Minneapolis Saint Paul has become a vibrant hub for drinking tours thanks to its diverse craft beer scene, historic taverns, and energetic neighborhoods. Whether you’re a serious beer lover, a history enthusiast, or just looking for a fun night out, the Twin Cities offer options that fit every style. We’re especially fond of the All-Inclusive Minneapolis Craft Brewery Tour for its generous tastings and knowledgeable guides, and the Twin Cities Walking Tour for those who love combining history with bar-hopping. If you enjoy interactive experiences, the Minneapolis Bar Hunt is a playful way to explore the city, while the St. Paul’s Iconic Bars tour dives deep into the local bar scene’s history and character.
All these tours highlight Minneapolis Saint Paul’s rich brewing culture, historic bars, and lively neighborhoods. Each offers a different way to experience the city’s drinking scene, whether you prefer guided visits, self-directed hunts, or cultural walks. Keep reading for detailed insights into each tour and find the perfect fit for your taste and schedule.
Quick Overview
This list features six top drinking experiences in Minneapolis Saint Paul. From all-you-can-drink brewery tours to historic bar crawls and app-led pub hunts, there’s an option for every budget and interest. For detailed descriptions, click on the tour links to learn more about what each includes:
- The All-Inclusive Minneapolis Craft Brewery Tour combines guided visits to popular breweries with unlimited craft beers and snacks. Learn more.
- The Twin Cities Walking Tour offers a stroll through Minneapolis’s historic neighborhoods with visits to four bars and insights into the city’s architecture and culture. Discover more.
- For a more intimate experience, the Minneapolis Local Bar Tour with Tastings takes you to local neighborhoods with expert guides sharing city stories. Find out more.
- The Uncover St. Paul’s Iconic Bars takes you through the capital city’s legendary watering holes, learning about its deep-rooted drinking traditions. See details.
- The Minneapolis Bar Hunt is a fun, self-paced app-led challenge perfect for groups wanting to explore at their own speed. Explore options.
- And for something different, the Sushi Cooking Class at a Local Brewery combines craft beer with sushi-making skills — a tasty twist on the drinking scene. Check it out.
1. All-Inclusive Minneapolis Craft Brewery Tour
At number one, the All-Inclusive Minneapolis Craft Brewery Tour offers a comprehensive way to explore the city’s thriving craft beer scene. For $95 per person, you get a guided trip lasting about three hours, visiting renowned breweries like Fair State Brewing Co-op, Lakes and Legends Brewing Company, and Modist Brewing. What sets this tour apart is the all-you-can-drink model, meaning you can enjoy full pints or flights at each stop—no need to ration your tastings.
This tour includes transportation by minibus, which takes the hassle out of navigating between breweries. Your knowledgeable guide will help coordinate tastings and share insights about Minneapolis’s brewing history and innovations. Highlights include a visit to Falling Knife Brewing Co., a northeast Minneapolis hidden gem producing impressive beers in a 20-barrel brewhouse, and Fair State Brewing, Minnesota’s first co-op, known for its inventive small-batch beers. Guests consistently praise the friendly guides and the chance to sample a variety of styles without extra cost.
Bottom line: If you want to experience Minneapolis’s craft beer scene in a relaxed, social setting with all your drinks covered, this tour offers great value and fun. It’s perfect for those who enjoy generous tastings and learning about local breweries.
2. Twin Cities Walking Tour: Uncover Hidden Minneapolis Bars
In second place, the Twin Cities Walking Tour combines history, architecture, and bars into a three-hour adventure. Priced at $79 per person, this tour explores Minneapolis’s Warehouse District, Target Field, and Target Center, ending at some of the city’s most interesting dives like Nye’s Bar. The tour emphasizes storytelling, passing landmarks like Target Field and the revitalized Warehouse District, which blends old brick warehouses with trendy eateries and bars.
Your guide will share local anecdotes and history as you visit four bars, each about 30 minutes, including the Hewing Hotel’s Scandinavian-inspired whisky bar and North Loop Galley’s German-style beer hall. The tour offers a fascinating peek into Minneapolis’s evolution from an industrial hub to a lively city with a thriving bar scene. Some tours may include behind-the-scenes access, depending on the date.
Guests love the personalized approach and the chance to try diverse local spots. One reviewer noted, “Our guide was super knowledgeable and made the experience fun and interesting.” This tour is ideal for history buffs and those wanting a laid-back, informative walk with drinks.
Bottom line: If you enjoy combining sightseeing with bar-hopping and learning about local neighborhoods, this tour balances history and fun perfectly.
3. Minneapolis Local Bar Tour with Tastings
Third on our list is the Minneapolis Local Bar Tour with Tastings. For $109.99, you get about two and a half hours of walking through neighborhoods like Saint Anthony Main and Nicollet Island, visiting four hand-selected bars. This tour emphasizes local character, with stops at neighborhood gems that show the city’s personality—think cozy spots with great stories and unique drinks.
Led by local guides who share insights into Minneapolis’s evolving bar scene and neighborhood stories, you’ll sample drinks that define the city’s culture. Along the way, you’ll learn about the city’s development along the Mississippi River and enjoy conversations with bar staff who bring the city’s long winter traditions to life.
Guests mention enjoying the mix of walking and tasting, especially appreciating the personal stories and local recommendations. One reviewer called it, “a great way to explore the city and taste its best drinks.” This tour suits those who want a relaxed, personal experience with good drinks and local insights.
Bottom line: If you prefer a more intimate, neighborhood-focused experience with a local guide, this tour delivers authentic Minneapolis flavor.
4. Uncover St. Paul’s Iconic Bars
Fourth on the list is the Uncover St. Paul’s Iconic Bars, a three-hour tour priced at $79 per person. This walk takes you through St. Paul’s historic drinking spots, starting at Cossettas, known for its Italian roots, and moving through family-run establishments like Patrick McGovern’s Pub. You’ll learn about the city’s long-standing drinking traditions, from bootlegging days to today’s craft cocktail renaissance.
The tour guide will select four favorite bars, including Parlour, famous for its craft cocktails, and other local favorites. Along the way, you’ll hear stories of the city’s development and its strong connection to its bars. The tour includes brief visits to some of the most character-rich taverns, emphasizing the unique personalities that have shaped the city’s bar scene.
Reviewers appreciate the historical context and the chance to visit authentic, independent bars. One said, “John shared fantastic stories and took us to places I’d never find on my own.” This tour is perfect for history buffs and those wanting to experience St. Paul’s lively, historic drinking culture.
Bottom line: If you’re interested in exploring the evolution of St. Paul’s bar scene and its stories, this tour offers a genuine local experience.
$79.00 per person
5. Minneapolis Bar Hunt: Double Your Fun in the Twin Cities
Fifth, the Minneapolis Bar Hunt offers a flexible, app-led experience. Priced at just over $12, this two-hour challenge lets you explore the city at your own pace, solving photo and video challenges along the way. It’s ideal for groups who want a fun, interactive way to see Minneapolis without a strict schedule.
This tour guides you through popular pubs and hidden spots, encouraging discovery and teamwork. It’s especially good for parties, families, or corporate groups who want a light-hearted, social activity. The app provides clues and challenges that make the experience engaging and interactive, without a guide leading the way.
One reviewer noted, “It’s perfect for a casual day out with friends, and we loved exploring areas we wouldn’t have seen otherwise.” It’s a budget-friendly, flexible option for those comfortable with using their smartphones to navigate.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for a playful, self-paced adventure that combines city exploration with drink stops, this app-led hunt is a smart choice.
$12.31 per person
6. Sushi Cooking Class at a Local Brewery in Minneapolis
Last but not least, the Sushi Cooking Class at a Local Brewery offers something different. For $75 per person, you’ll learn how to make two types of sushi—California and spicy salmon—guided by a professional chef at a Minneapolis brewery.
This 2-hour class combines culinary skills with craft beer, making for a fun, hands-on experience. You’ll get to craft your own rolls with fresh ingredients, knife techniques, and seasoning tips. Meanwhile, you can enjoy craft beers from the brewery, pairing food and drink in a relaxed setting. It’s perfect for foodies who want to expand their skills while sampling local brews.
Though there are no reviews yet, the interactive nature and focus on food and drink make it an appealing option for couples or groups wanting a creative night out. It’s also a good choice for those who prefer a structured activity that results in delicious eats.
Bottom line: For a unique experience combining culinary arts and craft beer, this sushi-making class offers fun and tasty rewards.
$75.00 per person
How to Choose Your Drinking Tour in Minneapolis Saint Paul
When deciding, consider your budget, interests, and the type of experience you want. If you love unlimited craft beer and learning about local breweries, the All-Inclusive Brewery Tour is unbeatable. For a mix of history, neighborhoods, and local bars, the Twin Cities Walking Tour hits the sweet spot. If you’re traveling with friends and want a flexible, self-guided challenge, the Bar Hunt keeps things fun and casual.
Those looking for a deeper dive into St. Paul’s historic bar scene should pick the Iconic Bars tour. Food lovers or groups wanting an interactive activity can’t go wrong with the Sushi Cooking Class. Booking early is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or weekends.
Final Thoughts
Minneapolis Saint Paul offers a variety of drinking tours suited to different tastes and budgets. For a comprehensive, all-you-can-drink experience, the All-Inclusive Minneapolis Craft Brewery Tour is hard to beat. History buffs and neighborhood explorers will appreciate the Twin Cities Walking Tour and Uncover St. Paul’s Iconic Bars. If you want to keep things light and interactive, the Bar Hunt provides a flexible, fun way to discover the city’s drinking spots.
Whatever your choice, these tours promise a memorable way to experience local culture, history, and craft in Minnesota’s lively Twin Cities. Book early, bring your curiosity, and get ready for a great time exploring Minneapolis Saint Paul’s drinking scene.