Haunted Pub Tour

Discover Portland’s haunted pubs on this 2.5-hour walking tour, featuring ghost stories, historic pubs, and six craft beers. Perfect for curious night owls.

Exploring Portland’s vibrant Old Town isn’t complete without a touch of its darker side, and that’s exactly what this Haunted Pub Tour offers. It’s designed for those who enjoy a good ghost story intertwined with Portland’s colorful, sometimes gritty, past. From haunted buildings to lively pubs, this tour combines history, a dash of the supernatural, and craft beer in a way that’s both entertaining and authentic.

What we love about this experience is how it balances storytelling with socializing. You’ll get insights into the city’s shady past while sampling some of Portland’s best beers. Plus, the tour’s small group size keeps things intimate and relaxed. However, it’s worth noting that some reviews mention a lighter focus on ghost tales and a sometimes soft-spoken guide, so expectations should be realistic about the depth of historical detail.

This tour is best suited for adults who appreciate history, enjoy craft beer, and aren’t easily spooked by street scenes. It’s a fun, slightly eerie way to spend an evening in Portland’s Old Town—and if you’re after a lively night out with storytelling, this is worth considering.

Key Points

Haunted Pub Tour - Key Points

  • 2.5-hour walking tour exploring Portland’s haunted pubs and historic sites
  • Includes six craft beer samples from award-winning local breweries
  • Visits the city’s most haunted building, the Merchant Hotel
  • Guides share stories of ghostly residents, kidnappings, gangs, and Portland’s seedy past
  • Small groups of up to 20, ensuring a personal experience
  • Operates in all weather conditions, so dress accordingly

An In-Depth Look at the Haunted Pub Tour

Haunted Pub Tour - An In-Depth Look at the Haunted Pub Tour

Starting Point: Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub

The tour begins at Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub, located at 112 SW 2nd Ave. This central location makes it easy to find, and it’s a lively spot that sets a friendly tone for what’s ahead. You check in with your mobile ticket, and from there, the adventure begins. The tour lasts roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes, which is ample time to soak in the stories, walk through historic streets, and enjoy your beers.

First Stop: Skidmore Fountain

Your first touchpoint is the iconic Skidmore Fountain, a Portland landmark famous for being the city’s first public artwork. Interestingly, it gained local fame when a nearby brewery offered free beer here—an amusing nod to Portland’s love of quirky traditions. You only spend about 10 minutes here, but it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate both the fountain and the city’s early public art scene.

Second Stop: Tom McCall Waterfront Park

Next, you stroll to the waterfront, where stories of Portland’s shady waterfront dealings come to life. Historically, sailors in port were often targeted for kidnapping, and the waterfront was notorious for opium smuggling, brothels, and underground activities. You’re outside for about 10 minutes, but this stop packs a punch in terms of atmosphere and local lore. It’s a fascinating glimpse into Portland’s often turbulent history, with some guests noting the stories are lively and engaging.

Third Stop: Keep Portland Weird

A quick visit to the Keep Portland Weird sign, perched next to Voodoo Doughnuts, provides a perfect photo op and a reminder of Portland’s reputation for embracing the unusual. It’s just a short stop, about 10 minutes, but it captures the city’s quirky spirit. Locals love how the sign embodies Portland’s embrace of all things weird—a fun contrast to the darker stories that follow.

Fourth Stop: Old Town Portland

The heart of the tour is a deeper exploration of Old Town, once a hub of illicit activity—opium dens, brothels, underground speakeasies. Today, this area buzzes with restaurants and nightlife, but the tour takes you back 100 years to when Portland’s streets were far less glamorous. For about 30 minutes, your guide shares stories of ghostly hauntings, gang rivalries, and the city’s gritty past. This section often receives praise for its vivid storytelling, with many noting how alive the tales make the historic streets feel.

The Haunted Buildings and the Merchant Hotel

The tour’s highlight is a visit to the city’s most haunted building, the Merchant Hotel. Guests have reported ghost sightings and eerie phenomena, adding a spooky flavor to your evening. The guide discusses ghostly inhabitants as you stand outside, making for some atmospheric moments. If you’re into ghost stories, this stop is a memorable highlight.

Pub Stops and Beer Sampling

Throughout the tour, you’ll stop at two historic pubs in Old Town, where you can sample five different craft beers—each about 5 ounces. These are from award-winning Portland breweries, so the drinks are high quality and reflect the city’s renowned beer scene. The beers are included in your ticket price, which offers good value considering the quality and quantity.

Reviews and Real Experiences

We’ve seen a mix of reviews—most travelers rave about their guides, especially Tiffany and Madison, who bring enthusiasm and knowledge. One reviewer called Tiffany “very confident and prepared,” while another praised Madison’s fun facts and contagious enthusiasm.

Some guests mention that the stories can be lighter than expected, and a few found the guide soft-spoken or the content somewhat thin. For example, Lisa noted, “the content was thin, learning almost nothing,” while others felt the ghost stories added just enough intrigue. It’s important to approach this tour as a lively social experience rather than a deep history lesson.

Practical Considerations

The tour is suitable for those 21 and older, with a moderate physical fitness level required due to walking and standing outside in varied weather conditions. It’s a private tour, so your group won’t be mixed with strangers, which enhances the experience. The group size is capped at 20, ensuring the guide can keep things personal and engaging.

It operates rain or shine, so dress accordingly—think layers, comfortable shoes, and umbrellas if needed. The meeting point is near public transportation, making it accessible for most travelers.

Cost and Value

At $45 per person, this tour offers a solid mix of history, ghost stories, and beer. When you consider the two-and-a-half hours and five beer samples, the cost is quite reasonable. Plus, the small group environment means more interaction and a less rushed experience.

While some reviews mention a desire for more in-depth stories, many find the combination of storytelling and sampling to be just right for a relaxed evening out. It’s not a serious historical lecture but an engaging, fun experience with a touch of Portland’s darker, more mysterious side.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This haunted pub tour is a good pick for adults who enjoy local tales, craft beers, and a little bit of spooky atmosphere. If you’re curious about Portland’s past and want a lively way to explore Old Town, this offers a memorable blend of history and social fun. It’s especially suited to those who don’t mind walking and standing outside, and who appreciate a small-group, personalized experience.

If you’re after a deeply detailed ghost story or a comprehensive historical lecture, you might find this tour a bit light. However, if you’re after a relaxed, engaging way to spend an evening with friends or fellow travelers, it hits the mark.

FAQ

Haunted Pub Tour - FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children? No, the minimum age is 21, as it includes alcohol sampling and mature themes.

Does the tour operate in all weather conditions? Yes, it runs rain or shine, so dress appropriately for the weather.

How long does the tour last? About 2 hours 30 minutes, covering walking, storytelling, and beer tasting.

Where do I meet the tour? At Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub at 112 SW 2nd Ave.

Are the beers included in the price? Yes, you get five 5-ounce samples from award-winning breweries.

Is this a private tour? Yes, only your group participates, up to 20 people.

Can I cancel if I change my mind? Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

What should I wear? Dress for the weather—comfortable shoes are recommended for walking.

In the end, the Haunted Pub Tour offers a spirited way to learn about Portland’s past while enjoying some of its best beers. It’s best for those who love a good story, a little ghostly intrigue, and a lively social atmosphere. If you’re interested in a night out that combines history, humor, and some spooky tales, this tour delivers on all fronts.