Melbourne is one of the world's great bar cities, and this tour shows you exactly why. Let a guide with genuine industry relationships take you to 4 independent, owner-operated bars you would never find on your own. Your guide hand-picks the route each night from a rotating list of hidden speakeasies, rooftop bars, secret cellar doors and laneway institutions, chosen to suit your group, the season and what's currently buzzing in Melbourne's bar scene. No two tours are the same. This tour runs mid to late afternoon, timed as the perfect lead-in to dinner. Bartenders have more time to chat, and bar owners often pop by to introduce their venue personally. Your first drink is included at the opening venue, and you'll leave with a personalised list of recommendations and a custom map. A genuinely small group, capped at 12 guests, with 553 reviews and a 4.9 rating, ahead of any comparable Melbourne bar tour.
Exclusive basement bar. NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. The bar itinerary changes daily and the listed bars are intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
Melbourne's least pretentious whisky bar. NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. The bar itinerary changes daily and the listed bars are intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
Melbourne's best secret bar. NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. The bar itinerary changes daily and the listed bars are intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
Incredible rooftop bar with city views. NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. The bar itinerary changes daily and the listed bars are intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
Secret bar behind a sandwich shop, outdoor beer garden. NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. The bar itinerary changes daily and the listed bars are intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
Secret bar listed only by a sign with a bicycle. NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. The bar itinerary changes daily and the listed bars are intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
Tequila and mezcal specialists. NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
Amazing rooftop bar a stone's throw from the CBD. NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
One of Melbourne's most famous secret speakeasies. NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
So close to the water, you can high-five passing crew teams. NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
A truly back-alley bar, cocktails served with a twist and injected with syringes - it looks cooler than it sounds. NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
One of Melbourne's most expansive rooftop bars. NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
Atmospheric space where skilled bartenders create cocktails alongside curated live entertainment. NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
Heritage precinct venue in the laneways, showcasing Melbourne's layered history through drinks and stories. NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
Intimate bar where craft cocktails meet local hospitality traditions. NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
Multi-level venue with a different vibe on every floor, offering distinct drinking experiences. NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
Established local gathering place where bartenders know their craft and their community. NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
Industrial-inspired space showcasing local brewing and distilling craftsmanship. NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
Established cocktail lounge known for skilled bartenders and neighborhood character. NOTE: Bars listed are indicative of the types of venues visited. Tour includes 4 bars in total and this list is intended to give a sense of the style of bars we visit.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Melbourne Independent Laneway Bar Tour with Drink Included lasts about 3h 30min. The itinerary has 19 stops.
Prices start at $49 per person for this Melbourne experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 3 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
The meeting point is Starting Point is Gordon Reserve (74-108 Spring St East Melbourne) Gordon Reserve is the small park opposite the Hotel Windsor. Go to the Windsor Hotel. Cross the street to the park with the fountain. Look for your guide with a blue umbrella nearby the fountain. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
The experience is available in EN.
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 12 participants.
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Wheelchair accessible Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
This was a fantastic, fun experience. Hugo, our guide was knowledgeable with fun facts and took us to small laneways bars that he thought best suited us and he was bang on. Returning to Melbourne in 8 weeks and will do it again.
Beau was our excellent guide through the laneways of Melbourne. We were the only 2 people on the tour and it was rainy so he ducked us into into cozy, friendly and highly varied places where we could warm up with a drink and great conversation. It was our first few hours in Melbourne and a great introduction to the town. Highly recommend!!!
This is our second time on this Tour within the year :-) We did as a couple in December 2025 then decided to take some friends on it in August. Such a fun interactive walking tour round Melbourne CBD. John has a passion for Melbourne and provides so many more tips beyond the places we went on the Tour. Met some fun people and would definitely do again.
Hi Suz, What a pleasure to have you back again on tour! We also agree that our tours are a lot of fun! Thanks for sharing the fun and value doesn't finish when the tour is over - we love recommending more of our favourite bars and places to go - personalised just for you :)
Great night. John was awesome and made sure there was something for everyone.
We had an absolute blast on the Hidden Bar Tour in Melbourne with Hugo as our guide. He was knowledgeable, engaging, and incredibly friendly, with a wealth of interesting information about both the hidden bars and Melbourne's history and laneways. What really stood out was how happy he was to tailor the tour to suit our group, making the experience feel personal rather than scripted. Every venue had its own unique character, and Hugo shared fascinating stories and background that made each stop even more enjoyable. He made the whole afternoon so much fun, and it was one of the highlights of our Melbourne trip. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone wanting to discover some of Melbourne's best hidden bars while learning a little about the city along the way. Thanks, Hugo, for such a fantastic experience! Thank you!! Dee & Pete
Hugo was great. Tour went to a variety of bars ranging from beer-centric, speakeasy, underground and cocktail.
My wife and I did the Tour with Hugo this week and highly recommend anyone visiting to make this a priority early in your stay . Hugo took us to some great bars and shared some interesting facts regarding the ones we attended but also shared tips along the way regarding restaurants and other local tips . As Melbourne has a lot of hidden bars and restaurants this tour is a must for people like us who are new to the city wishing to visit the best bars in a short stay . Thanks Hugo for a fabulous time
This is a great way to see Melbourne’s funky little places that are a bit more off the tourist track. John was so friendly and filled us in on some local history along the way. Thoroughly recommend this tour.
Simon was super knowledgeable of the local area and took us to places I’d never find on my own. Highly recommended!
Great way to hit pubs/bars/etc you would most likely never find by yourself (or ever). More of a really, really nice bar crawl than a history/sightseeing tour, but exactly up my alley. Great guide in Hugo & really lucky to have had great people I met on the tour, especially since there was only 4 of us.
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne Independent Laneway Bar Tour with Drink Included | 3h 30min | 4.9 (556) | $49 | |
 Taste of Melbourne: Food, Drink, Laneways & History Tour | 4 hours | 4.8 (71) | $96 | View |
 Ultimate Melbourne Walking Tour: History, Laneways & Culture | 3 hours | 4.9 (1,591) | $71 | View |
 Melbourne Laneways Foodie Discovery Walking Tour with 7 Tastings | 3 hours | 4.9 (603) | $99 | View |
 Half-Day Private Melbourne Tour: Highlights, laneways & beaches | 4 hours | 4.9 (39) | $179 | View |
 Great Ocean Road Small-Group Eco Tour from Melbourne | 14 hours | 4.9 (7,021) | $114 | View |
 Yarra Valley Wine Tour w Exclusive Gin, Cider & Chocolate Tasting | 8 hours | 5.0 (5,513) | $92 | View |