Old City After Dark: Drinking Tour in Philadelphia

If you’re planning a night out in Philadelphia, the Old City After Dark tour promises a lively mix of activities designed to give you a taste of the city’s vibrant evening scene. While I haven’t personally taken this tour, I’ve looked into what it offers and what travelers might expect. It’s pitched as a three-hour adventure combining a bit of action, some excellent drinks, and a chance to dance the night away.

What draws me in is the unique combination of axe throwing and a bar crawl that features some pretty cool, lesser-known venues—especially those with impressive vinyl collections. Plus, the inclusion of a DJ to finish the night on the dance floor adds a lively, social touch. One thing to keep in mind is that this tour is quite social and energetic, which makes it ideal if you’re after a fun, casual night with friends or fellow travelers.

However, a potential consideration is that this experience is geared towards those 21 and older, with no food provided and drink prices ranging from $5 to $20. If you’re expecting a relaxed, sit-down tasting or family-friendly outing, this might not hit the mark. But if you’re ready for an active, carefree evening with a good mix of activities, this tour could be a solid choice. It’s best suited for those who enjoy social drinking, some physical activity, and music.

Key Points

• Fun mix of activities including axe throwing, bar hopping, and dancing.
• Lesser-known venues that offer a local, authentic feel.
• Price point is reasonable at $35, but drinks are extra.
• Group size is limited to 10, making for an intimate experience.
• No children or under 21, so it’s strictly an adult night out.
• Flexible start time at 7:00 pm, perfect for evening plans.

What is the Old City After Dark tour all about?

This tour is essentially a curated night out in Philadelphia’s historic Old City area. It combines a few exciting elements—starting with axe throwing, then moving through a handful of bars, and finishing with a dance session. It’s designed to give travelers a taste of the city’s lively nightlife scene, paired with some quirky activities you might not find on a typical pub crawl.

The idea is to make your evening both active and relaxed, with enough variety to keep things interesting for the full three hours. The tour is limited to a maximum of 10 travelers, which helps keep things personal and friendly. It’s clear they aim to balance structured fun with the freedom to enjoy the city’s night atmosphere.

The itinerary: What can you expect?

Stop 1: Kick Axe Throwing

The tour kicks off at Kick Axe Throwing Philadelphia, where you’ll get a chance to test your aim and channel your inner Patriot or Viking. Axe throwing is a surprisingly satisfying activity—once you get the hang of it. It’s a great way to break the ice and get some adrenaline going early on. Be aware, though, that the starting point might shift if the venue has a private event, so double-check your email or message before the event.

Stop 2: Bar Hopping in the Old City Arts District

After working up an appetite and some confidence with the axes, you’ll move through 4-5 bars within the vibrant Old City Arts District. What’s special here is that many of these venues boast impressive vinyl collections, offering a nostalgic soundtrack to your drinks. Expect to spend about 35 minutes at each stop, where your guide will help you skip lines and find a seat so you can relax and enjoy your drinks.

The included tequila shot is a neat touch—just enough to start your night with a bit of spice. You’ll have to buy your own drinks afterward, with cocktails, beer, and wine ranging from $5 to $20. The focus isn’t on heavy drinking but rather enjoying the atmosphere and discovering some hidden gems.

Stop 3: Dancing with a Local DJ

The night wraps up at a lively bar featuring a local DJ spinning tunes. Here, you’ll have the chance to dance, mingle, and soak in the city vibes. It’s a solid way to wind down or to keep the party going if you’re in the mood.

The value proposition: Is it worth it?

At $35, this tour is quite a deal considering it includes axe throwing, line skipping, and a guided bar crawl in a lively part of town. The fact that the ticket price covers the activities and skips the line at venues is helpful, especially in a city like Philadelphia where popular spots can fill up quickly.

However, the drinks are not included, so you’ll want to budget an extra $20-$40 depending on your consumption. For those who enjoy a social, activity-packed evening with some local flavor, this experience offers a lot of bang for your buck.

The group size and logistics

Limited to just 10 travelers, the tour feels intimate and manageable—no huge crowds or long waits. The meeting point at Kick Axe Throwing is easy to find in the historic district, and the end point is within walking distance back to central spots in Old City. The start time of 7:00 pm is perfect if you prefer evening outings, and the three-hour duration makes it a nice, relaxed way to experience the city’s nightlife without feeling rushed.

What are people saying?

While there aren’t reviews yet, based on the tour description, it’s likely that you will appreciate the mix of action and socializing. The inclusion of activities like axe throwing and a DJ suggests a lively, fun atmosphere. The fact that they aim to hit lesser-known venues also means visitors might discover new favorites.

Practical considerations

• Age restriction: You must be 21 or older to participate.
• Weather: Since the tour involves outdoor venues and activities, bad weather could impact your experience. Refunds or rescheduling are available if the weather cancels the event.
• Booking in advance: Most travelers book about 10 days ahead, which makes sense given the limited spots.
• Cancellation policy: Full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance, which adds some peace of mind.

Who is this tour best for?

This experience suits adults looking for a lively, social night out with a bit of action and music. It’s perfect if you enjoy trying new activities like axe throwing, exploring hidden bars, and dancing to local DJs. It’s also ideal if you prefer small groups where you can comfortably chat and connect. Families or travelers with young children should look elsewhere, as the tour is strictly for those 21 and over.

If you’re someone who appreciates a good balance of activity, culture, and nightlife, this tour offers a lively way to see Philadelphia’s Old City after dark. It’s not a sit-down wine tasting or historical tour—it’s all about having fun and experiencing the city’s vibrancy at night.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers?
While the tour involves alcohol, you can enjoy the axe throwing and activities without drinking. Keep in mind, the tequila shot is part of the experience, but you’re not obliged to partake if you prefer not to.

How long does each activity last?
Axe throwing lasts about 35 minutes, each bar stop is approximately 35 minutes, and the final dance session is about 45 minutes. The total is around 3 hours.

Are drinks included in the ticket price?
No, drinks are extra. The tour includes a tequila shot, but additional beverages like cocktails, beer, or wine will cost between $5 and $20 each.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 10 travelers, making it a more personal experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours beforehand. Cancellations within 24 hours won’t be refunded.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The provided information doesn’t specify accessibility details, so it’s best to contact the provider directly if you have specific needs.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Kick Axe Throwing, located at 232 Market St, and ends within walking distance at 200 Chestnut St in Philadelphia.

Is this a family-friendly experience?
No, this tour is strictly for those 21 and over, given the alcohol and activities involved.

Final thoughts

The Old City After Dark tour offers an engaging way to explore Philadelphia’s nightlife with a small, lively group. Its combination of axe throwing, bar hopping, and dancing makes for an energetic and memorable evening. While it’s not a quiet, refined experience, it’s perfect for travelers eager to socialize, try something different, and enjoy the city’s vibrant after-hours scene.

If you’re after a fun, activity-rich night that balances physical activity, music, and social drinks, this tour delivers on all fronts. Just remember to come prepared for some extra spending on drinks and to enjoy the company of fellow night owls. It’s a great way to see a different side of Philadelphia, especially if you like a bit of adventure mixed with your evening entertainment.