Milwaukee stands as America’s historic beer capital, where drinking tours offer the perfect blend of culture and craft brews. The city’s best experiences include the Historic Brewery Tour, showcasing restored 19th-century brewhouses, and the Third Ward Pub Crawl, which combines architecture with excellent local beers.
We especially recommend the Lakefront Brewery Tour for its intimate atmosphere and generous tastings, and the Good City Brewing Experience for its modern take on beer making paired with Wisconsin cheese. The Historic Milwaukee Bar Tour earns top marks for its fascinating stories of Prohibition-era secrets and underground tunnels.
Check out these top-rated Milwaukee drinking tours, each carefully selected for value, authenticity, and pure enjoyment.
Key Points
- The Milwaukee Sightseeing and History Tour offers unique experiences, including a visit to a local food hall and the secret “Spy Lounge.”
- The Original Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour provides a comprehensive brewery experience with up to 16 craft beer samples and a guided commentary.
- The Sip of Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour offers an engaging evening tour with up to 12 craft beer samples and a large pretzel with beer cheese.
- The Milwaukee Bar Hunt: Milwaukee Bar Crawl is an app-led scavenger hunt through bars, available daily with a maximum of 10 participants.
- Milwaukee offers a variety of drinking tours, including sightseeing, brewery tastings, and bar crawls, with knowledgeable guides and small group sizes for a personalized experience.
Milwaukee Sightseeing and History Tour With Brewery Tasting
The Milwaukee Sightseeing and History Tour With Brewery Tasting offers a comprehensive introduction to the city’s highlights and local culture. With 671 reviews and a 99% recommendation rate, this tour is a popular choice for travelers looking to explore Milwaukee efficiently.
The tour departs from the easily recognizable Milwaukee City Hall Clock Tower and takes participants on a journey through the city’s top attractions, including Lake Michigan views, historic homes, and art museums.
Along the way, the knowledgeable and engaging guide provides live commentary, sharing the city’s history and insights into its vibrant present.
One of the tour’s unique highlights is the opportunity to visit a local food hall and a secret “Spy Lounge.” Travelers also appreciate the chance to learn about and sample Milwaukee’s renowned craft beer scene.
With a maximum group size of 14, the tour offers a personalized experience, allowing participants to ask questions and interact with the guide.
Whether you’re a solo traveler or exploring the city with a group, the Milwaukee Sightseeing and History Tour With Brewery Tasting is an excellent way to get a comprehensive introduction to Milwaukee’s rich heritage and lively culture.
Read our full review: Milwaukee Sightseeing and History Tour With Brewery Tasting Review
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Original Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour With Lunch or Dinner
Exploring Milwaukee’s vibrant brewery scene takes center stage on the Original Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour with Lunch or Dinner. This 93% recommended tour allows up to 14 travelers to sample up to 16 craft beers while enjoying an informative and fun experience.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, gratuities, and a meal featuring beer and food pairings. Knowledgeable guide Ken leads the way, providing insights into the history of Milwaukee’s breweries.
Participants rave about the tour’s great experience, with highlights including the informative commentary, enjoyable food and beer pairings, and friendly atmosphere. The tour starts and ends at The Brewhouse Inn & Suites, with street parking or a nearby brewery garage available.
With a maximum of 14 travelers and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour offers a convenient and inclusive way to discover Milwaukee’s brewing heritage.
At €133.79 per person, the Original Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour with Lunch or Dinner provides excellent value for a memorable exploration of the city’s vibrant beer culture.
Read our full review: Original Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour With Lunch or Dinner Review
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Sip of Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour With Snack
A captivating Sip of Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour with Snack invites travelers to enjoy the vibrant beer culture of the city. Lasting an evening, this tour welcomes a maximum of 14 guests, ensuring a personal and engaging experience. Guests can expect to sample up to 12 craft beers, accompanied by a large pretzel with beer cheese and mustard.
The tour departs from the Brewhouse Inn & Suites, with convenient street parking and a nearby brewery garage available. After an evening of brewery visits and tastings, the tour returns to the starting point.
Travelers consistently praise the tour guide, Ken, for his friendliness and extensive knowledge. While the overall experience is highly enjoyable, with a focus on the fun atmosphere and quality snacks, some have reported issues with booking reliability and tour availability.
Priced at €95.29 per person, the Sip of Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour with Snack provides a comprehensive introduction to Milwaukee’s celebrated beer scene. Travelers can expect a memorable evening filled with craft beer samplings and camaraderie.
Read our full review: Sip of Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour With Snack Review
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Milwaukee Bar Hunt: Milwaukee Bar Crawl
Embarking on the Milwaukee Bar Hunt: Milwaukee Bar Crawl, travelers can enjoy the city’s vibrant bar scene through an app-led scavenger hunt.
Available from October 31, 2018, to October 31, 2050, this experience operates daily from 7 AM to 11:30 PM, with a maximum of 10 participants.
Starting at 2020 S Allis St, the hunt takes participants on a journey through Milwaukee’s bars, challenging them to complete various tasks and capture photos as proof.
All taxes, fees, and handling charges are included, as well as digital copies of the scavenger hunt photos and local taxes.
The experience is accessible, with transportation to and from attractions, as well as accommodations for service animals, strollers, and wheelchairs.
A moderate physical fitness level is recommended, and a smart casual dress code is encouraged.
With no minimum age requirement, this activity caters to a broad range of travelers seeking to explore Milwaukee’s vibrant bar scene.
Read our full review: Milwaukee Bar Hunt: Milwaukee Bar Crawl Review
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Common Questions
Can I Bring My Own Alcohol on the Tour?
Most drinking tour providers don’t allow you to bring your own alcohol. It’s generally best to enjoy the beverages featured on the tour. Check with the specific tour company beforehand to confirm their policy on outside alcohol.
Are the Tours Kid-Friendly?
The tours are generally not kid-friendly, as they’re focused on adult beverages. Some companies may offer family-friendly options, but it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand to ensure the experience aligns with your needs.
Is There a Dress Code for the Tours?
There’s typically no dress code for drinking tours, though participants should dress comfortably and appropriately for the activity. Some tours may have specific guidelines, so it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand to ensure you’re prepared.
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?
Typically, you can customize the tour itinerary to fit your preferences. Many tour operators are flexible and willing to accommodate special requests, allowing you to create a personalized experience that aligns with your interests and preferences.
Are the Tours Wheelchair Accessible?
The tours are generally wheelchair accessible, with staff happy to assist passengers. However, it’s best to check with the tour provider beforehand to ensure the specific route and transportation can accommodate the individual’s needs.
The Sum Up
Milwaukee’s beer scene is vibrant, with a variety of guided tours showcasing the city’s rich brewing history. From tasting sessions at local breweries to bar crawls through the lively nightlife, these tours offer a fun and informative way to explore Milwaukee’s renowned drinking culture. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or just looking for a unique sightseeing experience, these tours provide an excellent opportunity to discover the best of what Milwaukee has to offer.