Philadelphia’s 15 Top Drinking Tours

Philadelphia’s reputation as the birthplace of American independence means it’s packed with stories, historic taverns, and now, a lively scene of breweries and cocktail bars. The city’s compact and walkable neighborhoods, especially Old City and Fishtown, make it ideal for guided drinking tours that combine culture, history, and good times.

We especially like tours that blend local stories with authentic experiences, like the Liberty History Tour Pub Crawl, which offers a small-group walk through Old City with tastings at four beloved spots.

For those interested in a spooky twist, the Haunted Pub Crawl combines ghost stories with visits to haunted landmarks and bars.

And craft beer fans will appreciate the Philly Signature Guided Brewery Tour, which visits three local breweries with behind-the-scenes tastings. Whether you want history, spirits, or brewpubs, Philadelphia has something for every type of drinker.

Quick Overview

Our list includes pub crawls, haunted drinking tours, and brewery excursions — all tailored to different interests and timeframes. Some tours focus on Philadelphia’s historic taverns, like the Philadelphia: Guided Tour with Pub Crawl, while others emphasize craft beer, such as the Philly Signature Guided Brewery Tour.

For a spooky night out, check out the Haunted Pub Crawl, which visits macabre landmarks and haunted bars, or the Ghosts, Boos, and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl.

Finally, if you’re after a private experience or a customized night, the 3-Hour Private Favorite & Secret Bars Walking Tour offers flexibility and exclusivity.

1. Liberty History Tour Pub Crawl

At number 1, this tour combines Philadelphia’s revolutionary history with its top-notch drinking scene. Hosted in Old City, it takes you on a small-group walk to four local bars, where a knowledgeable guide shares stories of the Founding Fathers, colonial taverns, and historic landmarks. The tour includes pints of beer or cider, making it especially appealing for those who want history with their drinks.

Guests mention the cozy bars and engaging guide, Jamie, who shares deep insights into Philly’s past while keeping the atmosphere fun.

Priced at $45 per person for 2 hours 15 minutes, it offers great value for a personalized experience. Non-drinkers can opt for a dry-run ticket, making it accessible for everyone.

If you love pairing history with local flavors, this small tour hits the right note.
Bottom Line: Perfect for history buffs who want a laid-back, intimate pub crawl with included drinks and stories.

2. Haunted Pub Crawl

Number 2 on our list is the Haunted Pub Crawl, rated 5.0/5 from 60 reviews. This 3-hour tour explores some of Philadelphia’s eeriest landmarks and bars. It visits sites like the Betsy Ross House and Benjamin Franklin’s grave, where chilling tales of hauntings and ghostly sightings are shared.

The tour is perfect for those who enjoy a spooky atmosphere alongside their drinks. Light refreshments are included, though alcohol is at your own expense.

The guide’s storytelling is lively and often includes lesser-known stories that give a different perspective on the city’s history.

The tour’s evocative locations make it ideal for fans of history and the supernatural alike.
Bottom Line: An engaging ghost-themed tour blending history, mystery, and a few drinks—especially suited for night owls who enjoy a scare.

3. Philly Signature Guided Brewery Tour

The Philly Signature Guided Brewery Tour, rated 5.0/5 from 27 reviews, is a great pick for craft beer lovers. Over 3.5 hours, you’ll visit three different local breweries, including Flying Fish Brewing Company, which is notable as South Jersey’s largest producer and a pioneer with its 1995 virtual brewery. Your guide provides behind-the-scenes access, tastings of many beer styles, and a snack to enhance the experience.

Guests love the focus on balanced and highly drinkable beers, along with the opportunity to learn about the brewing process. The tour is well-suited for those who want a leisurely, educational day with plenty of beer samples.

It’s a bit pricier at $105, but the inclusion of multiple breweries and behind-the-scenes looks makes it worthwhile.
Bottom Line: Excellent for beer enthusiasts who want to see Philly’s craft scene up close with expert insights.

4. Philadelphia: Guided Tour with Pub Crawl

Number 4 features the Philadelphia: Guided Tour with Pub Crawl. For around $45, this 2-hour experience offers a guided exploration of famous bars and hidden taverns in Old City. It combines local history with visits to iconic watering holes, making it ideal for travelers who want a quick, lively overview of the city’s bar scene.

The tour emphasizes learning Philly’s tough spirit and its role in American independence, all while sampling local beverages.

Guests appreciate the lively atmosphere and the chance to explore historic pubs that aren’t on the usual tourist trail.

The tour’s shorter duration makes it suitable for those with limited time but wanting a good introduction.
Bottom Line: A solid choice for a quick, energetic pub crawl packed with local stories and historic venues.

5. Secret Bars and Favorite Spots Walking Tour in Philadelphia

The Secret Bars and Favorite Spots Walking Tour offers a lively 3-hour evening exploring Philly’s best cocktail bars and hidden speakeasies. At just $35, it’s an affordable way to experience the city’s nightlife like a local.

The tour visits 4-5 venues, including a secret speakeasy, and is capped at 10 people for a personal vibe. Guests rave about the friendly guides and the chance to discover places they wouldn’t find alone.

The tour starts in Center City and involves a fair amount of walking between bars, making it best suited for those comfortable with some activity.
Bottom Line: Ideal for cocktail lovers who want a fun, intimate night discovering tucked-away bars.

6. Philadelphia: Secret Bars and Favorite Spots Walking Tour

Number 6, Secret Bars & Favorite Spots, is very similar to the previous, rated 4.6/5 from 23 reviews. It takes you to 4-5 bars plus a speakeasy, emphasizing hidden gems and Philadelphia’s local scene. The tour’s focus is on uncovering hidden cocktail bars most visitors miss, making it perfect for those seeking an authentic night out.

The group size keeps things friendly, and the tour is a good fit for travelers who want a relaxed but informative experience of Philly’s bar culture.
Bottom Line: Great for those wanting a slightly more relaxed, discovery-focused bar-hopping adventure.

7. 3-Hour Private Favorite & Secret Bars Walking Tour Philadelphia

If privacy and customization are your priorities, the Private Bars Walking Tour is perfect. Rated 5.0/5 from 6 reviews, this tour can be tailored to your preferred neighborhoods like Chinatown, Old City, or Fishtown and includes 4-5 stops, including secret speakeasies. It’s priced at $35 per person and is ideal for celebrating a special occasion or just enjoying a private night out with friends.

The guide carefully designs your experience, making it flexible for various interests.
Bottom Line: Best suited for groups valuing privacy, customization, and a more intimate experience.

8. Philadelphia: Ghosts, Boos, and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl

This Haunted Pub Crawl, rated 5/5, takes you through Philadelphia’s most haunted pubs in just 2 hours. It combines spooky stories with visits to bars like The Revolution House and Independence Beer Garden. The experience is designed for those who enjoy ghost tales as much as good drinks. The guide shares eerie history and ghostly encounters, making it a fun themed alternative to traditional pub crawls.

It’s quick, affordable at $30, and perfect for a spooky evening out.
Bottom Line: For fans of ghost stories and haunted locations, this tour adds a supernatural twist to your night.

9. Philadelphia: Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack

The Guided Craft Brewery Tour, rated 5.0/5 from 3 reviews, is designed for serious beer fans. Over 3.5 hours, it visits three local breweries with behind-the-scenes access, tastings of up to 12 styles, and a snack included.

The tour is in New Jersey but focuses on Philly’s craft beer scene, making it ideal for those wanting a comprehensive, in-depth experience. The ride in a comfortable van ensures guests can focus on enjoying the beers.

At $120, it’s a bit pricier, but the insider access and extensive tasting make it worthwhile for dedicated enthusiasts.
Bottom Line: Best for beer aficionados eager for detailed insights and a substantial tasting experience.

10. Philly Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl

This tour offers a slightly longer (2 hours) exploration of Philly’s haunted taverns and historic sites, rated 4.5/5. It takes you through Old City’s spooky spots, including the Independence Beer Garden and the Revolution House, with ghost stories woven into the visit. Perfect for those who love history and paranormal tales, with enough time at each location for a quick drink or snack.

It’s a good value at $36 and suitable for a relaxed, spooky evening.
Bottom Line: A nice mix of history, spirits, and supernatural stories for a themed night out.

11. Philadelphia: Ancient Alcohol Tour & Beer Tasting

For something different, the Ancient Alcohol Tour, rated 5.0/5 from 2 reviews, takes you back to 5000 BC to explore ancient drinking vessels and practices. This 1.5-hour tour is highly specific and appeals to history and archaeology fans. It includes viewing artifacts and hearing from a Penn Museum archaeologist about early human celebrations.

It’s a brief but fascinating dive into prehistoric drinking culture, perfect for those interested in the roots of alcohol consumption.
Bottom Line: Unique for history lovers wanting an educational experience rather than modern pub crawling.

12. Fishtown Flavor Trip: Taste of Fishtown’s Bar & Bites

The Fishtown Flavor Trip is an urban culinary and drinking adventure. At $85 for 2 hours, it combines tastings of street food, hand-crafted desserts, and drinks at 3-4 locations in Philadelphia’s trendy Fishtown neighborhood.

It’s ideal for foodies who also want to sample local brews and cocktails, while discovering the neighborhood’s murals and quirky cafes. Guests enjoy the variety, with some reviews noting the modern takes on classic foods and the colorful scenery.

This tour is best suited for those who want a bit of both culinary and drinking exploration.
Bottom Line: Great for those who want to combine food and drink in a lively, trendy setting.

13. Old City Philly: Axe Throwing, Bar tour, and Salsa Class

This energetic tour mixes axe throwing, exploring Old City’s bar scene, and salsa dancing. It’s a bit different, offering physical activity with fun social efforts. The 3-hour experience is perfect for travelers wanting a lively, multi-activity night. Guests can expect to learn salsa moves, throw axes, and enjoy a variety of bar experiences in historic venues.

While not solely focused on drinking, it combines physical and social activities with drinks, making for a memorable evening.
Bottom Line: Best for active groups wanting a varied night with fun, physical challenge, and socializing.

14. Philadelphia: Fishtown Cocktail & Beer Tour w/ Snacks

The Fishtown Cocktail & Beer Tour is a 2.5-hour guided experience focused on Fishtown’s cocktail and beer scene. It includes expertly crafted drinks, local stories, and behind-the-scenes insights from mixologists. Guests rave about sampling at local favorites and learning the history of Fishtown’s transformation from gritty to trendy. Snacks are included, making it a full experience.

The tour suits those interested in craft cocktails and specialized local brews.
Bottom Line: Excellent for fans of innovative drinks and behind-the-scenes stories in Philly’s lively Fishtown neighborhood.

15. Old City After Dark: Drinking Tour in Philadelphia

Our final pick offers a mix of axe throwing, hidden bar visits, and vinyl record bars in Old City. For $35, it provides a 3-hour night of fun, combining physical activity with bar hopping. Starting at Kick Axe Throwing and ending in a lively arts district bar, this tour is suited for those seeking a night of diverse activities and lively conversation.

The tour’s flexibility and inclusion of hidden venues make it ideal for travelers who enjoy discovering offbeat spots.
Bottom Line: Perfect for active, curious travelers wanting a lively, eclectic night out.

How to Choose the Right Drinking Tour in Philadelphia

When selecting a tour, consider your interests first. If you’re a history lover who wants to learn about Philly’s revolutionary past, the Liberty History Tour Pub Crawl or Old City Philly: Axe Throwing, Bar tour, and Salsa Class may appeal.

For craft beer enthusiasts, the Philly Signature Guided Brewery Tour delivers a behind-the-scenes look at local breweries, while those craving a spooky night should check out Haunted Pub Crawl or Ghosts, Boos, and Booze.

Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the Secret Bars and Favorite Spots, which offers a lively experience for less.

Private tours like the 3-Hour Private Favorite & Secret Bars are excellent for special occasions or customized nights.

Practical tips include booking early—especially in peak seasons—and choosing tours that fit your physical activity comfort level. Consider the tour duration and destinations; some tours focus on a handful of venues, while others explore entire neighborhoods.

Final Thoughts

Philadelphia offers a broad array of drinking experiences, from historical pub crawls and craft brewery tours to haunted bar nights and private bespoke adventures. If you love history and local flavors, the Liberty History Tour Pub Crawl provides a delightful pairing of stories and pints.

For craft beer fans, the Philly Signature Guided Brewery Tour offers excellent behind-the-scenes access and tastings. And those with a taste for the supernatural should definitely consider the Haunted Pub Crawl.

No matter your style, booking early and choosing a tour aligned with your interests will ensure a memorable night in Philadelphia’s lively drinking scene. Cheers!