Philadelphia’s lively bar scene isn’t just about having a good drink; it’s about the stories, the history, and the local flavor behind each sip. With a wealth of craft breweries, historic taverns, and secret speakeasies, the city offers a diverse array of drinking tours that cater to history buffs, beer enthusiasts, and night owls. Whether you’re into spooky tales, innovative cocktails, or behind-the-scenes brewery visits, Philadelphia’s tour options give you a chance to experience the city’s character through its drinks. Planning ahead makes all the difference, especially since some tours like the Haunted Pub Crawl or the Secret Bars Walking Tour sell out quickly.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the top 11 drinking tours in Philadelphia. From ghostly pub adventures to immersive brewery experiences, each tour offers a unique slice of Philly’s vibrant nightlife. Read on to find the best fit for your interests and schedule, and get ready to explore Philly’s drinking scene like a local.
Quick Overview
The list below features a mix of history-rich pub crawls, craft brewery tours, secret bar explorations, and even ancient alcohol tastings. Whether your budget is modest or you want to splurge on a full-day brewery bike tour, each experience offers something special. Click the tour titles to learn more about what makes each one unique, but rest assured, all promise memorable moments and plenty of good drinks.
1. Haunted Pub Crawl
At number one, the Haunted Pub Crawl stands out for its mix of spooky stories and historic landmarks. Over approximately three hours, you’ll visit eerie colonial sites like the Betsy Ross House, Benjamin Franklin’s grave, and centuries-old cemeteries—all with a twist of ghostly tales. The tour includes light refreshments, but drinks are on your tab. The lively guides share colorful tales of Philadelphia’s darker past, making it perfect for history lovers who don’t mind a few shivers.
What sets this tour apart is its balance of education and entertainment, with reviews often praising the knowledgeable guides—people like Lance and Adam—who blend humor with historical facts. With departure times flexible and a small-group setting, it offers an intimate way to experience Philly’s haunted side. It’s ideal for those interested in spooky stories, historic landmarks, and a lively adult atmosphere. The only downside? It’s an adult-only experience with some language, so it’s best for those comfortable with a bit of irreverence.
Bottom Line: A fun, spooky mix of history and ghost stories, perfect for history buffs and fans of the supernatural who enjoy a casual drink.
2. Philly Signature Guided Brewery Tour
At number two, the Philly Signature Guided Brewery Tour offers a craft beer adventure through three local breweries. This 3.5-hour experience is great for those who love beer tasting and behind-the-scenes brewery insights. The tour includes visits to Flying Fish Brewing, Double Nickel, and other popular spots, with generous samples at each. Your guide handles transportation, so you can focus on enjoying the brews and learning about Philly’s brewing history.
Guests consistently praise the personable guides like Allie and Dave, who blend humor and expert knowledge. The tour’s small group size ensures a personal experience, and the breweries themselves showcase Philly’s innovation and tradition. For around $105, the value is excellent, especially considering the multiple tastings and the behind-the-scenes access. The tour is well-suited for beer lovers wanting to explore Philly’s craft scene in a relaxed setting.
Bottom Line: A highly-rated, all-inclusive craft brewery experience perfect for beer enthusiasts eager to sample local brews and learn from passionate guides.
3. Philadelphia: Guided Tour with Pub Crawl
Number three is the Philadelphia: Guided Tour with Pub Crawl. This 2-hour experience combines city sightseeing with visits to historic bars and taverns, making it ideal for travelers short on time but eager to dive into Philly’s bar scene. It includes a mix of well-known spots and hidden gems, where you’ll enjoy local drinks and hear stories about the city’s fight for independence.
The tour is praised for its lively atmosphere and knowledgeable guide, who brings Philadelphia’s history to life. It’s perfect for those who want a quick, energetic introduction to the city’s nightlife, especially if you’re keen to learn how Philadelphia’s grit helped forge the nation. Since it’s limited to 20 reviews with a 4.9-star rating, it’s a reliable choice for a fun night out.
Bottom Line: A perfect short tour for history and bar lovers who want an introduction to Philadelphia’s iconic taverns.
4. Secret Bars and Favorite Spots Walking Tour in Philadelphia
Number four on the list is the Secret Bars and Favorite Spots Walking Tour. This 3-hour adventure takes you into five different bars, including a secret speakeasy, highlighting the city’s hidden drink spots. Meeting in Center City, you’ll visit locations that even many locals don’t know about, making it a fun way to discover Philly’s nightlife secrets.
Guides focus on the city’s vibrant cocktail scene, with reviews praising the personable hosts and exclusive venues. The tour caps at 10 participants, ensuring a relaxed, personal vibe. It’s suitable for groups looking for a lively, social night with a mix of cocktails and local flavor. Expect to spend about 35 minutes at each stop, with some drinks at your own expense.
Bottom Line: A fantastic choice for cocktail lovers wanting to uncover Philadelphia’s secret bars and mingle with fellow explorers.
5. Philadelphia: Secret Bars and Favorite Spots Walking Tour
Just behind the previous tour, the Philadelphia: Secret Bars and Favorite Spots Walking Tour offers a similar experience with a focus on 4-5 bars and a speakeasy. This three-hour tour emphasizes discovering top hidden spots, where you’ll sample cocktails and enjoy the city’s lively nightlife.
Led by knowledgeable guides, this tour is praised for its social atmosphere and the opportunity to meet locals and fellow travelers. It’s especially appealing to those interested in mixology, secret venues, and the city’s lesser-known drinking spots. The tour features a mix of drinks, some with free time for dancing or exploring on your own.
Bottom Line: Perfect for cocktail fans and social travelers seeking an intimate, spirited evening in Philly’s hidden bar scene.
6. Half-Day Philadelphia’s Brewery Bike Tour with Tastings
Number six, the Brewery Bike Tour, combines physical activity with craft beer tasting. Over 3.5 hours, you’ll bike through Philadelphia neighborhoods like Brewerytown and visit historic breweries such as Louis Bergdoll’s, plus enjoy tastings at several local spots. Bikes and helmets are provided, making it accessible for most fitness levels.
This tour appeals to those who want to see the city on two wheels while learning about its brewing history. Riders rave about the personable guides like Kelly, who share engaging stories while keeping the pace lively. It’s an excellent value for those who enjoy active experiences with a focus on local beer culture.
Bottom Line: A dynamic way to explore Philly’s brewing scene and neighborhoods, ideal for active travelers looking for something different.
7. Philly Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl
Number seven, the Philly Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl, mixes ghost stories with drinks over roughly two hours. Walking through colonial Philadelphia, you’ll visit haunted pubs like the City Tavern and investigate sites linked to spirits and spectral legends.
Guides weave tales of ghostly encounters and historic escapes, making this tour perfect for those interested in the supernatural and Philly’s haunted side. The tour has a 4.6-star rating from nine reviews, with visitors noting the fun atmosphere and spooky stories. It’s a budget-friendly option at just $30 per person.
Bottom Line: Great for those wanting a spooky, inexpensive evening with a mix of history and ghost stories.
8. Philadelphia: Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack
The Craft Brewery Tour is a 3.5-hour experience that combines behind-the-scenes brewery visits with tastings and a snack. It focuses on three notable Philly breweries and offers a chance to learn about the craft beer scene directly from the brewers.
The tour is highly rated for its engaging guides and interactive lessons, which appeal to those who want an educational aspect alongside tasting. It’s ideal for beer lovers who want a deeper understanding of the brewing process. The tour costs $120, which includes multiple beers and snacks.
Bottom Line: An educational, well-organized experience for serious beer fans eager to understand Philly’s craft brewing culture.
9. Philadelphia: Ancient Alcohol Tour & Beer Tasting
At number nine, the Ancient Alcohol Tour invites you to explore the recreational pursuits of ancient civilizations, including beer and alcohol artifacts from 5000 BC. This 1.5-hour tour offers a unique look at how early humans celebrated and drank.
Led by archaeologists, it’s perfect for those fascinated by history and archaeology, with enthusiasts appreciating the connection between ancient artifacts and modern drinking. The tour provides a different perspective than the usual pub crawl, appealing to history lovers wanting a thematic experience.
Bottom Line: A fascinating, educational alternative for those interested in ancient drinking customs and artifacts.
10. Old City After Dark: Drinking Tour in Philadelphia
The Old City After Dark combines axe throwing and bar hopping over about 3 hours. Starting with a session at Kick Axe Throwing, you’ll test your aim like a patriot before moving into the city’s vibrant bar scene, finishing with a lively dance spot.
It’s a unique combination that appeals to active travelers who enjoy physical challenges and nightlife. The tour is flexible, with the exact start location subject to change, and reviews are limited but positive. It offers an energetic way to see Old City’s hidden bars and experience something a little different.
Bottom Line: Suitable for active night owls who want a mix of physical activity and lively nightlife.
11. Cocktail Caravan: FishTown Walking Bar Tour
Finally, the Cocktail Caravan in FishTown is a 3-hour journey through one of Philly’s trendiest neighborhoods. The tour includes stops at stylish bars like Four Humours, a top handcrafted whiskey bar—perfect for those wanting to experience Fishtown’s local flavor and craft cocktails.
Even though reviews are not yet available, the focus on engaging with local mixologists and visiting unique venues makes it an appealing choice. It’s suitable for social travelers and cocktail enthusiasts who want to experience Philly’s hip bar scene in a relaxed, guided setting.
Bottom Line: A stylish, social way to explore Fishtown’s best bars and meet like-minded travelers.
How to Choose Your Perfect Drinking Tour in Philadelphia
Picking the right tour depends on your interests, budget, and what kind of experience you value most. If spooky stories and colonial history excite you, the Haunted Pub Crawl is a top choice. For beer aficionados, the Brewery Bike Tour or Guided Craft Beer Tour provide hands-on insights and tastings. Those wanting to explore hidden cocktail spots should consider the Secret Bars Walking Tour.
Budget-conscious travelers might prefer the Haunted Pub Crawl or Philly Ghosts Haunted Pub Crawl, both offering engaging experiences at a lower price point. If you’re craving a mix of physical activity and drinks, the Brewery Bike Tour is perfect. For those curious about ancient customs, the Ancient Alcohol Tour adds a historical twist.
Book early, especially for tours with limited spots like the Secret Bars or Fishtown Cocktail Tour. Consider your fitness level, interest in history or craft beer, and whether you prefer a quick night out or a full-day adventure.
Final Thoughts
Philadelphia offers a remarkable variety of drinking tours that cater to different tastes—from ghost stories and historic taverns to craft breweries and secret cocktail bars. For a spooky, educational experience, the Haunted Pub Crawl is a standout. If craft beer is your passion, the Signature Brewery Tour or Guided Craft Beer Tour are excellent choices. For a night exploring Philly’s hidden bar scene and speakeasies, the Secret Bars Tour and Fishtown Cocktail Tour deliver both style and social fun.
Whatever your preference, these tours provide a fantastic way to see a different side of Philadelphia and connect with its vibrant, spirited culture. To avoid missing out, consider booking ahead—these popular experiences tend to fill up fast. Cheers to discovering Philly’s drinks and stories—one glass at a time.