Pub Crawl Vs Bar Hopping: Which One is for You?

Are you planning a night out with friends, and can’t decide between a pub crawl and bar hopping? These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they are different types of drinking excursions. In this blog post, we are going to explore the differences between a pub crawl and bar hopping to help you decide which one is best for you.

What is a Pub Crawl?

A pub crawl involves a group of people visiting multiple pubs or bars in a single night. The purpose of this activity is to socialize, drink, and discover new bars that you might have never visited before. The participants usually stay together throughout the entire night, or at least until the end of the pub crawl.

The tradition of pub crawls originated in the UK and Ireland, where they are often held to celebrate a special occasion or as part of a pre-wedding activity. However, pub crawls are now popular worldwide, and you can find them in almost every city.

What is Bar Hopping?

Bar hopping, on the other hand, involves going from one bar to another, without a predetermined plan or route. You might visit three or four bars in a night, or more, depending on how adventurous you are feeling. Unlike pub crawls, there is no set beginning or end point, and participants are free to stay in one bar as long as they wish before moving on to the next.

Bar hopping is more spontaneous and casual than pub crawls, and it is a great way to explore a city’s nightlife and meet new people. It is also an opportunity to discover hidden bars and local gems that you might not know about.

Which one is for You?

Now that we have defined both activities let’s delve into the key differences between pub crawls and bar hopping that can help you decide which one is more suited to your needs.

Size of the Group

Pub crawls are often organized by an individual or company and are sometimes ticketed events. This means that people often join a larger group of strangers to visit several pubs together. Some people prefer pub crawls because they are a social activity, and they allow you to meet and party with people from all over. They are great for extroverts who want to mingle and meet new people.

Bar hopping, on the other hand, is usually done in smaller groups, consisting of friends or family members. You’ll have more control over the pace of the night and the choice of bars. Bar hopping is more suited for introverts who prefer to stick with their close circle of friends.

Cost

Pub crawls often have a fixed price, which can include a tour guide, transportation, and entrance fees. Some pub crawls might also offer free drinks or discounts at certain bars. The overall cost of a pub crawl is usually higher than bar hopping, but it can offer more value for your money, especially if you’re visiting a new city.

Bar hopping, on the other hand, can be cheaper since there is no fixed itinerary, and you can choose to stick to bars that suit your budget. It doesn’t require much planning, and you can easily walk from one bar to another eliminating transportation cost.

Variety of Bars

Pub crawls usually visit a variety of bars, including local pubs, hipster bars, and nightclubs. This allows you to experience diverse nightlife and party scenes on a single night out. If you’re not sure where to go or want to explore a new city’s nightlife, a pub crawl is an excellent option.

Bar hopping is about discovering hidden gems and local favorites. It’s a way to custom-fit and design your bar experience. It may require some research of the best bars to visit, but it can be rewarding once you discover a new favorite spot in the city that only the locals know about.

Control Over Pace

Pub crawls have set schedules and usually visit several bars in one night. This means you have little control over the pace of the night. It can be a disadvantage for some, especially if you prefer to take your time in one spot or want to spend more time dancing in a nightclub instead of moving to the next pub.

Bar hopping gives you complete control of your night out. You can choose at what pace you want to visit each bar, depending on your mood and preference, without feeling pressured to move on to the next bar.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether to choose a pub crawl or bar hopping depends on your personality, preference, and purpose. If you love meeting new people, socializing, and exploring diverse nightlife scenes, pub crawls might just be perfect for you. If you prefer a more intimate and personal experience with your close friends as you discover your city’s hidden bars, then bar hopping is for you. Whatever option you choose, always remember to drink responsibly and have fun!