The capital of Hungary, Budapest, is famed for its beautiful buildings, mineral baths, past history and lively nightlife. And for sports fans who visit the city, Budapest has numerous active and exciting sports bars. Whether you’re crazy about football or basketball or just want to relax with friends, Budapest sport bars ensure you feel like a local, cheering on your favorite teams.
We’ll be exploring the top sport bars in Budapest, what makes them popular, the atmosphere to anticipate and how to maximize your sports bar visit in the city.
Why Are Budapest Sport Bars Unique?
Most sport bars in Budapest offer live-game excitement and a taste of Budapest’s special atmosphere. With most located either in historic buildings or trendy areas, Budapest sport bars are designed differently, from genuine rustic spaces to trendy, classy lounges. They look after both regular schoolchildren and out-of-town travelers and offer multilingual lectures and a warm atmosphere to all audiences.
Budapest sports bars attract people with their variety of drinks. Watching sports in Budapest is fun thanks to tasty beers, international brews and cocktails enjoyed amid big screens and loud sound effects.
Best Budapest Bars for Sport
1. The Nagyerdei Sport Pub
Many locals like to visit Nagyerdei Sport Pub because they love the feel of a real sports bar. Near the heart of the city, you’ll find this pub with lots of large screens dedicated to various sports, for example, football (soccer), basketball, tennis and more. The reason it’s so popular is the low prices, helpful staff and a great variety of Hungarian beers.
Events for major tournaments such as the UEFA European Championship and FIFA World Cup are planned by the pub too. You’ll notice a passionate gathering of fans who help bring life to the sport and are willing to cheer or moan with you as the games decide their outcomes.
2. Big Lebowski-themed Bar
The Big Lebowski Bar in Budapest gets its name and its theme from the movie “The Big Lebowski.” Even though this isn’t strictly a sports bar, it gets a lot of attention for its big sporting events, mostly football and NBA matches.
Because it has a chill atmosphere, tasty menu and wonderful drinks, it’s a perfect place for watching the game. Sports fans from all over the world come together at this youthful, global crowd.
3. Toldi Klub
Apart from being a café, cinema and bar, Toldi Klub is a favorite place for sports fans. Here, you’ll find different screens and places to sit comfortably while watching live football, rugby and other sports.
Toldi Klub which is found in trendy Erzsébetváros, provides an attractive and easy-going place to have craft beers and snacks. Whether you love sports or culture, it’s a great experience for you.
4. First Draft Craft Beer & BBQ
If sports, craft beer and barbecued food sound perfect to you, First Draft Craft Beer & BBQ is the place for you. This place places a strong emphasis on having good beers from here and abroad.
Football games, boxing and other important sports are all shown on their screens. Friendly service means the team will change channels to the action you are interested in, so you don’t miss out. Everyone’s excitement makes it more enjoyable to join in cheering with people you’ve just met.
5. At Dunapark Café and Bar
Sitting directly next to the Danube, the Dunapark Café and Bar is perfect for taking in live sports. Much of the time, Kodama is a café and regular bar, but it also hosts sporting events on weekends and during big international games.
People visiting for sport enjoy the area because of the great selection of foods and drinks, the river and the calm atmosphere.
Favorite Sports to Watch at Budapest Sport Bars
In Hungary, sports are important and most bars highlight the games and leagues that fans here and around the world enjoy. You’ll probably see these sports being shown in sports bars across Budapest:
- Soccer is the biggest favorite among Hungarians. The major leagues you will often find are the English Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A and the Hungarian league (Nemzeti Bajnokság I).
- Many people enjoy basketball and during the playoffs and finals, you’ll often find significant basketball games being broadcast at Belgian bars.
- During the Wimbledon or French Open grand slams, many sport bars fill up with people wanting to watch the tennis live.
- Each year, Formula 1’s Hungarian Grand Prix draws big crowds in Budapest and many bars set up special parties.
- While the majority of sports are on, some sport bars also show matches and fights from rugby, boxing and mixed martial arts.
What To Know Before Visiting Sport Bars in Budapest
If you’re looking to have the best time at sports events in Budapest, these tips are for you:
1. Look at the show schedules before you go.
It’s good to confirm that your chosen game will be screened, just in case you hope to watch an unusual or early-in-the-day event. A lot of bars post their viewing schedules on Facebook or on their websites.
2. Book a spot for the important fixtures.
At the time of the Champions League final or World Cup games, Budapest sport bars are usually very crowded. If you book a table or get there ahead of time, you will have a prime seat.
3. Taste Local Food and Snacks
Don’t skip the delicious Hungarian craft beers and the many local versions of lángos (fried dough) or kolbász (sausage) found at bars. Enjoying local food is a wonderful way to get involved with the game.
4. Travel either with friends or meet some new ones while away.
These places are some of the best spots for socializing. When you arrive at a concert, whether on your own or with friends, you’ll usually find someone to share the fun with. Go ahead and talk to those around you!
5. Pay attention to those who support the local team.
Since Hungarian fans are often passionate and loyal, make sure you show respect, mainly during local games. It’s fun to get excited, but try to keep things friendly.
Conclusion
Budapest sport bars unite the local way of life, different international sports and opportunities for socializing. Every sports lover can find something they enjoy, from following their team in a pub to watching different games in modern bars there are plenty of exciting options here.
If you’re only here for a short time or are settling in, checking the sports bars can help you meet people, have fun and feel the excitement of live games. Take your place, pick up a cold drink and let’s support the teams you love in downtown Budapest.