It’s good to have a sense of prices if you are preparing a visit to Budapest, Hungary. A common question is what the price of a pint in Budapest is. We will talk about how much a pint of beer costs in Budapest and how you can find the best value for your money.
If you follow the local cost of normal things such as beer, you can better control how much you spend on your trip. Backpackers, students or anyone who wants to enjoy the area affordably should find out the cost of a pint when deciding how to spend their free time.
Knowing What Currency Is Used
Money in Budapest is counted in Hungarian Forints (HUF). You should understand how much your currency is worth in the local currency before you go. Always review the currency rates just before you intend to travel. For an example, if every USD equals 300 HUF, then .
Using the exchange rate can allow you to know in advance how much a product will cost. Most restaurants and bars will use HUF and though major spots accept foreign money and cards, paying in forints will usually cost less. There are many currency exchange kiosks and ATMs in Budapest, so try to pick services known for safety and low charges.
Prices of Pints of Beer
You can find beers of different prices based on the place you go in Budapest. Usually, 600-900 HUF is enough to buy a pint of beer in most bars and pubs. It costs about $2-$3 USD to buy a meal.
Prices may be higher in areas that have a lot of tourists or nightlife. In trendy ruin pubs, you could spend 900-1200 HUF on a pint of beer. Even so, prices tend to be lower than in other cities across Europe.
Visitors can find Budapest much more affordable than London, Paris or Prague. For this reason, the city is pleasant for young travelers, students and also remote workers or digital nomads who are spending longer in Auckland and like to have fun with others but do not want to spend lots of money.
Happy Hours and Discounts
The best way to get the best beer deals is by searching for happy hours or promotions. Many bars and pubs in Budapest offer special prices during happy hour which is generally in the early evening. Happy hour time is when drinks are often discounted, including pints of beer.
Many places may have special offers during less popular times like weekdays. Make sure to notice any offers or ask member of staff if there are any present promotions. If you want to drink a pint of beer on a budget, this is a good idea.
Student bars and nearby community places near universities usually have many interesting weekday specials. You can sometimes get a deal where you pay for two, get two or savings on pitchers. You can also look online or on social media to find out about local bar events with drink specials.
Locations with Cheap Drinks
The earlier mentioned prices are acceptable, but some spots in Budapest offer even cheaper beers for budget-minded travelers.
Nightspots located around town
Local establishments usually have lower costs than places along tourist routes. Try to find bars in residential areas, where you might see many local people conversationally enjoying themselves. These places usually have a special atmosphere and you can buy a pint of beer for less money.
Józsefváros, Újbuda and parts of District XIII are home to quiet bars that won’t break the bank and give a true feel of Budapest. They are regularly preferred as alternatives to the high-traffic city center.
Szimpla Kert
Ruin pubs are common in Budapest and Szimpla Kert stands out as one of the most famous. Though the drinks are not very affordable, this place is important to mention as many travelers look for it. Many people enjoy the lively vibe, the music and the special atmosphere decor. Having a pint in this unusual place can make for a fun memory.
The combination of great furniture, an open-air design and a range of cultural things to do make Szimpla more than a typical pub. It is a popular cultural spot in Budapest’s nightlife area and still worth spending some more on drinks.
Craft beer bars
Craft beer is a big part of life in Budapest. Adventure in the city’s craft beer bar scene if you enjoy beer. Craft beers are usually a bit pricier than conventional beers, but you get to choose from a lot of specialty varieties.
Bars including Élesztőház, Jónás Craft Beer House and First Craft Beer highlight how Hungarian brewers are using new techniques. Most of these venues have a changing selection on tap, offer tasting sets called flights and have staff who can guide you around local beers.
Additional Tips
Don’t forget these additional pointers when you’re out getting beers in Budapest:
- Having Hungarian Forints on you is useful since restaurants and shops commonly prefer cash. While cards are accepted in many places, some tiny or local bars might use only cash.
- If imported or international brands are what you like, be prepared to pay more. Drinks made in Western Europe, the U.S. or Asia are generally a lot more expensive.
- Be careful of pickpockets, especially in places where lots of people gather or when it’s dark. Be sure to watch your things and do not leave any valuables where they can be picked up by someone else.
- Saving on getting a cab or Uber, try using public transport or walking for a fun night outside. Budapest is well connected by its metro, tram and bus and taxis are a cheap option late at night.
Conclusion
Prices for a pint of beer in Budapest are lower than in many European cities. Depending on where you are and the place you visit, you will often pay around 600-900 HUF ($2-$3 USD) for one pint of beer. If possible, use happy hour deals to help slash your food bills. Try the local pubs, don’t miss Szimpla Kert for an original experience and check out the craft beer nightspots to have more options. Considering these opinions, visiting Budapest won’t have to be expensive.
No matter if you’re looking for something simple or fashionable, there’s a beer spot in Budapest for you. So toast, say “Egészségedre!” (cheers in Hungarian) and have fun while enjoying a beer in an exciting European metropolis.
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