Adelaide: Hidden Bar Tour with Local Guide

Our review focuses on the Adelaide: Hidden Bar Tour with a Local Guide, an experience that promises to reveal the city’s secret drinking spots and intriguing stories. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, the detailed description and glowing reviews suggest it’s a compelling way to explore Adelaide’s vibrant underground bar scene.

What makes this tour stand out? First, it’s a chance to visit four carefully chosen hidden venues that are often missed by visitors. Second, the guide’s insider knowledge offers a window into Adelaide’s lesser-known past—think laws about storing corpses or sites of old ice rinks. Third, it includes personalized recommendations and a digital map to continue exploring afterward.

One potential consideration is that drinks are not included in the price, so you’ll want to budget for additional purchases. However, this allows you to pick drinks that suit your taste and budget at each venue. This tour suits curious travelers, history buffs, or anyone keen to uncover Adelaide’s secret spots with a friendly, local guide.

Key Points

• Authentic Hidden Venues: Visit four laneway or tucked-away bars renowned for atmosphere and quality.
• Insightful Stories: Learn what made Adelaide’s bar scene unique, including fascinating historical tidbits.
• Personalized Tips: Receive tailored recommendations to explore more of Adelaide’s food and drink scene.
• Community Support: Your tour donation benefits local charities, adding a feel-good element.
• Flexible & Practical: The tour lasts 2.5 hours, typically in the evening, making it easy to fit into your schedule.
• Expert Guide: Guides like Ryan have received praise for their knowledge and friendly approach.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point and What to Expect

The tour begins at the Beehive Corner, right outside Haigh’s Chocolates on Rundle Mall—an iconic and easy-to-find spot. From here, your local guide will lead you through Adelaide’s West End, a neighborhood that’s home to some of the city’s most intriguing and lesser-known bars. The overall experience is designed for those who enjoy discovering places behind the scenes, away from the usual tourist spots.

This tour is perfect for those who love mixing history, culture, and a good drink—without the crowd on the main streets. Expect a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, with your guide sharing stories that range from Adelaide’s quirky laws to characters who once roamed these streets.

The Venue Selection: Four Hidden Gems

Each bar on this tour has been chosen for its unique vibe, quality, and story. The venues are mostly hidden behind other establishments or tucked beneath laneways, making them perfect for discovering Adelaide’s underground scene.

What makes each stop special?
For example, one venue might be a small, dimly lit space with vintage decor, perfect for cozy conversations. Another could be a modern, sleek bar with a reputation for excellent cocktails. Your guide will share details such as why certain spaces were chosen and what makes them stand out, whether that’s their atmosphere, history, or drink quality.

While drinks are not included, the guide offers recommendations to help you choose from a variety of options, typically costing between $12 to $26 per drink. Many reviewers have noted that the drinks are well-curated, with some describing the selection as “lovely” and “delicious.”

The Stories and Local Lore

One of the tour’s highlights is learning about Adelaide’s tipsy past. Your guide will share stories about laws requiring pubs to accept corpses for storage—yes, you read that right—and how some pubs doubled as horse sales yards. Such tales make the city’s bar scene feel alive and tied to its history.

Reviewer Allison appreciated Ryan’s storytelling, calling him a “great guide” who introduced her to hidden bars she would never have found alone, all while sharing “great Adelaide history.” Vera echoed this sentiment, noting Ryan’s fabulous knowledge and the “lovely little pubs” visited during the tour.

The Atmosphere and Experience

These hidden venues are carefully selected not only for their drinks but also for their atmosphere. The small group size fosters an intimate vibe, perfect for chatting and soaking in the local character. As you move between venues, your guide will share intriguing facts and stories about Adelaide’s characters and history, making the experience both fun and educational.

Between stops, you’ll get a digital map of top spots for further exploration, including food and drink venues, ensuring your evening continues smoothly after the tour ends.

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Cost, Duration, and Additional Benefits

Priced at $46 per person for 2.5 hours, this experience offers quite a lot of value. For the price, you receive access to four exclusive venues, a donation to local charities, personalized recommendations, and a digital map—elements that enrich your understanding of Adelaide’s bar scene and local culture.

The tour is usually available in the evening, providing a relaxed, after-dinner activity. It’s a small-group experience, which encourages interaction and makes it easier for your guide to tailor stories and suggestions to your interests.

Practicalities and Tips

• What to bring: Passport or ID, comfortable shoes, credit card, cash, and weather-appropriate clothing.
• Restrictions: Over 18s only, no high heels, sandals, or open-toed shoes. The tour is unsuitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.
• Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund—making it flexible if plans change.

This tour is ideal if you enjoy learning about local history, discovering secret venues, and having a relaxed, social evening out. It’s particularly suited for couples, friends, or solo travelers eager to connect with Adelaide’s underground scene.

Final Thoughts on Value and Suitability

This experience offers a balanced mix of history, hidden venues, and social fun. The focus on storytelling, combined with visits to four carefully selected bars, means you’re not just drinking—you’re discovering. The tour’s small-group format and recommendations for further exploration make it a great way to get oriented in Adelaide’s nightlife.

If you’re someone who appreciates authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences, this tour will resonate. It’s also a wonderful way to meet like-minded travelers and locals, especially with guides like Ryan, who clearly care about sharing their city’s lesser-known stories.

Overall, it’s a well-priced, engaging, and authentic introduction to Adelaide’s underground bar scene—perfect for curious explorers who want to see a different side of the city.

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers or those with dietary restrictions?
The tour is focused on visiting bars and sampling drinks, so it’s best suited for those over 18 who consume alcohol. Non-alcoholic options are typically available, and the guide can make recommendations.

How many people usually join the tour?
While the exact group size isn’t specified, reviews suggest it’s a small group, creating an intimate atmosphere that’s ideal for personal interaction and stories.

Can I join the tour if I don’t know Adelaide?
Yes, the tour is a great way to familiarize yourself with the city’s hidden nightlife and receive personalized recommendations for your stay.

Are the venues accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, the tour is not suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, as it involves walking through laneways and visiting small venues.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended—avoid heels or open-toed shoes. Dress weather-appropriate, especially if it’s cooler or rainy.

Can I cancel and get a refund?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, providing flexibility for your plans.

Are drinks included in the tour price?
No, drinks are purchased separately at each venue. Budget around $12 to $26 per drink, depending on your choice.

What makes this tour different from others in Adelaide?
It’s a curated experience focusing on hidden venues, local stories, and personalized tips, rather than just a pub crawl. The emphasis on history and culture makes it stand out.

In summary, the Adelaide Hidden Bar Tour offers a fantastic way to see a different side of the city—one filled with secret venues, interesting stories, and local charm. It’s perfect for those seeking a relaxed, authentic experience that combines history, culture, and a good drink in a friendly setting. Whether you’re new to Adelaide or a seasoned visitor, this tour promises memorable moments and insider insights you won’t find wandering solo.

You can check availability for your dates here: