If you’re preparing for a trip to Budapest and want to know the cost of a pint of beer, read on. You don’t need to look anywhere else! In this article, we will find out the average price of a pint in Budapest and tell you everything you need to know.

Understanding how to convert currency

It helps to know how currency conversion works before looking into special types of risk. The Forint (HUF) is used as the main currency in Hungary. To work out how much you’ll spend on pints in British Pounds (GBP), first convert the HUF amounts to GBP. Since exchange rates are often changing, take a moment to check what the rates are a few days before you start your trip.

So, if 400 HUF equals 1 GBP, then 2 × 400 or 800 HUF, would be about £2. Nonetheless, the way this rate is set can change daily and depend on the exchange method you select. 

Exchanging money on your credit card may result in a different rate than changes made at ATMs or with cash exchange services. Whenever you need to buy something using another currency, it’s a good idea to check the exchange rate at a currency app or website.

The regular price you will pay for a pint in Budapest

In Budapest, you should expect to pay for a pint between 600–800 HUF which is the same as £1.50–£2.00. The prices you pay often change, depending on the place you visit and the restaurant type.

Clients usually find that Budapest’s travel costs are lower than those of big European cities like London, Paris or Amsterdam. Living in Hungary is less expensive and the prices for food, drink and entertainment show this. Those who love beer will find that a cold pint won’t drain their wallets.

Pubs and Bars

If you go to the city center or Jewish Quarter, you should be aware that prices are often a little higher. In these parts, you can get a pint of beer for between 700–1000 HUF which is about 1.75–2.50 pounds. Thanks to the many restaurants, live events and attractive architecture, prices tend to rise because people are drawn to these neighborhoods.

Actually, when you travel and eat out, the bill is usually less than what you’d pay in most British pubs. Many visitors and residents like popular ruin pubs in Budapest because they feature a good range of beers and live music. While the bar is lively and the décor is photogenic, you won’t find any outrageous prices for beer.

Although bars in the city center may sell pints for more, those you find farther away often cost 500–700 HUF (£1.25–£1.75). You probably won’t find that these bars are beautifully decorated or have English menus, yet they usually provide genuine fun and affordable prices. You will find snug pubs with a lot of students and locals in District IX and parts of Buda and the beer is both affordable and delicious.

Craft beer bars form a big part of the drinking scene in America.

If craft beer interests you, you’ll find Budapest’s craft beer scene growing, with different bars offering a variety of brews. Pricing in these establishments is typically higher than at regular bars which usually costs from 800–1500 HUF per pint.

Craft beer bars put an emphasis on both quality and the amount of different beers they have. You might see craft beer brewed in Hungary and also from foreign countries including Germany, the UK and the US. A number of these beer places produce their own special beers on-site. The price you pay is a result of the detail in the product, its ingredients and the small amounts made.

Such bars are meant for customers who like to pay a bit more for specialty beers with interesting flavors. If you enjoy IPAs, stouts or sour ales, beer fanatics and anyone else will find plenty of enjoyable bars in Budapest.

Restaurants

Prices for a pint of beer vary from one restaurant to another and from one area to another. A glass of beer in a mid-range place might range from 600 to 800 HUF (£1.50 to £2.00), but the price increases in fancier places by an extra 1000 HUF (£2.50).

Many higher-end restaurants and fine dining places add a premium to beverages, like beer. This happens because of the service, the environment and where the restaurant is. Having a pint is often cheaper if you’re in a casual restaurant or family place.

Restaurants often offer full menus or special lunches which include drinks and make having lunch out cheaper.

Deals and Specials

You can usually find great discounts at bars and pubs in Budapest, especially from Monday to Friday. The special offers usually mean you pay less for pints and you could save a lot. Scan websites and the newspapers and also get help from people near you.

Generally, happy hours are offered somewhere between 4 PM and 7 PM. During that period, some bars have specials, like pints for 400–500 HUF, almost the same price as in the center. It is an affordable method to see places you have never seen before.

Weekly specials, nights for students and pub crawls with beer specials are worth looking into as well. Nightlife is a big part of Budapest and various places offer specials to get people in the door.

Tipping Etiquette

Leaving a little extra money for good service isn’t uncommon in Budapest. A general rule is to leave 10% if you feel the staff did a good job. If you have some experience, you can feel free to change how much you use instead of adhering to the guidelines.

Before the payment is processed, you may be asked if you’d like to tip. In some spots that rely heavily on tourism, you might see that the service fee is already included which is why it’s always smart to review your bill.

Many people appreciate it if you just round up your tab or leave your change at a casual pub.

Conclusion

Knowing how many pounds you’ll spend on a pint means you can organize your budget for the trip more easily. Don’t forget to pay attention to the place, the type of nightlife and any discounts offered during happy hour. Evidence that one of the many benefits of the vibrant and rich beer culture in Budapest.

A beer in Budapest can cost next to nothing, whether you’re in a simple pub, trying a special Hungarian beer or enjoying a drink in one of the many ruin bars. May you be in good health as they say in Hungary, Egészségedre!