Budapest is famous for its impressive architecture, long history and lively culture. Additionally, Budapest is famous for having fun nightlife scenes, apart from its many historic sights. You can see the city’s vibrant bars, find local drinks and hang out with other visitors on this Drinking Tour. For solo tourists, groups of friends or couples in search of adventure, joining a drinking tour in Budapest offers something exclusive and fun for everybody.
What does a Budapest drinking tour mean?
A Budapest Drinking Tour is a planned or DIY way to explore different bars, pubs and drinking venues in the city. These tours help people sample an array of whiskies, craft beers, imported wines and special Hungarian and innovative cocktails.
While a basic night out can be unpredictable, a drinking tour is usually organized to let you explore a variety of places such as those hidden in courtyards and those with views over the city. This allows you to enjoy Budapest’s nightlife, drink and possibly make new friends.
What Makes a Budapest Drinking Tour an Excellent Choice?
So many bars in Budapest can make it hard for first-time visitors to choose where to spend their first night out. This problem is solved by a drinking tour which ensures you go to the finest places for a perfect drink and atmosphere. Usually, tours also come with a knowledgeable guide who discusses the history of the local bars, interesting tales about Hungarian beverages and helpful hints about drinking customs.
Joining a group tour gives you the opportunity to mingle with other tourists and residents which adds even more fun to your night. A lot of these trips use games or themed events to increase the excitement for the guests.
Top Drinks to Sample on a Drinking Tour around Budapest
A big highlight is tasting drinks that are special and not found easily anywhere else. Some drinks you should try are:
- Pálinka is a special Hungarian brandy that is made from plums, apricots, cherries or pears. Many hosts offer a shot of pálinka as people arrive and it is famous for its strong fruity taste
- Unicum: A popular Hungarian drink made from an ancient recipe using more than 40 herbs and spices. Its taste is both sour and sweet and it is commonly taken after meals as a digestive.
- Many people praise the wine of Hungary, thanks to Tokaj and Villány. Sample the local red, white or dessert wines as you explore the estate.
- Lángos cocktails: “Lángos” is a famous Hungarian dish made on the streets; some cocktail bars infuse these flavors into new creations.
The Most Popular Spots for a Drinking Tour in Budapest
Various tours or your own itinerary usually include a visit to ruin bars, elegant cocktail lounges and lively pubs in Budapest. The following are well-known drinking destinations usually visited on tours.
Szimpla Kert was the first ruin bar in Budapest and its mismatched furniture, unique artworks and calm setting are what make it so popular. This is the perfect place to begin and test out the craft beer and creative cocktail scene.
Instant-Fogas Complex is a large ruin bar complex with multiple places to dance, different genres of music and themed areas. It suits those who want to party and enjoy the exciting nightlife scene of Budapest.
The 360 Bar: Get a change in scenery and visit this rooftop place for excellent views across Budapest. Catch the last light of day by drinking expert cocktails with the city showing off its beauty.
At Boutiq’Bar, you’ll find award-winning mixologists and an elegant setting where you’ll taste lavishly designed drinks.
There are lots of small pubs and craft beer spots on Király Street, each with a cozy atmosphere and staff always ready to pour you a Hungarian beer and chat.
What Is Included on a Budapest Drinking Tour
Most Budapest Drinking Tours run from three to five hours, depending on how many places are chosen and the way the group travels. Tours are timed so they begin in the evening and go on late at night, giving you plenty of time to take in each attraction.
Welcome drinks or shots are usually included when you arrive and some tours offer discounted drinks or free ones at certain bars. Such tours regularly organize tasks, questions or activities that get everyone involved with the local community and with one another.
You’ll often find that tour groups are fun and bring people from many different countries excited about good drinks and friends. Whether you like beer, wine or cocktails, there is a drinking tour that matches your tastes and brings you new experiences.
Ways to Enjoy Your Drinking Tour in Budapest
If you want to have fun in Budapest, remember these tips while on your Drinking Tour:
- Drink water as you go along and this will keep you hydrated and can lessen the impact of a hangover.
- Have a hearty meal prior to the tour so you do not get intoxicated and maintain your energy.
- Wear something comfortable for walking and deal with the weather at the event.
- Go slow: Enjoy the evening, not just try to drink as much as you can. Be aware of your personal limits and drink so you don’t go over them.
- Remember to bring your ID: It is required by law to prove that you are over 18 when ordering alcohol.
- Pre-book those popular tours and events since seats can fill up fast, mainly in the summer and festival seasons.
There is plenty more to do around Budapest at night than just go clubbing.
The Budapest Drinking Tour introduces you to the nightlife and your night doesn’t have to finish when the tour does. Bars, clubs and late-night places are available in Budapest, where you can keep your night going.
One of the more unusual attractions is letting yourself unwind in one of Budapest’s late-open thermal baths for a bit of social time. Another idea is to go for a walk on the riverfront and enjoy the lighted monuments of Budapest before visiting another pub or club.
Final Thoughts
A Budapest Drinking Tour is much more than a night of drinking; it gives you a lively taste of the city’s culture, history and flavors. If you’re on your first vacation or a regular traveler, joining a drinking tour is a great way to join the lively Budapest nightlife, meet people and keep those memories close for a long time.
If you are thinking about branching out and exploring how people drink and enjoy their drink, a Budapest Drinking Tour belongs at the top of your list. To an evening we won’t ever forget in this trendy European city!
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