New York City isn’t just about skyscrapers and world-class museums; it’s also a city with a serious love for beer. With its diverse neighborhoods and innovative breweries, NYC offers a vibrant scene for beer lovers and curious newcomers alike. Among the many ways to explore this craft beer culture, guided tours stand out for their blend of tasting, learning, and local flavor. We’re especially fond of the Brooklyn craft brewery tour for its VIP access and variety — it’s a perfect way to get behind the scenes and sample up to 12 different craft beers. Plus, it includes a snack and a Metro card, making it both convenient and fun.
If you’re interested in a hands-on experience, the Sushi making class at a local brewery offers a creative twist—learning to roll sushi while sipping local brews. And for those wanting a broader view of NYC’s beer scene, the New York Beer and Brewery tour takes you through three different breweries with an emphasis on the city’s brewing history.
Quick Overview
Our list features guided brewery tours, hands-on classes, and iconic NYC attractions that pair well with a beer adventure. You will find options that suit different interests and budgets, from a comprehensive Brooklyn beer crawl to a full-day exploration of Long Island’s breweries. Whether you prefer a small-group experience, family-friendly outings, or a mix of sightseeing and tasting, there’s something here for everyone. For more details on each, keep reading.
1. New York City: Guided Brooklyn Craft Brewery Tour
At number 1, this guided Brooklyn craft brewery tour really shines for its combination of VIP access, variety, and insider knowledge. For around $99, you’ll spend 3.5 hours hopping between Brooklyn’s best breweries, enjoying up to 12 different craft beer samples along the way. What makes this tour stand out is the inclusion of a Metro card, so you won’t have to worry about navigating NYC transit — your guide takes care of that, leaving you free to focus on the beer.
The tour offers VIP access at some of Brooklyn’s hippest breweries, meaning you’ll skip lines and get special treatment. The snacks are a nice touch, complementing the tasting experience and giving you a little fuel for the journey. The guide shares insights into Brooklyn’s brewing scene and local neighborhoods, making this more than just a tasting — it’s a cultural dive.
Guests rave about the friendly guides and the relaxed atmosphere, and the tour’s capacity is small enough to keep things personal. If you love exploring new neighborhoods while sampling a variety of beers, this is an excellent choice. The only possible drawback is that it’s limited to Brooklyn, so if you want to explore Manhattan or Queens, you’ll need other options.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a balanced mix of access, variety, and local flavor — perfect for those wanting an authentic Brooklyn beer experience.
2. NYC: Fun Sushi Making Class at a Local Brewery
For something a little different, the Sushi making class at a local brewery combines hands-on cooking with craft beer tasting. Priced at $75 per person, this experience is informal, beginner-friendly, and great for groups, couples, or solo adventurers. The class walks you through making California and veggie rolls, with a talented chef guiding each step.
What makes this tour unique is the pairing of freshly made sushi with local brews, giving you a taste of Japanese cuisine paired with New York’s craft beer scene. It’s perfect if you want a relaxed, interactive experience that’s more about learning and participating than just tasting. No previous sushi experience is needed, making this accessible for everyone. Plus, your beer is included — a nice bonus for the price.
It’s an ideal activity for a date night, outing with friends, or even a solo adventure. As a bonus, you get to take home your sushi skills and enjoy your own creations later. The only downside: the duration isn’t specified, but most classes last about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Bottom Line: If you’re craving a fun, interactive experience that combines food, drink, and learning, this sushi-making class is a memorable choice.
$75 per person
3. NYC: Empire State Building Tickets – Observatory & Museum
While not a brewery tour in the traditional sense, the Empire State Building visit offers an exceptional view of the city’s skyline, complemented by a quick immersion into its museum. For $48, you get 45 minutes to 2 hours exploring the legendary skyscraper, including breathtaking 360-degree views from the 86th Floor and an option to upgrade to the 102nd Floor for even higher vistas.
This experience is ideal if you want to combine iconic NYC sightseeing with an appreciation for the city’s architecture and history. The immersive museum adds context to your visit, and the skip-the-line upgrade can save you precious time. It’s a family-friendly activity, suitable for all ages, and provides a different type of cultural appreciation alongside your beer adventures.
While this isn’t a brewery experience, it’s a good choice for travelers who want a quick, iconic stop during a day of exploring different neighborhoods. It pairs well with nearby attractions or as a primer before hitting Brooklyn or Long Island breweries.
Bottom Line: For a short but impressive glimpse of NYC’s skyline, this ticket is a must-do, especially with the option to upgrade for faster entry.
4. Full day Long Island Brewery Tour
Number 4 on our list is the full-day brewery tour in Long Island, priced at $150. This tour is perfect for those who want an in-depth exploration of New York’s craft beer scene beyond the city. Starting from Manhattan at 9:00 am, you’re transported in a Wi-Fi-equipped vehicle to visit three lesser-known breweries in Long Island’s best regions.
You get to sample a wide variety of locally-produced beers and enjoy a cheese board at some stops. The itinerary features visits to Riverhead’s cozy breweries, including Peconic County Brewery overlooking the Peconic River and Long Ireland Beer Company, known for its innovative craft beers. The behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process, along with interactions with passionate brewers, makes this experience stand out. The tour is designed for beer enthusiasts who want to understand what makes Long Island’s breweries special.
This tour’s value lies in its comprehensive nature and the chance to sample exclusive beers you won’t find in typical guidebooks. It’s a long day but well worth it for serious fans of craft brewing and those wanting a more relaxed, scenic trip outside NYC. The only drawback is that it requires a full day and may not suit travelers on a tight schedule.
Bottom Line: For beer lovers craving a detailed dive into Long Island’s craft scene, this tour delivers an immersive, enjoyable experience.
$150.00 per person
5. New York Beer and Brewery tour
Closing our list is the new-york-based beer and brewery tour, costing around $150, with an estimated four-hour duration. It offers a small-group experience exploring NYC’s craft beer scene across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. The tour visits three different breweries, with samples at each, and a focus on the city’s brewing history and evolution.
Starting at McSorley’s Old Ale House, the oldest bar in NYC, you’ll get a taste of the city’s history. The tour then moves to Spicy Moon Bowery, a modern, innovative brewhouse, and finally to Talea Beer Co., an all-female-owned brewery known for its approachable, fruit-forward beers. The guide shares stories about NYC’s brewing past and present, adding depth to your tasting experience.
While reviews are limited, the mix of historic and contemporary breweries makes this tour appealing for those interested in the local beer story, as well as those who appreciate a more personal, small-group setting. The itinerary covers different neighborhoods, giving a broad taste of NYC’s diversity.
Bottom Line: This tour suits those interested in NYC’s brewing history combined with modern beer styles, especially if you enjoy storytelling with your tasting.
$150.00 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect NYC Brewery Tour
When selecting among these options, consider your priorities: Is it scenic views and iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building? Are you looking for a full-day immersion like the Long Island tour, or a hands-on experience like sushi making? Budget, time constraints, and your interest level (history, craft brewing, food pairing) will guide your choice. For example, if you want to combine sightseeing with tasting, the NYC Beer and Brewery tour offers a great mix. If you prefer a relaxed, culinary activity, the sushi class could be your pick.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons, to secure spots in popular tours like the Brooklyn craft brewery experience or the Long Island full-day trip. Consider weather and your mobility — some tours involve walking or bus travel — and always check for any age or dietary restrictions.
Final Thoughts
NYC offers an impressive variety of brewery experiences, from guided tastings to immersive full-day adventures. For a quick taste of Brooklyn’s craft scene, the VIP access tour is hard to beat. If you love hands-on activities, the sushi class combines food and beer in a fun, relaxed setting. For a deeper dive into Long Island’s brewing gems, the full-day tour provides an engaging, behind-the-scenes look.
Whether you’re a craft beer connoisseur, a curious traveler, or just looking to sample local flavors, these tours make it easy to enjoy NYC’s vibrant beer culture. Remember to book early and plan your day around your favorite experiences to make the most of your trip. Cheers to discovering New York City’s best brews!