Budapest is popular in Europe for its great city life, especially at night. Most travelers calling Budapest home for the night usually start with the original pub crawl, a top attraction for exploring the local bar scene of the city. Because of its fun ruin bars, pleasant atmosphere and busy clubs, Budapest is now a top destination for partygoers and backpackers globally. You’ll learn all the important details needed for a great pub crawl such as the best venues and useful hints on making your night memorable.

What Is Behind the First Budapest Pub Crawl?

The Original Budapest Pub Crawl isn’t focused only on drinking—it also introduces you to local culture. Introduced a number of years ago, this tour takes visitors to a few of the top ruin bars, as well as some secret and lively spots in Budapest. Because your trip is led by locals who understand the city well, you’ll enjoy party offers, fun games and can bypass the lines to access some of Budapest’s top nightlife spots.

People gather at a particular place—often by Deák Ferenc Square—to start the crawl just after 8 or 9 p.m. and the crowds can be as small as 20 or as big as over 100. You can meet other travelers here, no matter if you are travelling on your own or with a group.

Best Places to Go on the Crawl

Some of the famous bars usually featured on the Original Budapest Pub Crawl are listed below:

1. Szimpla Kert

Szimpla Kert is the top attraction among ruin bars in Budapest. The first ruin in Budapest, the quirky establishment in the Jewish Quarter, is still the most popular. Get ready for chairs and tables that aren’t always together, tubs used for sitting, lively DJs and a crowded outdoor area.

2. Instant-Fogas Complex

The site, made up of several rooms, is one of the biggest ruin bars you’ll find in the city. Various types of music, including techno and retro, are represented by each of the clubs found inside. This place is for anyone wanting to dance all night.

3. Ellátó Kert

Offering brightly decorated walls and inexpensive drinks, Ellátó Kert has great tacos and a Mexican flavor. It’s an excellent place to warm up when getting ready for the more crowded clubs.

4. Anker’t

Sitting in a renovated factory, Anker’t is famous for its clean modern interior, large outdoor space and lively events. Many people, both from the area and visiting, love it for its easygoing mood and fantastic cocktails.

Tips You Should Follow for a Good Pub Crawl

Keep these tips in mind if you plan to join the Original Budapest Pub Crawl.

1. Reserve your place ahead of time.

You might be able to join a group without booking, but it’s most likely to work out well if you reserve your place online first, especially during busy summer weekends.

2. Eat Beforehand

Being involved in a pub crawl can take a while, so it’s important to have a good meal before drinking. Goulash, lángos and chicken paprikash are some of the tasty meals you’ll find in Hungarian cuisine.

3. Don’t forget your ID and cash.

You may be asked to show a photo ID at certain locations. Additionally, many places in Hungary take cards, but if you have Hungarian Forints (HUF) you can pay for taxi rides or small shopping, as well as leave extra for people who help you.

4. Dress Smart-Casual

While action happens in any style throughout the tour, a few of the nightclubs at the finish might request smart-casual attire. Don’t wear flip-flops or sportswear to be safe.

5. Stay Safe

The guides are in place to help you have a fun evening while also staying safe. Keep an eye on your drinks at all times and tell a stadium team member if you feel unwell or require help.

Moving Past the Crawl: What You Can Do During the Day

• After spending the night out in Budapest, you can find many peaceful things to do during the following day.
• Relax your hangover at the Széchenyi or Gellért Baths using the naturally hot thermal waters.
• Buda Castle & Fisherman’s Bastion give you amazing views of the city and the river.
• During the day, some bars turn into cafés and Szimpla Kert is now a popular place for Saturday farmers markets as well.

Here’s what makes the Original Budapest Pub Crawl different from the rest.

Even with so many pub crawls in Budapest, many people consider the Original Budapest Pub Crawl to be the best, thanks to its structure, passionate guides and the quality of its venues. You’ll also have the chance to explore the exclusive ruin bar scene in Budapest, unlike what you’ll find elsewhere in Europe.

The crawl attracts people who want to travel on a shoestring as well as those who only spend a few days away. Drinking, dancing and socializing happen in an orderly way, with everyone supervised.

Final Thoughts

A trip to Budapest is not complete without joining the Original Budapest Pub Crawl. Few trip experiences can offer you a mix of history, nightlife and teamwork like traveling with sports teams can. This pub crawl is likely to be among the most enjoyable parts of any trip, whether you’re here for a few days or traveling Europe on foot.

Always drink water, interact with others and let Budapest surprise you when the city really gets lively. Cheers or in Hungarian, Egészségedre!