The 2 Best Drinking Tours in Lancaster Pennsylvania
Lancaster, Pennsylvania, isn’t just about Amish farms and rolling farmland. It’s also a surprisingly lively city with a rich brewing scene and stories that date back to its early days. For those interested in craft beer or local history, Lancaster offers some excellent options to sample the city’s flavors while exploring its streets and stories. Whether you want to visit several breweries in one go or learn about Lancaster’s past while enjoying a craft beer, you’ll find a tour to suit your interests. These drinking tours combine authentic experiences with a dose of local culture—perfect for beer enthusiasts and history lovers alike.
In this guide, we’ll look at two of Lancaster’s top drinking tours. The first is a comprehensive walking craft brewery tour that takes you behind the scenes of local breweries. The second offers a shorter, more historical craft beer walk focused on downtown Lancaster’s past. Both tours are highly rated and provide unique ways to experience Lancaster’s vibrant beer scene and fascinating history. Read on to find out which tour matches your style and what makes each one special.
Quick Overview
Lancaster’s best drinking tours include a four-hour walking craft brewery tour and a two-hour downtown history and craft beer walk. The Lancaster City: The Ultimate Walking Craft Brewery Tour (link) is perfect for those wanting to visit three breweries with exclusive access and guided tastings. Meanwhile, the Lancaster: Downtown History and Craft Beer Walk (link) combines local history lessons with tastings of some of the nation’s best craft beers. Now, let’s look at each one in detail.
1. Lancaster City: The Ultimate Walking Craft Brewery Tour
This 4-hour tour is designed for those eager to learn about craft beer while sipping on well-curated selections. Starting at 35 N Market St, the tour takes you to three different breweries in Lancaster, with guided tastings that include exclusive behind-the-scenes access. The tour emphasizes experiential learning—it’s not just about drinking but understanding what makes Lancaster’s craft beers special.
The tour is led by knowledgeable Beer Guides who share stories about the local brewing scene, the history of brewing in Lancaster, and the nuances of different beer styles. You’ll walk through the historic streets, which adds a charming backdrop to the experience. The breweries visited vary but each offers a glimpse into Lancaster’s vibrant craft beer community, with tastings tailored to showcase everything from IPAs to stouts.
One of the key reasons this tour stands out is its curated beer selection paired with insightful commentary. It’s perfect for beer enthusiasts who want to deepen their appreciation and learn about the brewing process. The tour also offers behind-the-scenes access, which many craft beer tours lack. At $79, the price reflects the guided experience, exclusive tastings, and the chance to explore Lancaster’s breweries more intimately.
Bottom Line: If you want a relaxed yet informative beer experience, combining city strolls with brewery visits, this tour offers excellent value and a memorable deep dive into Lancaster’s craft beer scene.
2. Lancaster: Downtown History and Craft Beer Walk
For those interested in Lancaster’s past and its beer legacy, this 2-hour tour is a fantastic choice. Starting in downtown Lancaster, this walk explores the city’s historic streets and discusses its significant role in shaping American history. You’ll visit landmarks and learn about how German immigrants contributed to the city’s brewing traditions, culminating in tastings of some of the nation’s best craft beers.
Led by a guide known for their knowledge and professionalism, including Mike, the tour offers a balanced blend of history and beer. The guide shares captivating anecdotes, giving visitors a clear picture of Lancaster’s importance during different periods. The tour ends with tastings that highlight Lancaster’s brewing excellence, making it appealing to both history buffs and beer lovers.
At just two hours, this tour is ideal for travelers with limited time. The $89 price covers the guided walk, entrance fees, and tastings. What makes it stand out is its focus on Lancaster’s German immigrant roots, which are evident in the city’s brewing legacy. The reviews mention how the guide’s knowledge and courteous manner enhance the experience, with a quote like, “Mike gave us tips on where to eat after the tour,” adding a personal touch.
Bottom Line: If you’re seeking a shorter, more focused experience that combines local history with craft beer, this tour offers a rich introduction to Lancaster’s past and present.
How to Choose
When deciding between these two drinking tours, consider your interests and schedule. The Ultimate Walking Craft Brewery Tour (link) is best if you want a longer, more in-depth exploration of Lancaster’s breweries, especially if you enjoy behind-the-scenes access and curated tastings. It’s ideal for dedicated beer enthusiasts willing to spend four hours seeing the craft.
The Downtown History and Craft Beer Walk (link) suits those with limited time or a stronger interest in local history. It combines storytelling with tastings in a shorter, more relaxed format, perfect for first-time visitors or history buffs.
Both tours require advance booking, especially during peak tourist season. Consider your available time, your interest in craft beer versus history, and whether you want a more comprehensive brewery visit or a shorter cultural stroll.
Final Thoughts
Lancaster offers a couple of excellent options for drinking tours that suit different tastes. The four-hour craft brewery walk provides a deep dive into Lancaster’s brewing scene with exclusive access and guided insights, making it perfect for serious beer fans. Meanwhile, the two-hour historic beer walk blends Lancaster’s storied past with its beer heritage, ideal for those curious about the city’s roots.
For travelers who want to explore Lancaster’s local flavors and rich stories, booking early is a good idea—these tours tend to fill up quickly, especially during weekends and peak seasons. Whether you prefer a longer brewery crawl or a shorter historic walk, both options promise a memorable taste of Lancaster’s unique character.
Enjoy your visit and raise a glass to discovering Lancaster’s best drinking experiences!