Haunted Pub Tour

If you’re looking for a way to combine Portland’s lively drinking scene with a taste of its darker past, the Haunted Pub Tour might just be your next great adventure. While we haven’t done it personally, reviews and descriptions paint a picture of an experience that’s both entertaining and surprisingly educational. It promises a walk through historic Old Town Portland, filled with ghost stories, historic pubs, and plenty of local craft beers.

What we really like about this tour is its blend of history and fun—an intoxicating mix of storytelling and sampling some of Portland’s best brews. Plus, the guide’s knowledge and enthusiasm seem to make all the difference. On the flip side, some reviews mention the stories feeling a bit thin or the stops feeling a bit rushed, which might be worth considering if you’re a detail-oriented history buff. This tour seems best suited for those who enjoy a good story, a cold brew, and a taste of Portland’s haunted lore.

If you’re traveling with friends, love craft beer, or are curious about Portland’s darker history, this tour could be a hit. Keep in mind, it’s geared toward adults (21+) and involves some walking, so comfortable footwear is a must. It’s a fun, somewhat spooky night out that offers a different way to explore the city after dark.

Key Points

• Balanced experience: Combines ghost stories, historic pubs, and craft beer tastings.
• Knowledgeable guides: Reviews praise the guides for their confidence and storytelling skills.
• Short but engaging: Around 2.5 hours, perfect for an evening activity.
• Limited inside visits: Stops inside two pubs, with most stories shared outside.
• Cost value: $45 includes six beer samples; good for beer lovers and history buffs.
• Safety and accessibility: Operates in all weather, with some street exposure; not suitable for children or pets.

What’s Included in the Tour

For the price of $45 per person, you get a 2.5-hour walk through Old Town Portland, sampling six craft beers from award-winning local breweries. The tour is private for your group, so it feels intimate. The guides are there to entertain and inform, offering stories about Portland’s haunted buildings and its gritty past—think kidnapping, gangs, opium dens, and brothels.

The tour begins at Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub and ends at Old Town Pizza & Brewing, just a short walk from the starting point. They also supply the beer tastings—each sample is about 5 ounces—so you get a good taste without overdoing it.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Skidmore Fountain

The tour kicks off at the iconic Skidmore Fountain, Portland’s first public artwork. It’s a local landmark and features a brewery’s nod to this historic spot with free beer. This few minutes stop sets a relaxed tone and makes for a fun photo op, especially since it’s free to walk by. It’s also a good introduction to Portland’s public art scene.

Stop 2: Tom McCall Waterfront Park

Next, the tour moves to the waterfront, where stories of opium smuggling, brothels, and sailors’ kidnapping paint a vivid picture of Portland’s rougher days. While the stop itself is just about 10 minutes, the tales told here add a lot of atmosphere to the experience. It’s a reminder that beneath Portland’s modern vibe lies a history of danger and vice.

Stop 3: Keep Portland Weird Sign

A quick 10-minute stop to see the famous “Keep Portland Weird” sign, situated near Voodoo Doughnuts. It’s a quirky symbol of the city’s love for all things offbeat, and it’s fun to hear stories about Portland’s unique character. The guide’s enthusiasm about Portland’s eccentricities shines here, making it a memorable moment.

Stop 4: Old Town Portland

The core of the tour, this 30-minute stop, takes you into the historic district now bustling with restaurants and nightlife. But a century ago, it was known for opium dens, underground speakeasies, and shady dealings. Touring this area gives a tangible sense of Portland’s layered past, and the stories shared by guides bring the streets alive. You’ll walk past 19th-century buildings—some with ghostly legends—and hear about the city’s darker side.

What Travelers Are Saying

Many reviews commend the guides for their confidence and knowledge; one user noted, “Tiffany was very confident and prepared for the tour,” emphasizing the importance of a good storyteller. The beer samples often get glowing reviews, with people loving the quality and variety, like “the beer was very tasty,” and “the drinks really good.”

However, some guests felt the stories were a bit light or that the stops outside the pubs limited their inside-the-building experience. One reviewer mentioned, “stood outside most areas to hear stories,” which may be a downside if you’re hoping for in-depth exploration inside historic sites. But it’s worth noting that the tour’s focus is more on storytelling and socializing rather than inside visits.

Several reviewers highlighted the friendly atmosphere and the fun of mingling with other travelers. It’s clear that the tour tends to attract groups looking for a relaxed, social night out rather than a deep historical dive.

On safety, one guest expressed concern about street behavior, but the tour operator responded promptly, noting that their experience in over 10 years has had no safety issues. The tour does run rain or shine, so dressing appropriately for Portland’s weather is advised.

The Value of the Experience

For $45, the tour offers a pretty decent bang for your buck. You’re getting a guided walk through historic Old Town, six craft beer samples, and engaging stories about Portland’s haunted past—all wrapped into a 2.5-hour package. Compared to other nightlife experiences, the focus on history and local brews makes this unique.

While it might not satisfy hard-core history buffs craving detailed ghost lore or inside visits to historic buildings, it hits the right note for casual explorers and beer enthusiasts. The fact that the tour is private for your group enhances the experience, allowing for more personal interaction and questions.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best for adults who enjoy a laid-back, social vibe combined with storytelling and craft beer sampling. It’s particularly suitable for couples, friends, or small groups looking for a fun night out with a spooky twist. If your idea of a good time involves walking through historic streets, hearing ghost stories, and tasting local brews, you’ll find plenty to love.

Those interested in Portland’s darker past and quirky personalities will appreciate the stories, but if you’re searching for deep historical insights or inside access to haunted sites, you might find the tour a bit surface-level. Remember, no children or pets are permitted, and the physical aspect is moderate—some walking and standing are involved.

Final Thoughts

The Haunted Pub Tour offers a lively, engaging way to explore Portland after dark, blending history, ghost stories, and craft beers into one package. Its guides seem to know their stuff and keep the atmosphere fun and relaxed. While some guests wish for more inside visits or more detailed stories, the overall vibe remains enjoyable, especially for those who appreciate good beer and local lore.

If you’re after a lighthearted, social evening that offers a glimpse into Portland’s haunted past, this tour can be a memorable highlight of your trip. It’s particularly good for groups who want to combine sightseeing with a bit of spooky storytelling, all while sampling some of Oregon’s finest brews.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the tour is only for guests aged 21 and older due to alcohol consumption and the nature of the stories.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, making it a nice evening activity without being overly long.

Are we visiting inside the pubs?
The tour includes stops inside two pubs, but most of the stories are shared outside or in common areas.

Can it be canceled?
Yes, you can cancel the tour up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours before will not be refunded.

What’s included in the price?
You get six beer samples, each about 5 ounces, plus a knowledgeable guide leading the walk through Old Town Portland.

Is the tour operated rain or shine?
Yes, it operates in all weather conditions, so dress accordingly for Portland’s typical weather.

In summary, the Haunted Pub Tour offers a fun, social way to uncover Portland’s spooky side, especially if you’re into craft beer and quirky stories. It’s a good pick for a relaxed evening outing, perfect for small groups wanting a taste of the city’s darker history with a side of good drinks.