Drinking tours in New York City offer practical ways to explore the city’s bar scene while learning from knowledgeable guides. These well-organized walks typically cover either downtown’s historic taverns or the speakeasy-rich neighborhoods of the Village. We especially like the Literary Pub Crawl, connecting visitors with the watering holes of famous writers, and the Historic Bar Tour, which includes stops at century-old establishments complete with original fixtures and great stories.
For a more current experience, the Craft Cocktail Tour showcases the city’s modern mixology scene, while the Haunted Bar Tour combines spine-tingling tales with historic spirits (both kinds). Most tours run 3-4 hours and include 4-5 stops.
Let’s explore our favorite New York drinking tours.
Good To Know
NYC West Village Pub Crawl offers a guided tour through historic bars in Greenwich Village, featuring amenities like ping pong, karaoke, and live music.
Greenwich Village Literary Pub Crawl provides a 3-hour tour exploring the neighborhood’s literary heritage, appealing to both writers and non-writers.
Secret Speakeasies and History Experience offers an immersive tour of NYC’s Prohibition-era past, with engaging storytelling from dedicated hosts.
Luxury Bar and Rooftop Crawl provides a guided tour of premier venues in Downtown Manhattan, Lower East Side, and Chinatown, with free admission and express entry.
Lobster and Beer Sail is a unique nautical adventure featuring Maine-style lobster rolls and unlimited craft beers aboard the largest classic tall ship in the US.
NYC West Village Pub Crawl
Frequently, the NYC West Village Pub Crawl takes travelers on a guided tour through the historic bars of Greenwich Village.
With 172 reviews and 93% traveler recommendation, this popular experience showcases up to four bars featuring amenities like ping pong, karaoke, and live music.
Along the way, attendees learn about the neighborhood’s bar scene and enjoy free admission, exclusive drink deals, and even a complimentary shot at select locations.
Conveniently starting at 9 PM, the crawl accommodates a maximum of 40 guests and concludes on Bleecker Street.
While not wheelchair-accessible, the tour is near public transportation and suitable for most participants aged 21 and older with valid ID.
Read our full review: NYC West Village Pub Crawl Review
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The Bar Crawl and History Experience!
The Secret Speakeasies and History Experience takes participants on an immersive journey through New York City’s Prohibition-era past.
This highly-rated tour, with a 95% recommendation rate, guides visitors through at least three iconic and historic bars, providing behind-the-scenes insights and engaging storytelling from dedicated hosts.
For $38, travelers can enjoy free admission, express entry, and the opportunity to purchase alcoholic beverages.
With a maximum group size of 15, the tour offers an intimate and exclusive experience, though it’s not recommended for those with mobility issues or medical conditions.
Read our full review: The Bar Crawl and History Experience! Review
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Ultimate Rooftop Bar & Lounge Night Tour NYC
For those seeking a lively and panoramic exploration of New York City’s vibrant nightlife, the Ultimate Rooftop Bar & Lounge Night Tour NYC offers an unparalleled experience.
This 3-hour tour takes participants to three premier venues, including bars, lounges, and rooftops, with express entry and a knowledgeable host guiding the way.
With a maximum group size of 15, travelers can expect an intimate and social atmosphere, ideal for meeting new people.
The tour’s positive reviews highlight the fun group dynamics, unique venue selections, and informative hosts.
While some participants have noted issues with entry and high drink prices, the overall feedback suggests a memorable night out exploring the city’s impressive rooftop vistas and lively nightlife scene.
Read our full review: Ultimate Rooftop Bar & Lounge Night Tour NYC Review
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Greenwich Village Literary Pub Crawl
Although New York City is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, the Greenwich Village Literary Pub Crawl offers a unique opportunity to explore the neighborhood’s rich literary heritage.
This 3-hour tour guides participants through the area where renowned writers, poets, and playwrights once lived and socialized. Expert commentaries at each stop provide engaging stories about literary figures, from Thomas Paine to Allen Ginsberg.
With a maximum group size of 25, travelers can enjoy an intimate experience, exploring local pubs and purchasing drinks at their own expense.
Praised for its knowledgeable guides and educational yet fun approach, the Greenwich Village Literary Pub Crawl is a must-try for both writers and non-writers alike.
Read our full review: Greenwich Village Literary Pub Crawl Review
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Speakeasy Bar & History Night Tour NYC
Embracing the hidden charms of New York City’s illicit past, the Speakeasy & Bar Night Tour NYC invites travelers on a captivating journey through the city’s infamous speakeasies and historic watering holes.
Led by local experts, this evening excursion visits three unique venues, granting guests free admission and express entry. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides, who bring the city’s vibrant nightlife history to life.
While the tour includes alcoholic beverages, guests note some discrepancies in the number of drinks provided.
The overall experience is highly recommended, with 96% of travelers endorsing this must-do activity for those seeking to enjoy New York’s captivating past.
Read our full review: Speakeasy Bar & History Night Tour NYC Review
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4 Hours Friending and Bar Hopping as Local New Yorkers
Travelers seeking an immersive local experience in New York City can embark on a 3-hour excursion to make new friends and explore the city’s vibrant bar scene.
Aptly named “3 Hours Friending & Hangout as Local New Yorker,” this activity begins at The Bean Cafe, where participants receive a wristband signifying their openness to connect with other local New Yorkers.
From there, the group will engage in various social activities, including friending, gaming, and food crawling.
With a maximum of 100 participants, this experience isn’t wheelchair accessible but is suitable for most travelers, aside from those with specific medical conditions.
Priced from $5.00 per person, the activity has received excellent reviews, with 100% of travelers recommending it.
Read our full review: 4 Hours Friending and Bar Hopping as Local New Yorkers Review
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New York Harbor Craft Beer, Manhattan Skyline Sailing Cruise – New York City
Sailing aboard the 158-foot-long (48-meter) Clipper City, a replica tall ship that can accommodate up to 150 passengers, visitors to New York City can embark on a craft beer-centric cruise along the city’s iconic waterfront.
The 3-hour experience includes a flight of six different craft beers from local NYC breweries, offering a chance to sample the city’s vibrant beer scene. Passengers can enjoy the scenic views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and Manhattan skyline while the expert captain and crew guide the ship.
With a wheelchair-accessible design and a maximum capacity of 149 travelers, this tour provides an enjoyable, accessible way to explore New York Harbor.
Read our full review: New York Harbor Craft Beer, Manhattan Skyline Sailing Cruise – New York City Review
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Rooftop, Speakeasy and Bar Tour: Hell’s Kitchen NYC
Amidst the pulsating energy of New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood, a unique tour offers visitors a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the area’s vibrant nightlife scene.
The “Rooftop, Speakeasy and Bar Tour: Hell’s Kitchen NYC” takes small groups of up to 15 travelers on an exclusive exploration of the neighborhood’s best-kept secrets. For $37 per person, guests enjoy free admission, express entry, and preferred treatment at various venues, including a panoramic rooftop lounge.
Led by an experienced host, the tour provides insights into New York City’s history while ensuring a lively night out.
However, participants must be 21 or older, maintain a moderate fitness level, and adhere to an upscale casual dress code.
Read our full review: Rooftop, Speakeasy and Bar Tour: Hell’s Kitchen NYC Review
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NYC Skyline Lights Happy Hour and Cash Bar
For those seeking a breathtaking tour of the New York City skyline, the “NYC Skyline Lights Happy Hour and Cash Bar” cruise offers an unparalleled experience.
This 90-minute cruise takes passengers within 100 feet of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, while also offering stunning views of both sides of Manhattan.
With a maximum capacity of 300 travelers, the cruise provides outdoor and indoor seating, a guide with English and Spanish commentary, and a cash bar on board.
Amenities include background music and the opportunity to purchase food and drinks.
While gratuities aren’t included, the cruise is wheelchair accessible and allows service animals.
Read our full review: NYC Skyline Lights Happy Hour and Cash Bar Review
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New York Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl
Frequently, ghostly tales and libations collide on the “New York Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl” in the heart of Greenwich Village.
Over the course of this 2-hour tour, guests sip spirits while learning about the neighborhood’s paranormal history from a knowledgeable local guide.
Though reviews are mixed, the tour promises an immersive experience, visiting establishments known for their supernatural encounters.
While some found the pace and focus too broad, others praised the engaging storytelling and insights into the area’s past.
Costing $23.20 per person, the tour accommodates up to 20 travelers aged 21 and over, with wheelchair accessibility and transportation options nearby.
Read our full review: New York Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl Review
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The Luxury Bar and Rooftop Crawl Downtown NYC
In the heart of downtown Manhattan, the Luxury Bar and Rooftop Crawl offers visitors a chance to explore the city’s vibrant nightlife scene.
Led by a licensed host expert in NYC culture, history, and nightlife, the tour takes guests on a journey through the Lower East Side and Chinatown, focusing on immigrant culture and history.
Participants can enjoy free admission and express entry to all venues visited, including cocktail lounges, rooftops with panoramic views, and unique venues at sunset.
The group size is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.
With a moderate fitness level required, the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, making it an inclusive experience for all.
Read our full review: The Luxury Bar and Rooftop Crawl Downtown NYC Review
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Brooklyn Literary Pub Crawl
Departing from the vibrant nightlife scene of downtown Manhattan, the Brooklyn Literary Pub Crawl offers visitors a captivating exploration of the borough’s rich literary heritage.
Over the course of 3 hours, participants embark on a walking tour through the historic neighborhoods of Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill, and Boerum Hill, stopping at bars frequented by renowned writers.
Along the way, the knowledgeable guide shares passages from literary works and provides insights into the neighborhood’s architecture and urban development.
With a maximum of 25 travelers per tour, this experience promises an intimate and engaging journey through Brooklyn’s storied past, all while enjoying the lively atmosphere of local watering holes.
Read our full review: Brooklyn Literary Pub Crawl Review
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East Village Speakeasy (Secret Bars) Experience
Though the East Village is known for its vibrant nightlife, discerning visitors can uncover a hidden world of speakeasies that transport them to the Prohibition era.
The East Village Speakeasy Experience offers just that – a journey through secret bars with a maximum of 7 travelers. For $35 per person, participants can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours before the 4:45 PM start time.
The tour meets on East 9th Street and Avenue A, ending near the Essex Delancey subway station. While not wheelchair accessible, the experience is open to most travelers and located near public transportation.
With 3 positive reviews, this speakeasy tour provides an exclusive and authentic glimpse into New York’s hidden drinking culture.
Read our full review: East Village Speakeasy (Secret Bars) Experience Review
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Lobster and Beer Sail in New York City
On a sunny afternoon in New York City, travelers can embark on a unique nautical adventure – the Lobster and Beer Sail.
Aboard the largest classic tall ship in the US, guests can admire views of New York Harbor and the Manhattan waterfront while indulging in Maine-style lobster rolls and unlimited craft beers.
The 2-hour cruise departs from Pier 17, South Street Seaport, near the Brooklyn Bridge.
Passengers must be 21 or older to consume alcohol and valid ID is required.
The experience is weather-dependent but generally operates in light to moderate rain.
Confirmation is received at booking unless within 7 days of travel, and any cancellations due to severe weather will be rescheduled at no charge.
Read our full review: Lobster and Beer Sail in New York City Review
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Little Italy Prohibition Pub Crawl
Stepping away from the Lobster and Beer Sail, travelers can embark on a deep dive into New York City’s prohibition-era past with the Little Italy Prohibition Pub Crawl.
This 3-hour tour takes participants to 4 operating speakeasies in the historic Little Italy neighborhood. Though the tour doesn’t include beverages or food, guests can purchase alcoholic drinks at the venues.
The tour, which accommodates up to 10 travelers, provides a glimpse into the city’s mob and gangster history, though some may find the focus on drinking culture more prominent.
The tour visits notable spots, including one famous from “Sex and the City” and a local favorite for pizza.
Read our full review: Little Italy Prohibition Pub Crawl Review
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NYC: Statue of Liberty & Skyline 90 Min Sunset Cruise & Cash Bar
For travelers seeking a memorable sunset experience in New York City, the 90-minute NYC: Statue of Liberty & Skyline Sunset Cruise offers stunning views of the city’s iconic landmarks.
Departing from Pier 36, the cruise sails along the waterfront, providing photo opportunities of the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, Lower Manhattan, and the Statue of Liberty.
With a cash bar and food available onboard, guests can enjoy the colorful sunset and twinkling city lights in a relaxed atmosphere.
While the cruise has received mixed reviews, the stunning skyline and landmarks make it a popular option for those looking to experience New York City from the water.
Read our full review: NYC: Statue of Liberty & Skyline 90 Min Sunset Cruise & Cash Bar Review
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Lower East Side Prohibition Pub Crawl
Travelers commonly embark on the three-hour Lower East Side Prohibition Pub Crawl to experience Manhattan’s vibrant nightlife during the roaring twenties.
The tour explores original speakeasies and modern hidden bars, requiring a secret password for entry. Guests enjoy a complimentary glass of Champagne as they learn about notorious gangsters and the party scene.
The tour visits various venues, including a modern speakeasy hidden behind a pawnshop.
While the tour has an overall rating of 3.0, a notable complaint is that no tour guide showed up, leading to a wasted experience.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and a smart casual dress code is required.
Read our full review: Lower East Side Prohibition Pub Crawl Review
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Broadway Prohibition Pub Crawl
On the Broadway Prohibition Pub Crawl, participants explore the vibrant history of New York’s nightlife during the Roaring Twenties.
The tour takes them through Midtown Manhattan, visiting three bars, including the one where the Bloody Mary was invented. Along the way, they learn about famous speakeasies and notable figures from old Broadway.
The 3-hour experience accommodates up to 15 travelers, with beverages included and alcoholic drinks available for purchase.
While the tour guide is friendly, some participants felt the experience didn’t provide sufficient value for the $64 price tag, and the organization and delivery were mixed.
Read our full review: Broadway Prohibition Pub Crawl Review
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The Edgar Allan Poe Pub Crawl
The Edgar Allan Poe Pub Crawl offers a small-group experience that delves into the life and literary works of the renowned American writer.
The tour covers key locations from Greenwich Village to Broadway, including haunted sites, Poe’s drinking spots, and venues where he held poetry readings. A complimentary cocktail is included in the general admission.
However, the tour has received a series of one-star reviews, with common complaints about the guide’s tardiness, poor navigation, and reliance on scripted notes.
The host acknowledged the negative feedback and offered a discount code for a future tour to the dissatisfied participants.
Read our full review: The Edgar Allan Poe Pub Crawl Review
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New York City: Night Skyline Cruise With Cash Bar
A nighttime cruise along New York City’s iconic skyline offers travelers a breathtaking opportunity to witness the metropolis’ dazzling lights from the water.
However, the “New York City: Night Skyline Cruise With Cash Bar” experience has received poor reviews, with a dismal 2.3-star rating out of 5 based on 3 reviews.
Travelers report the tour being cancelled without prior notice, leaving them stranded at the pickup point, and difficulties obtaining refunds.
Despite the cruise’s potential to showcase the city’s stunning nightscape, the lack of reliable service and customer satisfaction makes it a questionable choice for those seeking a memorable drinking tour in New York City.
Read our full review: New York City: Night Skyline Cruise With Cash Bar Review
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NYC: Happy Hour Sightseeing Cruise With Cash Bar
Those seeking a night of sightseeing and happy hour drinks can hop aboard the NYC: Happy Hour Sightseeing Cruise With Cash Bar.
The 1-hour cruise departs from Pier 36, slip 3, and offers views of the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, and NYC skyline.
While on board, guests can enjoy recorded music and commentary. The cash bar features happy-hour prices, and the cruise is wheelchair accessible.
However, past customers have complained about limited seating, a crowded bar area, and incorrect address information.
Plus, the cruise has an overall rating of 2.0/5 stars based on 2 reviews, with one customer missing the boat due to lack of signage and staff.
Read our full review: NYC: Happy Hour Sightseeing Cruise With Cash Bar Review
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New York City Rooftop Bar Crawl With VIP Skip-The-Line Entrance
Offering a chance to experience New York City’s vibrant nightlife, the New York City Rooftop Bar Crawl With VIP Skip-The-Line Entrance guides participants through the city’s top rooftop venues.
The tour includes VIP access to two rooftop clubs and one bar, along with complimentary drinks at each location and transportation between stops. Guests must be at least 21 years old and meet the tour’s dress code requirements.
While the tour boasts the ability to skip lines, recent reviews suggest issues with tour cancellations and unprofessional service.
Read our full review: New York City Rooftop Bar Crawl With VIP Skip-The-Line Entrance Review
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NYC Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl by US Ghost Adventures
Dive into New York City’s haunted past on the NYC Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl by US Ghost Adventures. This small-group tour explores the spooky nightlife of Greenwich Village, focusing on prohibition-era scandals, ghost stories, and local history.
With a maximum of 15 participants, the experience is personalized. The tour includes 4 bar stops, stories from a knowledgeable guide, and wheelchair-accessible transportation. Guests can enjoy a drink at the first pub while learning about folklore.
The tour is accessible for strollers and service animals, and no serious medical conditions are required. With 6 reviews and a 4.2 overall rating, this haunted pub crawl is a unique way to experience New York City’s dark side.
Read our full review: NYC Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl by US Ghost Adventures Review
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Times Scare! Ghost Pub Crawl
The Times Scare! Ghost Pub Crawl takes you on a 3-hour journey through New York’s haunted history.
You’ll explore spooky theaters on Broadway and visit the Landmark Tavern, one of the city’s oldest bars, rumored to be haunted by a Confederate soldier.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy one craft cocktail at the Landmark Tavern and learn about the Algonquin Hotel’s ghostly tales.
The tour departs from the New Amsterdam Theatre on Wednesdays and Fridays at 6 PM, with a maximum of 10 participants.
It’s wheelchair accessible and near public transportation, making it an accessible and unique way to experience New York’s supernatural side.
Read our full review: Times Scare! Ghost Pub Crawl Review
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East Village Prohibition Pub Crawl
This Prohibition-themed walking tour of New York City’s East Village takes participants on a journey through the area’s history as a hub for illicit drinking during the Temperance movement.
The tour promises to explore hidden bars that once served as speakeasies and learn about gangster-related events, the Temperance movement, and bootlegging.
However, based on the overwhelmingly negative reviews, it seems the tour is poorly organized, with a guide who’s often unprepared and provides vague historical anecdotes.
Guests are also responsible for paying for all drinks, contrary to expectations.
Read our full review: East Village Prohibition Pub Crawl Review
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The Sum Up
New York City offers a diverse array of drinking tours, from pub crawls exploring historic neighborhoods to rooftop bar hopping and speakeasy experiences. Whether you’re a history buff, cocktail enthusiast, or just looking for a fun night out, these tours provide an entertaining way to discover the city’s vibrant nightlife scene. With a range of options, there’s sure to be a drinking tour that suits your interests and preferences.