Budapest is notable for its extraordinary buildings, lively culture and wildly exciting nightlife. A bar crawl is one of the main things that makes nightlife in Budapest so memorable. Being alone, traveling with friends or searching for adventure as a couple, a bar crawl in Budapest is perfect for trying new experiences, making friends and seeing the best bars in town.

Let’s see how you can plan, have fun and ensure you make the most of your Bar Crawl Budapest trip.

Why Should You Do a Bar Crawl in Budapest?

A lot of people consider Budapest to be a top European city for partying. You’ll find bars of all kinds here, from popular ruin bars to unique speakeasies, energetic rooftop bars and pubs by the river.

Unlike many other European capital cities, having a drink in Budapest won’t put a big dent in your budget. You can buy a delicious budget-friendly beer or a great cocktail and many local pubs have deals or deals during happy hour, Monday through Friday.

Since District VII is home to most amazing bars, it’s easy to spend a night ‘bar crawling’ without needing to navigate other neighborhoods.

How to Choose Your First Place

Kick off your evening in District VII where you’ll find the most happening nightlife in Budapest. There are countless fun, artsy and busy bars here for just about any mood. Here’s one route that can be your introduction to a Budapest bar crawl.

1. Szimpla Kert

You can’t call your Budapest bar crawl a success if you haven’t popped into Szimpla Kert, the best known ruin bar in the city. On Kazinczy Street, you can find it—it’s crowded with assorted furniture, interesting art installations, old decorations and varies the music from room to room. Have a local craft beer, spend some time in the complex layout and feel the unique atmosphere of Szimpla.

2. Instant-Fogas Complex

Following that, it’s just a few steps to the Instant-Fogas Complex. With so many rooms and dance areas dedicated to all kinds of music, you’ll feel like you’re visiting several ruin bars at once here. Dancing, observing others and enjoying an active group—this club has it all.

3. Ellátó Kert

If you want a mellow space, Ellátó Kert welcomes with their green garden and Mexican menu. Order an inexpensive cocktail, try the sweet palinka or kick back under twinkling lights above the courtyard.

4. Kisüzem

Not so well known by tourists, Kisüzem is a bar where locals, university students and artists like to hang out. On the menu are house wines, organic vodkas and plenty of other beverages and the changing artwork on the walls helps spark lively talks.

5. 360 Bar

End your crawl by witnessing a beautiful view. On Andrássy Avenue, 360 Bar stands atop a rooftop where guests can enjoy the city’s beautiful skyline. Although it’s slightly fancier, it’s great for a last drink and you get to enjoy the incredible landscape.

Ways to have an amazing Bar Crawl Budapest night

Bar crawling should always be done mindfully, so you should remember a few helpful tips.

• Remember to Pass the Baton: There are so many awesome bars, you could get tired if you don’t manage your time right. Put your drinks at different spots on the table, stay hydrated and don’t skip eating beforehand.
• Local Drinks: Try local drinks such as fröccs, a wine spritzer or traditional pálinka and craft beers. This is what the drinking scene in Budapest is all about.
• It’s best to bring cash and card, as some small bars might not let you pay with a card alone. You should keep some Hungarian forint on hand just in an emergency.
• Keep your phone, wallet and valuable items close by, like you would in any crowded nighttime area. It’s rare for someone to become a victim of pickpocketing in Japan, but it’s not impossible.
• If you’re coming back late and prefer not to walk, Bolt (Hungary’s Uber substitute) will get you quickly and reliably. On the other hand, hopping onto a late night bus or tram can save you money.
• If you’re visiting the city alone or without friends, take part in a guided bar tour. You’ll usually get admission to several bars, shots at all of them, supervisors to help out and the chance to interact with visitors from worldwide.

Different Variations of Bar Crawls

• Interested in a particular theme or designed setting? Visitors have a variety of ways to join in the Budapest bar crawl experience.
• Having a craft beer crawl helps enthusiasts discover the best places for craft and microbrewed beers in the city.
• Cocktail bars: Spend an evening moving from place to place such as High Note SkyBar and Black Swan for a classy twist on the traditional pub crawl.
• Get a glimpse of the city and sip on drinks at the same time by strolling between the bars that make up Riverfront Crawl.

Conclusion

Attending a Bar Crawl in Budapest involves more than going out to bars—it’s a chance to experience culture, architecture, social life and the city’s nightlife. Maybe you’re quenching your thirst for adventure with a night out at unique ruin pubs or you’re dancing all night in one of the clubs—whatever makes you happy, you’ll find it in Budapest.

Grab your shoes, invite your friends (or meet new ones while you stroll) and be prepared to really enjoy Budapest’s amazing bar scene—one drink at a time.

Cheers!