Columbus isn’t just a city of brick streets and friendly neighborhoods; it’s also a surprisingly lively spot for creative drinking tours. Whether you’re after a spirited pedal through downtown or a cozy holiday lights cruise, Columbus offers experiences that combine sightseeing with socializing. We especially like the Explore Columbus on The Trolley Pub for its energetic vibe and flexible pub stops, and the Holiday Lights Tour for a festive night out. Both give you a fun way to see the city while enjoying a glass of your favorite beverage or singing holiday carols.
If you’re looking for something a bit different, the Shared Yoga and Coffee Experience offers a relaxed way to combine wellness with a local caffeine fix, perfect for a laid-back morning. Meanwhile, the Columbus Ohio Bar Crawl taps into the city’s nightlife scene, though with less user feedback, so it’s best for those wanting a quick, budget-friendly drink tour. Lastly, the Yoga & Coffee Tour on Sundays melds outdoor yoga with a coffee stop, great for active travelers who want a healthy start or wind-down in Ohio’s oldest park.
1. Explore Columbus on The Trolley Pub
For around $35 per person, the Explore Columbus on The Trolley Pub offers a lively two-hour ride around downtown Columbus on an electrically assisted pedal-powered mobile pub. This tour is perfect if you enjoy a mix of sightseeing and social activity, especially since you can bring your own wine or beer — a major perk that keeps the cost down and the fun high. Guide Amelia, along with others like Julio and D-Dub, keeps the energy up while showing you Columbus’s architecture, historic spots, and lively neighborhoods. Stops are made at partner watering holes, where you’ll often get discounts, making this an excellent value for a flexible, social experience.
What makes this tour stand out is its casual, party-friendly atmosphere. You can BYOB, chat with fellow travelers, and take in the sights without the pressure of a formal bar crawl. The reviews highlight how fun and engaging the guides are, with many praising the stops at local pubs like Sweeney’s. This tour is best suited for groups wanting a relaxed, active way to explore downtown with plenty of chances to socialize.
Bottom Line: A fun, affordable way to see Columbus with friends, combining sightseeing, drinks, and lively guides. Perfect for casual groups and first-timers eager for a social splash.
2. Shared Yoga and Coffee Experience On The Trolley Pub
Starting at $39 per person, the Shared Yoga and Coffee Experience offers a wellness-oriented twist on the usual drinking tour. The two-hour outing begins with some guided breathing exercises and light stretching at Goodale Park, led by a licensed yoga instructor, before riding to Bada Bean Bada Booze, a favorite local spot for coffee or cocktails. This tour combines the calm of outdoor yoga with the indulgence of coffee or alcohol, making it ideal for those wanting a slower-paced, health-conscious outing.
What makes this tour different is its family-friendly nature and focus on wellness. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy a morning or early afternoon activity that balances relaxation with socializing. The reviews reflect appreciation for the friendly guide and the chance to try yoga in a beautiful park setting. This tour is less about partying and more about wellness, so it appeals to those who want a unique, calming experience rather than a wild pub crawl.
Bottom Line: A refreshing way to combine exercise and socializing, great for health-conscious travelers or those new to yoga, with the bonus of a tasty coffee stop.
3. Holiday Lights Tour with Trolley Pub Columbus
At $45 per person, the Holiday Lights Tour is a charming two-and-a-half-hour cruise through Columbus’s most festive neighborhoods, including The Short North Pole, Arena District, and Downtown. This tour is fully enclosed, making it comfortable during Ohio’s winter chill, and features a stereo system for singing along to Christmas carols. The main highlight is the spectacle of holiday lights at Bicentennial Park, Columbus Commons, and other local displays.
This seasonal tour stands out because of its festive spirit and relaxed pace, making it perfect for families, couples, or groups celebrating the holidays. The reviews praise its fun atmosphere and the chance to see the city decorated in holiday splendor without the hassle of winter weather. It’s an easy, enjoyable way to experience Columbus’s holiday cheer while staying warm.
Bottom Line: Ideal for holiday visitors or anyone wanting a cozy, cheerful tour of Columbus’s lights, with the added fun of singing along and sightseeing.
$45 per person
4. Columbus Ohio Bar Crawl
Priced at just $14.99 per person for about 90 minutes, the Columbus Ohio Bar Crawl is a quick and budget-friendly way to explore some of the city’s local bars. While it currently has no reviews, the concept is straightforward: visit a series of bars, challenge your friends with trivia and puzzles, and enjoy the city’s nightlife. This tour appeals to those looking for a short, lively outing without a long commitment.
What makes this option different is its focus on interactive fun and social games. It’s best suited for spontaneous groups or bachelor/bachelorette parties who want a quick burst of nightlife with minimal planning. If you’re after a more immersive pub crawl experience, you might want to check out the other tours on the list, but for a casual, low-cost night, this fits the bill.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a quick, inexpensive night out with friends, especially if you enjoy trivia and social challenges.
$14.99 per person
5. Yoga & Coffee Tour On The Trolley Pub
At $45 per person, the Yoga & Coffee Tour offers a similar experience to the shared yoga adventure but is scheduled on Sundays and emphasizes a blend of wellness and socializing. Led by a professional instructor, the outdoor yoga class takes place in Goodale Park, Ohio’s oldest park, with scenic views and fresh air. Afterward, you stop at Bada Bean Bada Booze for a coffee or cocktail, complete with partner discounts.
This tour is particularly good for active travelers seeking a healthy start or relaxing wind-down, especially since it can be tailored to family or adult groups. The combination of yoga in the park and a stop at a favorite local spot makes it a well-rounded, peaceful experience that balances movement and indulgence.
Bottom Line: Great for wellness-minded travelers or those looking to combine outdoor activity with social time, especially on a leisurely Sunday.
$45 per person
How to Choose the Best Drinking Tour in Columbus
When selecting the right tour, consider your budget, interests, and group size. If you want a lively, social experience with drinks in hand, the Explore Columbus on The Trolley Pub is hard to beat — it offers a relaxed party atmosphere with flexible stops. For those more interested in wellness or family-friendly activities, the Shared Yoga and Coffee or Yoga & Coffee Tour provide a calm, health-conscious alternative. If holiday cheer is your goal, the Holiday Lights Tour will make your visit special without freezing outside.
Think about your fitness level and whether you prefer a physically active pedal tour or a cozy enclosed ride. Also, check the tour schedules — some like the Yoga & Coffee are Sunday-only, and holiday tours are seasonal. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak holiday seasons or weekends, to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
Columbus offers a surprising range of drinking and social tours that cater to different styles and interests. For a fun, active outing, the Explore Columbus on The Trolley Pub remains a top choice, especially for groups wanting to combine sightseeing with drinks. If you prefer a more relaxed, wellness-focused experience, the Shared Yoga and Coffee or Yoga & Coffee Tour provide a peaceful yet social option. During the holiday season, the Holiday Lights Tour adds a festive sparkle to your trip.
No matter which experience you choose, booking ahead will ensure you don’t miss out. These tours are a wonderful way to see Columbus from a different perspective — whether you’re raising a glass, practicing yoga, or singing Christmas carols. Cheers to your adventure in Columbus!