Nightlife and beer are things many people associate with Budapest, the Hungarian capital. Both tourists and residents can use average pint prices in Budapest to organize their finances and choose where to drink. Today, I will talk about the typical prices for a pint in various places and tell you where to find them at their lowest.

Learning what different issues usually cost

Prices for a pint in Budapest may differ depending on where the bar is located which beer you get and the overall atmosphere. It is standard to pay between 500 and 1000 Hungarian Forints (HUF) for a pint of beer.

Flights to this city are cheaper than to many other major European places. Budapest beer, even in the middle of the city, is often affordable and high quality. Many people say that going out in Budapest is a lot cheaper than it is in Western Europe. Wether you decide to hang out at a regular pub or a fancy ruin bar, you will usually spend very little in Hungary.

Things That Affect the Price

Location:

 It is common for the part of town a place is found to affect the cost of a pint. Shopping in cities and popular places for tourists usually costs more than in living neighborhoods.

Bars in this area (District V) which is next to the main attractions, generally set their prices a little higher. When you go to such places as District VIII or District IX’s local neighborhoods, you could come across bars that serve inexpensive beer.

The type of beer is called:

 What kind of beer you choose can make the price go up or down. Beers that are locally made could be less expensive than the popular international brands.

 Dreher, Borsodi and Soproni are typical budget options, whereas beers like Heineken, Guinness and foreign craft beers might have higher prices. Often, specialty craft beers, especially those made just for a season or limited run, are sold for a higher price.

Ambiance:

 The small details at a restaurant—like decor and atmosphere—sometimes end up in the price. Beer at trendier or higher end venues may end up being a little more expensive.

Places that have live music, views from above or fancy design are usually charged more. But you are actually paying for both the drink and the overall way you experience the place. There is a huge difference between a rustic ruin bar and a modern rooftop lounge and usually the prices are uncforntiably higher.

Prices That You Might Expect in Various Restaurants

Pubs:

 It is possible to get an inexpensive beer at most traditional pubs in Budapest. About 600–800 HUF is usually what you can expect to pay for a pint at these bars.

 Cafes and pubs like these are popular with locals and are present all over the city. These bars generally provide popular Hungarian beers and at times they have seasonal specials or beers they brew themselves. Most places give off a casual vibe which makes it great for a laid-back evening with friends.

Ruin Bars:

 Ruin bars which are found in old and abandoned spaces, are one of the special things Budapest is known for. They are known for an unusual vibe, but be prepared to spend 700–900 HUF.

 Such places, whether they are Szimpla Kert, Instant-Fogas or Ellátó Kert, function as much as cafés as they do as venues for art, music and film. Because pints here are not cheap to begin with, most visitors feel the atmosphere justifies the cost.

Beer Gardens:

 There are plenty of alfresco beer gardens in Budapest where you can relax and drink a cold one. You can usually get a pint here for 500–800 HUF which is very reasonable.

 During summer, beer gardens such as Fröccsterasz and Kertem, tend to be very popular. They are perfect for meeting people while enjoying the fresh air, for example, in the large City Park (Városliget). A lot of beer gardens have stalls or grills for food which makes them even more attractive.

Suggestions for Getting the Best Prices

Even though the average prices show you a reference, it’s always a good idea to find the best discounts in Budapest. There are a few things you can do to drink a pint and still save money.

Have your meal at the bar during Happy Hour.

•  Lots of bars and pubs in Budapest organize happy hour promotions mainly from late afternoon to early evening. Use these promotions to pay less for your pints.
•  A number of places give deals such as “2-for-the-price-of-one” on some beers. Looking on the bar’s website or their social media pages can reveal offers you’ll find useful.
• Visit some of the local breweries.
•  There has been a rise in craft beer places in Budapest recently. Going to local breweries lets you try something new and help the local community.
•  Mad Scientist, Horizont and First Craft Beer are famous for their creative beers. Most of these places offer taprooms for trying different flavors and many offer tours to show you how their beers are made.

Consider that some bars choose a Beer of the Month:

•  Around once a month, some places promote a discounted option for the “beer of the month.” Keep looking for these special dishes.
• They are usually listed on the blackboards or menus at the entrance to the restaurant. This is a good opportunity to find something new and save your budget.
• You could participate in Pub Crawls or Guided Tours:
•  You can have a fun night in Budapest by joining a bar crawl or guided tour and you might also get discounts and useful information.
•  Pub crawls often mean multiple drinks are included in the ticket and the guides are aware of where you can find discounts. Being in a carpool is a wonderful way to get to know other people on your trip.
• Always bear in mind that costs can differ from place to place, so try out as many Irish pubs as you can to find the perfect pint.

In Summary

Options for beer lovers are plentiful in Budapest and a pint can be bought for around 500 to 1000 HUF. The cost might be affected by the bar’s position, the beer you order and the feeling of the place. If you want to find good deals, try going out during happy hour, checking out local breweries and note any beer-related sales. Applying these suggestions, you won’t have to spend a lot to enjoy Budapest’s beer scene.

Both the time-constrained and the connoisseurs will find plenty of reasons to keep them coming back. Happy days for great drinks and low costs!