Bengaluru Pub Crawler – Nightlife Walking Tour

Bangalore, often called Bengaluru, is renowned for its lively and diverse nightlife, making it an ideal city for those who enjoy a good night out. While we haven’t personally experienced this particular tour, the detailed reviews and itinerary paint a clear picture of what you can expect. If you’re keen on discovering the city’s best watering holes with a knowledgeable guide, this pub crawl promises a fun, sociable, and well-organized way to spend an evening.

What we love about this experience are the carefully curated stops, the inclusion of local craft breweries (including India’s first American craft brewery!), and the opportunity to meet fellow travelers. The fact that it’s a private tour ensures a personalized touch, and the four included beers mean you can relax without worrying about extra costs.

One potential consideration is the cost — at $89 per person, it’s not the cheapest option on the market, especially if you’re traveling solo. However, considering the guide, four beers, and visits to four prominent pubs, many will find it offers good value, especially if you’re keen on a curated, hassle-free night out.

This tour suits those who love craft beer, want to explore Bangalore’s nightlife in a social setting, or are new to the city and prefer a guided experience. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy a mix of sightseeing and casual drinking, and want to do it safely with local insider knowledge.

Key Points

• Expert-guided experience: A local guide leads you through Bangalore’s top pubs, providing insight and a friendly atmosphere.
• Four carefully selected bars: Including Bangalore’s first American craft brewery, a popular social spot, and other renowned pubs.
• Included drinks: Four beers (one at each bar), allowing you to sample local and international brews without extra cost.
• Comfort and convenience: Optional hotel pickup and drop-off make the evening seamless.
• Authentic local vibe: Stops are in lively, well-loved areas like MG Road and Lavelle Road, known for their vibrant nightlife.
• Age restriction: Only travelers aged 21 and above are allowed to drink, and ID might be checked.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

The Starting Point: MG Road

You’ll begin your evening at Café Coffee Day on MG Road, a busy hub of Bangalore’s commercial life. This bustling street is lined with shops, food stalls, and bars, giving you a taste of the city’s urban energy. It’s an ideal starting point because of its accessibility — most travelers will find public transportation nearby, making it easy to meet your guide.

Stop 1: Arbor Brewing Company (ABC)

Walking to the Arbor Brewing Company marks the first taste of Bangalore’s craft beer scene. As the first American craft brewery in India, ABC offers a large menu catering to vegetarians and vegans, making it inclusive for different dietary preferences. The atmosphere is relaxed but lively, perfect for starting the night. A reviewer described it as “perfect for beer lovers, with a great vibe,” emphasizing its popularity among locals and travelers alike.

Here, you’ll get your first beer, paired with the chance to snack or even play darts if you wish. The one-hour stop is designed to give you enough time to enjoy the drinks and soak in the environment without feeling rushed.

Stop 2: Church Street Social

Next, you’ll head down to Church Street Social, a spacious and stylish spot that’s a favorite among Bangaloreans. It combines a cozy café atmosphere with a lively bar setting, offering international bites and creative cocktails. The space is designed to be a multi-use hub, blending work and play—a perfect spot for socializing and unwinding.

For many, this stop is a highlight. One reviewer noted how the space’s “blend of casual and chic creates a fun yet relaxed vibe,” making it a great place to enjoy your second beer and chat with new friends or fellow travelers.

Stop 3: The Biere Club

The third stop is The Biere Club, Bangalore’s first craft brewery, which has earned a reputation for its innovative approach. The brewery’s motto, “to introduce you to beer in a manner never done before,” hints at their focus on education and experimentation. Here, you can learn about different beer types and enjoy a laid-back, friendly atmosphere.

This stop is especially popular among those interested in craft beer culture. Reviewers appreciated their “enthusiastic staff and excellent brews,” making it a perfect spot to relax, sip your beer, and perhaps learn a thing or two about Bangalore’s brewing scene.

Stop 4: Bootlegger

The final stop is Bootlegger, a bar known for its happy hour deals and friendly neighborhood vibe. It spans everything from casual pubs to more upscale lounges, giving a sense of Bangalore’s diverse nightlife. The ambiance is lively but welcoming, and the affordability makes it a favorite among locals.

This concluding stop allows you to unwind, enjoy your last beer, and reflect on the night. Many reviews describe Bootlegger as “a perfect end to an evening out,” especially with its friendly staff and great deals.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour fee covers the private guide, your four beers (one at each stop), and government taxes and surcharges. If you choose the optional hotel pickup and drop-off, it adds extra convenience, especially if you’re staying outside the city center.

What isn’t included are additional drinks and food, so if you want to enjoy more snacks or cocktails, be prepared to pay extra. This can be a positive or negative depending on your drinking style — some might appreciate the straightforward approach, while others may want to budget for extra.

Practicalities and Logistics

Starting at 7:00 pm from Café Coffee Day near Garuda Mall, the tour is timed to catch Bangalore’s evening buzz. The total duration is around four hours, which makes it a manageable evening activity. The walk between stops is pleasant and short, allowing you to enjoy the lively streets and urban scenery.

The tour is limited to small, private groups, enhancing the experience’s intimate feel. It’s suitable for most travelers, provided you’re above 21 and have no issues walking or standing for a few hours.

The group size and guide expertise are crucial; reviews highlight how the guides are knowledgeable and friendly, making the experience more engaging. They also help you navigate the city’s busy streets and provide insights into each bar’s unique character.

Authentic Experiences Drawn from Reviews

Many travelers appreciated the guides’ local knowledge. One review mentioned, “The atmosphere was amazing, and everything was perfectly planned,” which shows the tour’s well-organized nature. Another highlighted the social aspect, noting it as “a great way to meet new people,” perfect for solo travelers or groups wanting a relaxed, friendly environment.

The inclusion of Bangalore’s first American craft brewery adds a layer of authenticity, giving visitors a taste of the city’s evolving beer scene. Reviewers also appreciated the variety of venues, from busy streetside pubs to stylish cafes, capturing Bangalore’s vibrant nightlife.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience caters best to beer enthusiasts eager to sample Bangalore’s craft offerings, social travelers looking for a lively night out, and first-time visitors wanting a guided, hassle-free introduction to the city’s nightlife. It’s also ideal for those who enjoy a mix of sightseeing and drinking, as the stops are strategically chosen for their ambiance and local significance.

It’s less suitable for travelers wanting a wild party scene or those on a tight budget, given the $89 price tag. However, for those wanting a curated, safe, and informative night out, this offers good value.

The Sum Up

The Bengaluru Pub Crawler offers a well-rounded look at Bangalore’s lively drinking scene, combined with the insights of a friendly local guide. The carefully selected venues, including the city’s first craft breweries, ensure an authentic experience that balances fun with education.

You’ll love the ease of having everything organized for you, especially with the included beers and the option for hotel pickup. The stops are varied enough to keep things interesting, and the guide’s local knowledge elevates the experience beyond just drinks.

While the price might be a consideration for some, the quality of the venues, the friendly atmosphere, and the focus on craft beer make it worthwhile for many travelers. It’s a fantastic choice for solo adventurers, couples, or small groups wanting to explore Bangalore’s nightlife safely and comfortably.

This pub crawl is best suited for those who want a social, guided introduction to Bangalore’s vibrant bar scene, especially if craft beer and lively venues are your thing.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
You have the option to add hotel pickup and drop-off for an extra fee, which makes logistics easier especially if you’re staying outside the central areas.

How many beers are included?
Four beers are included — one at each of the four stops in the tour.

What are the age restrictions?
The minimum drinking age is 21 years old and travelers below this age are not permitted to participate in the alcohol consumption.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Café Coffee Day near Garuda Mall and ends at Bootlegger on Vittal Mallya Road.

What is the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately four hours, starting at 7:00 pm.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations less than 24 hours prior are non-refundable.

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers?
The tour is primarily designed for those who wish to enjoy drinks; non-drinkers might find it less appealing unless they’re comfortable with the social aspect.

Are the stops accessible via public transport?
Yes, the locations are near public transportation options, making it easy to reach the starting point.

Is this a private group experience?
Yes, the tour is private, meaning only your group participates, which allows for a more personalized experience.

What kind of guide will I have?
You’ll be accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide who is friendly and skilled at making the experience engaging.

This comprehensive review aims to help you decide whether the Bengaluru Pub Crawler aligns with your nightlife ambitions. If exploring Bangalore’s craft beer scene with expert guidance sounds appealing, this tour might just be the highlight of your trip.