Barhopping, the act of going from one bar to another in the same evening, is a usual way people search for excitement, surprise and the life of a city’s night. Its focus is on seeking out the right atmosphere, no matter the setting and discovering the atmosphere in every place. In these cities, you’ll find that barhopping is a traditional way to discover local hangouts, meet different people and enjoy stories you’ll remember for years to come. It’s the element of surprise, friends and excitement that have made hiking a favorite activity over the years.
The main idea behind barhopping is freedom. If you have different places lined up, you get to taste a variety of nightlife experiences each time you go out. What’s attractive about it is that you could have a pint in a famous pub, go drink in a hidden cocktail bar and party in a nightclub before midnight. You get to pick your own path and learn from the experience along the way. Whether you’re new to the city or live nearby, finding local food and drinks in bars will help you experience the place’s soul.
The charm of barhopping comes from the social interactions you have. A new group of people arrives at each bar which gives people chances to meet somebody they wouldn’t expect. Having a drink with someone can open a door to meeting someone new, arguing over ideas or getting advice on what to do next. In Budapest, you could walk from bar to bar in the Jewish Quarter and end up at Szimpla Kert, a ruin pub with a friendly and walk-in feel. A craft beer bar like Fekete Kutya could be your next stop, where you’ll find Hungarian IPA and can talk with locals.
Barhopping calls for being ready for surprises and planning ahead at the same time. First, pick an area famous for having many bars—such as Nashville’s Broadway, London’s Soho or Palermo in Buenos Aires. Investigate a loosely planned schedule, putting emphasis on variety: choose a spot for cheap drinks, another for cocktails and a location where there’s live music. Look to sites like Yelp or blogs for suggestions, yet if you see crowds outside somewhere, joining them might be quite an experience. Often, they can tell you the best secret bars, for example Budapest’s Black Swan which you’ll find in the 7th District.
How fast you wave your arms matters. You don’t have to drink a lot to enjoy barhopping—it’s about enjoying every stop. Don’t drink more than two beverages at a spot and drink water in between to maintain a good night out. You can’t go wrong with food; because many bars include tapas or cicchetti with your drinks, your stomach will never feel empty. In Budapest, get a pint and some lángos, deep-fried dough, at a ruin bar’s little kitchen stand. Choose a time when there aren’t as many people around and visiting three to five bars will ensure you don’t get overwhelmed.
You can find many different experiences while going barhopping. Try going from one of Tokyo’s small, dingy drinking spots called Golden Gai which focus on music or offer games from the past. Bourbon Street, in New Orleans, brings jazz, karaoke and daiquiri until the partying moves right onto the bustling streets. While ruin pubs are popular in the city, bars on rooftops like 360 and small wine bars like Kadarka give you great scenery and a taste of Hungarian vintages. Every city’s look at bars mirrors its history, traditions and people.
Barhopping isn’t always easy. stiff crowds in bars, long lines to get service and costly drinks can make the night less enjoyable when a place attracts many tourists. Instead of visiting very popular places, try to discover the favorites filled with locals. Make a budget—keep track of your spending, since the costs at several venues can really add up. Being careful is very important, as you won’t be familiar with the city. Keep your friends close, tell them your location and depend on safe taxi or rideshare services. For barhoppers on their own, visiting bright, trustworthy areas and paying attention to what’s happening around you is very important.
The real attraction of barhopping comes from the stories you hear. It’s also possible it happened when you sang an Irish folk song with someone random in Budapest after learning about the rumored antics of Jude Law in Gozsdu Udvar. Or when you found a secret spot in Lisbon with the absolute best ginjinha you’ve ever had. It’s because of these unexpected moments between bars that barhopping holds such a high place in our lives. It’s an occasion to appreciate the surprises in life and every drink, chat and journey through a new place shapes your adventure.
Barhopping isn’t just about having a good time—it lets you meet and interact with the locals. It’s a chance to be open to what happens next, enjoy the time and let the evening progress naturally. Invite a buddy, decide on a part of town and start visiting! Maybe the next great story you hear is right next door in the bar.
