Going on a pub crawl or bar hopping, is a great way to experience a town’s nightlife, bond with friends and sample local customs. Whether you’re on your own, with a friend or with others, you can go to a few pubs together and have a big night out. If you do it well, a pub crawl can be a top reason to travel. Ready your walking shoes: This guide gives you some top suggestions for pub crawling abroad and the advice you need.
Top Places for Bar Hopping
All the world’s greatest tourism spots have their own refreshing bar vibe, but some are particularly great for pub crawling.
1. Dublin, Ireland
Visitors to Dublin are drawn to the city’s legendary pubs with a long history and tradition. You should check out Temple Bar if you’re interested in the city’s top pub district, but if you’re after something more authentic, try The Brazen Head or The Long Hall instead.
2. In Prague, Czech Republic
Prague has great-tasting beer and low costs, so it’s a perfect place to experience a pub crawl. The historic district is home to many bars, new breweries and unique places whose entrances are hard to find. Have your drinks at U Zlatého Tygra, then find your way to the riverside bars nearby.
3. London, England
In London, you’ll find traditional pubs as well as stylish, contemporary bars. Typically, a crawl starts in Soho or Shoreditch, giving you the perfect opportunity to taste both classic ales and specialist cocktails. Don’t miss the chance to visit Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese which dates back over four hundred years.
4. Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok offers exciting and different experiences for those who want something new at night. Visiting pubs in Bangkok takes you on a tour of culture, music and plenty of neon light, from places like Sky Bar to Khao San Road.
5. New Orleans, a city in America
Drinking in public and the music playing all over the city let you visit New Orleans’ bars as you see fit. Floridians like to start in the French Quarter, but many would agree that the Marigny and Frenchmen Street have a lot to offer too.
How to make your pub crawl both safe and fun
You should keep safety, awareness of where you are and consideration for your group mates in mind during a pub crawl, even if it’s for fun. These guidelines are essential for you:
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Arrange Your Trip Ahead of Time (but Keep an Open Mind)
Look into the place you’re visiting before making your trip. Check what pubs you like and find out their hours. For route planning, you can depend on Google Maps and local travel blogs. You should also consider local tips or unexpected places you find yourself—you could find a cool spot.
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Eat healthy food and remember to drink enough water.
Taking in alcohol can dehydrate you and drinking before your meal can put a quick end to your night. It’s a good idea to eat before starting and drink water between drinks of alcohol. Trying the street food available in cities helps keep your meal choice balanced.
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Arrange your Travel with Others (Or Go with a Tour Guide)
If you have just moved to a city, joining a pub crawl that’s organized is a fun way to make friends and stay safe. Many of these tours offer special drinks, free shots and the chance to get into popular venues without waiting in line. If everyone is going alone or with friends, set up a buddy plan and keep in touch with each other as you go.
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Always be sure to bring cash and ID with you.
You might find that some pubs don’t take cards, mostly in less popular or historic areas. Keep a little local money and identification on you when you travel abroad. Make sure to store your money somewhere safe, because nightlife areas can make you a pickpocketing target.
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Follow the traditions and fashion rules of the place you visit.
How are things viewed in Berlin may not be the same as in Dubai. Wear appropriate clothes, especially if you’re going to a conservative or upscale place and make sure you know any rules regarding alcohol in the area. Being intoxicated in public or behaving badly can bring severe penalties in some countries.
Try These: Drinks and Great Things to Do
Every nation has its own traditional drink. Any pub crawler worth his weight tries the drinks that locals order.
Guinness or a hot whiskey for Ireland.
The beers to try in Germany are Pilsner or Hefeweizen.
In Mexico, mezcal or craft tequila are both popular.
Japan: The classic drink is either sake or highball whisky.
Spain is famous for serving sangria or tinto de verano.
Some places make the pub the highlight, take for example beer gardens in Munich or karaoke bars in Tokyo. If you’re in a bar, ask the barkeep or locals for some advice. Often, they can send you to hidden places away from the crowds.
Gather memories, but don’t forget about experiencing the event.
Shooting a few photos can keep the memories alive, especially when you’ve finished up at a number of places. Don’t portray yourself as always online during your time online. Talk to the locals, feel the vibe around you and save experiences that aren’t on your phone.
The Day After
After the crawl, organize a day that helps you rest. If you can, have a late brunch, visit the spa or stay in your room to help yourself slowly recover. Hydration tablets or electrolytes are sure to come in handy once you’re home from a night on the town. Try not to book tours or flights right away in the morning following your arrival—it’s better for you.
Final Thoughts
Pub crawling isn’t only about drinking alcohol; it’s also about finding new experiences. Trying out the region’s beers and chatting with people around you lets you experience what a city is like socially. When you prepare, enjoy exploring and respect where you are, a pub crawl will likely turn into a memorable moment.
If you ever find yourself in an unfamiliar city, celebrate that and maybe celebrate a bit more, to honor the legacy of bar crawling. Cheers!
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