Unique Bar Crawls Around the World
Bar crawls are known for unleashing a wave of enthusiastic drinkers on the streets of new cities, often adorned in quirky, themed costumes. However, visiting local pubs and bars is a time-honored tradition, enhancing your travel experience by connecting you with the culture of a destination. This article highlights eight offbeat bar crawls in some unexpected locations.
The Longest Bar Crawl in the World – Leuven, Belgium
Escape the bustling cities of Brussels and Antwerp and make your way to Leuven. Renowned as the largest student town in Belgium and the birthplace of Stella Artois, Leuven offers an unforgettable nightlife experience concentrated around the charming Oude Markt. With over 40 bars lined up back to back, it’s easy to see why this locale boasts the world’s longest bar crawl.
From stylish lounges to vibrant rock bars and art-inspired pubs with neon lights hosting late-night DJs, there’s truly something for everyone. As you hop from one bar to the next, remember that as long as you can stay somewhat steady on your feet, you’ll have a fantastic time!
SantaFest – Wollongong, Australia
Located just 80km south of Sydney, Wollongong is a laid-back paradise with stunning beaches and a robust bar scene that could easily rival Australia’s major cities. Surprising to many, Wollongong hosts the world’s longest-running Santa Claus Pub Crawl known as SantaFest.
This all-day charitable event, typically held in mid-December, began with friends spreading Christmas spirit and has grown into a massive festival with free shuttle buses connecting participating pubs, movie screenings, and carol concerts. With tickets ranging between AUS$33-$45, the event attracts around 11,000 people, aiming to surpass last year’s AUS$153,000 raised for charity.
Pantomime Horse Race – London, England
London, with its abundance of pubs and vibrant drinking culture, is a haven for nightlife enthusiasts. One iconic event is the annual Pantomime Horse Race, which showcases a uniquely entertaining twist on bar crawls. The event celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, featuring a Star Wars theme on December 15.
Participants, dressed as pantomime horses, will race across seven intergalactic stops, engaging in pre-race activities at Devonport House, including celebrity appearances and a massive after-party aiming to raise over £50,000 for various charities.
Subcrawl – Glasgow, Scotland
Glasgow’s infamous Subcrawl involves a combination of drinking and transportation aboard the city’s historic circular subway, recognized as the third oldest underground system globally. As participants navigate the line’s 15 stations, they stop for a pint at each station.
This activity encourages a spirited atmosphere, and while there’s no official organization behind it, enthusiasts thrive on shared maps detailing the 15 designated pubs. Costumes are enthusiastically welcomed, creating a lively and memorable experience.
Haunted Pub Crawl – Savannah, USA
For those intrigued by ghost stories along with their drinks, a visit to Savannah, Georgia is a must. Known for its rich history and a distinct vibe, Savannah offers a Ghost City Tours Haunted Pub Crawl that takes you through some of the city’s eeriest bars and pubs.
As drinks can be carried on the streets, participants can enjoy their beverages while learning about the spooky past of their surroundings, making this an engaging way to explore the city. Coupling this with Savannah’s renowned Southern cuisine, your experience here will be both thrilling and delicious.
Mexican Cantina Tour – Guadalajara, Mexico
Explore the birthplace of mariachi music and tequila in Guadalajara. A cantina tour offers an authentic taste of local culture, allowing you to indulge in delicious, regional Mexican dishes and beverages.
Historically, cantinas were popular social spaces for workers, and today they provide unique flavors like torta ahogada, tostadita, as well as refreshing tequila and micheladas. Local Adventura offers guided tours to immerse visitors in the city’s vibrant culinary scene.
Izakaya Bar Tour – Tokyo, Japan
Izakayas are a staple of Japanese nightlife, characterized by their welcoming atmosphere and delightful food pairings. Often likened to Spanish tapas bars, izakayas serve a variety of small dishes ideal for sharing, enhancing your evening’s experience.
During a guided tour through Tokyo’s backstreets, you’ll learn about the traditional customs while sampling delicious offerings like edamame, yakitori, and sake – a true cultural adventure that is as tasty as it is enlightening.
Drinking Around the World – Bay Lake, Florida, USA
If you dream of bar crawling globally in a single day, visit Epcot at Disney World and explore the ‘Drinking Around the World’ experience at the 11 themed pavilions. Sample cocktails from Morocco, enjoy a pint at the UK’s Rose & Crown pub, and taste a variety of Japanese spirits at their Sake Bar. While it’s not entirely about authenticity, the sheer variety guarantees a fantastic day of fun.
