The capital of Hungary, Budapest, is famous for its beautiful old architecture, numerous thermal baths and active nightlife. A sports bar scene is one of the lesser-known joys in London. You’re certain to find many pubs in Budapest that are perfect for catching live sports events, trying their unique dishes and–sooner or later–enjoying a drink with sports fans from across the globe. This guide covers the top sport bars in Budapest, explaining their features and telling you how to enjoy your game day in the city.

How Sports Bars Grew in Budapest

Ever since Hungary entered the EU, the country has seen more tourists, so there is now a greater need for international-style bars. In Budapest, sports bars highlight typical Hungarian dishes as well as American-style meals, while also serving up a great variety of beer from Hungary and abroad. They mainly focus on supporting global sports fans by broadcasting leading events such as the Premier League, Champions League, NFL, NBA, Wimbledon and Formula 1.

What You Can Find at a Budapest Sport Bar

You’ll usually find that sport bars in Budapest are equipped with big TVs, loud sound systems and comfy couches, so it all feels like a real stadium but with a pub atmosphere. You’ll often find places with employees who speak various languages, English menus and commentary that doesn’t just focus on one country which is appreciated by visitors. At big sporting events, these bars often become very exciting, as people cheer for their teams, wear team jerseys and share an engaging atmosphere.

Besides sporting events, many bars arrange weekly quizzes, let guests sing at karaoke sessions and hold beer pong contests, so they attract people from the area and abroad.

The Sporting Venues You Shouldn’t Miss

If you’re attending a game in Budapest, these are some of the sport bars you should visit:

1. Champs Sports Pub

Located right in Budapest’s city center, Champs is one of the city’s most famous sports bars. You’ll find more than 40 TVs, a big projection screen and crowd favorites on the menu like chicken wings, grilled meats and many local beers. You can watch both European football and rugby, as well as UFC and tennis matches on their website. When game nights roll round, everyone packs the area, especially the foreigners and vacationers.

2. Pointer Pub

Because there are Pointer Pub branches spread throughout the city, sports fans often go there. Every day, they air international sports and give guests a variety of drinks, including Hungarian beers, cocktails and whisky. You can enjoy tasty burgers, nachos and salad at average prices here. People often pick their Deák Ferenc branch because it is so conveniently placed.

3. Jack Doyle’s Pub & Restaurant

If classic Irish pub sights are your favorite, Jack Doyle’s has great traditional meals, pours Guinness all day and offers comfortable views on its flat screens. If you enjoy Gaelic football, rugby or Premier League matches, you’ll have a good time here. You’ll see friendly faces and the bar has a fun, lively atmosphere whenever there’s a match. It’s only a few minutes from popular tourist spots such as the Dohány Street Synagogue and Astoria metro station.

4. Champs Sziget

You’ll find this sister venue of Champs on Margaret Island (Margitsziget), so it’s perfect for summer gatherings. The fact it has open-air seating and looks on to the river makes attending here a real treat. Though the weather is not always ideal, it’s an original place to catch a game during summer.

5. The Sports Bar Budapest

Just as the name suggests, The Sports Bar Budapest is all about sports fans. You can enjoy a friendly atmosphere, many HD screens and regular daily happy hours here. Because it’s near Oktogon, the hostel is visited by many young travelers and digital nomads. Their game schedules are always available online, allowing you to plan ahead for the matches you like.

What You Should Order at a Sport Bar

You will find both local foods and international dishes in Hungarian sport bars. Food you’ll often find here are traditional Hungarian items like pörkölt (a stew with meat), lángos (cheese-covered fried dough) and kolbász (sausage). If you’re feeling hungry and want comfort food, the choices are burgers, pizza or wings.

Beer from Dreher, Borsodi and Soproni is what you’ll find in most pubs and you’ll also see popular international types like lagers and IPAs. There’s pálinka (a brandy made of fruit) and other local wines available as well. Many bars put together drink offers for games that people really look forward to.

Ways to Make the Most of Your Time at a Budapest Sport Bar

Advance booking is recommendable for key games such as finals in the Champions League or World Cup. Many bar owners allow customers to reserve online.

• Try to arrive early because things can get crowded on the weekend. If you get there 30 to 45 minutes early, you’ll have a better chance of getting a nice seat.
• Look at the Game Schedule: A lot of bars post their plans for match days online. You should check if your event will get coverage.
• Be sure to have some HUF with you. You might need some for visiting smaller places or for cash specials.
• Get Cultured: Joining in with the locals, you’ll quickly learn that Hungarians are especially proud of FTC. If you’re looking for a chat, they’ll often be glad to join you and talk about their favorite sport.

Conclusion

People who enjoy watching sports and those who are just fans of the ambiance can find what they’re looking for at Budapest’s sport bars. Thanks to their global flavors, regional warmth and endless hospitality, you won’t want to miss out on these gems in the city’s nightlife. Next time you’re there, dress your favorite team’s jersey, pick a barstool and join in all the enthusiasm!