Bar Tour vs. Bar Crawl: Which Philadelphia Experience Is Right for You?

When searching for "bar tours in Philadelphia" or "Philly nightlife tours," you'll find two main options: a history group tour and a food tour. Both are awesome in their own merit, but we love genuine social connection. We are a world apart from a standard, crowded bar crawl—but choosing the right experience for your night out is key.

Public Bar Tours: Social & Scheduled

Our public Philadelphia bar tours are perfect for solo travelers, couples, or small groups looking to join a fun, social experience. Guests purchase individual tickets for a scheduled date, joining other attendees for a curated tour of hidden bars and speakeasies. It's a fantastic way to meet fellow travelers from around the world in an intimate, small-group setting.

Ideal for: Solo adventurers, couples, small friend groups, and anyone seeking a social night out without the hassle of planning.

Private Bar Tours: Exclusive & Tailored

Our private Philadelphia bar tours are designed exclusively for your group. Whether it's a bachelorette party, corporate event, birthday celebration, or reunion, you'll enjoy a fully customized experience. This includes dedicated transportation, tailored bar selections, private activities like salsa lessons or games, and total control over the itinerary and pace.

Ideal for: Celebrations, corporate outings, wedding parties, and any group wanting a completely personalized, exclusive night out.

Group Size: The Crowded Pub vs. The Personal Experience

Standard Philadelphia bar crawls often pack in dozens of people, moving in loud, impersonal herds. At Booze Brothers Tours, we specialize in small group bar tours in Philadelphia. Our intentionally limited group sizes allow weekly meaningful interaction with your guide and fellow guests—who often join from around the world—creating a shared social experience rather than a crowded transaction.

The Pace: Rushed vs. Relaxed & Inclusive

Crawls are built on speed: drink fast, move faster. Our private tours embrace a comfortable, engaging pace. We visit exclusive, smaller venues that large crawls can't access, and we often sit down to savor specialty cocktails and conversation. Unlike rigid crawls, we can adapt the evening to the group—including adding a sit-down dinner in Philadelphia when the moment feels right.

Why Both Are Better Than a Standard Bar Crawl

Unlike crowded, impersonal pub crawls, both our public and private tours emphasize:

• Smaller, exclusive venues over packed tourist bars

  
  

• Sitting down and connecting with guides and fellow guests

  
  

• Immersive activities beyond just drinking

  
  

• Curated pacing that allows for conversation and enjoyment

  
  

• Access to hidden speakeasies and local favorites

  
  

Whether you join our public tour to meet new people or book a private tour for your own group, you're choosing a guided experience—not just a crawl.

Ready to Experience Philadelphia Differently?

Browse our public tour calendar to join a scheduled social tour, or contact us to start planning your completely private, customized bar tour experience today.