Old City After Dark: Drinking Tour in Philadelphia

Old City After Dark: Drinking Tour in Philadelphia – A Fun-Filled Night Out

Touring Philadelphia’s Old City after sunset offers a different perspective—one filled with lively bars, hidden gems, and a touch of local flair. This tour, offered by Booze Brothers Philly, promises an evening packed with axe throwing, curated bar stops, and dancing, all wrapped into about three hours of energetic fun. It’s designed for those eager to explore beyond the usual tourist spots, with a focus on authentic local experiences that blend history, culture, and nightlife into one package.

What I love about this experience? First, the unique combination of activities such as axe throwing and music-focused bar visits makes it stand out from typical pub crawls. Second, the small group setting—capped at ten travelers—means you get a more personalized vibe and plenty of interaction. Third, the inclusion of line skipping and seating at venues ensures you spend more time enjoying drinks and less waiting around. The only potential downside? For those who want a more relaxed, less structured night, this tour might feel a little fast-paced. But overall, it’s perfect for anyone looking for an energetic, engaging evening.

This tour is best suited for adults who enjoy active nights, music, and discovering local nightlife in a social setting. If you’re after laid-back evenings or aren’t comfortable with group activities, it might not be the ideal fit. But for travelers eager to experience Philly’s after-hours scene with a lively crew, it offers a memorable, well-rounded night out.

Good To Know

• Engaging activities include axe throwing, bar hopping, and dancing, making for a dynamic evening.
• Small group size fosters a more intimate, personalized experience.
• Exclusive access with line skipping at venues helps maximize your fun.
• Music and vinyl record themes add a nostalgic, authentic vibe.
• Cost-effective at $35, including a tequila shot and activity admissions.
• Convenient meeting point near public transportation, with the tour ending close to the starting location.

Exploring the Itinerary

The tour kicks off at Kick Axe Throwing Philadelphia, a lively spot where you’ll get to test your aim with a real axe. This activity isn’t just fun; it echoes Philadelphia’s roots—think Revolutionary War spirit—giving you a taste of action and history side by side. The session lasts about 35 minutes, and your admission is included, so you won’t need to worry about extra costs.

Once you’ve shown off your throwing skills or just enjoyed the thrill of it, the tour transitions into exploring Old City’s vibrant bar scene. The venues are carefully selected to include places many locals might not even know about, which adds a sense of discovery. During this phase, you’ll visit 4-5 locations, each stopping for roughly 35 minutes, giving you time to soak in the atmosphere, enjoy handcrafted cocktails, and take in the ambiance of Philly’s night life.

What’s notable here is the focus on music-themed venues, especially those with impressive vinyl record collections. This isn’t just a typical bar crawl—the curated spots offer a blend of vintage sounds, creating a nostalgic backdrop to your drinks. Plus, the tour includes a complimentary tequila shot, which is a nice energizer as you jump from one lively spot to the next.

The final part of the evening takes you to the Old City Arts District, where the energy shifts into dancing with a DJ spinning infectious beats. The 45-minute dance stop ensures you get to blow off steam and enjoy Philly’s night scene in a lively setting.

What Can You Expect from Each Stop?

Kick Axe Throwing Philadelphia

This is more than just a warm-up; it’s a chance to channel your inner patriot or revolutionary. The venue is private, and your included 35-minute session offers a safe, supervised environment to learn or perfect your axe-throwing skills. Reviewers mention the activity as a highlight, with one noting, “It’s a great way to start the night with a bit of action and laughs.” The fact that admission is included adds value, making it a good choice for those wanting active entertainment.

Bar Hopping with Vinyl Vibe

After the axe-throwing fun, you’ll head to 4-5 different bars, each with its unique character. The venues are known for their incredible vinyl collections—perfect for music lovers—and they often feature no cover charges and seating options that save you from standing all night. Reviewers have appreciated the “line skipping,” which means more time drinking and socializing rather than waiting in line.

The inclusion of a tequila shot adds a lively shot of energy early in the evening, and the variety of cocktails ($5-$20) means you can indulge without breaking the bank. Expect to see some carefully crafted drinks, often with a local twist, allowing you to savor Philadelphia’s contemporary bar scene.

Final Stop: Dancing in the Old City Arts District

The night wraps up with a 45-minute dance session in a lively bar, complete with a DJ. You’re encouraged to let loose and enjoy the local music scene. Some reviews mentioned that the DJ’s infectious rhythms kept everyone moving, and a few even stayed on the dance floor long after the official end time.

Practical Details and Value

The tour costs $35 per person, which includes the axe-throwing session, tequila shot, and entry to multiple bars with no cover charges. Given that most venues offer cocktails in the $5-$20 range, this makes it a pretty good deal for a three-hour night out. The small group size (max 10) enhances the experience, ensuring plenty of interaction and a more personalized vibe.

The meeting point at Kick Axe Throwing is centrally located at 232 Market Street, close to public transportation, which makes getting there straightforward. The tour starts at 7:00 pm, aligning with typical evening activities and giving you ample time to get ready and arrive on time.

The end point at 200 Chestnut Street is only about five minutes walk from the starting location, allowing for easy continuation of your night or a relaxed walk back to your accommodation.

Considerations

While the tour offers a packed evening of activities, it’s fast-paced. If you prefer a more relaxed, unhurried night or want more time at each stop, this might feel rushed. Also, note that the tour is strictly for adults 21 and over, so it’s not suitable for families or those underage. As it’s based on good weather, rain or snow could impact the experience, though the provider offers alternatives if needed.

Authentic Feedback and Insider Tips

Reviewers highlight the excellent music selection and the relaxed, friendly atmosphere at each venue. One noted, “The vinyl record collection is impressive, and it really added to the vibe.” The staff at the venues are described as accommodating, with some guests mentioning that the hosts are friendly and knowledgeable.

Knowing that the tour includes line skipping and seating is a practical perk, especially during busy weekends. It means you’ll spend less time waiting and more time enjoying your drinks and conversation.

Many guests appreciated the small group size—it fostered a welcoming environment where everyone quickly felt like part of the night’s fun. If you’re someone who enjoys social nights with a mix of activity, music, and drinks, this tour ticks all the boxes.

The Sum Up

This Old City after-dark tour offers a lively, well-rounded night out in Philadelphia for those craving a mix of action, music, and socializing. The inclusion of axe throwing adds an unusual twist, making the experience memorable beyond just bar hopping. The curated venues with vinyl records and no cover charges are a real plus, ensuring you get the most out of your evening without excessive spending.

The dance finale keeps the energy high, perfect for anyone wanting a fun, physically engaging night. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy active nights, music, and discovering local spots with a small, friendly group. The price point of $35, coupled with included activities and no extra cover charges, makes this a good value for a curated, lively experience.

Overall, if you’re looking for an authentic, energetic way to explore Philadelphia’s vibrant after-hours scene, this tour delivers a fun and memorable night. Just be prepared for a lively pace and bring your best aiming skills—or at least a good sense of humor!

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for people who aren’t great at axe throwing?
Yes, the activity is supervised and meant to be fun rather than competitive. Most guests enjoy the experience regardless of skill level.

How many venues will we visit?
You will visit 4-5 different locations, each for about 35 minutes, including the final dance session.

Are drinks included in the price?
No, alcohol is not included, but one tequila shot is provided. Drinks at the venues are purchased separately, typically ranging from $5 to $20.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Kick Axe Throwing at 232 Market Street and ends near 200 Chestnut Street, both within walking distance.

Is this tour suitable for non-English speakers?
Yes, tour guides may speak Spanish, French, German, and Italian, making it accessible for a diverse group.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made approximately 10 days in advance, but availability can vary based on demand.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to bad conditions, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

This experience combines active fun, cultural discovery, and lively nightlife, making it an excellent choice for curious and energetic travelers eager to see Philadelphia in a different light after dark.