The best pub crawls in Europe from Dublin to Budapest to Barcelona
Although certainly not for everyone, pub crawls do manage to maintain quite a following and deserve some mention. A lot of pub crawl operators come and go like the wind due to occasional insurance “issues” which pop up time to time. Personally, I’ve always preferred to get a few friends together and opt for an unofficial pub crawl of our own. Most of the organized pub crawls will generally begin with some form of unlimited drinking (beer, wine, or sangria) within the first hour only (usually 9-10pm), and then frequent at least four local bars (with no cover charges), where you will receive a shot in each place. Some will have specials such as free admittance if it’s your birthday (with I.D.) or half off for girls on selected “ladies nights.” Prices range from about 10 to 15 Euros.
Some of the more popular ones include:
London: Aiden’s Pub Crawls offering several different styles of tours in different locations throughout London. Also of interest for some might be the alternative “marathon” challenge of frequenting 27 pubs located near 27 tube stations involving 28 drinks within a 12 hour period. London Pub Crawls
Dublin: The Dublin Literary Pub Crawl-A cool mix of Joyce and Beckett with Guinness & Bushmills. Dublin Pub Crawls
Rome: Walks of Rome (don’t forget your Toga) sponsors two different types of pub crawl tours: the Colosseum Tour and the Spanish Steps Tour.
Barcelona: Barcelona Pub Crawl (in association with Walks of Rome)-Unlimited wine from 9-10pm Cost is 10 euros. Meets at the Plaza de Catalunya at 9pm.What is the 100 Club?
In a nutshell, it is a popular drinking game that involves drinking 100 shots of beer within 100 minutes. Normally the 100 Club will take place on the day before the opening ceremony of Oktoberfest and remains a big expat tradition, especially with Antipodean travelers. Basically, one shot of beer is consumed at the beginning of each new minute until the time is up or a participant forfeits. The winner or winners are anyone capable of finishing 100 shots without getting up, going to the bathroom, or vomiting. Any of these violations will disqualify you immediately. A timekeeper will instruct participants when each new minute has begun, refill beer accordingly, and officiate and verify whether shot glasses are in fact emptied completely. Much debate exists over what to eat prior, and most participants cannot finish. Don’t kid yourself about this one: it’s not as easy as it sounds, no matter what strategy you employ.
When it comes to experiencing the vibrant nightlife of Europe, few activities rival the excitement of a bar crawl. In Budapest, Hungary, visitors can embark on a memorable journey through the city's unique ruin bars. These eclectic establishments, often housed in abandoned buildings or courtyards, offer a one-of-a-kind atmosphere that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Budapest. Szimpla Kert, one of the most famous ruin bars in the city, features a maze-like layout filled with quirky decor and live music, making it an essential stop on any Budapest bar crawl. Meanwhile, in Prague, the Czech Republic's capital, bar crawlers can immerse themselves in the city's historic charm while exploring its bustling nightlife scene. The city's Old Town and Wenceslas Square are dotted with a diverse array of bars and clubs, offering something for every taste and preference. From cozy pubs serving traditional Czech beer to sleek cocktail lounges with panoramic views of the city, Prague has it all for those seeking an unforgettable bar crawl experience.
Continuing the journey through Europe's best pub crawls, Brussels, Belgium, emerges as another top destination for nightlife enthusiasts. The city's lively atmosphere and rich beer culture make it the perfect setting for a memorable bar crawl. Visitors can explore iconic beer bars like Delirium Café, which boasts an extensive selection of over 2,000 beers from around the world. Additionally, Lisbon, Portugal, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and nightlife that sets the stage for an unforgettable bar crawl experience. The Bairro Alto district, with its narrow cobblestone streets and colorful buildings, is a hotspot for bars and live music venues, making it the ideal starting point for a night out in Lisbon. Whether enjoying traditional Portuguese fado music in a cozy tavern or sipping cocktails at a trendy rooftop bar overlooking the city, Lisbon offers endless possibilities for a memorable night of bar hopping.
When it comes to pub crawls around the world, Europe boasts some of the best cities and experiences for enthusiasts of pub culture. Krakow, Poland, is often cited as one of the best cities for a pub crawl, offering a mix of traditional Polish pubs and trendy cocktail bars. Visitors can start their evening at a local hostel, where they may find organized pub crawls led by knowledgeable guides who can navigate them through the city's bustling nightlife scene. Highlights of a Krakow pub crawl may include sampling regional beers at historic venues like Wódka Cafe Bar or exploring the city's vibrant Jewish Quarter, known for its cozy bars and live music venues. With its affordable prices and lively atmosphere, Krakow is undoubtedly one of the best travel destinations for a memorable nightlife experience.
Another must-visit destination for pub crawls in Europe is Temple Bar in Dublin, Ireland. Known as Europe's oldest pub crawl, Temple Bar offers a vibrant and eclectic mix of traditional Irish pubs, live music venues, and trendy bars. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local pub culture by joining a guided tour led by a knowledgeable local guide. Along the way, they'll want to visit iconic establishments like The Temple Bar, renowned for its lively atmosphere and extensive whiskey selection, or The Brazen Head, Ireland's oldest pub dating back to 1198. With its charming cobblestone streets and welcoming atmosphere, Temple Bar provides an authentic and unforgettable pub crawl experience for travelers seeking the best of European nightlife.
In conclusion, Europe offers a diverse and exciting list of the best places for pub crawls, from the historic streets of Krakow to the lively atmosphere of Temple Bar in Dublin. Whether you're exploring traditional Irish pubs or trendy cocktail bars, Europe's pub culture provides a unique and memorable nightlife experience that you'll want to revisit time and time again. With knowledgeable local guides, affordable prices, and an abundance of options, pub crawls in Europe are undoubtedly among the best in the world.
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