Introduction

Taking a trip to Budapest and want to know what you’ll pay for a pint of beer? We’ve got everything under control. The capital of Hungary, Budapest, is known for great nightlife and fair prices. In this article, we’ll cover how much a beer costs in Budapest, in pounds and offer tips to enjoy your beer-tasting while visiting the city.

Prices of Beer in Budapest

The price of beer in Budapest depends on where you go. Usually, you’ll spend between 500 and 1500 Hungarian Forints (HUF) for a pint of beer at a local pub or bar. You have to consider the exchange rate at the moment to shift this amount to pounds.

Note that exchange rates are not stable, so it’s advisable to see the latest exchange rate ahead of your journey. At the moment, 1 GBP equals about 400 HUF. It’s important to remember that rates can vary, so ensure you confirm them before doing any calculations.

According to recent web data, the rate at that point in time is approximately 1 GBP = 480 HUF. Since 1 pint costs 500–1,500 HUF which is between £1.04 and £3.13, Budapest is a cheaper place to visit than London (£5–£7 per pint) and Dublin (£6–£8). Local lagers are common everywhere, running from 700 to 1,000 HUF (£1.46 to £2.08), while you may find craft beers costing more, at about 1,500 to 2,000 HUF (£3.13 to £4.17). You may find that prices at ruin bars in the Jewish Quarter are more affordable than at dance clubs near the Danube in District V.

Figuring Out the Price in Pounds

To find out how much a beer costs in pounds, you have to divide the amount of Forints by the exchange rate. Suppose we use an example for illustration.

A typical beer in Hungary will cost 1000 HUF.

1 GBP is worth 400 HUF.

When we split 1000 HUF by 400, we get about 2.5 GBP. A pint of beer that is 1000 HUF would equal around £2.50.

Now that 1 GBP equals 480 HUF, you would pay about £2.08 for a pint costing 1,000 HUF. A 500 HUF beer will cost you £1.04, but a fancier 1,500 HUF craft beer comes in at £3.13. Eating out at Szimpla Kert, a ruin bar, you can pay 700 HUF for a pint of Dreher which is £1.46. At Élesztőház, an IPA of the same size could be up to 1,800 HUF or £3.75. Thanks to these numbers, it’s clear that Budapest and its District VII are affordable and you can enjoy plenty of pints without breaking the bank. Don’t forget to use apps like XE Currency while travel planning since rates can change before your journey.

The tradition of Beer in Budapest

Lager domination in Hungarian beers can be traced to Austro-Hungarian times during the 19th century. In the 2010s, the craft brewery wave made Budapest a center for new beer ideas and over 50 local breweries, for instance Monyo, Mad Scientist and HopTop, began brewing IPAs, stouts and sours. Though ruin bars began as part of post-communist city improvement in the early 2000s, they quickly became known for their budget beers and unusual surroundings. Though Budapest beer is as delicious as Prague or Munich, its venues and prices are one of a kind. If you prefer lager or craft beer, you’ll find something that suits your taste here.

Suggestions for Having Fun with Budapest’s Beer

Having seen the typical price of a beer in pounds, here are some tips to help you have the best beer-drinking time in the city:

1. Enjoy what local craft beer has to offer.

You’ll find a great selection of craft beers in Budapest, as many local breweries produce special and tasty brews. Experience craft beers at a local bar or brewery and you’ll also help out the community. Even though craft beers cost a bit more, their exceptional taste and wide range make them a good choice for trying.

At Élesztőház in the Tűzoltó u. 22 spot in District IX, you’ll get 20 craft beers and a pint of Flying Rabbit IPA from Monyo for 1500 HUF (£3.13). Try HopTop’s Midnight Express stout at Kandalló Pub for 1,800 HUF (£3.75) at 33 Kertész u. in District VII. Visiting Monyo Brewing (in Kőbánya), you can join a tasting of new seasonal beers for 3,500 HUF (£7.29). Often located in calmer parts of the city, these places help small producers and allow you to experience more of the craft revolution in Hungary. Take a look at their Instagram for news on upcoming tap takeovers or what’s brewing.

2. Go and explore Ruin Bars.

Make sure to put ruin bars on your list of sights in Budapest. Usually found in old or damaged locations, these exciting places stand out with their own character. A wide variety of drinks, including beer, can be found at ruin bars and consumers find them inexpensive. Taking in the special character of these places makes the experience even better while you relax with your cold brew.

Szimpla Kert in the Kazinczy Street For a pint of Dreher at 14) and Fogas Ház (Akácfa u. 51), both in District VII, you’ll pay 800 HUF (£1.67) among hip graffiti and old-style interiors. With plenty of fairy lights and music, their outdoor spaces offer a special atmosphere you won’t find at ordinary pubs. Published by Anker’t (Paulay Ede). They have a Rizmajer IPA available for 1,200 HUF (£2.50) at 33). Come by between 6 and 8 PM to avoid a busy night and enjoy the artistic surroundings. That there are so many ruin bars, at low prices and with such cultural importance, is a big draw for any beer aficionado.

3. Happy Hour Drink Deals

You will find various happy hour specials in many bars and pubs in Budapest between 4pm and 7pm. While these deals are running, you can order beers from both foreign and local breweries at a discount. Before you go, review the available offers at your destinations and create your tour plan based on that.

Bars like Jónás Craft Beer House (Fővám tér 11, District XI) cut pint prices by 20% during happy hours, dropping Soproni to 600 HUF (£1.25). Liebling (Akácfa u. 51) offers two-for-one deals on craft beers from 5–7 PM, with pints as low as 800 HUF (£1.67). Check bar websites or Facebook pages for daily specials, and pair your pint with snacks like zsíroskenyér (lard bread, 800 HUF, £1.67) to enhance the experience. Timing your visit to District VII or IX during happy hours maximizes savings.

4. Beer Festivals

If you happen to visit Budapest during beer festival season, consider yourself lucky! The city hosts various beer festivals throughout the year, showcasing a wide selection of local and international brews. These events are not only perfect for tasting different beers but also for immersing yourself in the lively Hungarian beer culture.

While major festivals like Budapest Beer Week (May) and the Downtown Beer Festival (June) peak in spring, September’s smaller craft beer pop-ups spill into District VII. Events at Dürer Kert (Ajtósi Dürer sor 19–21) feature 50+ brews, with entry at 5,000 HUF (£10.42) including a tasting glass. Sample Mad Scientist’s Mango Milkshake IPA or Reketye’s sour ales, paired with food trucks serving kolbász (1,500 HUF, £3.13). Check Budapestbylocals.com for event schedules, and arrive early for less crowded tastings.

Practical Tips for Beer Enthusiasts

To fully enjoy Budapest’s beer scene, use apps like XE Currency or Wise for real-time HUF-to-GBP conversions, ensuring accurate budgeting. Carry cash (HUF) for smaller bars, as some ruin bars charge card fees. Explore Districts VII (Jewish Quarter) and IX (Ferencváros) for the cheapest pints, avoiding tourist-heavy District V spots like Váci utca, where beers can hit 2,000 HUF (£4.17). Pair your beer with Hungarian bar snacks like pogácsa (savory scones, 1,000 HUF, £2.08) or körözött (cheese spread, 1,200 HUF, £2.50) for an authentic experience. For navigation, use the M1 metro to reach District VII (Oktogon stop) or tram 2 for riverside pubs like Jónás. If visiting in May 2025, pack light layers for 15–25°C weather, ideal for outdoor beer gardens.

Why Budapest Stands Out

Budapest’s beer scene combines affordability, variety, and atmosphere in a way few European cities can match. Compared to Berlin’s craft beer bars (£4–£6 per pint) or Brussels’ historic pubs (£5–£8), Budapest’s £1–£3 pints offer unmatched value. The ruin bar phenomenon, rooted in the city’s post-communist creativity, elevates the experience, blending cheap drinks with cultural immersion. Whether you’re sipping a lager in Szimpla’s courtyard or a sour ale at a festival, Budapest delivers a beer-tasting adventure that’s both wallet-friendly and world-class.

In Summary

Budapest offers affordable beer prices compared to many other European cities, making it an ideal destination for beer enthusiasts on a budget. With the average cost ranging from 500 to 1500 HUF, which is approximately £1.25 to £3.75, enjoying a pint of beer won’t break the bank. Remember to consider the current exchange rate when converting prices and take advantage of the local craft beer scene, ruin bars, happy hour specials, and beer festivals to make the most of your beer-drinking experience in Budapest.

So, raise a glass and enjoy the delightful flavors Budapest has to offer!