Pittsburgh’s brewing scene is something to toast — literally. The city’s mix of historic neighborhoods, innovative craft breweries, and lively bar culture makes it an ideal place for a drinking tour. Whether you want a laid-back walk through the trendy Lawrenceville district or an energetic bike ride through the city’s historic districts, Pittsburgh offers diverse ways to explore its local brews. What sets these tours apart is their focus on authentic experiences, from sampling local craft beers to learning about Pittsburgh’s brewing past, all with guides who know their city and its beers well. So if you’re interested in connecting with fellow beer lovers or discovering the city’s hidden bars, these tours will give you a taste of Pittsburgh’s thriving beer culture.
In this guide, we’ll compare four top-rated drinking tours, from walking brewery explorations to bicycle rides and scavenger hunt bar crawls. Each offers a different vibe and experience, helping you pick the best suited to your style — whether you’re a dedicated beer connoisseur or just looking for a fun way to see the city.
1. Beers in the Burgh: Pittsburgh Brewery Walk
This lively brewery walk through the Lawrenceville neighborhood is perfect for making new friends and sampling a variety of locally crafted beers. Starting at Lolev Beer, you’ll meet your guide and dive into your first tastings, gaining insight into Pittsburgh’s brewing history. The tour then passes by some of Lawrenceville’s main landmarks and shops, giving you a snapshot of this trendy neighborhood’s character. You’ll visit Coven Brewing, Bierport Tap Room, and finish at Eleventh Hour Brewing, a family-run brewery known for its cozy atmosphere. Each stop offers about 15 minutes of tasting, giving you time to savor the beers and chat with the makers.
What makes this tour stand out is its blend of history, local culture, and social atmosphere. The guides are praised for being friendly and knowledgeable, with reviews emphasizing how fun and engaging the walk is — “super fun walking tour” and “great for beer and history enthusiasts.” It’s an excellent choice for those who want a relaxed, informal experience with plenty of opportunities to interact and learn. The tour lasts roughly 2.5 hours and costs $69 per person, a reasonable price for the quality of experience and multiple tastings.
Bottom Line: If you like a friendly, informative atmosphere that combines beer tasting with a walk through a lively neighborhood, this tour is hard to beat.
2. Bikes & Brews Tour: Pittsburgh Brewery Tour
For those who enjoy cycling as much as sampling beer, the Bikes & Brews Tour is a standout. This 3.5-hour bike ride takes you through Pittsburgh’s historic districts — including Lawrenceville, the Strip District, Millvale, and Deutschtown — while stopping at four local breweries. You’ll start at the David Lawrence Convention Center, where you’ll meet your guide and get your bike ready. This tour combines sightseeing with beer-tasting, featuring ten samples from different breweries, making it a full and satisfying experience.
One of the key benefits of this tour is its active nature. Cycling around allows you to cover more ground and see parts of Pittsburgh that aren’t always accessible on foot. The route includes riding along the river trails with scenic views of the skyline and passing by local landmarks like the Heinz factory. You can bring your own bike or rent one on-site, and the tour offers a good value at $89 for the experience — especially if you bring your own bike, which saves money. It’s ideal for travelers who want a more energetic, outdoor experience combined with local beer tasting.
Bottom Line: If you’re comfortable on a bike and want to see Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods from a different perspective, this tour offers a lively mix of exercise, history, and craft beer.
3. Pittsburgh: Bike and Brewery Tour
This bike and brewery tour emphasizes discovering Pittsburgh’s historic districts while sampling some of its best beers. Lasting around 3.5 hours, it takes riders through four neighborhoods, with visits to four different breweries and opportunities to learn about Pittsburgh’s brewing evolution. The tour is designed for those who want a combination of physical activity and culture, with local guides sharing insights on the city’s architecture and beer-making traditions.
What makes this tour distinctive is its focus on education and city exploration. You’ll see more of Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods and architecture than a typical walking tour, with stops at well-known breweries. The tour’s personal touch comes from guides eager to share stories about the city’s past and future as a brewing hub. Reviews highlight the engaging guides and the quality of the beer, making it a rewarding experience for those who want a deeper understanding of Pittsburgh’s beer scene.
Bottom Line: If you’re interested in a balanced mix of cycling, city sightseeing, and craft beer, this tour delivers an informative and active experience.
4. Pittsburgh Bar Hunt: Party Through Pittsburgh Bar Crawl
For a more interactive, social experience, the Pittsburgh Bar Hunt combines a scavenger hunt with a bar crawl. Using an app, you and your friends can complete photo and video challenges at different bars around town, earning points and competing to be the top team. The tour lasts roughly 2 hours and costs about $13, making it the most budget-friendly option. It’s perfect for groups looking for a lively, game-like way to explore Pittsburgh’s nightlife.
This tour stands out because of its participatory nature. You don’t just sample drinks; you actively engage with the city and each other through challenges. It’s suitable for those who enjoy a competitive edge or want to discover some of Pittsburgh’s bars in a fun, informal way. The app-based format makes it flexible and easy to follow, and the focus on photo/video challenges adds a modern twist to the traditional bar crawl.
Bottom Line: If you prefer a quick, energetic outing with friends and like the idea of a scavenger hunt, this interactive tour offers a memorable way to experience Pittsburgh’s bar scene.
How to Choose the Best Drinking Tour for You
Picking between these options depends on your interests and style. If you want a relaxed introduction with a focus on local breweries and neighborhood history, the Beers in the Burgh: Pittsburgh Brewery Walk is ideal. For those who like outdoor activities and want to see more of Pittsburgh’s scenic spots, the Bikes & Brews Tour offers a combination of cycling and beer tasting. If you’re after an active city exploration with educational insights, the Pittsburgh: Bike and Brewery Tour is a solid choice. Lastly, if you’re traveling with friends and enjoy games and social challenges, the Pittsburgh Bar Hunt provides a lively, interactive experience.
Take into account your budget, fitness level, and how much time you want to spend. Booking early is recommended, especially for tours with limited availability or higher demand. Each tour offers a different lens on Pittsburgh’s lively beer scene — choose the one that best matches your adventurous spirit.
Pittsburgh’s diverse beer culture and neighborhoods mean you won’t have trouble finding a memorable way to enjoy a drink or two. Whether you prefer walking, biking, or simply the thrill of a scavenger hunt, these tours provide authentic, fun-filled ways to see the city through its beers. Cheers to discovering Pittsburgh one sip at a time — and don’t forget to book early to secure your spot.