Salzburg isn’t just famous for Mozart and its baroque beauty—this city also offers some fantastic drinking tours that unveil its local flavors and lively nightlife. Whether you want to learn about Austria’s brewing traditions, sample local wines in a cozy hidden bar, or party your way through Salzburg’s best pubs and clubs, there’s an option for every kind of enthusiast. We particularly like the Salzburg: Stiegl Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting for its in-depth look at 530+ years of brewing history, and the Pubcrawl Tour for a fun, social way to experience the city’s nightlife. Both give a real taste of Salzburg’s spirited side in different ways. If you’re curious about wine, the Guided Wine Tasting in a Hidden Wine Bar offers an intimate glimpse into Austria’s viticulture, perfect for wine lovers craving authentic regional flavors.
Salzburg’s drinking scene is surprisingly diverse. From family-run breweries and historic pubs to exclusive wine bars, there’s something to suit different tastes and interests. Our list below features tours that stand out for their depth, authenticity, and lively atmosphere, helping you choose the best way to enjoy Salzburg’s beverages and nightlife.
1. Salzburg: Stiegl Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting
At number 1, the Salzburg: Stiegl Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting offers an in-depth look into one of Austria’s most iconic breweries. For just $28 per person, this 1.5-hour guided tour takes you through a family-run operation that’s been brewing for over 530 years. You’ll explore the modern production facilities, where staff fill approximately 90,000 bottles an hour, and gain insights into the traditional and innovative brewing techniques. The highlight is sampling three different Stiegl beers, which represent the brewery’s rich history and craftsmanship.
What makes this tour stand out is its combination of education and authentic experience. The guide’s knowledge about the brewery’s history and brewing process makes it more than just a tasting—it’s a true appreciation of Austrian beer culture. Visitors rave about the large vats and bottling lines, saying it’s “incredible to see how beer is made on such a big scale.” It’s especially suitable for beer lovers who want a deeper understanding of Salzburg’s brewing heritage and enjoy tasting well-crafted beers. The tour’s value for money is high, considering you get a comprehensive behind-the-scenes experience plus three tastings.
Bottom Line: A must for beer fans looking for an educational, authentic brewery experience that combines history, technology, and good beer in one succinct visit.
2. Salzburg: Guided Wine Tasting in a Hidden Wine Bar
Coming in at number 2, the Guided Wine Tasting in a Hidden Wine Bar is perfect for wine aficionados seeking intimacy and local flavor. For $43 per person, this 45-minute experience takes place in a discreet, cozy wine bar in Salzburg’s old town. You’ll learn about Austrian viticulture while sampling three carefully selected wines, paired with regional snacks that complement each sip.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on personalized guidance and regional delicacies. The owner or guide shares insights about Austria’s wine regions and traditions, creating an educational yet relaxed atmosphere. Reviewers describe the experience as “absolutely amazing,” praising the “great wine and wonderful ambiance.” It’s ideal for travelers who want a taste of local life and nuanced wine tasting without the large crowds. The tour is also flexible, with options for longer tastings and additional wines, making it customizable for those eager to explore more.
Value for money is excellent considering the intimacy and quality of wines served. It’s best suited for wine lovers, couples, or small groups eager for an authentic, relaxed experience in Salzburg’s old town.
Bottom Line: An intimate, high-quality wine tasting that offers insight into Austria’s wine culture in a charming setting—perfect for connoisseurs or those seeking a quiet, authentic experience.
3. Salzburg: Pubcrawl Tour through best Bars and Clubs in Town
At number 3, the Salzburg: Pubcrawl Tour is a lively way to experience the city’s nightlife. For $40 per person, you’ll enjoy a 4-hour guided journey through four local bars and clubs, each with its own distinct vibe. The tour kicks off at Linzer G. 68 with a welcoming shot at each stop, followed by skip-the-line entry into some of Salzburg’s most popular venues, including its biggest club.
This experience shines because it combines socializing, convenience, and a local guide who knows the best spots. You’ll get reserved seats, free drinks, and insider tips on Salzburg’s nightlife scene. The itinerary includes visits to four different bars, with about an hour at each, giving you ample time to mingle and soak in the atmosphere. Reviewers mention it’s a “great night out,” with fun group dynamics, and appreciate the skip-the-lines advantage.
While it’s not a quiet, cultural tour, it’s perfect for travelers who want to party, meet other travelers, and see the city’s night scene in a relaxed, guided setting. The 4-hour duration makes it a good choice for a memorable night without feeling rushed.
Bottom Line: A fun, energetic way to explore Salzburg’s bar and club scene with a friendly group and a local guide to make sure you hit the right spots.
4. Salzburg: Stiegl Brewery Museum Entry Ticket & Beer Tasting
Number 4 features the Stiegl Brewery Museum Entry Ticket & Beer Tasting, a great option for those interested in beer history and culture. For just $17, you get a day pass to explore the museum, which covers over 530 years of brewing in Salzburg. The museum includes engaging exhibits and a free audioguide in six languages, making it easy to understand the significance of Stiegl’s heritage.
Your ticket also includes tasting two Stiegl beers, allowing you to connect what you’ve learned with the flavors. The museum’s collection and interactive displays make this ideal for beer enthusiasts who want a broader cultural perspective. The reviews note the museum’s informative content and the “delicious beers” sampled during the visit, making it a good value for a half-day activity.
This experience suits those with an interest in history, brewing techniques, or who want a relaxed, self-guided visit. It’s less about active tasting and more about understanding Austria’s brewing legacy.
Bottom Line: Perfect for beer lovers who want to learn about Salzburg’s brewing history at their own pace, with educational exhibits and tastings to round out the visit.
5. Salzburg: Old Town Private Beer Tasting Tour
Number 5 is the Old Town Private Beer Tasting Tour, designed for those who want a personalized, in-depth experience. Priced at $282 per person, this tour lasts between 2 and 4 hours and is customizable to your interests. Led by a 5-star beer expert-guide, you’ll visit the city’s best pubs, bars, and independent breweries, sampling 6 beers paired with traditional starters (for the 3-hour option) or enjoying 8 beers and local food with the longer version.
What makes this tour special is its personalized approach. The guide takes you into historic pubs and artisanal breweries, sharing stories about Salzburg’s brewing traditions and the region’s culture. Reviewers praise its flexibility and depth, noting that the guide tailored the experience to their interests and took them into historic sites like churches and palaces along the way. The tour combines education, tasting, and sightseeing, making it suited for serious beer enthusiasts wanting a deep dive.
While the price is higher, the extensive tastings and personalized attention offer excellent value for those eager to explore Salzburg’s beer scene thoroughly. It’s best suited for dedicated beer lovers and travelers seeking a private, customizable experience.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice if you want a tailored, comprehensive beer tour with expert guidance and access to historic and local breweries.
6. Guided Wine Tasting in a Hidden Wine Bar
Tied for the second wine experience, the Guided Wine Tasting in a Hidden Wine Bar offers an exclusive taste of Austria’s regional wines in a cozy, secret spot. For $44.03, approximately 45 minutes of guided tasting introduces you to local wines like those from Stift and regional delicacies. The tasting includes five wines paired with charcuterie, creating a relaxed, social atmosphere.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want to explore Salzburg’s wine scene without the formality. Reviewers describe it as “wonderful,” praising the fabulous wines and the owner’s friendliness. It’s especially good for those interested in regional wine traditions and looking for a casual, authentic experience.
The tour’s intimate size and quality offerings make it suitable for small groups or couples. While short, it delivers a genuine taste of Salzburg’s wine culture, making it a worthwhile addition to any beverage-focused itinerary.
Bottom Line: Perfect for wine enthusiasts seeking a relaxed, authentic tasting experience in a cozy local setting.
7. Salzburg: Brewery Tour with Beer
Finally, the Salzburg: Brewery Tour with Beer is designed for beer lovers wanting a comprehensive but relaxed exploration of local brewing. For around the price of a single pint, this 4-hour tour includes three freshly tapped 0.5L beers, a scenic walk through Salzburg to visit multiple breweries, and reserved seating at a local spot. It features fascinating facts about the history and techniques of brewing, with the chance to meet fellow travelers and enjoy great beer.
The tour’s relaxed pace and authentic local focus make it engaging for those curious about Salzburg’s beer scene without being too technical. Reviewers find it a “great way to learn about local brewing” while drinking some of Salzburg’s best beers. It’s well suited for casual beer enthusiasts who want a social, behind-the-scenes look at Salzburg’s craft.
While it may be less focused on history than the brewery museum, it offers a lively, beer-centric experience that’s both educational and fun.
Bottom Line: Ideal for beer lovers who want a laid-back, social exploration of Salzburg’s breweries and fresh-tapped beers.
How to Choose the Best Drinking Tour in Salzburg
When deciding which Salzburg drinking tour to pick, consider your interests and how you like to experience local culture. If you’re passionate about beer and want a detailed look at brewing, the Stiegl Brewery Tour or Brewery Tour with Beer are excellent choices. For a wine-focused experience, the Hidden Wine Bar offers intimacy and regional flavors, while the Private Beer Tasting caters to those seeking a personalized, in-depth journey.
Budget also matters—self-guided options like the Museum Entry + Beer Tasting provide a cost-effective way to learn about beer history, while guided private tours deliver a tailored experience for a premium price. If nightlife is more your scene, the Pubcrawl guarantees an energetic evening enjoying Salzburg’s bars and clubs.
Book early, especially for popular times like weekends or summer months, to guarantee your spot. Check each tour’s availability and consider combining experiences if you have extra days, for example pairing a brewery visit with a wine tasting for a full taste of Austria’s drink culture.
Final Thoughts
Salzburg offers a range of drinking tours that cater to different tastes—from educational brewery visits and intimate wine tastings to lively pub crawls. If you’re a beer lover, the Stiegl Brewery Tour or Brewery Tour with Beer are top picks for their authentic insights and quality tastings. Wine enthusiasts should consider the Hidden Wine Bar experience for its cozy, regional flavor, while those seeking a social night out will enjoy the Pubcrawl.
No matter which tour you choose, booking ahead is wise to ensure availability. Each experience provides a unique way to enjoy Salzburg’s spirited side—so pick what suits your style and get ready for a memorable drink-filled adventure in this historic city.