Explore Lancaster’s Dive Bars on a Historic Walking Tour
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be comfortable walking on city sidewalks for a couple of hours at a leisurely pace.
Overview
Discover Lancaster’s hidden dive bars on a lively 2.5-hour walking tour through the city’s historic west side. Enjoy authentic snacks, mingle with locals, and experience true neighborhood charm.
Dive Bars of Lancaster
2.5 Hours • Ages 21+
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About This Adventure
Embark on a 2.5-hour walking tour through Lancaster's historic west side, exploring hidden neighborhood bars that reveal the city's gritty charm. Mingle with locals from all walks of life while enjoying authentic pub snacks and drinks in nostalgic settings, making for a truly memorable and immersive experience.
Let's Adventure!
Duration
2.5 Hours
About
Dark, gritty, and sometimes smoky! If you want to scratch the underbelly of the oldest inland city in America and hang out with the locals, this experience delivers. We’ll take you to some of the oldest and hardest to find neighborhood bars in the city on this casual walking tour through the historic west side of the city. Leave your pretenses behind and rub shoulders with laborers, night-shift crews, hospital workers, politicians, retirees, entrepreneurs, and college students that inhabit these nostalgic Lancaster establishments. Form corner bars, to holes-in-the-wall, to Irish and Italian pubs, these places are the real deal and well worth the walk! Each of these stops will take you back to a time of pool tables, dart boards and mid-western beer along with shared bar snacks – a genuine local experience!
Adventure Tips
Wear comfortable shoes
This is a walking tour on city streets, so sturdy, comfortable footwear will make your experience smoother.
Bring a valid ID
You’ll need a government-issued ID to enjoy alcoholic beverages at each bar stop.
Stay hydrated
Carry water with you to stay hydrated between drink stops, especially during warmer months.
Arrive on time
Tours run on a strict schedule to fit in all stops, so punctuality ensures you don’t miss any experience.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Urban songbirds such as sparrows and pigeons
- Squirrels commonly seen in local parks along the route
History
Lancaster’s west side has been a working-class neighborhood with a history of vibrant local pubs serving as community hubs since the early 20th century.
Conservation
Many bars partner with local producers and follow sustainable practices to minimize waste and support the Lancaster community.
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Adventure Hotspots in Philadelphia
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Supportive shoes will keep your feet comfortable during the tour’s walking segments.
Valid government ID
Required to consume alcoholic beverages at multiple stops throughout the tour.
Light jacket or sweater
Useful for cooler spring evenings and unexpected weather changes.
spring specific
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated in the summer heat between bar visits.
summer specific