More Fun Than A Walking Tour.
Classier Than A Bar Crawl.
Melbourne’s experts in hidden bars, laneways & history.
Tours from just $65!
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Discover Hidden Bars
Uncover secret rooftops, speakeasies, gin distilleries and whisky bars on our walking tours.
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Learn Unique History
From Melbourne’s Queen of Sleaze to the world’s first barmaids and even Jack the Ripper.
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Visit Famous Sites
Explore iconic laneways and landmarks including Old Treasury, Chinatown and the Queen Victoria Markets.
Our Hidden Bar Tours Have Featured In…
Our Melbourne Hidden Bar Tours
Future Hidden Bar Tour Dates
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"Drinking History Tours is a Melbourne gem...get on it."
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"If you find walking tours too sober and pub crawls declassé, this is the walk for you."
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"The perfect combination of history, humour, socialising and, of course, drinking."
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Thank you Bridget! I had such a fantastic time on this drinking tour in Melbourne! Our guide, Bridget, was absolutely amazing – warm, friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable (she literally has a PhD). She made everyone feel included, kept the conversations flowing, and entertained our every question and banter, from history to her adorable cats. The bars we visited were all cozy and inviting, with great atmosphere and delicious drinks. The little creepy element woven into the experience added a fun and unexpected twist. Highly recommend!
read moreread lessLy D29/08/25 -
Great way to experience Melbourne creepy history From start to finish, this tour was outstanding. Our guide, Tess, was amazing – warm, friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable. She made everyone feel welcome and created such a fun, relaxed atmosphere throughout the day.
The pubs we visited were fantastic, each with their own character and charm. One in particular was truly unforgettable – stepping inside felt like walking into a dark fairytale, with glowing toadstools, whimsical décor, and cocktails that looked like they came straight out of a storybook. It was an experience unlike any other, and I’ll never forget it.
Another highlight was the people. We met some amazing fellow travellers – especially Nick from LA, who was such a friendly, warm, and interesting person to talk to. Sharing the day with great company made the experience even more special.
The combination of a well-run tour, a fantastic guide, unique venues, and wonderful people made this an unforgettable experience. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a tour that blends professionalism, friendliness, and genuine funread moreread lessAJPato23/08/25 -
Highly recommended walking tour My wife and I did this tour a few weeks ago. There were non stop stories from our hosts Tom and Lenny told with an obvious passion while standing on the sites of historic events, showing different layers of history from settlement to present day that are otherwise taken for granted.
There was an opportunity to have a drink in an historic pub but this was not overdone.
There was one dead end lane somewhere in the centre of Melbourne so tucked away I couldn’t even find it on a map later, in what felt to me like Melbourne’s catacombs where artists had over time added their sometimes framed artwork to the bricks and bluestones and functional pipes at the back of these buildings in Melbourne’s CBD.
Great experience guys very informative and what a lot of fun, thank you.read moreread lessChris H19/08/25 -
Great way to visit some new bars and taste a range of whiskeys and gins Fantastic afternoon walking around the city with guide Bridgette discovering some hidden bars that even as locals to Melbourne we didn’t know existed.
Bridgette was a great guide and is so knowledgeable about the history of whiskey and gin making not only in Victoria but in Scotland, Ireland and the US.
The tour was relaxed with plenty of time to have a chat whilst walking between bars. The tastings were great with a varying selection to try.
Highly recommended for a group of friends or family.read moreread lessdavidsI7100GD11/08/25 -
Awesome tour with great guides We had a great evening and our guide Tess was so engaging and enthusiastic. It was a small intimate group which allowed us to interact freely.
We would totally recommend this tour as it offered us the opportunity to see some sights and visit some really cool bars that we would never have seen otherwise.
Good job team and we’ll be sure to do another tour on our next visit to Melbourne.read moreread lessRobert W10/08/25 -
Creepy tales in Melnourne with Tess Tess was an engaging and knowledgeable guide who shared many tales of Melbourne, both old and new.
The small group size was perfect for this experience. We thotoughly enjoyed meandering through the streets and laneways of the CBD, sharing creepy tales and visiting bars that we would never had found on our own.read moreread lessLyndsey M10/08/25 -
A fantastic walking tour of Melbourne Tess was amazing - so knowledgable, so engaging and had the insider take on which cocktails were the best at each location. We never would have known these bars even existed without this tour. It really kicked up a creepy gear once the full moon came out. Highly recommend!
read moreread lessAmanda W09/08/25 -
It was Fantastic! We had the crazy cat lady. She was super knowledgeable and interesting. We learn so much about the history of alcohol in Melbourne, which is exactly what I wanted from the tour: drinking good drinks, discovering new drinks and learning about history.
Would recommend to everyone!read moreread lessshel0ck008/08/25 -
Such a terrific way to see the secrets of Melbourne’s CBD My friend and I went along Saturday with Brigitte. The three bars we went to were great, casual but full of character. The tips along the way of other secret bars were so good to take note of and our guide was really chilled, fun but knowledgeable it cool yet random facts. Even as a local I truly enjoyed the pace of this walking tour. Highly recommend!
read moreread lessSarah M06/08/25
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Thank you Bridget! I had such a fantastic time on this drinking tour in Melbourne! Our guide, Bridget, was absolutely amazing – warm, friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable (she literally has a PhD). She made everyone feel included, kept the conversations flowing, and entertained our every question and banter, from history to her adorable cats. The bars we visited were all cozy and inviting, with great atmosphere and delicious drinks. The little creepy element woven into the experience added a fun and unexpected twist. Highly recommend!
read moreread lessLy D29/08/25 -
Great way to experience Melbourne creepy history From start to finish, this tour was outstanding. Our guide, Tess, was amazing – warm, friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable. She made everyone feel welcome and created such a fun, relaxed atmosphere throughout the day.
The pubs we visited were fantastic, each with their own character and charm. One in particular was truly unforgettable – stepping inside felt like walking into a dark fairytale, with glowing toadstools, whimsical décor, and cocktails that looked like they came straight out of a storybook. It was an experience unlike any other, and I’ll never forget it.
Another highlight was the people. We met some amazing fellow travellers – especially Nick from LA, who was such a friendly, warm, and interesting person to talk to. Sharing the day with great company made the experience even more special.
The combination of a well-run tour, a fantastic guide, unique venues, and wonderful people made this an unforgettable experience. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a tour that blends professionalism, friendliness, and genuine funread moreread lessAJPato23/08/25 -
Highly recommended walking tour My wife and I did this tour a few weeks ago. There were non stop stories from our hosts Tom and Lenny told with an obvious passion while standing on the sites of historic events, showing different layers of history from settlement to present day that are otherwise taken for granted.
There was an opportunity to have a drink in an historic pub but this was not overdone.
There was one dead end lane somewhere in the centre of Melbourne so tucked away I couldn’t even find it on a map later, in what felt to me like Melbourne’s catacombs where artists had over time added their sometimes framed artwork to the bricks and bluestones and functional pipes at the back of these buildings in Melbourne’s CBD.
Great experience guys very informative and what a lot of fun, thank you.read moreread lessChris H19/08/25 -
Great way to visit some new bars and taste a range of whiskeys and gins Fantastic afternoon walking around the city with guide Bridgette discovering some hidden bars that even as locals to Melbourne we didn’t know existed.
Bridgette was a great guide and is so knowledgeable about the history of whiskey and gin making not only in Victoria but in Scotland, Ireland and the US.
The tour was relaxed with plenty of time to have a chat whilst walking between bars. The tastings were great with a varying selection to try.
Highly recommended for a group of friends or family.read moreread lessdavidsI7100GD11/08/25 -
Awesome tour with great guides We had a great evening and our guide Tess was so engaging and enthusiastic. It was a small intimate group which allowed us to interact freely.
We would totally recommend this tour as it offered us the opportunity to see some sights and visit some really cool bars that we would never have seen otherwise.
Good job team and we’ll be sure to do another tour on our next visit to Melbourne.read moreread lessRobert W10/08/25 -
Creepy tales in Melnourne with Tess Tess was an engaging and knowledgeable guide who shared many tales of Melbourne, both old and new.
The small group size was perfect for this experience. We thotoughly enjoyed meandering through the streets and laneways of the CBD, sharing creepy tales and visiting bars that we would never had found on our own.read moreread lessLyndsey M10/08/25 -
A fantastic walking tour of Melbourne Tess was amazing - so knowledgable, so engaging and had the insider take on which cocktails were the best at each location. We never would have known these bars even existed without this tour. It really kicked up a creepy gear once the full moon came out. Highly recommend!
read moreread lessAmanda W09/08/25 -
It was Fantastic! We had the crazy cat lady. She was super knowledgeable and interesting. We learn so much about the history of alcohol in Melbourne, which is exactly what I wanted from the tour: drinking good drinks, discovering new drinks and learning about history.
Would recommend to everyone!read moreread lessshel0ck008/08/25 -
Such a terrific way to see the secrets of Melbourne’s CBD My friend and I went along Saturday with Brigitte. The three bars we went to were great, casual but full of character. The tips along the way of other secret bars were so good to take note of and our guide was really chilled, fun but knowledgeable it cool yet random facts. Even as a local I truly enjoyed the pace of this walking tour. Highly recommend!
read moreread lessSarah M06/08/25
Looking for something private?
Grab the gang and book a private walking tour of Melbourne. Personalised routes, private tour hosts and an experience you won’t forget.
Melbourne’s Hidden Bar Guide
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Read Laneway Bar Guide!
Melbourne’s Best Laneway Bars
From Melbourne’s first illegal grog shops in 1854, we have always loved a hidden bar down a deserted alley. Here are the best hidden laneway bars first time visitors to Melbourne should check out.
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Read Rooftop Bar Guide!
Brews With A View: Rooftop Bar Guide
The first attempt to marry views with drinks was back in 1970, when the ‘Top Of The Town” opened to much fanfare on Collins Street. Here are five rooftop bars all first time visitors to Melbourne should visit.
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Read Cocktail Bar Guide!
Your Cocktail Bar Bucket List
Melbourne’s first cocktail bar was Cafe De Paris, opened in King Street in 1859 and the place for a Sherry Cobbler. Melbourne’s cocktail bars are classy, unique and numerous: here are our five of our favourites.
Where to start your Melbourne journey
We’ve collected Melbourne’s coolest things to do – from rally car training to perfecting your coffee game.
Join Us For An Unforgettable Hidden Bar Tour Of Melbourne
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through Melbourne’s thriving bar scene with one of our hidden bar tours in Melbourne.
Delve into the city’s rich drinking history as we lead you to tucked-away speakeasys and down hidden laneways.
Still got questions? See below.
A Tour for Any Occasion
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Friends In Town
Let us play tour guide and enjoy a memorable day out.
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New To Melbourne
The best of Melbourne’s bars, history and laneways in one brilliant experience.
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City Day Out
Grab your friends and make your big day in the City one to remember.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which bars will I get to visit?
From hidden bars in high-rise buildings to Melbourne’s iconic laneway bar scene, there are so many incredible bars throughout the city. We have a wide selection of bars we tour, but change up the bars we visit regularly so there’s always something different to see. This way it doesn’t matter when you book, you’re always guaranteed a unique and unforgettable experience.
What is a walking tour?
You might have guessed from the name, but our Melbourne walking tours involve a look at some of the city’s most iconic historical sites and great bars. The entire walking tour is on foot, so make sure to wear your walking shoes!
Do you do private tours?
For sure! You’ll find all the information you need to book a private tour on our private tours page. Our Melbourne walking tours are great for birthday parties, corporate events, or just getting together with friends for a fun night out.
Can I choose my tour guide?
If you’ve taken our tours before and would like to request a specific guide, you can book a private tour and place your request in your message. If they’re available for your booking we’re sure they’ll be more than happy to take you on a drinking history tour.
How much walking is involved?
Not as much as you’d think for something called a walking tour! Generally, there’s only about a 10-minute walk between bars and historic sites, but this will depend on the tour you’ve chosen.
How long does a tour last?
Our tours last for about three hours, all up, although they can go for up to four hours if we have delays or if everyone is just having a really swell time! That includes about two hours of walking and one hour of socialising/bar visits. During that time you’ll visit three of the city’s best bars, with 30-40 minutes at each bar to try some delicious cocktails and really soak up the atmosphere.
Of course, we finish our tour at the final bar, so you’re welcome to stick around there for as long as you want!
Does the tour include food?
No food is included on the tours. We recommend you eat lunch or dinner before coming on the tour!
What safeguards are in place to guarantee tour participants’ comfort and safety?
Our first goal is to make sure guests on our walking tours of Melbourne are comfortable and safe. We monitor local conditions and adhere to rules for safety. If you have questions or need accommodations, please let us know, and we’ll do our best to assist.