Baltimore’s drinking scene isn’t just about grabbing a cold beer — it’s about the stories behind the bars, the haunted corners, and historical tales that make each sip a bit more intriguing. With a waterfront full of maritime history, lively neighborhoods like Fells Point, and a reputation for ghostly legends, Baltimore makes for a perfect city to explore through drinking tours. Whether you want spooky stories, local brews, or historic taverns, these tours offer a mix of fun and folklore that bring the city’s vibrant past to life.
The good news is, Baltimore offers a variety of options. From haunted pub crawls to tales of Edgar Allan Poe, each tour has its own flavor. They’re great for locals wanting a different night out or visitors eager to combine sightseeing with a few drinks. Here, we’ve rounded up the best drinking tours in Baltimore, so you can pick the one that best suits your interests and style.
Quick Overview
Our list features three top Baltimore drinking tours, each with a unique twist. You’ll find haunted pub crawls like the Original Fells Point Haunted Pub Tour that focus on ghost stories and history, a tour with a bit more fun and games like the Baltimore Boos & Booze Haunted Pub Crawl combining ghost tales with drink challenges, and a more comprehensive pub crawl experience at Baltimore: Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl that visits eight historic pubs and sites. Each offers around two hours of fun, with prices from $27 to $30 per person, making them accessible and packed with local stories.
Next, let’s look at each tour in detail to help you decide which one fits your vibe best.
1. Original Fells Point Haunted Pub Tour by Baltimore Ghost Tours
This tour takes you through some of the most haunted pubs in the Fells Point neighborhood, a lively maritime district with a storied past. What sets this experience apart is its focus on ghost stories and local legends, woven into visits to 3-4 pubs. Every tour is different because each guide brings their own tales from the book Baltimore’s Harbor Haunts: True Ghost Stories (Schiffer Publishing, 2005), plus their personal ghostly encounters.
The tour lasts about 2 hours and costs $27 per person, with no admission included. Reviewers love the personal touch, with one describing Brandon, their guide, as “a great storyteller,” adding, “Would do it again!!” Since each guide chooses different pubs to visit, it’s a flexible experience that emphasizes storytelling over a strict itinerary. This makes it ideal for those interested in ghost lore, local history, and a social bar crawl rolled into one.
Bottom Line: If ghost stories paired with historic pubs excite you, this tour offers a lively mix of storytelling, spirited drinks, and a touch of Baltimore’s spooky side.
2. Baltimore Boos & Booze Haunted Pub Crawl
This tour combines drinking, history, and ghost stories for an energetic two-hour experience. Starting at Max’s Taphouse, where you can sip a local brew as your guide kicks things off, the tour visits 3-4 pubs, including Bertha’s and the Fell Family Cemetery, known for its eerie tales of the Fell Family’s private graveyard. You’ll hear about hauntings, crimes, and dark history, making the stories as compelling as the drinks.
What makes this tour unique is its interactive element — guests play a tongue-twister drinking game, and the guide shares insights on Baltimore’s darker past, including Edgar Allan Poe’s last drink at The Horse You Came In On Saloon. It’s a well-rounded experience with a solid mix of storytelling, local lore, and fun, rated 4.5 stars with 17 reviews.
Tour participants mention the small walking distance between venues and the knowledgeable guides like Zac, who makes the stories memorable. The tour costs $27, offering good value considering the number of pubs visited and the engaging stories.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want to combine history, ghost tales, and a fun drinking game in a relaxed, social setting.
3. Baltimore: Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl
This tour offers a broader look at Baltimore’s haunted nightlife, visiting eight historic pubs and sites over roughly two hours. It’s notable for its focus on murder mysteries, Yellow Fever, and tales of shanghaied sailors, giving a deeper dive into Baltimore’s darker stories. Highlights include toasts to Edgar Allan Poe at the pub that served him his last drink and exploring the Admiral Fell Inn, reputedly one of America’s most haunted hotels.
Rated 4.4 stars with 11 reviews, it’s praised for its entertaining stories and lively group atmosphere. The tour costs $30, slightly higher but justified by the number of stops and the variety of tales. Reviewers mention that Lincoln, the guide, is enthusiastic and well-informed, making for an engaging experience. The tour is flexible in timing, so checking availability is wise.
Bottom Line: This tour appeals to history buffs interested in murder, Yellow Fever, and haunted hotels, along with a fun, social vibe.
How to Choose
Choosing between these tours depends on your interests and style. The Original Fells Point Haunted Pub Tour is perfect if you want a personal storytelling experience focused on ghost lore. For a more interactive and lively night, the Baltimore Boos & Booze Haunted Pub Crawl offers a mix of ghost stories and drinking fun. Meanwhile, if you prefer visiting more historic sites with a focus on murders and legends, the Baltimore: Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl covers a lot of ground.
Budget-wise, all three are similar in price, but consider how many pubs and stories you want to experience. For those seeking an intimate ghost story with fewer stops, the first tour is ideal. If you want a more social, game-filled evening, the second might suit you best. And for history lovers, the third provides a broader narrative.
Final Thoughts
Baltimore offers a variety of drinking tours that blend spirits, stories, and history. If haunted pubs and ghostly tales are your thing, the Original Fells Point Haunted Pub Tour offers a personal, story-driven experience. For a lively, interactive night with drinks and ghost stories, the Baltimore Boos & Booze Haunted Pub Crawl is a standout. And if you’re interested in more historic tales and iconic haunted sites, the Baltimore: Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl delivers a comprehensive look.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak tourist season or weekends, as these tours are popular. No matter which you choose, you’re in for a memorable night exploring Baltimore’s lively and mysterious side. Cheers!