Austin’s drinking tours offer practical ways to explore the city’s bar culture. The standout experiences include the Haunted Pub Crawl, which combines local history with spirited stops at atmospheric bars. For beer lovers, the Brew Bus connects visitors with Austin’s best craft breweries, offering generous samples and behind-the-scenes access.
The Downtown Live Music Pub Crawl earns high marks for showcasing authentic Austin entertainment while visiting well-chosen bars. We particularly love the Lake Austin boat tour – it’s a refreshing twist on traditional bar hopping and provides beautiful views of the city.
These top-rated drinking tours will guide you through Austin’s best watering holes:
Good To Know
- The Austin Haunted Pub Crawl combines ghost stories with bar hopping for a unique drinking experience, rated 4.4/5 from 184 reviews.
- The Brew Bus provides a 3.5-hour tour visiting 3 local breweries with a 100% rating from 58 reviews, offering an in-depth look at the brewing process.
- The Small Group Pub Walk Tour explores the oldest bars in Austin dating back to the 1870s, providing a glimpse into the city’s historical drinking culture.
- The Lake Travis Barge Crawl offers a 2.5-hour pontoon boat tour with visits to two waterfront venues, allowing guests to enjoy drinking on the lake.
- The Private Austin Bar Hop features a personalized experience with private transportation, a pre-dinner cocktail, and an average admission fee of $5 per person.
Austin Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour
What better way to explore the haunted history of Austin than through a spooky pub crawl? The Austin Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour offers just that – a combination of ghost tour and bar hopping.
Rated 4.4 out of 184 reviews, this evening tour takes you through Austin’s Old West past and chilling stories. You’ll visit various bars and historical landmarks, with opportunities to purchase drinks at each stop.
The tour includes engaging storytelling and historical context from knowledgeable guides. While the experience is praised for its mix of fun and education, some have reported issues with organization and guide engagement.
Nonetheless, it’s recommended for lively group activities and special occasions.
Read our full review: Austin Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour Review
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Small Group Pub Walk Tour in Austin With Professional Guide
For those looking to enjoy Austin’s historic pub scene, the Small Group Pub Walk Tour offers an engaging and informative experience.
With a highly-rated 5.0 score from 31 reviews, this tour takes participants through the city’s oldest watering holes, dating back to the 1870s.
Led by professional guides, guests will discover hidden gems, hear captivating stories, and explore unique cocktail bars and speakeasies.
The tour also includes a stop at the iconic Driskill Hotel and a discount on Voodoo Doughnuts.
Accommodating up to 12 travelers, this small-group experience is perfect for first-time visitors or those seeking an intimate exploration of Austin’s vibrant drinking culture.
Read our full review: Small Group Pub Walk Tour in Austin With Professional Guide Review
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The Brew Bus: Austin Brewery Tour With Live Band
The Brew Bus: Austin Brewery Tour with Live Band offers visitors and locals alike a stress-free way to explore Austin’s vibrant brewing scene.
This 3.5-hour tour takes guests to three local breweries, where they can sample a variety of Austin brews. With a maximum of 32 travelers, the tour provides an intimate experience, complete with a live band on the bus.
Travelers can also enjoy a small meal from a local food truck. The tour is highly recommended, with 58 reviews and a 100% rating from previous participants.
Priced at €120.81 per person, the tour includes all tastings, a local guide, and gratuities for the guide, driver, and band.
Read our full review: The Brew Bus: Austin Brewery Tour With Live Band Review
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4-Hour Austin Signature Brewery Tour
Offering a half-day immersion into Austin’s vibrant brewing scene, the 4-Hour Austin Signature Brewery Tour takes visitors on an intimate exploration of three popular local establishments.
Catering to small groups of up to 14 participants, the tour includes up to 12 beer tastings, a beer-inspired meal, and private transportation from downtown.
Guided by an expert, the experience provides behind-the-scenes access and insights into the brewing process.
With a 5.0 rating from 29 reviews and a 97% traveler recommendation, the tour earns high praise for its knowledgeable guides, varied beer selections, and personalized service.
Priced at $99.99 per person, the 4-Hour Austin Signature Brewery Tour delivers an engaging and informative introduction to the city’s thriving beer culture.
Read our full review: 4-Hour Austin Signature Brewery Tour Review
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Downtown Austin Live Music Pub Crawl
Exploring Austin’s vibrant live music scene, the Downtown Austin Live Music Pub Crawl provides an immersive experience for visitors eager to discover the city’s renowned venues and talented performers.
This guided tour takes guests to multiple bars, showcasing a variety of live acts. While the tour’s reviews are generally positive, some travelers have reported issues with guide engagement and group size management.
Ideal for first-time visitors, the tour offers a convenient way to navigate Austin’s lively music scene, though guests should be mindful of potential challenges.
Read our full review: Downtown Austin Live Music Pub Crawl Review
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Half-Day Hill Country Brewery and Distillery Shuttle From Austin
Visitors seeking an immersive peek into Texas Hill Country’s thriving craft beverage scene can embark on the Half-Day Hill Country Brewery and Distillery Shuttle from Austin.
This small-group shuttle service transports up to 10 people in a comfortable, air-conditioned Mercedes Van Sprinter to three popular breweries and distilleries. Along the way, a knowledgeable guide provides commentary.
The tour includes round-trip transport, alcoholic beverages, and lunch, though gratuities aren’t included.
With a 5.0 rating from 24 reviewers, the shuttle offers an enjoyable experience highlighted by unique stops, personal interactions, and a fun atmosphere, allowing travelers to bond over their shared interest in local libations.
Read our full review: Half-Day Hill Country Brewery and Distillery Shuttle From Austin Review
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Haunted Austin Ghost and Pub Walking Tour
For those looking to pair their ghost hunting with a bit of libation, the Haunted Austin Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour takes visitors on a 2.5-hour journey through the haunted history of downtown Austin.
Led by local guides, the tour visits 2-4 haunted bars, where participants can learn about the city’s spooky past and enjoy alcoholic drinks.
The tour accommodates a maximum of 12 travelers aged 21 and older and is priced from $38.72 per person.
While some reviewers have criticized aspects of the experience, the tour generally maintains a 4.0 rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews.
The tour operates in all weather conditions, and moderate physical fitness is required.
Read our full review: Haunted Austin Ghost and Pub Walking Tour Review
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Austin Lake Travis Barge Crawl Bar Hopping Tour by Boat
The Austin Lake Travis Barge Crawl Bar Hopping Tour by Pontoon Boat offers a unique way to experience the lively waterfront bars and eateries along Lake Travis.
During this 2.5-hour tour, you’ll visit two popular venues, Beachside Billys and Shack 512, where you can enjoy food and drinks at your own expense.
The tour provides an experienced captain, a cooler for drinks, and safety equipment.
However, the tour may not be accessible for everyone, and there have been mixed reviews regarding the service quality and pickup after the tour.
Read our full review: Austin Lake Travis Barge Crawl Bar Hopping Tour by Boat Review
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Public Pedal Pub Tour in Austin
Embarking on the Public Pedal Pub Tour in Austin offers a fun, electric experience for drinking and sightseeing in the city’s vibrant downtown.
This guided tour allows up to 15 participants to visit up to three bars or pubs, enjoying drinks and music along the way.
The tour provides a cooler with ice, a sound system, and a driver, though guests must bring their own canned beverages.
While not wheelchair-accessible, the tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness.
Praised for its friendly staff and beautiful scenery, the Public Pedal Pub Tour is a unique and highly recommended way to explore Austin’s nightlife.
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Downtown Austin VIP Bar & Club Crawl
Visitors seeking an elevated nightlife experience in Austin’s vibrant downtown can join the Downtown Austin VIP Bar & Club Crawl.
This evening tour takes participants to up to five popular venues, including the iconic Coyote Ugly Saloon and Buck Wild. Included are alcoholic shots at each stop and special drink deals.
Activities like riding a mechanical bull and playing drinking games add to the excitement. While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is conveniently located near public transportation.
Priced at €57.02 per person, the experience has an overall rating of 4.0 based on 4 reviews, with positive feedback about the knowledgeable guide and the fun had by participants.
Read our full review: Downtown Austin VIP Bar & Club Crawl Review
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Bar Hopping on Lake Austin Boat Tour
For an exhilarating twist on the classic bar crawl, adventurers can hop aboard a private boat and cruise along Lake Austin.
This unique tour includes a captain to customize the experience for parties of up to 15 passengers. The tour visits popular spots like Bull Creek, offering a fun atmosphere.
Boaters can enjoy alcoholic beverages, including BYOB, as well as snacks during the trip. While not recommended for those with medical conditions, the tour is service animal and stroller-accessible.
Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, and the tour concludes back at the Loop 360 Boat Ramp meeting point.
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Austin Bar Hunt: Sixth Street Spree: Austin Bar Crawl
The Sixth Street bar crawl in Austin offers an exhilarating scavenger hunt-style adventure for those seeking an interactive way to explore the city’s vibrant nightlife.
This self-guided experience, led by the Lets Roam app, challenges participants to complete photo and video tasks while visiting various bars on Sixth Street.
Players take on unique roles, such as Braniac, Photographer, or Mapper, enhancing engagement.
The activity culminates at the Cheers Shot Bar, where players compete for the coveted Bar Hunt Champion title.
With digital copies of scavenger hunt photos, access to maps, and a leaderboard, this event provides a well-rounded and immersive way to discover Austin’s lively bar scene.
Read our full review: Austin Bar Hunt: Sixth Street Spree: Austin Bar Crawl Review
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Metro Rail Brewery Tour Across Austin
Exploring Austin’s vibrant brewing scene is made easy with the MetroRail Brewery Tour. This hassle-free experience allows beer enthusiasts to visit three local breweries, gaining insights into the beer production process.
The tour includes up to 60oz of beer tastings per person and a 24-hour MetroRail ticket for transportation. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, service animals are permitted.
However, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions. With a maximum group size of 20, the tour offers a personalized experience.
Unfortunately, based on the single 1-star review, the overall experience may not have met expectations.
Read our full review: Metro Rail Brewery Tour Across Austin Review
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Private Austin Bar Hop With Pre-Dinner Cocktail
Hosted by Texas Tipsy Tours, the Private Austin Bar Hop with Pre-Dinner Cocktail offers a personalized experience for visitors looking to explore the city’s vibrant bar scene.
The tour starts at 5:30 PM and is private, ensuring your group is the only one participating. You’ll receive private transportation, a pre-dinner cocktail at Whislers, and the opportunity to enjoy possible cover charges and additional cocktails at other bars.
The average admission fee is $5 per person. Pickup is available within a 1-mile radius of the Texas State Capital, with additional fees for locations outside this area.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed.
Read our full review: Private Austin Bar Hop With Pre-Dinner Cocktail Review
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The Sum Up
Austin offers a variety of drinking tours, from spooky pub crawls to lively brewery tours. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s vibrant nightlife or discovering its craft beer scene, there’s a tour to suit your preferences. From walking tours to boat rides, these experiences provide a fun and convenient way to experience the best of Austin’s drinking culture.