4.9 Stars / 672 Reviews

Melbourne Walking Tours.

With A Shot Of Bars & History.

  • Explore Melbourne on foot with a local guide and see the city from a different perspective. Drinking History Tours combines Melbourne's fascinating history, hidden laneways and legendary bar scene into small-group walking tours designed for people who want to experience more than the usual tourist sights.

Which Walking Tour Is Right For Me?

  • First time to Melbourne?

    Start with our original (and some would say the best) walking tour, Hidden Bars & Laneway Legends

  • Love a creepy yarn?

    Combining some of Melbourne’s creepiest tales with visits to three great hidden bars, Hidden Bars and Creepy Tales is the walking tour for you

  • Like exploring beyond the CBD?

    Take a look at our Fitzroy: Gangsters To Glamour walking tour. Its’ Melbourne’s oldest suburb and a gem most tourists overlook.

  • Like your history with a shot of Whisky?

    Then our Whisky Bars & Gin Joints tour is for you.

Why Choose Our Walking Tours?

  • History Is Better With A Drink

    Melbourne’s history told through the people, scandals and stories behind its drinking culture.

  • Discover Hidden Melbourne

    Laneways, hidden doors, old pubs and bars you probably wouldn’t discover by yourself.

  • Small groups

    Small groups mean more chats with your guide and less “follow the umbrella”.

  • Local guides

    People who actually know Melbourne rather than someone reading a Wikipedia script.

  • You Came As A Tourist

    Hear how Melbourne was built by brewers and barmaids. Later, slip through secrete laneways and unmarked doors into the city’s best-hidden bars.

  • You Left As An Expert

    Armed with the knowledge of Melbourne’s best bars and fascinating history, you’ll be the City oracle to all your friends.

  • You Don't Want To...

    Spend your nights in Melbourne walking past the same streets every tourist walks, and never know what was behind that door or down that alley.

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.

Is this a walking tour?

Absolutely! But with a twist. 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.

Where do Melbourne walking tours start?

All our tours – with the exception of our Fitzroy tour – start in the CBD. Start and finish locations are located on each of the respective tour pages.