Visitors love Budapest, Hungary’s capital, for its fascinating history, baths, impressive architecture and lively pubs. A pub in Budapest isn’t just for drinks—it also offers a sense of culture, atmosphere and community. You can find popular ruin pubs, local bars and hip craft beer spots across the city, so everyone can find somewhere to drink.

If you’re in town as a traveler, a backpacker or a beer fan, Budapest’s pubs will give you a great choice.

How the Ruin Pub Became Popular

In any discussion of Budapest pubs, ruin pubs are an important topic to cover. Usually, these places are found in abandoned buildings, old factories or courtyards around the Jewish Quarter in Budapest (District VII).

The star of these cool places is Szimpla Kert which started the whole ruin pub movement. Early in this century, it revamped a run-down building and turned it into a busy space with a lot of mismatched furniture, funky artworks and an assorted crowd. After that, these ruined pubs have become well known for their unique atmosphere and attract plenty of both locals and travelers in the city.

In addition to drinks, Ruin pubs are home to live music, films, art shows and popular farmer’s markets each Sunday. Bars in London express the city’s passion for being creative and giving the old a fresh bright look.

Historic Hungarian Pubs

To experience something traditional, you’ll find that Budapest’s “kocsma” offer a true taste of the city and its people. Most of the time, these pubs are less crowded and invite a local crowd. At this place, the inside is decorated with wood, the bar staff is welcoming and everything moves at a slower speed.

Hungarian beer, wines and of course, traditional pálinka are popular choices for your cocktail hour. Pubs may look plain in comparison, yet you’ll enjoy an authentic slice of everyday Budapest life at them.

When you want to experience Budapest’s past, check out Fekete Kutya or Csak a Jó Sör, since these are popular places for drinking, chatting and playing board games all night long.

The Popping of Craft Beer

Lately, the number of craft beer makers in Budapest has grown a lot. Local IPAs, stouts and sour ales can now be found on the shelves in many pubs. Firms like MONYO Brewing, Mad Scientist and Horizont are helping to improve the beer scene in Hungary and getting recognized outside of the country.

Enjoying beer? You should try pubs like:

Élesztő – Formerly a warehouse, this place holds craft beers made in Hungary

Léhűtő – A tiny yet important craft beer bar in the Gozsdu Courtyard.

First Craft Beer & BBQ – A place to enjoy fresh brewed beers along with hearty pub food.

Pints at these pubs give you a taste of how Hungary is growing to love hops, malt and modern approaches.

Why Budapest Pubs Have a Great Social Atmosphere

The atmosphere at Budapest pubs adds to the overall experience you’ll remember. A lot of pubs include socializing spaces such as long standing tables, green courtyards and open areas. Often, you’ll find yourself having a chat with locals or other tourists over a beer at pubs and particularly during the weekly quiz and karaoke nights.

Certain pubs are also spaces for cultural events. As an example, Auróra provides a space for gathering, as well as supporting the community through workshops, lectures and film nights, all while working as a pub. Budapest’s creative and socially minded side is seen in the way entertainment, activism and nightlife work together.

How to Get the Best Out of a Budapest Pub

Stay in mind these tips for a better pub experience in Budapest:

It’s traditional to tip around 10% of what you order in Budapest. At some establishments, it’s already charged, so look on your receipt.

If staying close to pubs, don’t forget to bring cash in Hungarian forints, just in case.

If someone gives you a shot of pálinka, it’s polite to take it, enjoy a little sip and be prepared!

Instead of import beers, choose a local brand—you won’t be sorry.

Try visiting pubs on a Thursday for a low-key crowd but lots of people around.

Conclusion

A local pub in Budapest isn’t simply a place to have a drink; it also gives you a picture of the city’s character. Whether you stop by a casual ruin bar or settle down at a proudly Hungarian craft beer place, pubs in Budapest allow people to enjoy conversation, relax to great music, explore new tastes and welcome all kinds of happy moments.

If you are at a candlelit cellar, on a rooftop or in a lively courtyard, pub culture in Budapest calls for you to take it easy, meet locals and see the city, sip by sip.

To health—say cheers! (Cheers!)—and let’s explore the unmissable world of pubs in Budapest.