First Time Bar Hopping? Your Complete Beginner's Guide

Planning your first bar hopping adventure? This guide will help you navigate the experience like a pro and ensure you have an amazing time.

What is Bar Hopping?

Bar hopping (or a “bar crawl”) means visiting multiple bars or venues in one night, spending time at each before moving to the next. It’s about exploration, variety, and experiencing different atmospheres in a single outing.

Why People Love It

• Experience diverse venues and vibes
• Try different drinks and specialties
• Keep the night exciting and dynamic
• Meet new people at each stop
• Discover hidden gems in your city

Planning Your First Crawl

Choose Your Crew

The right people matter:

• 3-6 friends is ideal
• Everyone should be on the same page
• Mix of personalities keeps it fun
• Include an experienced hopper if possible

Pick Your Neighborhood

Start with a walkable area:

• Downtown districts
• Entertainment zones
• Areas with venue clusters
• Safe, well-lit neighborhoods

How Many Venues?

For your first time:

• Plan for 3-4 bars
• Spend 45-60 minutes at each
• Quality over quantity
• Leave room for spontaneity

What to Wear

Dress Code Basics

Versatile and comfortable:

• Check venue dress codes online
• Comfortable shoes are essential
• Layer for temperature changes
• Bring a light jacket

What to Avoid

• Brand new shoes (blisters!)
• Overly formal attire (unless required)
• Anything you’d regret ruining
• Heavy coats (coat check costs)

What to Bring

The Essentials

Travel light:

• Valid ID (non-negotiable)
• Payment method (cash + card)
• Phone (fully charged)
• Keys
• Portable charger

Leave at Home

• Expensive jewelry
• Large bags or backpacks
• Unnecessary valuables
• Work laptop or documents

Your First Stop

Arriving at the Venue

What to expect:

• May need to show ID at door
• Possible cover charge ($5-20)
• Could be a line on busy nights
• Security may check bags

Getting Your First Drink

At the bar:

1. Wait your turn patiently
2. Make eye contact with bartender
3. Know what you want (or ask for help)
4. Pay after each drink or open a tab
5. Tip $1-2 per drink

Bar Etiquette 101

Do’s

• Be polite to staff
• Tip appropriately (15-20%)
• Respect personal space
• Clean up after yourself
• Keep conversations at reasonable volume

Don’ts

• Don’t snap fingers at bartenders
• Don’t leave drinks unattended
• Don’t block high-traffic areas
• Don’t be overly loud or aggressive
• Don’t forget to close your tab before leaving

Drink Selection

Starting Out

If you’re unsure what to order:

• Ask the bartender for recommendations
• Start with something simple (beer, wine)
• Try the house special
• Don’t feel pressured to order cocktails

Popular Beginner Drinks

• Beer (lager, IPA, or wheat beer)
• Wine (red, white, or rosé)
• Simple mixed drinks (rum & coke, vodka soda)
• Classic cocktails (Moscow Mule, Margarita)

Pacing Yourself

The Golden Rules

Stay in control:

• One drink per hour is reasonable
• Alternate with water
• Eat before and during
• Listen to your body

Warning Signs

Stop drinking if you experience:

• Dizziness or disorientation
• Nausea
• Slurred speech
• Difficulty walking
• Memory gaps

Moving Between Venues

When to Leave

Time to hop when:

• You’ve been there 45-60 minutes
• The venue is getting too crowded
• Your group is ready for a change
• You’ve tried what you wanted

Transition Tips

• Close all tabs before leaving
• Do a headcount
• Use bathroom before leaving
• Regroup outside
• Walk together as a group

Venue Variety

Mix It Up

Try different types:

1. First Stop: Casual pub or brewery
2. Second Stop: Cocktail lounge or wine bar
3. Third Stop: Dance club or live music venue
4. Fourth Stop: Quiet spot to wind down

Safety First

Stay Together

Group safety:

• Never leave friends behind
• Establish a buddy system
• Have a meeting point if separated
• Share locations via phone

Getting Home

Plan ahead:

• Designate a driver (who doesn’t drink)
• Budget for rideshare
• Know public transit schedules
• Never drive after drinking

Using Technology

Hopfly for Beginners

Make it easier:

• Track which bars you’ve visited
• Discover nearby venues
• See what friends recommend
• Earn points and badges
• Remember your route for next time

Other Helpful Apps

• Google Maps for navigation
• Uber/Lyft for rides home
• Venmo for splitting costs
• Group chat for coordination

Common Mistakes to Avoid

First-Timer Pitfalls

Learn from others:

• Drinking too much, too fast
• Not eating enough
• Wearing uncomfortable shoes
• Losing track of your group
• Forgetting to close tabs
• Not bringing enough cash

Budget Management

Set a Limit

Before you go:

• Decide on total budget
• Bring that amount (+ emergency fund)
• Track spending at each venue
• Don’t feel pressured to overspend

Saving Money

• Take advantage of happy hours
• Look for drink specials
• Share appetizers
• Avoid premium drinks

Social Interactions

Meeting New People

Be friendly, not forward:

• Smile and be approachable
• Respect personal space
• Accept rejection gracefully
• Don’t interrupt other groups

Dealing with Unwanted Attention

• Be clear and direct
• Involve your friends
• Alert venue staff if needed
• Don’t feel obligated to be “nice”

The End of the Night

Knowing When to Call It

Time to go home when:

• You’ve hit your budget limit
• You’re feeling tired or unwell
• Venues are closing
• Your group wants to leave

Getting Home Safely

1. Confirm everyone has a safe ride
2. Stay together until everyone’s accounted for
3. Share your ETA with someone not present
4. Never accept rides from strangers

The Morning After

Recovery Tips

• Drink lots of water
• Eat a good breakfast
• Get plenty of rest
• Avoid “hair of the dog”
• Reflect on what went well

Learning for Next Time

Ask yourself:

• What venues did you love?
• What would you do differently?
• Did you pace yourself well?
• What did your friends think?

Building Confidence

It Gets Easier

Remember:

• Everyone was a beginner once
• Mistakes are normal
• Focus on having fun
• Each outing teaches you something
• The more you do it, the more natural it feels

Making It Memorable

Use Hopfly to Track

Document your adventure:

• Check in at each venue
• Take photos (responsibly)
• Note your favorite drinks
• Rate your experience
• Share with friends

Final Tips

Make Your First Time Great

1. Start early (around 7-8 PM)
2. Choose a Thursday or weekend night
3. Go with people you trust
4. Don’t try to impress anyone
5. Listen to your body
6. Stay hydrated
7. Have a backup plan
8. Most importantly: have fun!

Ready for your first bar hopping adventure? Download Hopfly to plan your route, track your journey, and join thousands of hoppers exploring their cities. Your epic night out starts now!