Philadelphia at night has a different pulse. This Boo’s and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl turns Old City into a walkable ghost story, with you stopping at real bars while your guide threads the city’s darker tales into each location. I especially like the mix of local pub culture and ghost-lore delivery, and I also like that the tour format gives you actual time to enjoy each stop rather than rushing you through everything. One thing to consider: drinks are not included, so the final cost depends on what you order, and it can get a bit loud and bumpy on your feet.

You meet at the Independence Beer Garden and spend the evening moving between four different venues: JJ Bootleggers, The Plough & the Stars, and The Revolution House, plus the start point. Expect about 15 to 60 minutes at each stop, which makes this a good option if you want spooky stories and a normal bar hangout vibe.

Because it’s rain or shine and you’ll walk about a mile (give or take), comfortable shoes matter. If you can’t handle that level of walking, or you have mobility limitations, this won’t be the best fit.

Key points I’d bet you care about

• Four distinct pub stops in the Old City area, with a real change of atmosphere at each venue
• Real bar time (15–60 minutes per stop) so you can hear stories and still socialize
• Ghost stories with local flavor, not generic spooky sound effects
• Your drinks are separate, so you control cost and pacing
• Guides carry a lantern and wear a US Ghost Adventures shirt, keeping the experience on-theme

How a haunted pub crawl works in Philadelphia (and why it’s fun)

This tour is built around a simple idea: you don’t just hear about haunted places from a distance. You hear the stories while you’re inside the kind of places Philadelphia locals actually go. That’s the sweet spot. Bars add warmth, chatter, and that slightly off-balance feeling you get when you’re drinking something cold in an old building.

The tour lasts 2 hours and follows a tight start-and-finish rhythm: it begins at 7:00 PM and wraps up at 9:00 PM. You’ll check in about 15 minutes early so you can meet the guide and get moving. You’ll also have time to connect with other folks on the crawl, since the group isn’t just herded from one photo spot to the next.

And yes, the theme is ghosts, but it’s also history. The guide uses well-researched, credible background plus authentic local ghost stories, so it feels like a guided night out rather than a pure scare-fest.

Price and value: $30 sounds low for 2 hours of guided spooky fun

At $30 per person, you’re paying for the guide, the route, and the stories at four different stops. The catch is the one detail that can quietly change your budget: food and drinks aren’t included. You can order craft cocktails, local brews, and other drinks at each venue at your own pace.

So here’s the value math you should do before you go:

• If you plan to buy just one or two drinks total, the tour stays a solid deal.
• If you plan on ordering a drink at every stop, you’ll still get a fun night, but your budget will rise fast—like most bar experiences.

Also note the alcohol rule: you need a valid ID to purchase alcohol. A copy is accepted, but bring something you’re comfortable showing. If you don’t plan to drink alcohol, you can still enjoy the stories and bar atmosphere.

The meeting point: Independence Beer Garden at 100 S Independence Mall West

The crawl kicks off outside the Independence Beer Garden, at 100 S Independence Mall West, Philadelphia, PA. Your guide will be easy to spot: they wear a black US Ghost Adventures t-shirt and carry a lantern.

Why this matters: a clear meeting point keeps the group from wasting time. You’ll start promptly after check-in, and that helps preserve the pacing—especially for a night tour where the best parts are time-sensitive (and the daylight is not on your side).

Tip: arrive early with your shoes on and your coat ready. The experience runs rain or shine, so you’ll want to be comfortable once you’re outside.

Stop-by-stop itinerary: four haunted pubs, four different moods

This is the core of the night: you visit four distinct watering holes, with time at each stop ranging from 15 to 60 minutes depending on the day and season. Here’s what those locations bring to the crawl.

1) Independence Beer Garden: warm start, Old City energy

You begin at The Independence Beer Garden. As a starting location, it works well: it’s a public, central spot that helps you settle into the vibe. You’re not immediately in a jump-scare moment—you’re getting oriented to the route and the kind of stories you’ll hear.

Think of the first stop as your warm-up act:

• it sets the tone for the ghost lore,
• it gets you comfortable with the guide’s storytelling style,
• and it gives you a first chance to order a drink before the tour moves into the darker corners of the evening.

2) JJ Bootleggers: eerie stories with a more modern bar feel

Next up is JJ Bootleggers. This stop is known for a different atmosphere than the starting point—more of a contemporary pub mood. That contrast matters because the tour isn’t meant to feel like one long, identical room.

What you get here is an opportunity to listen with fewer “historical building vibes” and more “bar-night vibes.” You’ll still hear spooky stories, but the setting keeps it varied, which helps you stay engaged during the whole 2 hours.

3) The Plough & the Stars: historic atmosphere, talk-friendly pacing

Then you move to The Plough & the Stars. This is one of the stops where the bar itself tends to support the ghostly theme. Expect the guide to keep the stories flowing while you’re in that more character-filled setting.

Also, since you’ll likely be there long enough to actually talk and listen, it’s easier to get into the experience. You don’t feel stuck waiting for the next stop the entire time.

4) The Revolution House: a fitting closer to the night

You finish at The Revolution House. Ending on a location tied to Philadelphia’s revolutionary-era storylines helps the night click into place. It’s a strong finale because it feels like the crawl is building toward something: history, lore, and the darker threads of the city’s past.

For many people, the last stop is when the “spooky curiosity” factor peaks. You’ve already heard multiple ghost stories, you’ve had time to settle into the bar rhythm, and you’re ready to see how the guide ties it all together.

Your guide and the ghost-story style (the difference between scary and fun)

The guide is a big part of the value here. You’re not just paying for a route—you’re paying for storytelling that’s supposed to be well-researched and tied to Philadelphia’s past.

On recent runs, guides like Loren have been praised for taking people to historic sites and sharing stories that include personal experiences. That matters because personal details turn a ghost story from a list of facts into something you can picture.

You’ll also notice the pacing: the tour schedule gives you enough time at each venue to stay present. That’s why this works even if you’re not the type who normally signs up for “scary” activities. It’s spook-forward, but it stays social.

One practical note: the tour includes rules like no video recording and no smoking. If you’re thinking about filming, don’t. Just enjoy the moment with your eyes and ears.

Drinks, ID, and how to keep the night affordable

Here’s the truth: this is a pub crawl, so the best experience comes from planning how you drink. The tour package doesn’t include food or drinks, so you choose the pace.

• If you order water between rounds, you’ll enjoy the stories longer.
• If you plan to buy alcohol, keep your ID handy from the start.
• If you’re not drinking, you still get the same storytelling and bar stops—you just control your spend.

And since the group moves together between stops, you don’t want to order something that slows you down too much at busy times.

If you’re traveling with friends, this is also the kind of activity where you’ll want to agree on a spending plan beforehand. You’ll thank yourself later when the night ends and you’re adding up receipts.

What the “rain or shine” policy means in real life

This tour runs rain or shine, which affects comfort more than it affects the story. You’ll want:

• weather-appropriate clothing (you’ll be outside between venues),
• a quick-dry layer or an umbrella that won’t become a hazard in a crowded sidewalk moment,
• and shoes that handle slick pavement.

Also remember: the tour isn’t designed for wheelchair or mobility-limited guests, and it’s not recommended if you can’t walk more than about a mile. That’s not just theory—this is a night out that assumes you can move between bars without needing long breaks.

Who this haunted pub crawl is best for

This fits best if you:

• want a night tour with history + storytelling in a social setting,
• like the idea of checking out Philadelphia pubs without planning the route yourself,
• enjoy group activities where you can talk with other people during longer stop times.

It’s also a fun pick for groups of friends who want a shared “we did that” activity that still leaves you free afterward. The tour ends at 9:00 PM, so you can keep exploring the neighborhood on your own after.

Who should skip it

You might want to skip this one if you:

• can’t handle walking about a mile,
• need accommodations for mobility impairments,
• hate bar settings where it can be loud and lively,
• or want a fully inclusive meal-and-drink deal (this is drink-at-your-own-pace).

Also, if you’re expecting video-heavy content, remember: video recording isn’t allowed.

After the tour: what to do with the extra night hours

Since the crawl ends at 9:00 PM, you’ll have time for a second act. You’re in Old City-adjacent territory, so it’s easy to keep wandering, grab a late snack, or just call it a win and head back.

One smarter move: keep your next plan flexible. You’ll be in a mood after ghost stories, especially once you’ve heard multiple locations tied to Philadelphia’s past. If you’re up for it, you’ll feel more like “exploring” than “rushing.”

Should you book this Philadelphia Ghosts, Boos, and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl?

Book it if you want a guided night that combines real Philadelphia bar stops with credible ghost stories and enough time to actually enjoy each location. At $30 for 2 hours with a knowledgeable guide and four venues, it’s good value—especially if you keep drink spending in check.

Skip it if you need an all-in-one food-and-drinks package, can’t handle about a mile of walking, or you’re looking for silent, low-energy tourism. This is lively, social, and built for people who want a spooky night out, not a museum-style experience.

FAQ

Where does the haunted pub crawl meet?

Meet your guide outside the Independence Beer Garden at 100 S Independence Mall West, Philadelphia, PA.

What time does the tour start and end?

The tour starts at 7:00 PM and ends at 9:00 PM.

How long is the tour?

It lasts 2 hours.

How much does it cost?

The price is $30 per person.

Are drinks included in the tour price?

No. Drinks are not included, but you can order craft cocktails, local brews, and other drinks at each stop at your own pace and expense.

Which locations are included in the crawl?

The crawl visits four watering holes: The Independence Beer Garden, JJ Bootleggers, The Plough & the Stars, and The Revolution House.

How long do you stay at each stop?

You spend anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes at each stop, depending on the day of the week and season.

Is the tour canceled if it rains?

No. The tour runs rain or shine.

Do I need ID to buy alcohol?

Yes. You must present a valid ID to purchase alcohol.

FAQ

Is video recording allowed during the tour?

No, video recording is not allowed.

Can people with mobility impairments join?

This tour is not recommended for people with mobility impairments.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a valid ID (a copy is accepted).