Heading to Budapest in 2023? You may want to learn how much a pint of beer costs in the city. Regardless of why you’re drinking, figuring out how much a pint will cost can help you decide where your trip goes. In this article, we’ll learn about the average price of a pint in Budapest and provide some tips for getting the best bargains. Let’s move forward now!

Prices for Pints in Budapest

In 2023, buying a pint of beer in Budapest costs between 600 and 900 Hungarian Forint (HUF). What you pay for a pint will depend on the bar you choose, your beer selection and the area of the city you are in. Recall that changes in demand over seasons or special events can push food prices up.

If you want to see the numbers, 600–900 HUF amounts to about $1.50–$2.50 USD, so you’ll find beer is very affordable in Budapest. Budapest’s prices for beer are much lower when you compare them to the $7–$10 found in London or Oslo. Draught beer is usually sold for the usual 0.5-liter serving, ranging from 500–700 HUF, but a few smaller 0.3-liter glasses might cost 400–600 HUF. Prices may increase during festivals or during Christmas, mainly in spots popular with tourists.

What Changes the Price

A number of things affect how much a pint costs in Budapest. Let’s look at what matters most when deciding:

1. What kind of business is it?

How much you pay for a pint will depend on where you buy it. Often, it will be more expensive to drink at a fancy bar or restaurant rather than at a local pub or brewery. When you want to save money, consider trying out some smaller, local cafés.

If you’re at a top-quality place like a rooftop bar or hotel lounge, you might pay 1,200–1,800 HUF per pint. Neighborhood pubs in District VIII and bars close to universities give pints for just 500 HUF. At pubs like Szimpla Kert, you can find unusual decor and great prices for drinks.

2. Category of Beer

The beer you pick can determine how much you spend. You are likely to find that local brews cost less than imported or specialty beers. Trying locally produced drinks can be fun and still help you save some money.

You’ll find Hungarian brands like Dreher, Soproni and Borsodi everywhere and they are usually the lowest priced beer at 600–800 HUF. Because they are hand-made and gaining popularity, beers from Monyo or Mad Scientist, Hungarian breweries, often sell for 900–1,500 HUF. Guinness and Stella Artois usually cost between 1,000 and 2,000 HUF in restaurants. Sours brewed with cherries tend to sell for more and are popular because they are tasty and not often found.

3. Where the park sits within the City

The price may differ based on where the restaurant is placed in the city. You can generally find lower rates at local neighborhoods instead of popular tourist spots or rich neighborhoods. Take a walk down less visitor-filled paths to find places where you can save some money.

In District V which houses the Parliament, as well as District VII’s Jewish Quarter with its prized ruin pubs, you’ll usually pay around 800–1,200 HUF for a pint. Józsefváros (VIII) and Óbuda (III) are where you’ll find lower-priced HUF. Inflated prices for bars around Váci utca on the Pest side come from their scenic spot, but you can find affordable places to drink in the Buda neighborhoods.

Destinations That Provide Great Savings

Since you know what to expect price wise, here are a few tips to get the best deals on beer in Budapest:

1. Try checking out the plenty of local pubs and breweries.

In many cases, you can find more inexpensive drinks in pubs and breweries rather than at places popular with tourists. Apart from tasting local culture, you’ll discover many different beer options at affordable prices. Find out some places from books or by talking to people from the area.

Hungarian craft beers are the main draw at Élesztő in District IX and a pint costs 700 forints. You can try out different beers at First Craft Beer since they have a tasting flight special. Talking with bartenders or locals at the Great Market Hall could direct you to Kispolszki in District VIII, where you’ll find reasonable drinks and a genuine atmosphere.

2. Don’t forget to check for discounts during Happy Hour.

In many places in Budapest, happy hour deals mean you pay less for drinks and food. Since happy hour times and deals vary, it’s best to find out from each place what they are offering.

The usual time for happy hours is between 4 and 7 PM and in places like Instant or Fogas Ház, drinks such as pints are given out at 500–600 forints for 2. Wolt and Funzine give you a quick view of what promotions are available. Some of the ruins bars give their happy hours an edge on workdays to attract people early, so plan to go when it’s still early.

3. Try to attend Beer Festivals.

Should you be here in Budapest for a beer festival, you’ll find plenty of choices and affordable drink prices. You’ll often find local and international breweries, as well as food and music at these places. Be on the lookout for festivals selling beer when you are in the city.

Every year, in May the Budapest Beer Week and the June Downtown Beer Festival display hundreds of beers and samplers are priced between 300 and 500 HUF per 0.2 liters. The events in Szabadság Square give visitors a chance to try many wines and experience Hungarian culture at a low price. You can usually find festival programmes by visiting festival or events websites.

4. Every time you want Beer, get it from a local shop.

If you’re on a tight budget, you can always buy beer from local shops or supermarkets and enjoy it in the comfort of your accommodation. This option can save you some money, especially if you’re traveling in a larger group.

Supermarkets like Tesco or Spar sell 0.5-liter cans of local beers for 200–400 HUF, significantly cheaper than bar prices. Convenience stores near hostels or Airbnb rentals stock Hungarian brews, perfect for picnics on Margaret Island or Danube-side evenings. Some shops also carry craft beers, offering variety at lower costs.

Budapest’s Beer Culture

Budapest’s beer scene is a blend of tradition and innovation. Historically, Hungary’s brewing culture was influenced by Czech and German styles, producing crisp lagers. Today, the craft beer revolution has taken hold, with over 50 microbreweries operating nationwide. Venues like Neked Csak Dezső host tap takeovers, showcasing new brews. Beer pairing dinners at restaurants like Kőleves combine local dishes with craft selections, elevating the drinking experience. The city’s beer gardens, such as Dürer Kert, offer open-air settings to enjoy pints with live music, reflecting Budapest’s social, laid-back vibe.

In Summary

When visiting Budapest in 2023, expect to pay an average of 600 to 900 HUF for a pint of beer. However, prices can vary depending on the establishment, type of beer, and location within the city. By exploring local pubs, looking for happy hour deals, considering beer festivals, and buying from local shops, you can find great deals and enjoy Budapest’s beer scene without breaking the bank.

Remember to always drink responsibly and savor the flavors of the various beers Budapest has to offer. Prost!