More Fun Than A Walking Tour.
Classier Than A Bar Crawl.
Melbourne’s experts in hidden bars, laneways & history.
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Discover Hidden Bars
Uncover secret rooftops and speakeasies, gin distilleries and whisky bars.
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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."
- An interesting tour of laneways, artwork bars, history and people. This tour company gives you what you pay for folks 👌👌 We were running a little late for the start but when we arrived, our tour guide Bridgette and the rest of the people in the tour were very understanding and we set off. Bridgette was very informative on all facets of the tour and kept us informed. The 3 bars that we visited in the tour were all different and very, very interesting. The times we all had a drink, we all got to know each other and from the time we were together, we found some really interesting and nice people to chat with whom we would love to bump into, at other opportunities and times.read moreread lessV6088UTjohnw02/11/24
- An entertaining and informative exploration of Melbourne's facsinating laneway history. Terrific walking tour of the tiny laneways and hidden bars of Melbourne's CBD. Our guide, Tom, is a passionate student of history and conveys it in a very entertaining and informative way. One could explore Melbourne's historical landmarks for months but this is a great way to get the abridged version over a few hours. Plus the 3 funky bars we got to check out were places we would have never found without this tour. Thoroughly recommended.read moreread lessFNQFoodie01/11/24
- Australian “Scotch is excellent. Vast knowledge of the history of booze and its affect on the early days of the city. Great way to see this history of the city. It was three hours of very interesting. Booze was pretty good also. Did not like last bar that requested tips on drinks. Nowhere else in Australia or New Zealand asked for tips. Will not be going back to that place.read moreread less328charleym31/10/24
- Best birthday present idea Lenny was the best tour for our tour. My friend and I did this together and we learned so much and really enjoyed all the fun facts. We have both done a few tours now and Lenny was by far the best one we have had as he also took the time to get to know all the people on the tour as well. 10/10 recommended and would love to do another tour with him!read moreread lessMonique S20/10/24
- Hidden Bars and laneway legends revealed. Brigette led our group of 15 (we were a family group of four adults) on the ‘Hidden Bars and Laneway Legends’ tour with lots of energy and great knowledge. We learnt lots about our own city and its alcohol inspired past. Bars were varied, drinks were tasty. A great experience. Highly recommend.read moreread lessNicoff420/10/24
- An interesting tour of laneways, artwork bars, history and people. This tour company gives you what you pay for folks 👌👌 We were running a little late for the start but when we arrived, our tour guide Bridgette and the rest of the people in the tour were very understanding and we set off. Bridgette was very informative on all facets of the tour and kept us informed. The 3 bars that we visited in the tour were all different and very, very interesting. The times we all had a drink, we all got to know each other and from the time we were together, we found some really interesting and nice people to chat with whom we would love to bump into, at other opportunities and times.read moreread lessV6088UTjohnw02/11/24
- An entertaining and informative exploration of Melbourne's facsinating laneway history. Terrific walking tour of the tiny laneways and hidden bars of Melbourne's CBD. Our guide, Tom, is a passionate student of history and conveys it in a very entertaining and informative way. One could explore Melbourne's historical landmarks for months but this is a great way to get the abridged version over a few hours. Plus the 3 funky bars we got to check out were places we would have never found without this tour. Thoroughly recommended.read moreread lessFNQFoodie01/11/24
- Australian “Scotch is excellent. Vast knowledge of the history of booze and its affect on the early days of the city. Great way to see this history of the city. It was three hours of very interesting. Booze was pretty good also. Did not like last bar that requested tips on drinks. Nowhere else in Australia or New Zealand asked for tips. Will not be going back to that place.read moreread less328charleym31/10/24
- Best birthday present idea Lenny was the best tour for our tour. My friend and I did this together and we learned so much and really enjoyed all the fun facts. We have both done a few tours now and Lenny was by far the best one we have had as he also took the time to get to know all the people on the tour as well. 10/10 recommended and would love to do another tour with him!read moreread lessMonique S20/10/24
- Hidden Bars and laneway legends revealed. Brigette led our group of 15 (we were a family group of four adults) on the ‘Hidden Bars and Laneway Legends’ tour with lots of energy and great knowledge. We learnt lots about our own city and its alcohol inspired past. Bars were varied, drinks were tasty. A great experience. Highly recommend.read moreread lessNicoff420/10/24
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.