1. Average Price of a Pint in Budapest

If you are headed to Budapest this year and would like to know how much beer costs, read on. We’ve prepared all the things you need. In this piece, we’ll discover the usual cost of a pint in Budapest and share some ideas to make your budget go further.

The Regular Price for a Pint in Budapest

Budapest has a reputation for its lively nightlife and many bars and pubs. You’ll find that a pint of beer is priced differently at different pubs and in various regions. You should expect to spend between 500 and 800 HUF which is roughly $1.50-$2.50 USD or €1.20-€2.00 EUR, for a pint of domestic beer. Because the city is affordable, many travelers who want to experience lively but inexpensive nightlife choose Budapest. Pointing to Dreher, Borsodi and Soproni, I mention that the best beers are generally easy to find and add to the reasonable costs.

You’ll notice that prices are often higher at places packed with tourists, so you should explore other nearby places for a real and less expensive experience. For example, places where the Danube River flows or just by major landmarks such as the Parliament or St. Stephen’s Basilica, normally charge more because of their prime locations. If you travel only a short distance, you can find much better deals without compromising quality.

How to Get the Best Priced Beers in Budapest

Try the pubs and beer gardens near you.

You can often find affordable beer in Budapest by heading to the pubs and beer gardens found especially in the Jewish Quarter and District VII. You’ll usually find many beers on offer and at reasonable prices, plus you’ll get to interact with both locals and fellow travelers. Jewish Quarter is famous for its mix of ruin bars—interesting clubs you’ll find in old buildings, decked out with weird décor. Szimpla Kert is a renowned ruin bar that gives visitors inexpensive drinks as well as a close look at Budapest’s artistic character.

City Park and spots near Buda, like Pozsonyi Road, are home to charming beer gardens, where you can drink beer outside in the sunshine during the spring or summer. Because they have less overhead, these places can give their customers discounts.

Daily Specials and Special Hours

Look for bargains during happy hour or at special times at many places. Many places in Budapest cut prices during some hours of the day or specific days throughout the week. It’s a great time to save money by enjoying your favorite beers. So, many pubs or pubs in the area of Deák Ferenc Square or District V often have happy hours midway through the day where you can buy a beer for just 300-400 HUF. Looking up bar websites or social media pages will help you learn of such deals early on to better use your money.

In addition, some pubs have special deals every week, for example, “Beer Mondays” when certain beers are offered at reduced prices. They give you great value and inspire you to try new beers which makes your visit to Budapest better.

Consider Drinking Some Hungarian Craft Beers

Craft beers in Hungary are blooming, alongside the usual Hungarian beers. Craft breweries create special and excellent beers, so you may not find them anywhere else. Though these inventive drinks may be a little costlier, they give a taste you will remember and checking out local drinks can make your trip even better. Bars connected to these breweries give tourists in Budapest an opportunity to taste different beers, including IPAs, stouts and fruit-flavored ales for around 800-1200 HUF per pint.

A tour of a brewery allows you to understand how Hungary is combining its age-old brewing processes with new creative ideas. A lot of these locations arrange tasting events and brewery tours, giving you the opportunity to enjoy local beer and find out how it’s made.

Do Not Spend Time in Tourist Hotspots

The price at pubs and bars in places visited by many tourists is usually higher than at others. If you want to save money, shop in areas that aren’t as busy and look for wonderful things to buy. Not only does this help you cut costs, but you’ll experience new corners of the city. The districts of Józsefváros (District VIII) and Ferencváros (District IX) have nice, authentic pubs, attract fewer tourists and are cheaper. It is still very easy to get to these areas with the help of public metro and tram lines.

Touring these districts allows you to see how locals live and discover great attractions such as local artwork or older landmarks. After saving on drinks, you can still enjoy museums or a final thermal bath in your holiday.

In Summary

In Budapest last year, the typical price for a pint of beer fell in the range of 500-800 HUF ($1.50-$2.50 USD or €1.20-€2.00 EUR). Trying local pubs, using the happy hour discounts, enjoying craft beer and spending time outside tourist spots can help you enjoy a night out with affordable drinks in Budapest. Because the drinks are so affordable and there’s so much to choose from, the city is excellent for anyone who enjoys a drink.

Another way to enjoy your beer is to pair it with some Hungarian bar snacks, like pogácsa or kolbász which are favorites at pubs. Getting these affordable snacks helps complete the beer experience and lets you taste local dishes. Also, there are many more ways to enjoy a drink in Budapest, since festivals, performances and summer markets are popular social activities at night.

When budgeting for your trip, allocate a portion for nightlife experiences, but rest assured that Budapest’s reasonable prices make it easy to enjoy without breaking the bank. Always drink responsibly, stay aware of your surroundings, and take advantage of Budapest’s efficient public transport to return safely to your accommodation after a night out. Cheers to an amazing time in Budapest!