Haunted Pub Crawl

If you’re looking to add a little thrill to your Philly trip, the Haunted Pub Crawl offered by Grim Philly Twilight Tours might just do the trick. While we haven’t personally been on this particular tour, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary paint a picture of a well-rounded, engaging experience. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy a mix of history, ghost stories, and a few drinks in historic settings.

What we love about this tour is the way it combines educational tidbits with spooky tales—the guides seem to be both knowledgeable and entertaining, making history come alive in a way that feels fun rather than dry. Plus, it’s a great way to explore areas of the city you might not otherwise see, all while enjoying some light refreshments.

One thing to keep in mind is that this is an adults-only experience—so no kids or teenagers. Also, it’s priced at $50 per person, which on the surface might seem a bit steep, but considering the detailed stops, ghost stories, and included elements, many find it offers solid value. This tour is best suited for those who love a little spookiness, history, and social atmosphere, all wrapped into a few hours of fun.

Key Points

• Educational and Entertaining: Guides bring history and ghost stories to life.
• Historic Landmarks: Visits to notable sites with fascinating backstories.
• Light Refreshments: Included at some stops, drinks and food are at your expense.
• Flexible Timing: Multiple departure options to fit your schedule.
• Adult Content: Not suitable for minors or those sensitive to strong language.
• Group Size: Max 40 travelers, making it lively but manageable.

What Is the Haunted Pub Crawl All About?

This tour promises a 3-hour journey through Philadelphia’s haunted and historic sites, with a focus on spooky tales, legends, and a few beverages in historic bars. It’s organized by Grim Philly Twilight Tours, a company specializing in evening experiences that blend history and hauntings.

The tour’s strength lies in its combination of history and ghost stories. The guides are described as knowledgeable and engaging, often blending facts with humor and storytelling. The reviews consistently mention how these guides make history entertaining, with some even calling the guides “hilarious” and “very knowledgeable.” It’s this approachable storytelling that really draws people in.

The tour’s price is $50 per person, which includes light refreshments and access to some of Philadelphia’s most haunted spots, like cemeteries and colonial landmarks. It’s a good deal if you’re into stories that mix the macabre with the patriotic, especially since many of these sites are not just spooky but historically significant.

The Itinerary: What You’ll Visit and Why It Matters

Stop 1: National Constitution Center

The tour kicks off at the National Constitution Center, where it’s said that during construction, bodies were discovered and reburied. This site sets the tone for the spooky stories ahead. The guide might share Native American ritual practices and lore, making it a meaningful start that blends history and eeriness. It’s a 10-minute stop, but the significance of the site makes it worth the brief visit.

Stop 2: Betsy Ross House

Next, you’ll visit the house where Betsy Ross is said to haunt her former home, along with her grave. The stories of her ghostly appearances add a layer of eeriness to an otherwise patriotic landmark. The tour makes a point of recounting her haunting tales, which visitors seem to find both spooky and charming.

Stop 3: Benjamin Franklin’s Grave

At Franklin’s burial site, the stories get even more intriguing. The guide discusses less-known facts about Franklin—like his connection to body snatching and horror novelist influences. The review quotes praise for the guide’s knowledge here, describing him as “hilarious” and “very knowledgeable.” This stop is a fascinating blend of American history and ghost lore.

Stop 4: Christ Church Burial Ground

Here, you’ll learn about grave robbing, medical experimentation, and Victorian ghost tales. The stories of Founding Fathers buried there make the site especially significant, giving the entire tour a patriotic ghost story vibe. The reviews often mention how engaging and informative the guide is at this stop.

Stop 5: Arch Street Meeting House

This Quaker meeting house is steeped in tales of witch trials and specters. It’s a shorter stop, but the stories of ghosts in the heart of Philly’s historic district add a mystical touch to the tour.

Stop 6: Christ Church

This old Anglican church has tales of mistaken burials and ghost sightings from the colonial era. The stories here veer into the spine-tingling, perfect for ghost enthusiasts.

The President’s House & Independence Hall

The tour also visits America’s first “White House”—where George Washington and John Adams served as presidents when Philadelphia was the capital—and the legendary Liberty Bell. These sites are filled with stories of early American life, political intrigue, and ghostly legends, making history feel alive with ghost stories.

Final Stop: City Tavern

The tour ends at the historic City Tavern, a haunt for founding fathers like Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson. Known for its own ghost stories, this historic tavern is a fitting close, blending American history with a little supernatural intrigue.

What to Expect During the Tour

This guided experience is designed to be both fun and educational. The guides are described as energetic, knowledgeable, and often humorous. Many reviews mention how they blend comedy with historical facts, making complex history accessible and lively.

The group size is capped at 40, creating an intimate atmosphere. You’ll walk through historic streets, cemeteries, and old buildings, with each stop lasting around 10 minutes. The stops are close enough to walk easily, and the tour’s pacing seems well-balanced—long enough to tell stories, but not so long that it drags.

Light refreshments are included, but drinks are at your own expense. The tour is adult-oriented, with some reviews noting swearing and mature themes, so it’s not suitable for children or anyone sensitive to graphic language.

The Guides and Reviews

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive about the guides. Many mention specific guides by name, praising their enthusiasm, knowledge, and ability to entertain. One reviewer said, “Lance created a really fun and welcoming environment,” which speaks to the lively, friendly vibe of the tour.

The storytelling is a big part of what makes this experience successful. From ghost tales to historical facts, the guides keep guests engaged with humor and fascinating anecdotes. Several reviews highlight how much they learned while having fun, with one even saying, “We learned a lot on our tour.”

The Value for Money

At $50, many find the tour to be a good deal considering the stops, stories, and included light refreshments. Given the detailed itinerary and engaging guides, it offers a comprehensive experience that feels well worth the price. This isn’t just a bar crawl; it’s a history and haunted stories tour with some drinks thrown in, making it a memorable night for anyone interested in Philly’s darker side.

Practical Tips and Considerations

• Booking in advance is recommended—most book around 92 days ahead, showing how popular it is.
• The tour is about 3 hours long, which is manageable for most people, but be prepared for some walking and standing.
• Adult content and language are part of the experience, so if you’re sensitive to that, keep it in mind.
• The meeting point is at Grim Philly Twilight Tours, 523 Market St, and the ending point is at the historic City Tavern on 2nd Street.
• Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather, as most of the tour is outdoors.
• If you’re a ghost lover or history buff who enjoys a lively, adult atmosphere, this tour will likely be a highlight.

The Sum Up: Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This haunted pub crawl is a great fit for adults who enjoy history, ghost stories, and social atmospheres. If you love learning quirky facts about historic figures like Franklin or Betsy Ross while hearing spooky tales, you’ll find a lot to enjoy here. The guides’ enthusiasm and the interactive storytelling approach make it feel less like a traditional tour and more like hanging out with knowledgeable friends.

It’s especially good if you appreciate a mix of history with a dark, supernatural twist, and don’t mind a bit of adult language or themes. The stops at historic cemeteries, colonial landmarks, and haunted taverns create a richly layered experience—perfect for those wanting to combine entertainment with cultural insight.

While the price might seem high for some, the quality of storytelling, the variety of sites, and the lively atmosphere make it a memorable addition to a Philly itinerary. It’s best suited for travelers who want a fun, slightly spooky evening with a dash of learning and a sprinkle of spirits—both historical and alcoholic.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the tour is adult-only due to adult content and language, and the themes may not be appropriate for minors.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 3 hours, with several stops along the way.

What’s included in the price?
Light refreshments are included, but drinks and food are at your own expense. You also get to visit cemeteries, historic landmarks, and hear ghost stories.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour starts, and you’ll get a full refund.

What are the departure times?
The tour offers a choice of departure times to fit your schedule, so check the schedule when booking.

Is the tour walkable?
Yes, most stops are walking-distance within Philadelphia’s historic district, making it easy to follow along.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely, reviews consistently praise the guides for their mix of humor, historical insight, and storytelling skill.

Is it suitable for people who don’t drink alcohol?
While drinks are at your own expense, the focus is on stories and history, so non-drinkers can still enjoy the experience. Just be mindful that it’s an adult-themed tour.

Thinking of experiencing Philly’s haunted past? This tour offers a lively, story-driven way to explore the city’s darker side—perfect for fans of history, ghosts, and good company.