Glasgow is a city that loves to drink. Whether it’s the city’s long-standing brewing tradition, a vibrant pub scene, or Scotland’s world-famous whisky, Glasgow offers plenty of ways to enjoy a good drink. What makes it especially appealing for drinking tours is the way these experiences blend history, culture, and local flavors into memorable outings. We’re particularly fond of the Glasgow Pub & History Tour with ScotBeer Tours because it combines a walking tour of the city’s iconic pubs with engaging stories about Glasgow’s economic rises and falls. Plus, tasting beers from award-winning Scottish breweries adds a delicious layer to the experience. If whisky is more your style, the Go Drinking whisky with a Scotsman tour offers an intimate sampling guided by a whisky expert, perfect for those eager to learn about Scotland’s most iconic spirit.
Glasgow’s mix of historic pubs, modern craft breweries, and legendary distilleries makes it a fantastic city for all kinds of drinking tours. Whether you’re after a quick pub crawl, a deeper dive into whisky, or a scenic bike ride that ends with a pint, there’s something here for everyone. This guide aims to help you decide which tour fits your style — whether you’re a casual beer drinker, serious whisky enthusiast, or just curious about Glasgow’s boozy past.
Quick Overview
Our list features eight top drinking tours in Glasgow, each offering a different take on the city’s drinking culture. You’ll find small-group pub walks, guided whisky tastings, beer flights with local dishes, and even bike tours that combine sightseeing with craft beer sampling. For a lively pub crawl with local stories, check out the Pints & Past: Glasgow Pub Tour. For whisky lovers, the Scottish Rogue Whisky Pub Crawl offers a deep dive into Scotch whisky in a fun setting. Budget travelers might enjoy the Beer Flight with Haggis Taster, while those with limited time may prefer the quick 1-hour Haggis and Beer experience. Bike enthusiasts will appreciate the City and Clyde Bridges Bike Tour with Beer Tasting, combining exercise, sightseeing, and craft beer. Lastly, history buffs interested in Glasgow’s Irish roots will enjoy the Irish Legacy and St Mungo’s Brewery Tour.
Now, let’s explore each tour in detail to help you pick the perfect Glasgow drinking experience.
1. Glasgow Pub & History Tour with ScotBeer Tours
Starting with a small-group walking tour that’s perfect for those who want to combine history and local pubs, this tour is highly rated for its engaging storytelling and tasting stops. For around $54, you get about two hours exploring Glasgow’s New Town, a neighborhood packed with architectural gems and lively pubs. The tour begins at George Square, Glasgow’s main hub, and takes you through Merchant City, an area known for its industrial past and bustling pubs. You’ll visit two local pubs, taste beers from Scottish award-winning breweries, and learn about the city’s booms and busts through fascinating stories.
What makes this tour stand out is the personable guide, Iain, who gets rave reviews for his knowledge and friendliness. Guests appreciate the mix of history and beer tastings — “Just enough history to make it interesting,” says one reviewer. The small group size caps at 8, ensuring a personalized experience. The afternoon timing leaves you free to enjoy Glasgow’s nightlife afterward.
Bottom Line: A well-balanced tour for those wanting a relaxed, informative walk with good beer in authentic local pubs. Ideal for curious travelers who enjoy stories as much as a cold pint.
2. Glasgow: Walking Tour With Beer Tasting
This tour offers a combination of sightseeing and beer tasting over 2.5 hours, making it a great choice for those wanting a deeper dive into Glasgow’s brewing legacy. Starting at Nelson Mandela Place, the tour takes you through Glasgow’s historic streets and introduces you to a variety of Scottish beers. The itinerary includes stops at iconic locations like High Street, Merchant City, and George Square, with plenty of time to explore the surroundings as you go.
Led by Lei, the guide, guests love her ability to blend Glasgow’s development story with craft beer knowledge. Reviews highlight her knack for discovering tasty new beers and sharing local history—“Lei was knowledgeable and did an incredible job finding new beers for us,” one reviewer states. The tour’s pace, stopping at local bars and walking through the city’s key sights, makes it accessible and engaging.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a moderate walk, historic insights, and a variety of Scottish beers, all in one outing.
3. Glasgow :Go Drinking whisky with a Scotsman
For whisky aficionados, this 1.5-hour whisky tasting offers an authentic experience in Glasgow’s city center. The tour begins at George Square and takes you to a cozy pub where a whisky specialist guides you through tasting four different Scotch whiskies from Scotland’s key whisky regions. The guide shares stories behind each dram, explaining what makes Scotch whisky unique and why Scotland dominates the industry.
Guests rave about the guide’s expertise, calling the experience “super interesting” and appreciating the personalized approach. The tour includes scenic walks passing historic sites, making it more than just a tasting. It’s ideal for those new to whisky or seasoned connoisseurs wanting to deepen their appreciation.
Bottom Line: The perfect short and immersive whisky experience, blending education, tasting, and local city walking—best suited for whisky lovers or curious travelers.
4. Pints & Past: Glasgow Pub Tour
This is a more comprehensive pub experience that lasts about two hours in Glasgow’s lively Merchant City. The tour visits several pubs, including The Social, All Bar One, and The Piper Whisky Bar, offering a mix of local brews, craft cocktails, and impressive whisky collections. Guides share lively stories and historical tidbits as you move from pub to pub, creating an energetic and engaging atmosphere.
The tour is particularly popular among those wanting to explore Glasgow’s diverse pub scene while learning about its cultural past. One reviewer notes, “It was an experience that truly elevated my visit,” praising the guide’s expertise. The large tour group (around 20) offers a social vibe, which suits travelers looking for a lively, no-fuss night out.
Bottom Line: A lively pub crawl perfect for those who want to sample a wide variety of drinks and enjoy stories in a vibrant setting.
5. Glasgow: Beer Flight with a Haggis Taster in a Glasgow pub
This short, budget-friendly experience is just one hour long and combines Scotland’s favorite dish, haggis, with a beer flight. Held at Van Winkle Barrowlands, it’s ideal for those wanting a quick, casual taste of Glasgow’s beer scene. You’ll sample several local beers, while enjoying haggis, a hearty and iconic Scottish dish.
Guests highlight the friendly staff and the chance to try traditional Scottish flavors without committing to a full tour. With only two reviews but perfect scores, it’s clear this experience packs a punch for its price and length. It’s best suited for travelers with limited time or those seeking a light introduction to Scottish food and drink.
Bottom Line: A quick, fun starter for those curious about Scottish beer and cuisine, with an authentic local vibe.
6. Glasgow: Scottish Rogue Whisky Pub Crawl
This 2.5-hour guided whisky crawl takes you through three Glasgow pubs famous for their Scotch whisky collections. The tour includes tastings of drams at each stop, along with fascinating stories about Glasgow’s historic connection to whisky and how to appreciate the nuances of Scotch.
The guide’s storytelling is a highlight, with reviews mentioning the “fun and unique” atmosphere. The stops include a mix of classic pubs and hidden gems, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and enjoy the city’s ambiance. It suits whisky lovers who want to explore multiple venues and deepen their understanding of Scotch, all while walking through Glasgow’s streets.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded whisky experience that combines history, tasting, and city walking—great for those wanting a social, educational outing.
7. Glasgow: City and Clyde Bridges Bike Tour with Beer Tasting
For a more active way to see Glasgow, this 4-hour guided bike tour combines sightseeing along rivers, parks, and historic neighborhoods with a craft beer tasting session at the end. Starting at the Drygate Bar, you’ll pedal past the Glasgow Green, Kelvingrove Park, the University of Glasgow, and Glasgow Cathedral, covering a lot of ground in a scenic, relaxed way.
Guests love the mix of exercise and culture, with many praising the guide’s knowledge and the smooth riding route. The beer tasting at the end offers a chance to unwind and discuss the city’s sights over a locally brewed pint. The tour suits active travelers who enjoy combining sightseeing with a social drink.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for active travelers wanting to explore Glasgow on two wheels while enjoying craft beer.
8. Glasgow: Irish Legacy and St Mungo’s Brewery Tour
This 2-hour tour explores Glasgow’s Irish immigrant past and visits two local pubs and a brewery. Starting at Glasgow Central Railway Station, the tour includes visits to the 9/11 Memorial, Heilanman’s Umbrella, and the Briggait, giving a cultural and historical context. The highlight is sampling beers and enjoying a small two-course lunch at a local brewery.
Reviewers mention the engaging guide and the interesting stories about Irish influence in Glasgow. It’s a good fit for travelers interested in cultural history, Irish heritage, and craft beer. The mix of sightseeing, storytelling, and tasting makes it a well-rounded cultural experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for history and culture lovers who want to connect Glasgow’s Irish roots with local brews.
How to Choose the Right Drinking Tour in Glasgow
When selecting your perfect Glasgow drinking tour, consider your interests and time availability. If you want a quick introduction with a mix of history and beer, the Glasgow Pub & History Tour is a top pick. For whisky enthusiasts, the Whisky Pub Crawl provides an immersive experience, while the Bike Tour is perfect for active travelers who want to combine sightseeing with a drink. Budget travelers may prefer the short Haggis and Beer experience, while those seeking an in-depth pub crawl should consider Pints & Past.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak tourist season, to ensure availability and lock in current prices. Consider your fitness level, time constraints, and whether you prefer guided walks, bike rides, or tastings in one or multiple venues.
Final Thoughts
Glasgow offers a rich mix of beer, whisky, and pub culture that caters to every taste and interest. Whether you opt for a lively pub crawl, a refined whisky tasting, or a scenic bike tour ending with a pint, you’re guaranteed a memorable experience. For those seeking a quick taste, the Haggis and Beer is a fun intro, while serious enthusiasts might prefer the Scottish Rogue Whisky Pub Crawl. No matter your choice, booking early and planning around your interests will ensure you make the most of Glasgow’s lively drinking scene. Cheers!