The 15 Top Drinking Tours In Austin: Which Is Best?

Austin is famous for its lively bar scene, craft breweries, and unique drinking experiences. Unlike many cities, Austin offers a blend of traditional brewery tours, ghostly pub crawls, and even boat-based bar hopping — all perfect for those who want to explore the city’s vibrant nightlife while indulging in local brews and spirits.

We particularly like the Brew Bus for its lively atmosphere and live music aboard, which makes touring a genuine Austin experience.

For a spooky twist, the Haunted Pub Crawl combines ghost stories with historic bars, adding a layer of intrigue to your night.

And if you’re looking for something unique, the Lake Travis Barge Crawl by boat offers a relaxing way to enjoy drinks on the water. These experiences showcase Austin’s creative approach to drinking tours, making them well worth a try.

Quick Overview

Our list covers a wide range of drinking tours suitable for different tastes and budgets. From guided brewery visits like the 4-Hour Austin Signature Brewery Tour to haunted pub crawls such as the Austin Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour, there’s something for all.

Want to keep things intimate? The Private Pedicab Brewery Tour is perfect. For those wanting to combine water and drinks, the Lake Travis Barge Crawl offers a scenic bar hop by boat.

And if you’re in the mood for a wild night, the Downtown VIP Bar & Club Crawl will keep you moving through Austin’s most popular nightlife spots. Read on for detailed reviews of each experience to help you pick the best one for your trip.

1. The Brew Bus: Austin Brewery Tour with Live Band

At number 1, the Brew Bus provides a relaxed, musical way to tour some of Austin’s best breweries. This 3.5-hour journey takes you to three local breweries with tastings included. Traveling aboard a comfortable bus with a live band makes this tour stand out — it’s not just about the beer, but the vibe. The tour also includes a small meal from a local food truck, adding a convenient culinary touch.

What makes this tour unique is the mix of live music, local brews, and a no-stress environment, making it a hit for visitors and locals alike. It’s perfect if you want to experience Austin’s brewing scene without worrying about driving.

Reviewers consistently praise the fun atmosphere and the chance to explore multiple breweries comfortably. The all-inclusive tastings and food offer good value at $125 per person.

Bottom Line: Great for beer lovers who want a lively, music-filled day out without the hassle of planning.

2. Austin Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour

Ranking second, this haunted pub crawl blends ghost stories with Austin’s bar scene. Starting in the evening, the tour visits several historic bars, including the Moonshine Grill and the Driskill Hotel, sharing spooky tales along the way.

The 2-hour walk is an excellent introduction for first-time visitors interested in Austin’s paranormal legends, with stops at atmospheric spots like Azul Rooftop Lounge and Buffalo Billiards.

You can buy drinks at each stop, but the real highlight is learning about the city’s unexplained happenings and ghostly legends.

The tour boasts a 4.5-star rating, with visitors praising guide Tiffany’s storytelling skills. It’s a fun, atmospheric way to explore Austin after dark.

Bottom Line: Perfect for history buffs and those intrigued by ghost stories, with a lively pub crawl to boot.

3. 4-Hour Austin Signature Brewery Tour

Coming in third, this small-group brewery tour takes you inside three top Austin breweries, including Zilker Brewing, Brewtorium, and Celis Brewery. It lasts around four hours, with tastings and a beer-inspired meal included in the price. The tour’s intimate size (limited to 14 people) ensures a personal experience.

The included transportation from the Fermont Austin makes it especially convenient. Reviewers note that guide Jeff is knowledgeable about beer and makes the tour both fun and educational.

It’s ideal if you’re serious about craft beer and want to avoid the crowds. The value is good considering the tastings, meal, and transport included at just under $100.

Bottom Line: Best suited for beer aficionados who want a relaxed, detailed look at Austin’s craft scene.

4. Private Austin Brewery Tour by Pedicab with All-Inclusive Beer Flight Option

The Private Pedicab Brewery Tour offers a unique, eco-friendly way to explore three breweries in downtown Austin. This microbrewery tour lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours, with the option to pay for drinks as you go or choose an all-inclusive package. The guide pedals you from stop to stop, making it a fun and relaxed experience.

Reviewers love the laid-back vibe and the chance to customize the experience. Stops include Zilker Brewing, Lazarus Brewing, and the local female-owned 417 Red River St brewery.

It’s perfect for small groups, especially if you want a personal touch and some exercise with your beers. The main drawback might be the weather — it’s best on a clear day.

Bottom Line: Ideal for small groups seeking a casual, personalized brewery experience on two wheels.

5. Austin Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl

Ranking fifth, this haunted pub crawl combines spirits with ghost stories. The 2-hour tour visits four bars, including the historic Driskill Bar and Casino El Camino, famed for their haunted reputations. The focus is on mysterious stories and Austin’s darker side, with stops at places like the Minnesota Iceman museum.

While the reviews are limited, those who have done it appreciate the spooky storytelling and the chance to explore Austin’s haunted bars.

It’s perfect for those who want a spooky twist on their night out, with the chance to buy drinks at each venue. The tour is budget-friendly at $27.

Bottom Line: Great for adventurous travelers who enjoy ghost stories and a night of haunted history.

6. Austin: Best Bars and Bats 3-Hour Guided Tour

This tour combines Austin’s nightlife with its iconic bats. Over three hours, you’ll watch the bats emerge at sunset from a rooftop bar, stroll along Congress Avenue, and visit a mix of local favorite bars. The guide shares stories about Austin’s history and nightlife, making it lively and informative.

It’s perfect for those who want a combination of natural spectacle and bar hopping. With only two reviews, it’s a newer option but highly rated for its fun atmosphere and knowledgeable guide.

Bottom Line: Well-suited for first-timers wanting to see the bats and experience Austin’s buzzing bar scene.

7. Hill Country Brewery Limousine Tour

A luxurious take on brewery touring, this 5-hour limo tour visits three breweries in Texas Hill Country, including Jester King, Twisted X, and Vista Brewing. It’s an all-inclusive experience with transport, tastings, and food. Tour guide Kelly is an expert, and the limousine adds comfort and style.

Reviewers highlight the personalized attention and quality of beers, with one describing it as “highly personalized.” This is ideal if you’re celebrating something special or want a relaxed but upscale experience.

Bottom Line: Perfect for beer lovers willing to splurge on a private, high-end tour of Texas Hill Country.

8. Private Pedal Pub Tour in Austin

The Private Pedal Pub offers a lively, eco-friendly way to explore Austin’s downtown bars. For groups up to 15, the 2-hour tour has space for everyone. You bring your own alcohol, and the guide pedals you to three popular spots, including Mean-Eyed Cat and Lavaca Street Bar.

Reviewers appreciate its laid-back vibe and fun atmosphere, with one calling it “a leg workout but so much fun.” It’s an excellent choice for parties or casual outings.

Bottom Line: Perfect for groups looking for an active, customizable bar crawl with plenty of laughs.

9. Austin: Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour

This ghost-themed pub crawl covers some of Austin’s most haunted bars. Over two hours, it visits The Driskill, Casino El Camino, and others, sharing stories of haunted spirits and ghostly legends. It offers a mix of history, spooky tales, and bar hopping.

Reviewers mention the storytelling as a highlight, making it ideal for those interested in Austin’s supernatural side. It’s a budget-friendly way to combine history and drinks.

Bottom Line: Good for history and ghost story enthusiasts wanting a shorter, spooky tour.

10. Austin’s Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl

Similar to the previous haunted pub tour, this spooky crawl focuses on Austin’s haunted bars with stories about spirits like The Man With The Cigar. It’s a 2-hour experience at a lower price point, suited for those interested in paranormal tales combined with drinks.

Bottom Line: Best for those on a budget seeking a spooky, story-driven pub crawl.

11. Downtown Austin VIP Bar & Club Crawl

This VIP experience offers skip-the-line access to five popular Downtown Austin venues, including Coyote Ugly and Buck Wild. Lasting about 3-4 hours, it’s perfect for those who want to avoid the lines and enjoy special deals and shots. The guide helps manage the pace, and the VIP treatment makes it a more upscale night out. Reviewers mention the fun atmosphere and the convenience of pre-arranged entry.

Bottom Line: Great for party-goers who want a lively, hassle-free night exploring Austin’s top venues.

12. Austin Lake Travis Barge Crawl Bar Hopping Tour by Boat

For a truly scenic experience, the Lake Travis Barge Crawl is a 5-hour bar hop on a pontoon boat. It visits outdoor venues like Shack 512 and Beachside Billy’s, with your own drinks brought aboard. The reviews praise the professional captain and the beautiful lake views. It’s perfect for those seeking a relaxed, water-based way to enjoy Austin’s lakeside bars, especially on warm evenings.

Bottom Line: Best for water lovers and groups wanting a peaceful, scenic bar experience by boat.

13. Austin: VIP Bar & Club Crawl w/ Free Shots & Drinking Games

This VIP night on Sixth Street includes exclusive access to top clubs and bars, with free shots and drinking games. The 3.5-hour tour is lively and perfect for younger crowds or those celebrating a special occasion. It includes cover charges and some discounts. Reviews mention the fun guide and the energetic atmosphere.

Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a party atmosphere with VIP perks on Austin’s famous street.

14. Austin: 2-Hour Sushi Making Class at a Sake Bar

While not a drinking tour per se, this interactive experience combines culinary skills with Japanese spirits. Led by a talented chef, you learn to roll sushi and taste sake, making it a great daytime activity for foodies. It’s perfect if you want a break from drinking but still enjoy Japanese beverages and craftsmanship.

Bottom Line: A fun, hands-on experience for sushi lovers and those curious about Japanese culture.

15. Austin 6th Street Bar Crawl | The Epic Group

This group pub crawl offers free entry and special drink discounts at multiple venues along 6th Street. Lasting around 3.5 hours, it features drinking games, photos, and VIP access. It’s a lively, social experience perfect for travelers looking to socialize and enjoy Austin’s iconic nightlife.

Bottom Line: Great for groups wanting an energetic night with easy access to Austin’s best bars and a fun, carefree vibe.

How to Choose Your Drinking Tour in Austin

When deciding between these experiences, consider your budget, interests, and activity level. If you love live music and beer, the Brew Bus offers a lively, all-in-one experience. For those fascinated by ghost stories, the Haunted Pub Crawl is a fun, atmospheric option. Water lovers should consider the Lake Travis Barge Crawl for scenic relaxation.

Budget travelers might prefer the Haunted Pub Crawl or Spirits Haunted Crawl. If luxury and privacy are your priorities, the Hill Country Brewery Limousine is the top pick.

Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons like spring and fall. Also, check if tours include transport, meals, or extras to match your expectations and budget.

Final Thoughts

Austin offers a diverse array of drinking experiences that suit all kinds of travelers. Whether you’re after a musical brewery tour, a spooky ghost hunt, or something more laid-back like a waterfront bar hop, the city has it all.

For relaxed afternoons, consider the 4-Hour Austin Signature Brewery Tour, while thrill-seekers and party animals might enjoy the Downtown VIP Bar & Club Crawl or the 6th Street Epic Crawl. If your goal is to explore the darker side of Austin, don’t miss the Haunted Pub Crawl.

No matter which tour you choose, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these fun and memorable ways to experience Austin’s lively beverage scene. Cheers!