You’ll find vibrant life, amazing architecture, soaking pools and a lively night scene in Budapest which many Europeans consider a true gem. If you’re in the Hungarian capital and are looking to have a good night out, join a pub crawl! Instead of a basic crawl, this guide focuses on the Budapest Ultimate Pub Crawl, narrowing down the top ruin bars, the areas to hit up and how to have a smooth and memorable night.

The reasons Budapest is the best city for pub crawls

You’ll find old-fashioned elegance and lively youth in Budapest. The city is well known for its “ruin bars,” which started from abandoned buildings and turned into colorful pubs with art. You get great value, everyone is friendly and you can find something for every mood. If you like techno beats, smooth jazz or jumping around all night, you’ll find it all in Budapest.

Start Crawling in District VII

Erzsébetváros or District VII, is considered Budapest’s main nightlife neighborhood. In this area, you’ll discover the largest number of ruin bars, nightclubs and places for late-night meals. The area is great for walking, brightly lit and lots of people from all over the world visit.

1. Szimpla Kert is the Original Ruin Bar.

You haven’t completed a pub crawl in Budapest unless you’ve been to Szimpla Kert. People usually see this place as the starting point for the ruin bar movement, because it includes mismatched furniture, repurposed old bathtubs as seats and peculiar art objects. Enjoy a shot of pálinka and visit all of the outstanding places in this well-known castle.

2. Instant-Fogas Complex – Organizing a Fun Party

Not far from Szimpla is a huge club that is in fact several pubs joined together. After your pub crawl, Instant-Fogas offers dance floor areas, themed areas and big open courtyards to turn things into an all-night celebration. Enjoyable music for techno, electronic and pop enthusiasts.

3. Doboz – A Choice for Fashionable Guests

Looking for somewhere sophisticated but with the Budapest spirit? Doboz is usually preferred. There is a large red gorilla statue wrapped around a tree in the courtyard of the restaurant which is located in a former mansion. Here, the drinks are a step above and many trendy locals come.

4. Ellátó Kert – Perfect for Chilling or a Good Time

No matter if you’re at the start or finish of your crawl, Ellátó Kert is a breezy spot for tastes of Mexican food and drinks. Because there’s plenty of space and the atmosphere is welcoming, it’s a nice change from the louder shows. A lot of people favor the restaurant’s mojitos and craft beers.

Après Stops for A Truly Tasteful Trip

If you want to venture past just the central ruin bars:

At 360 Bar, you can get a drink and enjoy views of the city before the sun goes down and you can sip cocktails in ice igloos during the winter season.

Kuplung (once it is open again) – A hotspot among travelers due to both its remote place and creative decor.

Mazel Tov – You can dine and drink here, but it’s where to go for a cool meal before the party gets lively.

Guide to Staying Safe and Having Fun on a Pub Crawl

1. You can book a tour or plan your own trip.

 Joining “AllNightCrash” or “Original Budapest Pub Crawl” gives you a social experience led by an organizer. Usually, these tours offer entrance to bars, free shots and you’ll be guided by someone knowledgeable about the city. Alternatively, if you’d instead travel on your own, making a plan together with your friends there can be just as rewarding.

2. Carry Cash:

 Most places take your plastic, but some prefer you to pay with cash. It’s simple to locate an ATM, but always carry a little cash in small bills.

3. Attending the right way:

 It’s a laid-back city and people dress casually at many ruin bars. You can wear sneakers and jeans most of the time, but a few upscale bars might have dress codes after 10 PM. Always call or look online if you plan to go to a restaurant that feels a little fancier.

4. Keep drinking plenty of water and try to eat healthy foods.

 Because of the large amount of alcohol you can get in Budapest, it’s important to drink water as the night goes on. Hungry late bloomers will be glad to know that many ruin bars have menus and plenty of street vendors sell lángos (delicious fried bread with sour cream and cheese) and kebabs.

5. Be Careful with Your Property:

 Pickpocketing happens often in cities with lots of nightlife. Use a bag with a zipper and put your phone and wallet inside to be safe.

6. Figure Out the Route You’ll Take when Going Home:

 Most metro lines finish their service by midnight, but night buses are always available. Bolt and other rideshare services are both safe and won’t cost you much. You may not be able to walk all the way home, since a couple drinks can make the venue farther than it looks.

To sum up: Designing Your Own Amazing Night

The goal of the Budapest Ultimate Pub Crawl is not to visit dozens of bars; it’s to enjoy the special nightlife this city has to offer. Carefully crafted grunge art versus open-air and live music, all the venues here tell a different story. Party in a group or alone and you’re guaranteed a blend of fun experiences, surprises and memories to last a lifetime.

Be ready to energize, use your curiosity and celebrate one of Europe’s most memorable nightlife events. For a great night of pub hopping in Budapest—til we meet next time!