Budapest, capital city of Hungary, has a reputation for its special mix of history, culture and nighttime fun. Enjoying Budapest’s nightlife, especially for travelers, is best done by joining a pub crawl. Not only does this tour allow guests to visit several great bars and pubs, but it also gives them a chance to make new friends, both from other countries and from Berlin. In this Hungary pub crawl review, we’ll discuss the reasons behind its popularity, the places you should not miss and ways to have the best night.
What is the Budapest Pub Crawl all about?
Going on a pub crawl in Budapest means more than just visiting many bars. It involves visiting several of the city’s well-known and interesting pubs, mainly including ruin bars that are stared-up abandoned buildings made into fun places to have a drink. On these tours, people often start around dinner time and visit about four to five bars before ending up in a nightclub.
Usually, pub crawls are organized by guides who know the local nightlife, organize games, protect participants’ safety and ensure everyone remains together. No matter if you travel alone or with friends, the crawl helps you enjoy meeting others and having fun.
Important Places to Add to Your Budapest Pub Crawl
1. Szimpla Kert
Most good pub crawls around Budapest will have a stop at Szimpla Kert which started the trend of ruin pubs. This well-known place can be found in the Jewish Quarter; it mixes different pieces of furniture, graffiti and unique art installations. Not only is it a bar, but it’s also a place to drink local brew, listen to music and perhaps watch a movie or attend an exhibit.
2. Instant-Fogas Complex
The Instant-Fogas Complex is also worth seeing; it is among the biggest party destinations in Budapest. The many dance floors here each have their own music which means there’s something available for any taste. If techno, hip hop or retro music are your style, Night Rave has what you need.
3. Ellátó Kert
Ellátó Kert provides a less hectic atmosphere, serves delicious and reasonably priced drinks and has a comfortable area outside to sit. Taking a break at this park gives you a chance to relax, unwind and experience the pleasant Budapest nights, especially during the summer.
4. Previously known as Kuplung, this is now replaced with better options.
Following Kuplung’s closure, guests at pub crawls may now visit places like Fogas Ház or Mazel Tov. Because Mazel Tov combines Middle Eastern food with the cool vibe of a ruin pub, it is a top choice in the middle of your bar crawl.
Advice on How to Have a Good Pub Crawl in Budapest
1. Select a Tour Operator that is Trusted
Because there are various companies that provide pub crawls, you should do some research ahead of time. Try to book tours with experiences shown in positive reviews and offered by guides who are certified. A lot of people choose to participate in Original Budapest Pub Crawl, AllNightCrash and Pub Crawl Budapest.
2. Make sure you eat something before you drink.
It is not wise to start a pub crawl without having any food first. Having a substantial meal like goulash (Hungarian stew), some langos (fried bread) with toppings or chimney cake is a good idea beforehand.
3. Bring Cash
As a rule, credit and debit cards are popular, but a number of small pubs still like cash for admission fees and keeping coats. Having a small amount of local money will allow you to enjoy your night without any issues.
4. Dress Comfortably
Most of these pubs don’t require fancy clothes, but make sure to have some comfortable shoes on. Most concerts are held far from the parking area, so it’s best to skip the heels and wear more comfortable shoes.
5. Stay Safe
Traveling with your friends, never leaving your drinks alone and keeping an eye on your belongings is wise. Although Budapest is mostly safe, you should be careful about petty theft when in crowded nightclubs.
What Is the Benefit of Going on a Pub Crawl over Being by Yourself?
Joining a pub crawl is fun mainly because it’s a social event. A tour lets solo travelers meet new companions and for groups, there’s no need to plan every place they want to visit. In addition, crawls provide welcome drinks, special deals on drinks and priority entry into clubs which you wouldn’t have by going alone.
The guides contain useful facts about every location such as the story of the ruin bars and how Budapest nightlife has changed recently. It offers both interesting background and lots of things to enjoy.
Figuring out the best times to visit the country.
It is better to go on a pub crawl in Budapest during May to September, since outdoor areas of pubs are available and the city is lively. Still, Budapest’s winter attractions are worth nothing, as getting cozy with mulled wine in a ruin bar is one of a kind.
On Friday and Saturday, bars can be busier, while having a crawl on a weekday brings you fewer people and more attention from the tour guide.
Final Thoughts
You can see both the traditional and party sides of Budapest in one night thanks to the pub crawls. Should you want to party until late, enjoy quality drinks or connect with other tourists, hitting the bars in a pub crawl is essential in Liverpool.
You can’t forget the special memories from stopping at iconic ruin bars, clubs and discovering new friends, even if they leave you with that famous hangover. Remember to drink water, put on comfortable shoes and enjoy the excitement—since nightlife never ends in Budapest.
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