Philly Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl

If you’re a fan of both history and spirits—literally—then the Philly Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl might just be your perfect evening in the City of Brotherly Love. This tour promises a mix of Philadelphia’s most historic taverns, spine-tingling ghost stories, and a lively group atmosphere, all wrapped into just about two hours of wandering through Old City’s atmospheric streets.

From what we gather, this experience is especially appealing for those who enjoy a good story along with their drinks. The guides seem well-versed and capable of making the history come alive, and the stops at historic pubs add authentic local flavor. But it’s worth noting that if you’re looking for a full-on ghost-hunting adventure, this tour leans more toward storytelling and socializing rather than paranormal investigations.

One thing to keep in mind is that drinks are purchased separately, and some guests have mentioned that at times the group can get a bit crowded, which might make hearing the guide a little tricky. That said, this tour seems best suited for those who want a relaxed, fun night out with a spooky twist, especially if you enjoy mingling with new friends over some local brews.

Key Points

• Ideal for fans of history, ghosts, and social drinking
• Guides are knowledgeable and add lively storytelling
• Visit eight historic spots, each with its own haunted tales
• Cost is affordable at $36, but drinks are extra
• Group size may occasionally make hearing the guide challenging
• Perfect for a casual night out in Old City, Philly

A Detailed Look at the Philly Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl

What the Tour Is All About

This tour offers a two-hour walk through Philadelphia’s iconic Old City neighborhood, combining history, ghost stories, and a chance to enjoy some local drinks. For around $36 per person, you get to visit eight notable spots, each with its own spooky tales. The experience starts at the Independence Beer Garden and ends at The Silver Buckle, a modern moonshine bar steeped in rebellious history. The entire route is designed to be both entertaining and educational, with plenty of opportunities to socialize and soak up Philly’s haunted ambiance.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Independence Beer Garden

Your evening begins outside this lively outdoor bar on the grounds of a major historic site. You can sip on a local IPA while keeping an eye and ear out for stories of spirits said to haunt the area. The atmosphere here is casual, and the open-air setting makes it a great first stop to loosen up and get into the mood. Some guests have mentioned feeling ghostly sensations or hearing unexplained sounds, adding a subtle thrill right at the start.

Stop 2: Independence Hall

Of course, no visit to Philly is complete without a quick peek at Independence Hall—the birthplace of American independence. While the hall itself is a symbol of liberty, it also has its spectral legends. Guests have reported seeing colonial figures pacing the halls long after hours, or hearing whispers that echo through the stone walls. The 13-minute stop here allows for a quick but insightful look at a key site, combined with ghostly rumors.

Stops 3-7: Historic & Cultural Landmarks

The tour continues with visits to several other historic sites, each with their own stories:

• American Philosophical Society Museum: Imagine whispering voices between ancient texts or phantom footsteps in quiet corridors. Guests have reported hearing mysterious whispers, which adds an intriguing layer to the quiet museum setting.
• Revolution House: This trendy bar on historic land is said to harbor spirits of revolutionaries. Patrons enjoy signature cocktails like the “Bens Barrel-Aged Old Fashioned,” while some report feeling a chill or sensation of being watched.
• Carpenters’ Hall: Known for hosting the First Continental Congress, this building reportedly still hosts some of its founding members’ spirits, with shadows seen near the entrance.
• First Bank of the United States: Allegedly haunted by Alexander Hamilton himself, witnesses claim to hear the rattling of coins and ghostly sounds in this historic financial hub.
• City Tavern (Museum): A favorite for history buffs, this spot exudes the vibe of the 18th century, with ghostly pipe smoke smells and laughter lingering in its empty rooms.

Final Stops: Modern Bars with Haunted Histories

• The Silver Buckle: As the tour winds down here, patrons have reported hearing phantom footsteps and feeling unseen presences—perfect for those who enjoy a little spooky fun with their drinks.
• The Plough & the Stars: This Irish pub is famed for shadowy figures upstairs and stories of a former resident who never quite left. Guests enjoy hearty Guinness alongside ghost stories.
• The Rebellious Spirit of the Prohibition-Era Bar: The Moonshine Bar pays homage to a rebellious past, where some say bootleggers’ spirits still linger.

What Guests Say

Reviews highlight the guides’ knowledge and storytelling skills, with comments like “Jessica was a great tour guide. She is very knowledgeable about Philadelphia history,” and “Sadie, was very knowledgeable and flexible. She made the tour come to life.” Guests seem to enjoy the mix of history and ghost tales, with plenty of opportunities to chat and make friends along the way.

One reviewer noted, “Not much of a ghost tour, but seen lots of places in Philly and some good drinks.” This suggests that while the primary focus may be on historic sites and socializing, the ghost stories add enough fun to keep the atmosphere lively.

However, not all experiences are perfect. A few guests mentioned that the group can get quite crowded, making it difficult to hear the guide clearly at times. Also, since drinks are not included, you’ll want to budget extra for your own beverages, which can add up depending on your drink preferences.

Practical Details & Value

The price of $36 per person is quite reasonable considering the eight stops and the guided storytelling. It’s a solid value for travelers who enjoy a relaxed pace and want to experience Philadelphia’s historic pubs with a spooky twist. Remember, drinks are purchased separately, so if you’re a lightweight or prefer non-alcoholic options, plan accordingly.

The tour lasts about two hours, which is perfect if you’re looking for a fun, manageable evening activity. The meeting point at Independence Beer Garden is accessible via public transportation, and the tour is designed to be inclusive for most travelers, with a maximum group size of around 35 people.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for those with a curiosity for history and ghost stories, and who enjoy social outings. It’s ideal for casual groups, couples, or friends wanting to add some spooky lore to their Philly visit. Not the best choice if you’re seeking a serious paranormal investigation, but perfect for light-hearted fun in a historic setting.

The Sum Up

If you’re visiting Philadelphia and want an entertaining way to explore Old City, the Philly Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl offers a nice mix of historic sites, ghost stories, and local drinks. The guides seem genuinely knowledgeable and add personality to the stories, making the experience more engaging. It’s a relaxed, social activity suitable for most travelers who enjoy a bit of spooky fun without the need for heavy commitment or investigation.

While the tour isn’t a full-blown ghost hunt, it provides just enough eerie tales to give you a thrill and a good laugh. The stops at historic taverns—some of which have seen famous figures like Washington and Adams—add authenticity and a sense of stepping back in time. And as a bonus, you end the evening at a moonshine bar, where the spirits, it seems, may linger.

This tour is a smart choice for history buffs, social butterflies, or anyone looking to spice up a Philly night out. Just be prepared to buy your own drinks, and keep an ear out in crowded spots!

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children? The tour is primarily aimed at adults, especially since drinks are involved and the ghost stories are geared toward an older audience.

Are drinks included in the price? No, drinks are purchased separately at each stop.

How long does the tour last? About two hours, which makes it a manageable evening activity.

What is the group size? The maximum number of travelers is around 35, helping keep the experience intimate but lively.

Can I cancel if I change my mind? Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, giving you flexibility if plans change.

Is this tour accessible? Yes, it’s near public transportation and service animals are allowed.

Will I be able to hear the guide? Sometimes, especially if the group gets crowded, hearing can be a bit challenging, so arrive early or be prepared to listen closely.

Are there any age restrictions? Most travelers can participate, but the experience is mainly designed for adults due to alcohol consumption and ghost stories.

How many stops are there? The tour visits eight historic taverns and bars, each with its unique tale.

If you’re looking for a fun, social way to explore Philadelphia’s haunted past, this pub crawl might just be your perfect evening. Just bring your curiosity and a good sense of humor—and maybe a few extra dollars for drinks.