Enjoying Budapest’s legendary nightlife through a pub crawl is easily the best way to see its strange ruin bars, hidden clubs and more. By taking the Pub Crawls Budapest tour, you get to explore the streets of Jewish Quarter (District VII) and find the city’s coolest bars. We’re taking a look at why Budapest pub crawls are so magical, focusing on the top companies, best bars and tips for partying in May 2025.

What Sets Pub Crawls Budapest Apart?

Almost everyone knows that Budapest’s nightlife centers around its old, repurposed ruin bars. You’ll find that Szimpla Kert and Instant-Fogas capture Budapest’s artful side, mixing graffiti, live performances and some of the city’s cheapest beers (700 HUF for a pint, £1.46). A pub crawl will lead you through a group of 4–5 bars in one evening, with chances for free drink shots, cheaper prices and even entry to VIP clubs. They’re great for those traveling alone, groups or for people who want a stress-free way to see the exciting venues of District VII.

Crawls begin at 8:30 or 9:00 PM and you’ll usually find 20–50 watchers joining from various places. Local guides enjoy telling guests about the city’s transformation after communism which led to ruin bars and play icebreaker games like beer pong to help everyone get to know each other. Most trips are priced between 7,000 and 12,000 HUF (£14.58–£25) and are well worth the time spent.

Top Highlights

The best pub crawl visits notable places and adds in a few lesser-known bars. I have put together this schedule to give you a glimpse of where Pub Crawls usually take you in Budapest:

Szimpla Kert is found at Kazinczy u. 14.

Szimpla which started the trend, is a massive place with unusual rooms and a courtyard. You’ll find a welcome alcoholic shot mixed with pálinka, plus traditional music. I paid around £1.67 for a pint of beer. Wander for 60 minutes and see how old bathtubs have been made into chairs.

Anker’t (Ere – U 31).

Industrial-style furniture, interior-exterior spaces and DJ sessions are what make this ruin bar special. Cocktails such as ruin spritz have a price of 2,000 HUF (£4.17). Since it’s designed with an open plan, crawls are ideal for mingling and sometimes have a free shot involved. Go for 45 minutes.

Kazinczy u. 37–41 is home to Kőleves Kert.

At Kőleves, with their garden bar lit by fairy lights, a fröccs (that’s a beer cocktail) costs 1,000 HUF (£2.08). At times, guides will take the lead as the Hungarians play their toasting game. Take 45 minutes to unwind here before everything gets going.

You can find Fogas Ház at Akácfa u. 51.

Fogas is a popular cultural place, having several bars and a rooftop that bring techno or indie vibes. If you want a pint, you’ll pay 900 HUF (£1.88). Crawls require you to drink each set of drinks in an hour.

The Instant-Fogas Complex is found at 49–51 Akácfa u.

In the grand finale, you’ll find seven dance floors, where EDM and hip-hop mix it up. The ticket fee (normally 2,500 HUF, £5.21) provides VIP entry to sing and dance all night.

Deciding on a Pub Crawl

Many types of crawl operators can be found in Budapest, each giving their groups special benefits. Top pick Press Party Guide Budapest offers an open bar for 10,000 HUF (£20.83) and visits 5 places, earning 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor for their lively guides. Among the prizes in All Night Crash are professional photos and boat party tickets and you can buy them for 12,000 HUF (£25). Groups looking for a competitive night can try interactive challenges at the Bingo Bar Crawl for 8,000 HUF (£16.67). Use GetYourGuide or Viator to book tours at good prices and Instagram for themed groupings organised for various events (e.g., Halloween).

Practical Tips

Don’t wait; book your group’s places early, as the crawls can fill up during the busy month of May. Booking ahead of time online lets you save 10–20%.

Smart-casual is fine: However, sportswear may be rejected for entry to Instant.

Go at Your Own Speed: Using 4–6 free shots, follow them with some water to avoid getting tired.

Don’t put valuable items in your back pocket and keep a good view of your friends in the bar.

Follow the Rules: Because of noise laws in District VII, all parties take place inside after 10 PM. Trust the guides so you don’t get into trouble with the law.

There are two ways to get there: Use the metro M1 to Oktogon or take tram 4 or 6. A Bolt taxi will charge 2,000 HUF (£4.17) for a trip from District V.

Why have May 2025 been chosen?

With mild weather in May (15–25°C), Budapest’s terrace bars are popular and spring festivals like Beer Week bring extra events to District VII. Because there are so many tourists and students around, you’ll find pubs and bars packed with people. Visit the vendor market in the morning for some lángos (800 HUF, £1.67) to eat before you start your crawl.

Final Thoughts

Pub Crawls Budapest takes you through the city’s heart, exploring amazing and historically rich ruin bars. Whether at Szimpla’s or Instant’s, these tours give you a great chance to connect with people while experiencing local culture and having a great time. No matter if you travel alone or with friends, a pub crawl will give you memories you’ll never forget. You can toast in Budapest by saying “Egészségedre!”