You are now reading your complete guide on the price of a pint in Budapest. Because you want to enjoy yourself in the city, it’s best to find out the prices early so you can prepare your budget. The city is home to many places to drink and enjoy nightlife. Now, let’s check what a cold glass of beer will set you back in the city!
What You Should Know About Hungarian Currency
Officially, people use the Hungarian Forint (HUF) as currency in the Hungarian capital, Budapest. While Euros are accepted in some spots, it’s better to have Hungarian Forint for a stress-free journey. As we see now, 360 Hungarian Forint is equal to approximately 1 Euro.
It’s important to factor in currency changes when you’re making your travel budget. It’s normally a better deal to convert your cash at offices or from ATMs in the country, rather than the standalone kiosks at airports or in hotels. Avoid using dynamic currency conversion when using your card for payments, because it might raise the amount you spend.
What Is the Normal Price for a Beer in Budapest?
The cost of a beer in Budapest changes subject to where you buy it, what type of place it is and its level of popularity. It’s normal to pay 500 to 1000 Hungarian Forint for a pint of beer almost anywhere. You will usually find that prices are higher in areas geared towards tourists, luxury bars and high-end restaurants.
You’ll see that beer is more affordable in Asian cities than it is in Western European cities. One reason why backpackers, students and budget-conscious travelers like Budapest is because it’s so affordable. You won’t have to spend a lot just to relax or head out after dark by having a pint.
A lot of these areas are known for their local pubs and beer gardens.
If your goal is to meet the locals, check out your city’s pubs and beer gardens. Most of the time, beer is cheaper at these places than at the typical spots seen by tourists. Getting a pint of beer in Hungary ranges from 400 up to 800 Hungarian Forint.
As well as being reasonably priced, local pubs have a homelike, comfortable setting where you can feel true Hungarian hospitality. You’re likely to find traditional Hungarian snacks and meals at these bars, like lángos, kolbász and pogácsa, all wonderful with beer. During nice weather, spending your time in a beer garden usually involves live music or fun entertainment, along with your drinks outdoors.
Attractive Sights and Fashionable Bars
If you visit the Jewish Quarter and downtown Budapest, you’ll come across many stylish bars and fun nightspots. Although hotels in these areas are lively and interesting, the charges are a little higher. A pint of beer should cost you between 700 and 1200 Hungarian Forint in these place.
Renowned for their lively nightlife, these places also have remarkable ruin bars, places furnished with interesting old items and fun artwork. The experience fits the cost, but you should expect to pay a little more for your drinks because everyone loves them. Even so, the special experience, DJs and lively audiences usually make the extra amount worth it.
Craft beer bars
Craft beer is enjoying a huge boom in Budapest, as more specialty bars and microbreweries appear. A variety of tastes and styles are waiting for fans of craft beer. Still such places generally charge more for their meals. A pint of craft beer might be 800 or more Hungarian Forint.
Élesztőház, Jónás Craft Beer House and MONYO Tap House are popular with both locals and visitors for the broad beers options and how they are made. Even though they’re a bit expensive, the unusual recipes and high quality make the craft beers worth your while. If you prefer IPAs, stouts or sour beers with fruit, you’ll discover plenty of drinks to suit your taste in Budapest.
Special Offers and Happiness Hours
Check for when your favorite places have beer specials and take advantage of them. Happy hour prices are regular in many bars and pubs in Budapest. Enjoy your favorite beer while saving a bit of money with these offers. As these offers are not the same everywhere, it’s a good idea to check the information for each place before you arrive.
At some locations, you can try several different beers on a special happy hour tasting set for less money. Whether you’re in a hostel or hotel, staff there tend to know all the best places to visit and when to go, so ask for their suggestions!
SomeMore Ideas for Spending Less
Here are some extra tricks to ensure you save money on your day of beer in Budapest:
Try visiting cafes or restaurants in parts of town that aren’t usually busy with tourists. Often, they give you a real experience while being less expensive.
- You may want to try inexpensive Hungarian beers instead of buying wine. If you look for Dreher, Soproni or Borsodi, you will find them both easy on your wallet and tasty, like the local favorites they are.
- Ask someone who lives in the city or fellow tourists for suggestions on places that won’t cost a lot. Often, getting recommendations from people can take you to spots that don’t make it into the travel guides.
- Purchase your drinks from a supermarket or bottle shop and have them in parks or public places instead. You should know that drinking in public with alcohol is allowed in Hungary.
- Find out if the bar you’re visiting will add a cover charge or service fee to your bill. Make sure to check the menu or ask the staff ahead to ensure you’re comfortable with your order.
- No matter if you’d like to drink a local beer in a bar, an artisan beer in a taproom or a frosty lager under the open sky, Budapest is perfect for beer fans. A bit of advance preparation and knowledge of your area will let you find great beer without breaking the bank.
Thanks to this guide, you are prepared to find excellent beer in Budapest without spending too much money. Be sure to try the local customs, taste many brews and take advantage of being in Hungary! Cheers!
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