Berlin’s nightlife is legendary, and if you’re eager to experience its pulse firsthand, the Original Pub Crawl in Berlin offers a fun, social way to do just that. For about $24, you’ll spend roughly four hours hopping through some of the city’s coolest bars, enjoying free entrance, complimentary shots, and exclusive drink deals. Your guide, whose name we don’t have but who is often praised as energetic and friendly, will lead you through East Berlin’s hip neighborhoods, culminating in VIP access to one of Berlin’s most popular clubs.
What we like most about this experience is how it combines the social buzz of meeting fellow travelers with insider tips on the city’s hidden nightlife gems. Plus, the included VIP entrance to a major club guarantees you get a taste of Berlin’s legendary after-hours scene. On the downside, some reviews highlight issues like inconsistent venue quality, long transit times between bars, and some confusion about start times — so it’s worth keeping those in mind.
This pub crawl is perfect if you’re a solo traveler looking to meet new people, a first-timer eager to sample Berlin’s nightlife without the hassle of planning, or someone who values well-organized, value-packed evenings. If you’re prepared for some variability in the venues and perhaps some transit time, this tour offers a lively, accessible way to dive into Berlin’s vibrant after-dark scene.
Key Points
- Vibrant Nightlife Experience: Visit at least three bars with free entry, shots, and drink specials.
- Insider Knowledge: The guide shares tips on Berlin’s best hidden spots and current hotspots.
- VIP Nightclub Access: Concludes with VIP entry to a major Berlin club, allowing you to dance until dawn.
- Cost-Effective: All entrance fees, shots, and drink offers are included, making it good value.
- Flexible & Social: Suitable for solo travelers and groups seeking a fun, social night out.
- Potential Drawbacks: Venue quality and transit times can vary; some travelers experienced long waits or confusing logistics.
A Detailed Look at the Berlin Pub Crawl Experience
For more beverage-focused experiences, here's what we've covered in Berlin
Starting Point and Duration
The tour begins at Generator Berlin Alexanderplatz, located at Otto-Braun-Straße 65, right in the heart of East Berlin. It kicks off around 9:00 pm, giving you a lively start to your night. The entire experience lasts roughly four hours, which feels just right—enough to explore several venues without dragging on too long.
Most reviews note that the tour finishes at Warschauer Platz in Friedrichshain, about three stops away by metro. This makes it easy to continue your night independently afterward, especially since the tour includes VIP access to a prominent club.
The Itinerary: What You’ll Visit
While the exact venues may vary, the tour typically involves at least three bars, each with their character and vibe. The first stop usually sets the tone, often in a lively, well-known area like Alexanderplatz. The guide shares local insights, pointing out hidden gems and explaining the history or story behind each spot.
The venues are described as being somewhat “spread out,” and some reviews mention that they’re primarily “Generator hostel bars,” which could feel a bit commercial or predictable. However, the inclusion of free shots and special drink offers enhances the value and fun. One reviewer mentioned that the shots are not always free as advertised, but generally, you can expect some complimentary beverages or discounted prices.
Atmosphere and Social Vibe
What makes this experience stand out is the opportunity to meet other travelers. Several reviews praise the guide’s friendliness and energy, with one noting, “Facundo was a great host,” and another describing how they left the tour having made new friends from Norway. The social aspect is a big draw, especially if you’re traveling solo or want to connect with like-minded party-goers.
The Bars and Venue Quality
Some reviews are less enthusiastic, describing the venues as “bare of non-bar crawl customers” or “lame.” Others mention that the bars aren’t particularly lively or interesting, which could leave some feeling a bit underwhelmed. The venues might be quieter on a Sunday or in less tourist-heavy periods, so your experience may depend on timing and luck.
Transit and Logistics
A common complaint is the long transit time between venues—some travelers mention 20-30 minutes of walking or transit, which can be tiring, especially if you’re eager to maximize drinking time. As one reviewer stated, “make the bars closer together,” which would definitely improve the flow and energy of the night.
Another logistical issue raised involves confusing meeting points and timing discrepancies, with some arriving after the tour had already begun or having to pay extra for transport. The tour explicitly states that most travelers can participate and that confirmation comes immediately, but a few had trouble with communication or GPS directions.
The VIP Club Experience
The tour concludes with VIP entrance to a major nightclub, a highlight for many. This part of the evening allows you to dance until the early hours, a true Berlin experience. Many reviews describe this as the “best part,” with one person noting they “came out with new friends,” and another calling it “an amazing experience.”
Price and Value
At just under $24 per person, this tour offers good value considering the included entrance fees, free shots, drink deals, and VIP club access. However, some reviews mention that the drink deals aren’t always as generous as portrayed—sometimes requiring you to buy drinks to get shots, which can add up.
The overall value depends on your expectations. If you’re after a lively social scene combined with a taste of Berlin’s nightlife, this tour can be a great deal. But if you’re looking for high-end venues or a carefully curated bar list, you might find it lacking.
Who Will Like This Tour?
This pub crawl is best suited for solo travelers, first-time visitors, or anyone wanting to meet new people in a relaxed, informal setting. It’s also good for those who don’t mind some variability in venues and are happy to go with the flow. If you prefer more intimate or upscale venues, or dislike transit times, this might not be your perfect fit.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
If you’re curious about Berlin’s nightlife scene, enjoy social experiences, and want to explore multiple venues without the hassle of planning, this pub crawl provides a lively, affordable way to do so. The inclusion of free shots, drink specials, and VIP access adds to the fun factor, even if some venues might feel a little generic or quiet.
The guide’s energy and local insights are often praised, which can make the night more memorable. But do keep in mind that some travelers have found the venues uninspiring or the logistics frustrating. It’s a group experience, so your enjoyment can depend heavily on the group dynamic and timing.
Overall, for the price and what’s included, this tour offers good value and a chance to connect with fellow travelers, making it especially appealing for those new to Berlin or nightlife explorers.
FAQs
Is this tour suitable for anyone under 18?
No, the minimum age is 18, and a valid ID is required to join.
What’s included in the price?
Your ticket covers entrance fees to at least three bars, free shots, drink specials, and VIP entrance to a club. Drinks at the venues are not included unless specified.
What should I wear?
A smart casual dress code is recommended, suitable for bar venues and clubs.
Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.
Where do we meet?
The tour begins at Generator Berlin Alexanderplatz (Otto-Braun-Straße 65). Keep in mind that some reviews noted discrepancies with the meeting point, so arriving early and confirming details is wise.
How long is the transit between venues?
Some venues are a walk or metro ride away, with transit times around 20-30 minutes. Be prepared for some light transit between stops.
To sum it up, the Original Pub Crawl Berlin is an energetic, social way to enjoy Berlin’s nightlife, especially if you’re eager to meet new people and explore the city’s bar scene without the stress of planning. While the venues and logistics may vary, the experience’s value lies in its affordability and the chance to dance into the early hours at a major club. It’s best suited for travelers who want a fun group night out rather than a curated, luxury experience.
More Drinking Tours in Berlin
More Tour Reviews in Berlin
More Berlin experiences we've covered
- Berlin 4-Course Sunset Dinner Cruise Including Drinks
- Private Tour: Potsdam Day Trip from Berlin
- Sachsenhausen Memorial Private Half Day Tour
- Berlin Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone
- E-scooter Sightseeing Tours in Berlin
- Original Pub Crawl Berlin
- Berlin Private Walking Food Tour With Locals: the 10 Tastings
- 2-Hour Segway Discovery Tour Berlin
- Berlin City Hop-on Hop-off Tour with Optional Cruise
- Private Tour of David Bowie’s West-Berlin
- Private Day Tour from Berlin to Szczecin Poland
- Berlin City Center Food & Beer Tour with Eating Europe