Budapest: Bar Crawl Tour with Drinks and Shots Included

If you’re considering adding a night out in Budapest to your itinerary, a pub crawl like this one from Carpe Diem Tours could be just what you’re looking for. It promises a mix of fun, socializing, and sampling some of the best bars the city has to offer — all with drinks included and a knowledgeable guide leading the way.

What really caught our attention about this tour are two things: the variety of bars visited, from the classic to the creative, and the inclusive drinks package, which means you don’t have to worry about constantly reaching for your wallet or deciding what to order. Plus, the chance to meet fellow travelers, especially if you’re exploring Budapest solo, is a huge bonus.

Of course, there’s a small caveat — the focus on drinks might not appeal to everyone, especially those looking for a more cultural or sightseeing-oriented night. But if a lively, social atmosphere with drinks and stories sounds appealing, you’ll probably find this tour hits the right notes. It’s best suited for those who enjoy casual bar hopping, making new friends, and sampling local drinks without the hassle of navigating the nightlife on your own.

Key Points

• Well-reviewed guides make the experience engaging and informative.
• Multiple bar stops showcase a mix of Budapest’s nightlife, from ruin pubs to cocktail bars.
• Included drinks make it a good value, covering several drinks and shots.
• Great for solo travelers and those new to Budapest’s bar scene.
• Flexible end point at a popular ruin pub for continued fun.
• Duration of around 3 hours 15 minutes offers a lively but manageable night out.

The Experience: What You Can Expect

This 3-hour-and-15-minute experience kicks off at the iconic Ferris Wheel of Budapest, a recognizable meeting point that’s easy to find—perfect for those arriving solo or in groups. From there, your guide takes you through some of Budapest’s most interesting drinking spots, each with its own vibe and specialty.

Stop 1: Klauzál tér – The Fröccs Introduction

The tour begins at Klauzál tér, a lively square brimming with local energy. Here, you’ll learn about Hungarian fröccs, a refreshing wine and soda spritz that’s a staple in Budapest’s drinking culture. The guide shares some “scandalous stories” about Budapest’s past, making this stop both educational and fun.

You can expect to spend about 50 minutes here, giving you enough time to sip, chat, and soak in the atmosphere. This stop acts as a gentle introduction to the night, with a relaxed vibe that’s perfect for breaking the ice.

Stop 2: Wesselényi utca 21 – Creative Shots

Next, it’s onto Wesselényi utca, known for its quirky cocktail scene. Here, your group gets to try a variety of shots and concoctions, from the classic to the daring. The guide might suggest some adventurous pairings, which adds a playful element to the experience.

This stop is short—around 15 minutes—but it’s a highlight for those who enjoy trying new flavors. Several reviews mention the “unforgettable experience” of discovering Budapest’s creative shot culture, which adds a fun layer to the evening.

Stop 3: Király u. 56 – Beer and Chilling

Continuing to Király u., the group relaxes at a bar that’s perfect for beer lovers. Whether you’re into lagers, ales, or just want to kick back with a cold one, this stop offers a more laid-back atmosphere. You’ll spend about 35 minutes here, giving you plenty of time to enjoy your drink and chat with your new friends.

Many reviewers appreciated this part for its relaxed vibe, especially compared to the more energetic previous stops. It’s ideal for those who prefer savoring their brews over shots or cocktails.

Stop 4: Madách Imre út 13-14 – The Cocktail Finale

The final stop is a more sophisticated setting, where you can indulge in exquisite cocktails crafted by skilled mixologists. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might opt for a custom-made drink — a chance to enjoy some of Budapest’s best mixology.

Here, you’ll spend a similar amount of time as at the previous stop, with many reviewers highlighting the quality of the drinks and the friendly bartenders. The guide may also share local tips or stories to round out the experience.

End Point: Ruin Pub for the Night

The tour concludes at a popular ruin pub on Klauzál u., where the group can choose to keep the drinks flowing or simply soak in the unique Budapest nightlife. This flexible ending means you can extend your night or head back at your leisure.

What’s Included & What You Should Know

The included drinks package is a real perk, covering two drinks (beer and fröccs) and four shots across the stops. This means you can comfortably enjoy a variety of drinks without constantly reaching for your wallet. If you want more, you’re free to buy additional drinks, but many reviews suggest that the included ones are enough to get a great sense of Budapest’s bar scene.

The tour runs for just over three hours, making it a perfect evening activity — lively but not overly long, so you won’t be drained before the night’s over. The small group setting, only your party, ensures personalized attention and a more relaxed vibe.

Guides and Atmosphere

The reviews consistently praise the guides for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to break the ice. Many reviewers mention specific guides by name, like Kelly, Laura, and Kitti, highlighting how they made the experience engaging, fun, and informative.

One reviewer notes that “Laura gave us a very interesting history lesson and great advice for the rest of our stay,” showing how guides blend local insights with entertainment. Several mention that guides kept the group engaged with games and stories, making the night more memorable.

Group Dynamics and Solo Travelers

A recurring theme in reviews is how friendly and welcoming the groups are, especially for solo travelers. The tour is described as “the best way to meet new interesting people from all over the world,” which makes it an excellent choice if you’re traveling alone and want to connect with others in a relaxed setting.

Value for Money

At about $51.28 per person, including drinks and guided experience, this tour offers good value—especially considering the quality of drinks, the variety of bars, and the social atmosphere. Many reviews emphasize how the tour isn’t just about drinking, but about experiencing Budapest’s nightlife with locals and fellow travelers.

Practical Considerations

• Booking 21 days in advance is typical, so plan ahead to secure your spot, especially in peak season.
• The tour starts at 8:00 pm and is private, meaning only your group participates, adding to the relaxed vibe.
• The meeting point is easy to find, right at the Ferris Wheel, a Budapest landmark.
• The tour is suitable for most travelers, with service animals allowed and close proximity to public transport.
• Remember, additional drinks are available if you’re feeling tipsy and want to keep the night going.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re a solo traveler looking to meet people, this pub crawl is a terrific choice. It’s also ideal if you’re into trying varied drinks, especially local specialties like fröccs, or if you love casual bar hopping with a friendly guide. It’s not heavily focused on sightseeing or cultural sights, so if that’s your main interest, you might want a different kind of tour. However, for a lively, social night out with local flavor and plenty of good company, this experience checks a lot of boxes.

The Bottom Line

This Budapest pub crawl offers a relaxed yet lively way to experience the city’s nightlife. The guides are highly praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making the overall experience more engaging than just wandering pubs on your own. The drinks included provide good value, especially if you’re keen on sampling local beverages like fröccs and trying creative shots. The tour’s flexible ending at a popular ruin pub means you can keep the night going as long as you like.

While it’s centered around drinking, many reviewers emphasize that it’s also about fun, socializing, and discovering Budapest’s bar culture. It’s a good fit for solo travelers, groups, or anyone wanting a guided introduction to Budapest’s nightlife scene in a relaxed setting.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. Many reviews highlight how solo travelers meet interesting people and have a great time. Guides are friendly and good at breaking the ice.

What drinks are included?
You get 2 drinks (beer and fröccs) and 4 shots. Additional drinks can be purchased if desired.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes, starting at 8:00 pm.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the Ferris Wheel of Budapest and ends at Füge Udvar, a popular ruin pub.

Is the tour private?
Yes, only your group participates, making for a more personalized experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.

What’s the best part of the experience?
Many travelers love the guides for their friendliness and local knowledge, and the variety of bars visited keeps things exciting.

Is this suitable for families or children?
No, this tour is focused on drinking and social nightlife, so it’s best suited for adults.

In all, if you’re after a fun, social way to explore Budapest’s bar scene with a friendly guide and drinks included, this pub crawl from Carpe Diem Tours is a solid pick. Just keep in mind that it’s primarily about enjoying a lively night out rather than cultural sightseeing. Cheers to an unforgettable night in Budapest!