Portland: Haunted Pub Walking Tour & 5 Beer Tastings

Summary

Portland’s haunted past comes alive with ghost tales and local brews

You’ll walk through Portland’s Old Town with a local guide who knows every strange story and shadowy corner. Taste five different local beers as you hear about ghosts like Nina and the infamous Shanghai Tunnels. It’s part history lesson, part pub crawl — with enough weirdness to leave you glancing over your shoulder on the way home.

What’s the experience like?

Li was already waiting for us outside the old Merchant Hotel, grinning like he knew a secret. He shook my hand (cold, maybe just the Portland drizzle) and asked if we’d ever heard of Nina — “Portland’s most famous ghost, or so they say.” I tried to pronounce her name in Mandarin and Li burst out laughing, which broke the ice fast. The city felt different at dusk — lamplight bouncing off wet pavement, the smell of hops drifting from somewhere nearby. I didn’t expect to start a haunted pub tour with laughter but there you go.

We ducked into our first bar — honestly, I can’t remember the name because I was too busy trying to keep up with Li’s stories about sailors getting shanghaied right under these floors. He pointed at a trapdoor by the bar and said, “That’s where they disappeared.” The bartender slid over our first beer sample (malty, kind of smoky?) and winked when she caught me glancing at the floorboards. There was this weird mix of warmth inside and that chill you get when someone talks about ghosts like they’re still around.

The walking part wasn’t tough — Old Town is compact — but every corner seemed to have its own rumor. Li told us about opium dens and brothels, but also how people now just come here for pizza or late-night donuts. At one stop, someone in our group tried to ask about the Shanghai Tunnels and Li just said quietly, “We stay above ground.” That stuck with me more than any jump-scare story could. I liked how he didn’t force anything spooky; it was more like letting us peek behind Portland’s curtain for a couple hours. The last beer tasted almost floral — or maybe that was just relief that nothing had grabbed my ankles all night.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Portland's haunted history

• Visit local landmark and beer fountain
• Hear stories of opium smuggling and kidnappings
• See iconic Voodoo Doughnuts sign
• Walk through Historic Old Town District

Top questions

How long does the haunted pub tour last?

The tour typically lasts around two hours as you walk between several Old Town locations.

Are beer samples included in the tour?

Yes, your tour includes five 5-ounce local beer samples at different stops.

Is this Portland ghost tour wheelchair accessible?

The route is somewhat wheelchair accessible; some locations may have limitations but most are reachable.

What age do you need to be for this haunted pub tour?

You must be at least 21 years old to join due to alcohol service.

Does the tour go into the Shanghai Tunnels?

No, all stops are above ground; stories about the tunnels are shared from street level.

Who leads the haunted pub tour in Portland?

A local guide who is also a historian or ghost hunter leads each group through Old Town.

What should I wear for this walking ghost tour?

Dress for Portland weather; tours run rain or shine so bring layers or an umbrella if needed.

How many people are on each haunted pub tour?

Tours have a maximum of 20 passengers per group for a more personal experience.

What’s included

Your evening includes five 5-ounce samples of local beer at various pubs along with stories from your local guide as you explore Old Town on foot. All tastings and guiding are included; just bring your curiosity (and maybe an umbrella).