7 Best Pub Tours in New York

New York is a city that never sleeps, and if there's one thing that's part of its essence, it's its vibrant nightlife. From historic speakeasies to iconic taverns where chapters of literature and music have been written, the city offers so much more than skyscrapers and bright lights. Taking a pub crawl is a perfect way to explore its history, discover hidden corners and, of course, enjoy a good beer or cocktail while meeting fellow travellers. Here's a selection of the best pub crawls in New York for a night out in the Big Apple.

The West Village is one of New York's most charming neighbourhoods, with its cobblestone streets, iron lampposts and bars that have witnessed decades of history. On this tour, you'll visit some of the **city'**s oldest and most iconic pubs, where writers, musicians and artists used to gather. Stops such as the White Horse Tavern, famous as the place where Dylan Thomas used to drink, or the Art Bar, with its intimate and vintage atmosphere, make this tour a perfect mix of history and fun. The tour lasts 2-3 hours and costs around $40-$60, depending on whether drinks are included or not.

If you're interested in the history of organised crime in New York, this pub crawl in Little Italy is a fascinating option. Through historic bars and taverns that are over a century old, you'll discover the secrets of the New York Mafia, with stories about Al Capone, Lucky Luciano and other characters from the past. The neighbourhood is also famous for its Italian-inspired cocktail bars, where you can try anything from a classic Negroni to a modern reinterpretation of the Aperol Spritz. The tour usually includes 3-4 stops, lasts about 2.5 hours and costs between $50 and $70, with some drinks included.

The Lower East Side is one of New York's most characterful areas, and its history is linked to immigration, punk music and the cultural revolution. This tour takes you to the **area'**s most authentic pubs and bars, where the rebellious spirit of the neighbourhood still lives on. Places like McSorley's Old Ale House, one of the oldest pubs in the city, or 169 Bar, with its eclectic decor and legendary cocktails, are part of the tour. The tour lasts 3 hours, with prices ranging from $45-$65, depending on the number of drinks included.

During the 1920s, Prohibition turned New York into a labyrinth of speakeasies where the creativity of serving alcohol reached epic levels. This tour takes you back to that golden age of speakeasies, taking you to bars hidden behind unmarked doors and secret passages. You can enter places like Please Don't Tell (PDT), which is only accessible through a phone box in a hot dog shop, or Bathtub Gin, a vintage-inspired bar with homemade gin cocktails. The tour lasts between 2.5 and 3 hours and ranges in price from $60 to $80, depending on how many drinks are included.

If you love live music as well as enjoying a good beer or cocktail, this tour is for you. You'll tour some of New York's best live music pubs, from jazz clubs in Greenwich Village to rock bars in the East Village. Regular stops include the Blue Note, where great jazz legends have played, or Rockwood Music Hall, which hosts emerging bands every night. The tour usually lasts 3 hours and costs between $50 and $75, with some drinks included.

For beer lovers, Brooklyn is the place to be. This tour takes you to some of the city's best craft breweries, where you can sample local brews and learn about the brewing process. Stops like Brooklyn Brewery, famous for its IPAs, or Other Half Brewing, with its experimental beers, make this tour a real brewer's delight. The tour lasts 3-4 hours and costs around $50-$70, including tastings.

If you're looking for a livelier night out in the touristy heart of the city, this pub crawl through Times Square and Broadway will take you to some of Manhattan's busiest bars. From rooftop bars with breathtaking views to Irish pubs steeped in history, this tour is perfect for those who want to meet people and enjoy the vibrant energy of New York. It lasts 3-4 hours and is priced between $30 and $50, with discounts on drinks and VIP access to some venues.

A pub crawl in New York is much more than just a pub crawl - it's a journey through the city's history, culture and best-kept secrets. Whether it's discovering the speakeasies of Prohibition, exploring the historic bars of the West Village or soaking up the bohemian vibe of the Lower East Side, each tour has its own personality and charm. So next time you visit the Big Apple, don't hesitate to immerse yourself in its vibrant nightlife scene. What's your first stop?