Portland’s drinking tours offer practical ways to explore both the city’s craft beer scene and spooky history. The most worthwhile experiences combine walking tours through historic districts with carefully selected pub stops.
I especially recommend the 2.5-hour haunted pub tours – they’re informative, entertaining, and include fascinating stories of Portland’s underground tunnels.
For serious beer enthusiasts, the organized brewery bus tours are the way to go. They eliminate the hassle of driving between Portland’s scattered breweries and include expert guides who really know their stuff.
The bike-and-brew tours are another smart option, particularly on sunny days when you can work up a thirst while pedaling between stops.
Let’s look at Portland’s most rewarding drinking tours…
Key Points
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The Haunted Pub Tour offers a 2.5-hour walking experience exploring 19th-century buildings, craft beers, and the dark history of Portland.
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The Portland’s Original Beer Bus Tour provides exclusive access to top breweries, including beer tastings, light snacks, and knowledgeable guides.
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The Haunted Underground Shanghai Tunnel Tour combines a 90-minute exploration of the tunnels with beer tastings and ghost stories.
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The Portland Pubs Walking Beer Tour focuses on local breweries, offering tutored tastings of regional craft beers and pub snacks.
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The Weird Portland Pub Tour offers an immersive experience into Portland’s vibrant pub culture, combining local folklore with craft beer appreciation.
Haunted Pub Tour
The Haunted Pub Tour in Old Town, Portland, is a 2.5-hour walking adventure that delves into the city’s dark past.
You’ll explore 19th-century buildings, sample craft beers, and learn about Portland’s history of kidnapping, gangs, prostitution, and opium dens.
The tour visits two historic pubs, including the Merchant Hotel, the most haunted building in the city.
With a local guide, you’ll enjoy six beer samples and hear tales of the city’s haunted past.
While the content depth and engagement receive mixed reviews, guests praise the guide’s enthusiasm and the tour’s social aspect.
Suitable for adults seeking a unique historical experience with a side of craft beer.
Read our full review: Haunted Pub Tour Review
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Portlands Original Beer Bus Tour
Explore Portland’s vibrant craft beer scene on the highly acclaimed Portland’s Original Beer Bus Tour. Operated by Maine Brews Cruise, this 5-star tour offers exclusive access to the city’s top breweries.
You’ll enjoy beer tastings, light snacks, and bottled water as you’re transported by a comfortable bus. The knowledgeable guides, such as Pete, Joe, Jim, and John, share their expertise on the local brewing culture.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s conveniently located near public transportation. With a maximum group size of 12, you’ll have a personalized experience.
The free cancellation policy and lowest price guarantee make this tour a must-do for any beer enthusiast visiting Portland.
Read our full review: Portlands Original Beer Bus Tour Review
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Haunted Underground Shanghai Tunnel Tour With Brewery Tastings
Set out on a 90-minute journey into Portland’s haunted past on the Haunted Underground Shanghai Tunnel Tour with Brewery Tastings.
Descend into the exclusive Shanghai Tunnels, once used to transport goods and people, and learn about the city’s dark history. Hear stories of resident ghost, Nina, as you explore the tunnels.
The tour includes three beer tastings and a pint of Old Town’s award-winning brew. While the experience highlights ghost stories, some guests feel the historical content could be deeper.
Comfortable shoes are a must, as the tour involves climbing stairs and navigating uneven terrain. Though not wheelchair accessible, the tour is open to those 21 and over, with an exception for 2pm and 3pm tours that allow teenagers.
Read our full review: Haunted Underground Shanghai Tunnel Tour With Brewery Tastings Review
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Portland Pubs Walking Beer Tour
Discover the vibrant craft beer scene of Portland, Maine, on the Portland Pubs Walking Beer Tour. This highly-rated, 2-hour walking tour takes you behind the scenes of local breweries, including the iconic Shipyard Brewing.
Led by expert guides, you’ll enjoy tutored tastings of regional craft beers and pub snacks as you learn about the city’s brewing history. With a maximum of 15 travelers, the small-group format ensures a personalized experience.
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars with a 93% recommendation rate, this tour is a must for beer enthusiasts visiting Portland. Accessibility is limited, but the moderate fitness level required allows you to fully learn about the local beer culture.
Read our full review: Portland Pubs Walking Beer Tour Review
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Portland Oregon Breweries By Bike and E-bike
If walking tours don’t quite fit your adventurous spirit, consider the Portland Oregon Breweries By Bike and E-bike tour. Offered by Cycle Portland Bike Tours & Rentals, this 2-hour experience takes you on a guided exploration of the city’s thriving craft beer scene.
Hop aboard a bike or e-bike and enjoy the scenic ride to multiple breweries, where you’ll have the chance to sample local brews. Your knowledgeable guide will share insights about Portland’s cycling infrastructure and the history behind the breweries.
With positive reviews, a badge of excellence, and a maximum of 12 travelers, this tour provides a fun and intimate way to discover the best of Portland’s beer culture.
Read our full review: Portland Oregon Breweries By Bike and E-bike Review
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Weird Portland Pub Tour
Frequently, travelers seeking a unique and immersive experience in Portland’s thriving pub culture opt for the Weird Portland Pub Tour, offered by the highly-rated BeerQuest Walking Tours.
This 5-star experience takes you on a journey through the city’s eclectic neighborhoods, exploring local breweries and pubs while learning about the area’s captivating history, folklore, and more.
From discussing UFOs and Bigfoot to sampling a free flight of beer, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure.
With a maximum group size of 18 and a convenient meeting point at Baerlic Brewery, the Weird Portland Pub Tour offers an excellent value for those wanting to dive deep into Portland’s vibrant pub scene.
Read our full review: Weird Portland Pub Tour Review
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Portland Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl
Set out on a captivating journey through Portland’s haunted past during the Portland Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl.
This 2-hour tour takes you to the city’s spookiest pubs, where you’ll enjoy storytelling, historical insights, and ghost stories.
With a maximum of 20 participants, you’ll explore the city’s haunted hotspots, starting at The Benson Portland and ending at Old Town Pizza & Brewing.
While most guests rave about the guides’ passion and knowledge, some have reported shorter tours and fewer stops than expected.
The tour offers a unique blend of drinking and paranormal exploration, perfect for those 21 and older seeking a thrilling experience.
Read our full review: Portland Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl Review
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Weird Bar Crawl With Fanatical Local
One of the most unique bar crawl experiences in Portland is the Weird Bar Crawl with Fanatical Local. Offered by Throw Snakes Tours, this 3-hour evening tour takes you through some of the city’s coolest bars and pubs with an enthusiastic local guide.
The tour includes your first beer and focuses on interacting with locals to explore the neighborhood vibes. With a maximum group size of 5, you’ll have the chance to connect with fellow travelers while enjoying Portland’s eclectic bar scene.
The tour is recommended by 100% of travelers and has an overall 5.0 rating, making it a must-try for solo travelers and groups alike.
Read our full review: Weird Bar Crawl With Fanatical Local Review
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Portlands Local Pour Afternoon Brewery Tour
Explore Portland, Maine’s thriving craft-drink scene on the Portland’s Local Pour Afternoon Brewery Tour.
You’ll visit various breweries, distilleries, and wineries in downtown Portland, discovering the city’s vibrant craft-drink industry.
The tour includes transportation, tasting fees, bottled water, snacks, and gratuities at each stop.
You’ll start at the Craft Beer Cellar on Commercial Street and travel in a minibus to featured establishments like Fore River, Lone Pine, and Oxbow Brewing.
The tour is suitable for most travelers, with a minimum age of 21.
With 22 reviews and a 100% recommendation rate, this tour is a must for anyone interested in Portland’s thriving craft-drink scene.
Read our full review: Portlands Local Pour Afternoon Brewery Tour Review
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The Sum Up
Portland’s drinking tours offer a diverse range of experiences, from haunted pubs to brewery-hopping by bike. Whether you’re interested in the city’s history, its vibrant beer scene, or just want to try something unique, there’s a tour to suit your interests. Explore the city’s quirky bars, sample local brews, and discover the hidden stories that make Portland’s drinking culture so distinctive.