, starting at 825 8th Ave in Midtown, and offers a perfect balance of lively bar-hopping and cultural insight.
Reviews highlight how guides like Jonathan and Amanda enrich the experience with stories and engaging personalities. Many guests mention discovering hidden spots and enjoying a night that feels exclusive without the hefty price tag. Ideal for travelers wanting a relaxed yet vibrant night out with fellow explorers, this tour provides a taste of NYC’s nightlife that’s both authentic and glamorous.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for first-timers or anyone eager to experience Manhattan’s iconic bars with a sociable guide and VIP extras.
2. NYC: Statue of Liberty Day Sail with Onboard Bar
Number 2 features the Statue of Liberty Day Sail, an hour and a half of sailing aboard the tall ship Clipper City. As you cruise from Pier 17, you’ll pass unparalleled views of the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and the NYC skyline. The tour includes opportunities to help raise the sails and even take a turn at the helm, making it more interactive than your average boat ride. Plus, there’s an onboard bar offering drinks to enjoy while soaking in the scenery.
This trip is perfect for those who want a different perspective of NYC’s harbor and skyline, combined with a relaxed vibe. Reviewers praise its unique charm, noting the friendly staff and the chance to skip the usual ferry crowds. The scenic route offers a peaceful contrast to Manhattan’s hustle and a memorable way to see waterfront landmarks.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers seeking a scenic sailing experience with a touch of adventure and a laid-back atmosphere.
3. Greenwich Village Literary Pub Crawl
The Greenwich Village Literary Pub Crawl ranks high for its mix of history and local flavor. For around $49, the three-hour tour takes you through some of the most storied pubs where writers like Dylan Thomas and e.e. Cummings sipped and created. Your guide shares fascinating tales about the area’s literary legends while you relax with a drink at each stop.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on literary history combined with a lively pub atmosphere. Guests love the mix of storytelling and casual drinking, with reviews praising guides like Miranda and Malka for their enthusiasm and knowledge. It’s ideal for literature lovers, history buffs, or anyone wanting a relaxed, culturally rich evening.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those interested in New York’s literary scene, with a blend of storytelling and pub comfort.
4. NYC: Night Out Prohibition History Bar and Speakeasy Tour
Number 4 on our list, the Night Out Prohibition History Bar and Speakeasy Tour, immerses you in the glamorous and clandestine world of 1920s NYC. For $36, the three-hour guided walk visits three iconic Midtown bars and hidden speakeasies, with VIP entry and insider stories about the Prohibition era.
Guests rave about the knowledgeable guide Aerille, who shares vivid tales of immigration, politics, and bootlegging. The tour is ideal for history enthusiasts or those wishing to experience NYC’s secret nightlife while enjoying craft cocktails in atmospheric venues. The mix of history and modern-day bar hopping creates a compelling story of resilience and rebellion.
Bottom Line: A top pick for history buffs and cocktail fans who want to taste history firsthand.
5. Speakeasy and Hidden Bar Night Tour NYC
The Speakeasy and Hidden Bar Night Tour offers an intimate look at some of NYC’s most exclusive and secretive venues. For $36, the tour lasts about three hours and takes you to three historic bars and speakeasies, many of which are hidden behind phone booths, barber shops, or alleyways.
Guests love the small group size, which ensures personalized attention, and guides like Catherine and Ryan who weave in stories of Prohibition and city lore. This tour is ideal for curious travelers eager to access places most travelers never see, with skip-the-line entry ensuring smooth visits. It’s a great blend of adventure, history, and craft cocktails.
Bottom Line: Best for those who enjoy secret spots, storytelling, and a relaxed, exclusive vibe.
6. Bar, Lounge and Rooftop Tour NYC
Next up, the Bar, Lounge and Rooftop Tour covers the city’s vibrant nightlife scene with skip-the-line access to various venues. For $36, in about three hours, you’ll hop between trendy bars, rooftop lounges, and entertainment districts, enjoying recommendations from your guide along the way.
Guests praise the mix of different neighborhoods and venues, especially the panoramic skyline views from rooftops. It’s suitable for travelers who want a flexible night with options for dancing, cocktails, and city sights in one tour. The VIP access makes visiting popular spots without waiting a real advantage.
Bottom Line: Excellent for nightlife explorers who want variety and scenic views in one evening.
7. New York City: Guided Brooklyn Craft Brewery Tour
The Brooklyn Craft Brewery Tour is perfect for beer lovers, offering up to 12 different craft beer samples across Brooklyn’s top breweries. For $99, the tour lasts around 3.5 hours, including a complimentary snack and Metro card for seamless travel between stops.
Guides like Eddie and Jonathan are praised for their enthusiasm and knowledge about Brooklyn’s brewing scene. The tour appeals most to those who want a behind-the-scenes look at Brooklyn’s beer culture and enjoy tasting a variety of locally brewed beers. The price reflects the quality and quantity of tastings, making it a good value for serious beer enthusiasts.
Bottom Line: Ideal for craft beer fans wanting VIP access and a taste of Brooklyn’s booming brewery scene.
8. NYC: Greenwich Village Pizza, Beer, and History Tour
Number 8, the Greenwich Village Pizza, Beer, and History Tour, combines delicious food and cultural storytelling. For $99, this 2.5-hour walking tour includes sampling three slices of pizza at renowned spots, along with visits to historic bars and landmarks associated with famous writers and artists.
Lydia’s lively commentary and focus on local legends make this tour appealing for foodies and history buffs alike. Guests particularly enjoy the chance to taste authentic New York pizza while learning about the neighborhood’s storied past. It’s a good fit for those who want a shorter, food-focused experience with a lively atmosphere.
Bottom Line: Excellent for pizza lovers and those interested in Greenwich Village’s artistic past.
9. Rooftop, Bar & Speakeasy Soirée – Downtown
The Rooftop, Bar & Speakeasy Soirée offers a 3-hour insider tour of Downtown’s nightlife with visits to rooftops, historic pubs, and cultural landmarks. For $35, you’ll experience panoramic skyline views and learn about NYC’s immigrant neighborhoods and history.
Guests appreciate the intimate walking pace and the guide’s engaging stories. The tour is perfect for those interested in cultural insights alongside great drinks, especially if you want to explore beyond the usual tourist spots. The highlight is the view from a rooftop bar overlooking Manhattan.
Bottom Line: Suited for those who want a mix of culture, history, and stunning city views.
10. Secret Bars and Speakeasy NY Experience
Number 10 features the Secret Bars and Speakeasy NY Experience, an immersive crawl through hidden bars in Midtown. For $35, you visit three secret venues, enjoy skip-the-line access, and learn about Prohibition’s impact on NYC nightlife.
Guides like Lilly excel at storytelling, making this tour especially appealing to those interested in hidden gems and cocktail history. The small group size ensures an intimate experience, and many reviewers mention discovering bars they would have never found on their own. It’s perfect for curious explorers who love uncovering secrets.
Bottom Line: Best for adventurous spirits who want to explore NYC’s clandestine bar scene with a knowledgeable host.
11. NYC Pub Crawl with Rooftop Clubbing Experience
The NYC Pub Crawl & Rooftop Clubbing combines four Lower Manhattan bars and a rooftop dance club. For just over $31, the 3-4 hour tour offers VIP treatment, drink discounts, and a lively atmosphere. Starting in East Village, the tour includes games, live music, and dancing.
Guests love the energetic guides like Kevin and Ariel, and the opportunity to experience NYC’s club scene in a relaxed setting. It’s ideal for those who want to combine bar hopping with a night of dancing and mingling, especially if you’re into a lively, youthful vibe.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers looking to dance, drink, and meet new friends in a casual, fun environment.
12. NYC: Boos & Booze Haunted Pub Crawl
The Haunted Pub Crawl mixes ghost stories with drinks in Greenwich Village. For $30, this 2-hour tour takes you to haunted bars like Marie’s Crisis Cafe, sharing tales of murder, duels, and spirits. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a spooky twist on their night out.
Guides share authentic stories that bring the city’s haunted past alive. Reviewers mention the fun atmosphere and the chance to explore bars with paranormal reputations. It’s especially suited for fans of ghost stories or those looking for a quirky, memorable evening.
Bottom Line: A fun, eerie experience blending NYC’s nightlife with supernatural tales.
13. NYC: New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise with Music and Open Bar
Number 13 offers a lavish way to ring in the new year—NYC New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise. For $650, it includes a three-hour cruise with an open bar, festive cuisine, and spectacular fireworks behind the Statue of Liberty.
Guests rave about the fantastic views, the quality of the food, and the lively entertainment with a DJ. The cruise is ideal for celebrating special occasions or those wanting a memorable, upscale way to welcome 2025. Expect stunning city vistas and a festive atmosphere.
Bottom Line: Best suited for special occasions and those seeking a glamorous, panoramic celebration.
14. New York Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl
The Ghosts & Booze Haunted Pub Crawl is a shorter, 2-hour haunted adventure in Greenwich Village. Priced at $27, it’s great for thrill-seekers wanting ghost stories, paranormal encounters, and drinks in a compact format. It covers lesser-known haunted spots and legends, including the spirit of Theodosia Burr.
Reviewers note the engaging storytelling by guides like Becca and Rose, making it more than just a pub crawl. It suits travelers curious about NYC’s spooky side or those who want a quick, fun, and eerie experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for ghost story enthusiasts and those who enjoy a spooky twist during their night out.
15. East Village Speakeasy (Secret Bars) Experience
The East Village Speakeasy Tour is a 3-hour adventure into NYC’s hidden bars and secret speakeasies. For $35, you visit clandestine venues through phone booths, barber shops, and alleyways, enjoying trendy cocktails in an intimate setting.
Guests love the chance to explore parts of the city most visitors miss. Guides like Lilly keep it fun and relaxed, ensuring you experience some of NYC’s most exclusive spots. Limited to seven travelers, it’s perfect for those wanting a more personal and secretive experience.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who love uncovering hidden NYC and enjoying exclusive cocktails.
16. NYC Skyline Lights Happy Hour and Cash Bar
Number 16 is a quick, one-and-a-half-hour Skyline Lights Happy Hour, offering spectacular views of Manhattan’s skyline and the Statue of Liberty from a boat departing near the Brooklyn Bridge. For $49.99, you get snacks, drinks, and a lively atmosphere with outdoor dance floor.
Reviews mention the stunning photos and the friendly staff, making it a good choice for a short but scenic outing. It’s suited for those wanting a relaxed cruise with a view and some drinks to unwind after sightseeing.
Bottom Line: Great for a brief, scenic, and social experience on the water with iconic city views.
How to Choose Your Drinking Tour in NYC
When selecting a drinking tour, consider your interests and schedule. If you love history and cocktails, the Prohibition Tour or Secret Bars Tour might suit you best. For beer aficionados, the Brooklyn Craft Brewery offers a behind-the-scenes look at Brooklyn’s breweries.
Budget-conscious travelers might prefer shorter tours like the Skyline Lights Cruise or Haunted Pub Crawl. Those wanting a mix of sightseeing and nightlife should consider Rooftop and Bar Tours or Pub Crawl with Clubbing.
Booking early ensures you secure a spot during busy seasons. Also, check the duration and location to match your energy level and preferred neighborhoods.
Final Thoughts
NYC’s drinking scene offers an impressive range of experiences—from historic speakeasies to scenic boat cruises and craft breweries. For a truly immersive evening, the NYC: Bar, Lounge and Rooftop Nightlife Tour provides a lively introduction to Manhattan’s nightlife. If you want to combine sightseeing with drinks, the Statue of Liberty Sail offers a memorable water-bound perspective.
For those keen on history, the Prohibition Tour and secret hidden bar experiences reveal the city’s clandestine past. Beer lovers will enjoy the Brooklyn Brewery Tour, while fans of spooky stories might opt for the Haunted Pub Crawl.
No matter your style, New York City’s drinking tours promise a night of fun, flavor, and discovery. To make the most of your trip, consider booking your preferred tour in advance, especially during peak seasons or holidays. Cheers to exploring NYC in ways you won’t forget.