Palermo is a city that pulses with a lively nightlife scene, and its bars and breweries offer more than just drinks—they’re a social experience. Whether you’re looking to dance the night away, sample local craft beers, or learn about the brewing process, Palermo’s drinking tours deliver authentic fun. One of our favorite options is the Palermo: Guided Bar Crawl with Shots and Discounts on Drinks. It combines the thrill of discovering top bars with the camaraderie of meeting travelers from around the world, all while enjoying discounted drinks and free shots. This tour is perfect if you want an energetic night out that mixes socializing, exploring, and a bit of dancing.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best drinking experiences in Palermo, from social pub crawls to intimate craft beer tastings and educational brewery tours. Each offers a unique way to enjoy Palermo’s vibrant drinking culture—whether you’re after a fun evening, a taste of local brews, or a deeper dive into the art of brewing. Let’s explore what makes each of these tours stand out.
1. Palermo: Guided Bar Crawl with Shots and Discounts on Drinks
For around $18 per person, the Palermo: Guided Bar Crawl with Shots and Discounts on Drinks offers a lively five-hour adventure through Palermo’s most exciting bars. Starting in the Finch Lounge, this tour takes you on a walk through the city center, visiting five top venues where your guide ensures only the best spots are included.
What makes this crawl special is the combination of free welcome shots and discounts on drinks at each bar. Guests consistently praise the high-energy atmosphere and the friendly, organized guides who help break the ice, making it an ideal choice for solo travelers or groups wanting to experience Palermo’s social scene. The walk from bar to bar adds a casual sightseeing element, with scenic views and local flavor along the way. Reviews highlight the fun mix of international travelers and the feeling of being part of a spontaneous night out. It’s a perfect way to meet new people, dance, and enjoy Palermo’s nightlife without breaking the bank.
Bottom line: If you prefer a social, fun-packed evening with the bonus of discounts, this bar crawl offers excellent value and a chance to see the city’s nightlife from a local’s perspective.
2. Palermo: Craft Beer tasting with food samples at High Hops
Priced at about $41 per person, the Palermo: Craft Beer Tasting with Food Samples at High Hops provides a two-hour immersion into Sicily’s craft beer scene. This tour pairs three carefully selected craft beers with a platter of Sicilian cheeses and Nebrodi cold cuts, served alongside fried gnocco.
What makes this experience stand out is the opportunity to learn about local brewing techniques while enjoying a delicious food-and-beer pairing. The location is a stylish venue featuring murals and a temporary photographic exhibition, adding to its unique atmosphere. Guests have praised the friendly owners and the quality of the products, noting that they leave with a better understanding of Sicilian craft beers. It’s a relaxed experience ideal for beer enthusiasts or those curious to explore Sicily’s emerging craft brewing culture.
Bottom line: This tasting tour offers a well-curated experience of local flavors in a comfortable setting, perfect if you want to combine good drinks with regional cheeses and cold cuts.
3. Sensory Beer Tour in San Martino delle Scale
The Sensory Beer Tour in San Martino delle Scale pushes beyond the typical pub crawl, focusing on the art of brewing and tasting. Over approximately five hours, you’ll learn about ingredients, brewing styles, and regional flavors, with guided tastings of “Hora Benedicta” beer and fresh caciocavallo cheese.
This small-group experience (limited to eight participants) is led by an expert who guides you through the entire process—from selecting ingredients to understanding flavor profiles. The tour also includes regional food tastings and sightseeing, making it a comprehensive cultural and culinary experience. The journey begins in Palermo’s historic Benedictine Street, with transportation by minibus to the brewery location, ensuring comfort and convenience. Though reviews are limited, this tour’s focus on craft production and local culture makes it stand out for those interested in the science and art of beer making.
Bottom line: Best suited for beer lovers who want to go beyond just tasting, this tour offers a deeper understanding of Sicilian brewing traditions in a small-group setting.
How to Choose Your Perfect Drinking Tour in Palermo
When selecting a drinking tour, consider your interests and how much time you want to spend. The pub crawl (tour #1) is ideal for a lively night with plenty of social interaction, perfect for meeting fellow travelers. If craft beer is more your style, the High Hops tasting provides a relaxed, food-paired experience. For those interested in a more educational and immersive experience, the Sensory Beer Tour offers insights into brewing that can deepen your appreciation of local beer culture.
Budget-wise, the pub crawl offers great value for a fun night out, while the craft beer and sensory tours reflect a more specialized, deeper dive into regional flavors. Think about your preferred pace, interest level, and whether you want a social or educational experience.
Final Thoughts
Palermo offers a diverse range of drinking experiences that suit different tastes and travel styles. For a guaranteed fun night filled with socializing and dancing, the guided pub crawl is hard to beat. If you’re keen on craft beers and regional cheeses, the High Hops tasting provides a relaxed, quality experience. And for those who want to understand the brewing craft firsthand, the Sensory Beer Tour offers an engaging educational journey.
Booking early is advisable, especially in high season, to reserve your spot and ensure you don’t miss out on Palermo’s best drinking adventures. Whether you’re after a lively night out, a sophisticated tasting, or an educational experience, Palermo’s drinking tours promise memorable moments and new connections.
