How Many Bars Are in an Average Bar Crawl?
Hitting the town with your friends is sure to be a solid night. But what’s even better? A night partying across the city at the best spots!
There’s nothing quite like a bar crawl. But what exactly makes it a “pub crawl?” Is it hitting up just more than one drinkery? Or is there a specific number you need to aim for?
In our explainer, we’ll unpack the pub crawl’s origins. We’ll also put to bed the answer you’re looking for: officially, how many bars are in a bar crawl?
Pub Crawl Origins
If legends are to be believed, the pub crawl was first invented in Oxford. And with good reason, as the town has a thirsty student population and more historic pubs than you can imagine.
So, how many pubs are in that crawl? We can’t say for sure, but there are five historic pubs that still stand there today.
But since those early days, the pub crawl has evolved across the globe. While some cultures maintain its humble origins, others have given it a unique twist. But any way you slice it, a pub or bar crawl is about ambling with your friends from bar to bar as the night wears on. That’s why it is called a “bar crawl.”
Not a Simple Bar Hop
Let’s be clear: a pub crawl is distinct from bar hopping. Why? What is the difference between a bar crawl and bar hopping? It’s all about the goal you and your friends have in mind.
- Bar hopping is inherently random.
- Current locale feeling dull? Bounce.
- Got word about a pop-up happening just down the street? Bounce.
- Want to follow that random hottie to wherever they’re going next? NP.
You get the idea. Bar hopping has a sort of “where the wind takes us” quality that some fun-seekers love.
A pub crawl, on the other hand, is a bit more stringent.
There’s usually a route (though some organizers abide by this more closely than others). There is usually a plan of where to start and where to end in place. And there might be a theme that can influence the activities available from the organizers and encourage costumes!
It’s the Journey, Not the Number
You can probably guess we’re going to tell you there’s no exact number when answering how many bars in a bar crawl. That’s because there’s no governing board, no stamp of approval, and no official designation that makes a bar crawl a bar crawl.
However, there are some considerations to ensure your night out with friends is more than a simple bar hop:
- It's a bar crawl when it's planned before the first drop is drunk.
- Think about everyone in your party and how far (and how long) they’ll be willing to crawl – plan or find a pub crawl organizer who fits the criteria you want.
- Research about the best bars to fill your evening is key – or better yet, find a bar crawl organizer who will do all the work for you!
If you think about the above considerations, we imagine you’ll probably land somewhere in the realm of four to six bars per crawl, though bar crawl organizers can add a lot more to the experience with their expertise. Of course, that’s not an official number. It’s just how many venues crawlers visit on any given (and relatively reasonable) crawl.
But don’t take our word for it. If you and your friends regularly crisscross the city, let us know! We welcome stories from the road that can help us inform about how many bars are in a bar crawl!
Some Bar Crawl Inspiration
Feeling like you don’t know where to start with your bar crawl? Just keep things simple. Be sure to hit up at least one spot you love along the route. This will keep things comfortable as you venture into new territory.
Also, don’t overdo it. Unless you’re going for a world record, that is, like the longest-ever pub crawl. Or want to take part in something truly special, like the largest bar crawl in America.
Aside from those situations, your route should be kept manageable. And it should be in a city that is known and celebrated for its wild nightlife.
Just remember, a bar crawl begins with just a single step. Your city is waiting for you.
Discover Legendary Bar Crawl Events
At Bar Crawl LIVE! we organize some of the most legendary bar crawls in some of the hottest towns in the country. And with some of the best food and drinks, venues, and specific themes around.
Our evening events are designed for people like you: adventurous, fun, and thirsty. Don’t get caught scrolling Netflix on a Saturday night. Join one of our renowned bar crawls and unlock the doors to your city’s unforgettable happenings.