Seattle is a city that knows how to enjoy a good drink. It’s famous for its craft breweries, especially in neighborhoods like Ballard, where the brewing scene has exploded in recent years. Whether you’re a serious beer lover, fascinated by the brewing process, or just looking for a fun night out with a spooky twist, Seattle offers a variety of drinking tours that will suit your style. We particularly like the Viking Beer Crawl for its intimate setting and authentic flavors, and the Seattle Beer Wander for its lively neighborhood vibe. Both give you a taste of local brews and culture with knowledgeable guides and unique stops.
Seattle’s rich brewing tradition and quirky pub culture make it a perfect destination for drinking tours. The city’s blend of historic pubs, innovative breweries, and even haunted bars makes each experience memorable. Whether you want to learn about beer-making, sample a variety of craft brews, or explore Seattle’s spooky side, there’s an option to fit your mood and itinerary.
Quick Overview
Our list of the best drinking tours in Seattle includes a range of options, from in-depth brewery walks to themed haunted pub crawls. You’ll find tours that focus on local beer tasting in the trendy Ballard neighborhood, including visits to five or more breweries with behind-the-scenes insights (Seattle Beer Wander), and even a scenic hop region tour in Yakima, Washington, for those interested in the hop-growing process (Yakima Brewery Tour). For a more thrilling experience, the Seattle Terrors Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl combines ghost stories with drinks at some of the city’s most historic and paranormal-filled pubs. Now, let’s explore each tour in detail.
1. Viking Beer Crawl
Starting with the Viking Beer Crawl, this small-group walking tour of Seattle’s historic Ballard neighborhood offers a taste of local beers, gourmet food, and Scandinavian culture. For about $129, you get roughly 3.5 hours of explorations, visiting two breweries, two restaurants, and a Scandinavian beer hall. What sets this tour apart is its focus on authentic local flavors combined with cultural insight—perfect for those who want more than just a drinking experience.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour emphasizes learning about the beermaking process and the history of the waterfront area. The group size is limited to 12, ensuring personal attention. You’ll start at Bizarre Brewing, a cozy spot specializing in lagers, then move on to the Ballard Locks and fish ladder, which add a scenic and educational dimension. The final stops include a curated garden and a museum visit, making this a rounded cultural outing as well as a beer tasting. Reviewers praise it as “an awesome time with great food and beer” and commend the guide’s local knowledge.
Bottom Line: If you’re after an authentic local experience that combines good beer, food, and cultural stories, this tour delivers. It’s especially ideal for those wanting a relaxed, intimate group with a focus on Seattle’s waterfront and Scandinavian roots.
2. Seattle Beer Wander – Ballard Brewery District
At number 2, the Seattle Beer Wander is a 2-hour tour that explores the densely packed brewery scene of Ballard. For just $65, you’ll visit at least five of the 20+ breweries in the area, making it a great choice for those who want to taste a wide variety of classic and innovative beers.
Led by a guide who shares insights into Seattle’s brewing boom, you’ll stop at places like Jolly Roger Taproom, Fair Isle Brewing, and Obec Brewing. The tour provides a good mix of history, brewing techniques, and tasting. What makes it stand out is its personalized attention in a small group, which allows for conversations about local beer styles and brewing trends. Reviewers highlight the guide’s knowledge and personable manner, with one calling it “a great way to learn about the breweries in Seattle.”
This tour is best suited for beer enthusiasts who want to explore multiple breweries without the hefty price tag or time commitment of longer tours. It’s perfect for a quick afternoon outing or if you’re new to Seattle’s craft beer scene.
Bottom Line: For those who want a guided taste of multiple breweries in a short time, this tour offers good value and a chance to deepen your appreciation of Seattle’s beer culture.
3. Where the Hops Grow! Yakima Brewery Tour
For travelers interested in the origin of their favorite craft beers, the Yakima Brewery Tour takes you to the hops capital of the U.S.. This 5-hour tour costs around $45 and includes visits to 3-4 Yakima Valley breweries, renowned for producing 75% of the nation’s hops.
This tour is unique because it combines brewing with hop-growing insight. You’ll see the rolling landscapes of apple, cherry, peach, and nectarine orchards, alongside the award-winning breweries. The focus is on giving you a full picture of the hop supply chain, from the fields to the pint glass. It’s a great fit if you’re curious about how hops influence flavor and want to see the scenery that fuels Seattle’s craft beer scene. The tour is mostly outdoors, with scenic views and plenty of tasting opportunities.
While reviews are limited, the value is high for the price given the extensive nature of the tour and the opportunity to visit multiple breweries in a single day. This is best suited for beer lovers who enjoy a scenic drive and want to understand the ingredients behind Seattle’s beers.
Bottom Line: If you’re interested in hops, scenery, and regional brewing, this tour provides an informative and scenic experience that connects Seattle’s beer culture with its agricultural roots.
4. Seattle Terrors Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl
For something different, the Seattle Terrors Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl offers a 2-hour spooky adventure. Starting at $27 per person, this tour combines local spirits, ghost stories, and haunted history—perfect for those who enjoy a thrill along with their drinks.
Led by US Ghost Adventures, the tour visits four historic pubs, each with its own ghostly tale. You’ll start at Kells Irish Pub, then move to Seattle Beer Co and the famous Pike Brewing Company, hearing stories about paranormal activity and infamous crimes like Ted Bundy’s first abduction. The tour ends at the Blarney Stone Pub, where you can soak in the atmosphere and tales.
Reviews note that “Michael was a great guide,” and many visitors enjoy the blend of local history, ghost stories, and drinks. The tour is not focused on tasting premium brews but on storytelling and atmosphere, making it ideal for those interested in Seattle’s haunted side.
Bottom Line: If your idea of a good night out includes ghost stories, paranormal tales, and a bit of a spooky edge, this tour will entertain you while providing a fun, energetic experience.
$27.00 per person
How to Choose
Deciding among these drinking tours depends on your interests, schedule, and budget. If you want a comprehensive, cultural experience with food and beer, the Viking Beer Crawl is a top choice. For a quick dive into Seattle’s brewery scene, go for the Seattle Beer Wander. Those curious about beer ingredients and hop production should consider the scenic Yakima Brewery Tour. And if you’re after a spooky, fun night, the Haunted Pub Crawl offers ghost stories and haunted bars in one package.
Think about your budget: the haunted crawl is very affordable, while the Viking Beer Crawl offers a more curated experience at a higher price. Also consider your interests—are you more into learning about brewing, exploring local neighborhoods, or getting a spooky history fix? Booking in advance is wise, especially during peak tourist season, to secure your preferred date.
Final Thoughts
Seattle’s drinking scene is as diverse as its neighborhoods. From the craft beer richness of Ballard to the hop fields of Yakima and the haunted pubs downtown, there’s a tour for every taste. If you’re a beer enthusiast, the Viking Beer Crawl and Seattle Beer Wander stand out as memorable options, offering both local flavor and fascinating insights. For a more unusual experience, the haunted pub crawl adds a spooky twist that’s perfect for those who like their drinks served with a side of ghost stories.
Don’t wait too long—Seattle’s drinking tours fill up quickly, especially in good weather. Whether you want to learn, taste, or just have a good laugh, these tours are a great way to deepen your understanding of this lively city’s beverage culture and history. Cheers to a fantastic trip!