While Budapest is beloved for its history and architecture, it’s also a lively place to go at night, with great drink deals available throughout the city. Regardless if you’re a budget traveler or a group who prefers romance, solo or just hoping to chat with the locals, the bars in Budapest are perfect for all! The information in this guide will show you top places for happy hour and the drinks you should sample, with practical tips to help you have a great time.
If you’re on a budget, you can’t miss out on the Ruin Bars for great prices.
Budapest’s ruins have become a global symbol for their amazing nightclubs. A lot of these spaces are unusual, mismatched and artsy and you’ll find them mostly in the Jewish Quarter (District VII). You can’t miss Szimpla Kert, the original ruin bar, among the many options. Besides being attractive, it also has some great deals on drinks—especially at happy hours on weeknights.
Another group of popular ruin bars includes Instant-Fogas (a large set of joined spaces featuring DJs and different themed rooms) and Mazel Tov which has a lovely garden and is still reasonably priced. You’ll find that most ruin bars have happy hour daily, so arrive early to enjoy the lowest prices.
Outdoor Bars on Top with Discounts
If it is sunny during your visit, make sure to check out one of the city’s rooftop bars for great cocktails and lovely views. 360 Bar gives you fantastic views of Budapest and specially priced cocktails on weekdays. Enjoy some of their famous gin cocktails or choose from many Hungarian wines as you watch the sunset in the Buda Hills.
Another favorite is High Note SkyBar on top of the Aria Hotel near St. Stephen’s Basilica. Even though it’s more attractive, it still offers regular happy hour deals. Even if you don’t have much money, spending on a drink at this spot is worthwhile, thanks to the view and the chance to feature it on social media.
Hungarian Beverages You Should Try
When you’re in Budapest, use the drink specials to enjoy some traditional Hungarian beverages.
- When you visit any Hungarian bar, you’ll often see Pálinka, a potent fruit brandy. A number of establishments offer flights at a cheaper price during their happy hour.
- Unicum is a herbal liqueur with a medicinal character, making it a distinctive taste from Hungary. In some bars, it’s given to you as a welcome shot at no extra charge.
- The Tokaj and Eger areas in Hungary are known for producing truly outstanding wines. There are wine tasting evenings at wine bars, usually with special discounts.
Head to Doblo Wine Bar or Kadarka Wine Bar for a tasting menu and be welcomed by staff who are happy to tell you about Hungarian wine.
Specialty Bar Showcase
There has been a huge rise in Budapest’s craft beer scene recently. At Élesztőház and KEG Sörművház, you can taste many types of Hungarian and international craft beers. A lot of these places frequently update their taps and often give discounts on drinks such as “Beer of the Day” and “buy one, get one free.”
Are you into brews and ciders? Stop by Csak a Jó Sör, as it stocks many craft brews and ciders and regularly offers discounts on seasonal accompaniments.
Best Advice for Having Fun with Drink Specials in Budapest
- Make Sure to Go Between 5 PM and 8 PM for Most Drink Specials. Come sooner than later to get discounts during happy hour before it gets busy.
- Credit and Cash: Though debit will be helpful in bigger bars, you may need cash in the smaller ruin bars. Be sure to have a few HUF for any purchases while there.
- Remain cautious: Most of the time, Budapest is fine, but always watch your belongings and avoid getting drunk when you’re somewhere unfamiliar.
- Get These Apps: You can download “Drinky” or explore local bar ratings in Google Maps to find the best and newest deals.
- As a standard, you should tip about 10%–15% when getting a drink or a meal in restaurants or bars. Some places add in the tip, so always check the bill before giving extra money.
- Hungarians must be 18 years old to drink legally. It’s important to have your ID whenever you go out, if you are under 30.
Bar-Hopping Tours Provide an Easy Ways for You to Find the Largest Discounts
If you need to squeeze in many pubs yourself and don’t have travel companions, pub crawls are a good idea. You’ll often get a welcome shot and exclusive discounts on drinks and free entry to the best bars and clubs when you go on these guided tours. It’s a nice opportunity to connect with other tourists and enjoy some of Budapest’s top bars and clubs
Tours offered by Ultimate Budapest Pub Crawl and AllNightCrash include taking visitors to ruin bars, visiting breweries and sailing along with boat party rice packages, all with surprises such as discounted drinks.
Don’t skip out on the boat bars along the Danube.
While mentioning boat parties, remember to check out the floating bars on the Danube River. From spring through summer, A38 and Pontoon boats provide live music, cheap drinks and breathtaking views of the city’s lights. They have weekly specials on drinks and some are themed.
Final Thoughts
Rather than only being a way to cut costs, Budapest drink specials introduce you to the city’s heritage, its people and its atmosphere. Having a glass of pálinka would be a unique experience itself, yet sharing a cold beer on any terrace tells its story as well.
Still, let’s toast! Enjoy your drink—then take part in the lively, delicious nightlife in Budapest.
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