Pub Crawl and Local Wine Tasting Tour

If you’re heading to Goa and want to experience its vibrant nightlife while savoring local drinks, this Pub Crawl and Local Wine Tasting Tour offers a fun, social way to explore the city’s bar scene. For just under $20, you’ll visit three different pubs, enjoy three included drinks, and get the chance to meet other travelers led by a friendly bilingual guide. It’s a compact, lively experience packed into roughly three hours—perfect for those keen on a mix of socializing, tasting, and discovering Goa’s nightlife flavor.

One thing we particularly appreciate about this tour is its small group size, which often results in a more personal, relaxed vibe. The inclusion of local drinks like Feni and port wine adds an authentic touch that sets it apart from standard pub crawls. But, it’s worth noting that the tour doesn’t include dinner or transportation, so planning your evening around this activity is advisable. Overall, it’s a great fit for travelers looking for a lively, budget-friendly evening with the chance to learn about Goan drinks and culture.

While the experience generally receives positive feedback, some reviews highlight the importance of a reliable guide and good organization. If you’re someone who values well-planned outings and authentic interactions, this tour could be a memorable highlight of your Goa trip. However, those seeking a more secluded or private experience might want to consider other options.

Key Points

• Affordable Price Point: At around $19.20 per person, it offers good value for the drinks, guide, and fun interaction.
• Authentic Local Drinks: Tasting Feni made from cashew and coconut palm, plus port wine, provides a taste of Goa’s unique beverage scene.
• Small, Intimate Group: Limited to around 10 travelers, ensuring a cozy atmosphere for conversation and fun.
• Engaging Guide: A bilingual guide (English & Hindi) makes the experience accessible and informative.
• Social and Fun: Ice-breaker games, trivia, dancing, and lively interactions keep the energy high.
• Limited but Focused: The tour covers three pubs, ending at Soho, with an emphasis on socializing rather than sightseeing.

A Closer Look at the Tour Itinerary

Meeting at Joseph Bar: Starting Strong

The tour begins at Joseph Bar, located in Sao Tome, Panaji. This spot sets the tone for the evening—friendly, casual, and ready to kick off the adventure. The guide, notably Joshua in some reviews, is praised for their knowledge and passion for Goa, making the initial meet-up feel warm and welcoming. The first stop typically lasts about an hour, giving everyone time to settle in, order a drink, and start chatting.

From here, the group moves onto local pubs, hopping from one lively spot to another. The emphasis is on bar hopping and socializing, with the tour included in the ticket price. The guide’s storytelling, trivia, and ice-breaker games help break the ice among travelers, fostering interactions that tend to last beyond the tour.

Soho: The Night Comes Alive

The second stop at Soho is where the tour hits its energetic stride. This venue offers a classic Goan experience—neon lights, pulsating music, and a lively crowd. Here, you might get to sample Feni, a distilled spirit made from cashew or coconut sap, which is a distinctive drink that’s not typically found outside Goa. The guide often shares fun facts about Feni’s history and production, making the tasting more than just a sip—it’s an education.

Also included are tastings of port wine, a nod to the Portuguese influence on Goa’s drinking culture, alongside other local drinks and delicious Goan cuisine. The review from Guadalupe_D highlights the guide’s enthusiasm and knowledge, emphasizing how their passion for the local scene adds a lot to the experience.

Why the Drinks Matter

For many, the highlight is the three included drinks, which are enough to get the mood going but not so much as to impair the fun or safety. The drinks—special beer, Feni, wine—are carefully chosen to showcase Goa’s diverse beverage offerings. This thoughtful selection elevates the experience from mere bar hopping to a culture.

The End at Soho (But the Fun Continues)

The official tour ends at Soho, but the night’s energy often keeps the group mingling and dancing long after. The tour is designed to be a social experience, encouraging interactions, dance, and fun. The inclusive nature, combined with music and drinks, makes it a memorable part of your Goa evenings.

What to Expect and What Not

Included in the Tour

• Three alcoholic drinks (one at each pub), including local specialities like Feni, wine, and beer.
• A friendly bilingual guide who can speak English and Hindi, making the experience accessible.
• Ice breaker games, trivia, and dancing for unlimited fun.
• A small group size, generally capped at 10 travelers, which enhances intimacy and comfort.

Not Included

• Hotel pickup or drop-off—so plan your transportation accordingly.
• Dinner or snacks—this is purely a drinks-focused outing.
• Bottled water or additional snacks—if you need them, bring your own.

Practical Tips

• The tour is usually booked 5 days in advance, so plan ahead.
• It’s a 3-hour experience, so wear comfortable clothing and be prepared for some lively moving.
• Since no transportation is provided, consider how you’ll get to and from the meeting point.
• Remember, the tour is mostly for those comfortable with alcohol consumption and social settings.

Authentic Experiences & Reviewer Insights

Guadalupe_D’s review highlights that the guide, Joshua, added significant value through his knowledge and passion, making the tour more engaging and memorable. She also mentions that Joshua’s storytelling skills make the experience feel authentic.

Conversely, a less positive review from Fernando_O notes a scheduling glitch where the guide canceled last minute, emphasizing the importance of reliable organization. While this appears to be an outlier, it’s a good reminder to confirm bookings and check reviews before scheduling.

The reviews collectively suggest that the experience can vary based on guide quality and organization but generally offers a lively, authentic taste of Goa’s nightlife and drinks culture.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This pub crawl is ideal for budget travelers wanting a fun night out with local drinks and lively company. It suits those who enjoy socializing, trivia, and a relaxed atmosphere rather than a structured sightseeing tour. If you’re curious about Goa’s unique spirits like Feni and want to experience its nightlife in a friendly, small-group setting, this is a good pick.

However, it’s not designed for those seeking a highly organized, private, or romantic evening—this is about enjoying the vibrant pub scene with fellow travelers. The tour’s focus on drinks and social interaction makes it perfect for solo travelers, groups of friends, or even couples wanting a fun night out.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
No, the tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.

How many drinks are included?
You get three drinks included—one at each pub—including options like special beer, Feni, and wine.

What’s the duration of the tour?
It lasts approximately 3 hours, starting at Joseph Bar and ending at Soho.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are the guides bilingual?
Yes, the guide is trained to speak both English and Hindi, making the experience accessible for most travelers.

Is this suitable for non-drinkers?
Since the tour focuses on alcoholic beverages and social drinks, it’s best suited for those comfortable with alcohol. Non-drinkers might want to consider alternative activities.

This lively Goa pub crawl provides a genuine chance to taste local drinks, learn about the city’s bar culture, and meet like-minded travelers. Whether you’re in for a fun, casual evening or looking to add some local flavor to your Goa trip, this tour offers good value and a memorable experience—just remember to organize your transportation to and from the meeting point!