The 4 Best Drinking Tours in Columbus
Columbus offers a surprising variety of drinking tours that cater to different interests—whether it’s celebrating the holidays with a festive trolley ride or blending wellness with a caffeine fix. The city’s vibrant neighborhoods like The Short North, Arena District, and Downtown are perfect backdrops for exploring on a guided tour. What makes Columbus stand out is its knack for combining authentic local spots with interactive experiences that go beyond just sipping drinks. From electrified pub crawls to yoga paired with coffee, these tours turn sightseeing into a memorable outing.
If you’re looking to enjoy Columbus’s lively bar scene, get a bit of exercise, or simply indulge in some holiday cheer, this list covers the best options. Each offers its own twist—some family-friendly, some perfect for friends, and others more suited for those wanting a relaxing start to the day. Let’s explore which tour fits your style and interest.
Quick Overview
Here’s a quick look at the best drinking tours in Columbus. Whether you want a cost-effective holiday lights trolley with BYOB (Trolley Pub Holiday Lights Tour), a yoga and coffee experience (Shared Yoga and Coffee Experience), or a city exploration on an electric pub trolley (Explore Columbus on The Trolley Pub), this guide has you covered.
1. Trolley Pub Holiday Lights Tour in Columbus
This holiday-themed trolley ride is a standout for its affordability and festive spirit. For just $39, you and up to 15 friends can hop aboard an enclosed, electric-assisted trolley that allows BYOB—so bring your beer, wine, cider, or seltzers. The tour lasts around 2.5 hours and hits all the must-see holiday spots in Columbus, like The Short North Pole, Arena District, and Downtown, including stops at Bicentennial Park & Columbus Commons. These stops are free, giving you a chance to walk around and enjoy the holiday lights displays.
What makes this tour unique is its family-friendly approach and the relaxed, fun atmosphere created by the onboard music and waving at passersby. Tour guides like Zack or Devin make the experience lively, sharing fun facts about the city while you pedal from one scenic spot to the next. The route includes a 15-30 minute cruise through The Short North Pole, a 30-minute visit to Bicentennial Park, and a 45-minute stop at Columbus Commons to soak in more holiday cheer.
Bottom line: This is a budget-friendly, lively way to experience Columbus’s holiday displays with friends or family. The warm, enclosed trolley means you can enjoy drinks and the festive scenery without braving the cold.
If wellness and relaxation are your priorities, the Shared Yoga and Coffee Experience combines both beautifully. For $39 per person, this family-friendly tour offers a morning of gentle outdoor yoga led by a licensed instructor at Goodale Park, followed by a ride to Bada Bean Bada Booze, a favorite local spot. The tour lasts about 2 hours, blending the tranquility of yoga with the indulgence of coffee or cocktails.
This tour is perfect for those who want a slow-paced, soothing experience that combines exercise with socializing. The yoga session is designed for all skill levels, making it accessible whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned practitioner. Afterward, you can unwind with a hot coffee or a crafted cocktail while discussing your favorite parts of Columbus.
While this experience is not centered on alcohol consumption during the yoga, the post-yoga stop at Bada Bean Bada Booze offers an opportunity to enjoy drinks in a comfortable setting. The tour’s emphasis on wellness and community makes it a refreshing change from typical pub crawls.
Bottom line: Ideal for health-conscious travelers or groups looking for a laid-back start to their day, this tour offers a unique blend of mindfulness and indulgence in Columbus.
3. Explore Columbus on The Trolley Pub
For around $39, the Explore Columbus on The Trolley Pub hits the mark for its flexible, city-wide exploration. This electric, pedal-assisted trolley provides a fun, low-impact way to see Columbus’s neighborhoods and landmarks while enjoying your favorite tunes on the onboard stereo system. It’s designed for a 2-hour ride that can be tailored to your group’s preferences, with stops at partner bars and restaurants offering exclusive discounts.
What makes this tour stand out is its casual vibe and adaptability. You’ll pedal as a group, encouraging camaraderie, and the fully enclosed trolley keeps you warm in winter. Many reviews mention how it’s a great way to meet new friends and combine sightseeing with socializing. The guide is friendly and offers restaurant and bar suggestions, enhancing your experience.
Guests have described it as a “fun excursion” and “a great way to see different places and explore Columbus,” with some enjoying the light cardio workout involved. It’s best suited for small groups who want a relaxed, interactive day with a mix of sightseeing and social drinking.
Bottom line: If you enjoy a lively, casual atmosphere with a bit of exercise, this tour offers a flexible and affordable way to explore Columbus’s vibrant neighborhoods.
4. Yoga & Coffee Tour On The Trolley Pub
Topping our list with a combination of yoga, coffee, and socializing is the Yoga & Coffee Tour, which is offered on Sundays. At $45 per person, this 2-hour experience begins with a guided outdoor yoga class led by a professional instructor in Goodale Park, Ohio’s oldest park. Afterward, the tour continues to Bada Bean Bada Booze, where you can enjoy a drink and receive exclusive discounts.
What makes this tour notable is its focus on wellness paired with indulgence. The yoga session is accessible for all skill levels, making it perfect for beginners or those wanting a gentle stretch. The next stop at Bada Bean Bada Booze allows for a relaxed social atmosphere with options for coffee or cocktails.
This experience is ideal for travelers seeking a morning activity that balances physical activity with social drinking. The tour’s flexibility makes it family-friendly or adult-oriented, depending on your preferences. The live music onboard adds a lively touch, making it both relaxing and fun.
Bottom line: Perfect for a slow start to your weekend that combines healthful activity with a chance to indulge afterward, this tour is a standout for its unique blend.
How to Choose the Right Columbus Drinking Tour
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, interests, and group size. For a festive holiday experience, the Trolley Pub Holiday Lights Tour offers a lively, cost-effective way to see holiday displays with BYOB. If wellness appeals more, the Shared Yoga and Coffee Experience provides a relaxing, family-friendly option. For those wanting to explore Columbus’s neighborhoods with a social twist, the Explore Columbus on The Trolley Pub is a fun, casual choice. And if your weekend includes Sundays, the Yoga & Coffee Tour offers a balanced mix of wellness and socializing.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak holiday seasons or weekends, to secure your preferred time slot. Also, check each tour’s specific details about group size, weather considerations, and what to bring to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Final Thoughts
Columbus’s drinking tours cover a wide range—from festive, budget-friendly trolley rides to wellness-focused outings with yoga and coffee. For travelers looking for a festive holiday adventure, the Trolley Pub Holiday Lights Tour offers a cheerful, BYOB experience in an enclosed trolley. Meanwhile, those seeking a relaxed, health-oriented morning will appreciate the Shared Yoga and Coffee Experience.
If you want to see Columbus’s neighborhoods with friends, the Explore Columbus on The Trolley Pub delivers a fun, social outing, and for a Sunday special, the Yoga & Coffee Tour combines movement with treats. Whatever your style, these tours ensure you enjoy Columbus’s lively scene in a memorable, engaging way. Remember to book early to secure your spot and get ready for a fantastic time exploring Ohio’s capital city—one drink, pedal, or stretch at a time.