Budapest: Brewery Tour at “First Craft Beer” & Beer Tasting

Thinking about exploring Budapest’s thriving craft beer scene? This brewery tour at First Craft Beer offers a neat peek into the world of Hungarian craft brewing, combined with some tasting and learning about the ingredients and processes. It’s a solid option if you’re curious about how craft beers are made and want to sample a variety of styles without a huge time commitment.

What we really like about this tour is how knowledgeable the guides are — they’re not just show-and-tell, but genuinely eager to share brewing secrets and history. Plus, the variety of beers you get to taste, from IPAs to soured fruit beers, makes it engaging for anyone who loves experimenting with flavors. On the flip side, it’s a one-hour experience, which means it’s pretty quick. You won’t get a full brewery experience, but it’s perfect if you’re short on time or just want a taste of Budapest’s craft beer scene.

If you’re someone who enjoys a well-rounded, informative tasting session without the fuss of a lengthy tour, this could be a good fit. However, if you’re looking for an in-depth, day-long brewing adventure, this might feel a bit compact. It’s best suited for travelers who are curious about beer, want to learn a bit, and enjoy tasting different styles in a relaxed setting.

Key Points

• Concise and Informative: A one-hour guided tour that covers brewing processes, ingredients, and beer styles.
• Tasting Variety: Includes four 2-deciliter samples, featuring IPAs, sour beers, and more.
• Educational Experience: Learn about malted barley, hops, and brewing machinery from staff involved in the brewery.
• Modern Brewery Setting: Located in one of Budapest’s most attractive craft breweries since 2017.
• Flexible Booking: Reserve now, pay later, with options to cancel up to 24 hours in advance.
• Group Size & Language: Private groups in Hungarian or English, with a minimum of 3 people.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

The tour begins at Váci út 83, inside the SelfStore courtyard near the FIRST Taproom. It’s straightforward to locate, especially if you get there a little early to soak in the atmosphere. The guide, who could be a brewer, warehouse worker, or staff member, takes you around the brewery’s key equipment, explaining how each piece helps craft the beers.

The Brewery Exploration

First Craft Beer has been brewing since 2017 and has already produced over 3 million liters, which gives you an idea of their experience and scale. The tour lasts about an hour, and during that time, you’ll see the production area, learn about different brewing machines, and discover how ingredients like malted barley and hops contribute to flavor profiles.

The Beer Tasting

After the brewery tour, you’ll move into the tasting session — a real highlight. Expect to sample 4 different beers, each about 2 deciliters—roughly a small pint each. The selection typically includes popular styles like IPAs, fruited sour beers, and perhaps some barrel-aged options. Many reviewers mention that the beers are “well-crafted,” and the guide is eager to help you understand what makes each unique.

Learning and Sensory Experience

One of the more engaging aspects is tasting ingredients like malted barley and hops. This sensory activity helps you understand how these raw materials influence the final product. The guide will also teach you about beer styles, the history of craft brewing, and the technologies used in this modern brewery.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Itinerary in Depth

Starting at the SelfStore courtyard, the tour kicks off with a quick introduction and then moves into the brewing area. You’ll get to see equipment like fermenters and canning lines, which makes the process more tangible. The guide’s insights help demystify brewing, making it approachable even if you’re new to craft beer.

Following the brewery exploration, the tasting session begins. Expect four different beers, carefully selected to showcase a variety of styles. Reviewers have appreciated how the guide explains each beer’s flavor profile, helping even novice beer drinkers appreciate the nuances.

The tour ends back at the starting point, so it’s a neat loop that fits comfortably into a busy schedule.

Is It Worth It?

In terms of value, this tour offers a lot of educational content and tasting for about an hour. It’s suitable for those wanting a quick yet informative insight into Budapest’s craft beer scene. The small batch range and specialty beers like the barrel-aged brews are a bonus, appealing to those who enjoy discovering rare or limited-edition beers.

The group size tends to be private, meaning more personalized attention, and the guides are flexible in both Hungarian and English. The cancellation policy is user-friendly—cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, so it’s low-risk if your plans change.

However, keep in mind that pregnant women, children under 18, and those over 70 are not eligible** — which makes sense given the alcohol tasting component. Also, the tour is quite short, so if you’re a big beer enthusiast or want a more comprehensive brewery experience, you might find it a bit light.

Practical Tips

• Book in advance: Tours start after 18:00 on weekdays and after 14:00 on Saturdays, but slots fill up quickly.
• Arrive early: The meeting point is inside the courtyard of SelfStore, so plan to arrive a few minutes early.
• Bring your ID: They’ll check that you’re over 18 for the tasting.
• Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll be walking around the brewery.
• Consider your taste preferences: The beers offered are quite diverse, so be open-minded about trying something new.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who enjoy craft beer tasting, learning about brewing, and want a quick but insightful glimpse into Budapest’s modern brewing scene. It’s also great if you’re traveling with a small group, as it’s private and tailored. Beer lovers who appreciate variety will find the selection appealing, especially if they’re into IPAs and sour beers.

It’s less suitable for those with strict dietary restrictions, non-drinkers, or anyone under 18. If you’re a serious beer connoisseur looking for an extensive hands-on brewing experience, this may feel just a bit too brief.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for non-Hungarian speakers?
Yes, the tour is conducted in English and Hungarian, so most travelers should be able to follow along comfortably.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts about 1 hour, which makes it a great option for fitting into a busy sightseeing day.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are children allowed on the tour?
No, children under 18 and unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed, as it involves alcohol tasting.

Is this a private group experience?
Yes, it’s designed for private groups, ensuring a more personalized experience.

What beers will I taste?
You’ll sample 4 beers, including IPAs, fruited sour beers, and other styles, depending on availability.

Can I learn about the brewing process?
Absolutely. The guide will walk you through the equipment, ingredients, and techniques used in crafting beer.

Is this experience suitable for people with mobility issues?
The tour involves walking around the brewery, but specific accessibility info is not provided, so it’s best to check with the provider.

Do I need to make a reservation in advance?
Yes, booking ahead is recommended, especially since the experience is in private groups and has limited slots.

If you’re keen to explore Budapest’s craft beer scene in a relaxed, guided setting, this brewery tour offers a solid introduction. It combines taste, education, and a glimpse into modern Hungarian brewing, making it a worthwhile addition to your trip—especially if you’re a fan of trying new beers and learning how they’re made.

You can check availability for your dates here: