If you’re planning a trip to Budapest and are curious about the cost of a pint, read on. Look for nothing else! You will find all the necessary information about pint prices in Budapest in this guide. If you’re looking to save or just want to experience Hungarian beer, this guide will tell you what to expect for your visit.

Learning About the Local Currency

It is recommended to know the name of the local currency – the Hungarian Forint (HUF), before exploring Budapest pint prices. While there are places that take Euro and major currencies, it is smarter to have Hungarian Forint so everything goes smoothly. Banks and ATMs are the best places to get the best rates when exchanging your money. You will save money by avoiding extra charges and bad exchange rates if you don’t rely only on credit cards or foreign cash.

Remember that a lot of places in Budapest still like to receive cash, especially at small pubs and markets, so bringing Forints is helpful. It’s also useful to have some money for tipping which is a common practice in Hungary that we describe further in this article.

What Pints Cost in Budapest

People from all over the world and locals in Budapest both delight in spending time in local pubs at night. There are traditional pubs where you learn about local life and also craft beer bars that highlight new and exciting beers made in Hungary. This is a quick guide to average pint prices in Budapest:

What kind of business is it?

The Cost of a Pint

Local Pub

1.50 to 2.50 in USD

A place to find and sample craft beer

You should expect to pay between 700 and 1500 HUF ($2.50 – $5).

Rooftop Bar

It should cost you 1500 – 3000 HUF or about $5 to $10, for a meal.

Remember, the prices mentioned can change according to the place you’re in, how many tourists there are and when you visit. Prices in crowds like downtown or close to popular sights are usually higher, but pubs away from the center usually offer drinks at lower prices.

You can get excellent deals during happy hours or thanks to promotions, so it’s the best time to try a variety of beers without spending lots. You can usually find happy hour discounts posted by many bars on social media or right at the entrance. Be sure to look at the prices before buying, so you don’t have any unexpected costs.

Tipping Etiquette

You should usually tip a little in Budapest to thank those who helped you during your stay. Although tipping is optional, it is a regular custom when paying at restaurants and bars. These suggestions will help you when it comes to tipping:

To appreciate good service, most people leave 10-15% of their bill as a tip. It is a good way to appreciate energetic staff and also happens to be a nice thing to do when you’re in sit-down bars or pubs where people get to know you by name.

When having just a short drink at a bar, it’s no problem to settle up. If you’re charged 750 HUF for your pint, you could hand over 800 HUF and ask the bartender to keep the change.

If the service you received was great or you want to thank the waiter, you can tip extra. Most bartenders have to work very long periods which makes a tip an appreciated gift.

Don’t feel obligated to tip, but remember that service staff in restaurants are grateful for your generosity. Saying “köszönöm” (thank you in Hungarian) to your server and tipping them will usually earn you their interest and good interactions.

Pint Lovers’ Tips to Save Money

Here are a few ways to drink—and save money—at the pub:

Head to less crowded pubs nearby for better drink prices than at places visited by tourists. You can experience the city genuine and for less money at these pubs, where it’s easy to talk to locals.

Try to catch bars and pubs during their happy hour when they give special discounts. You can typically save 30-50% on a pint at the beginning of the day or night, thanks to deals.

Having Hungarian craft beers will most likely be less expensive than importing beers from elsewhere. You’ll find Dreher, Soproni and Borsodi brands at most bars and markets around town.

Check out the city’s ruin bars, as they offer something different and usually charge less. They are found within abandoned places and courtyards and are central to the city’s night scene. Decor and customers add a fun edge and the prices are unlike those at fancy clubs.

With these tips, you will find great tasting beers in Budapest and won’t have to worry about high prices. You’ll discover the best of Berlin’s beer scene, whether you prefer traditional beers or like to try new modern options.

In Conclusion

Going out and drinking a pint is a traditional part of what it means to spend time in Budapest, since the city has an exciting drink culture. Because of this guide, you understand the price list and social conventions behind pints in Budapest. Try different places to discover how much the city loves its beer. No matter if you’re in a local inn or a top-floor bar or even a ruin bar for that atmosphere, there’s a pint to be had by all.

To your journey in Budapest may your beers be cold and your memories last forever!