Budapest: Guided Pub Tour to Ruin Bars with Games & 6 Shots

Planning a night out in Budapest? There’s a good chance you’re considering a pub crawl to explore the city’s famous ruin bars. This particular experience, run by Party Deck, promises a lively five-hour adventure filled with games, shots, and the chance to skip lines at some of Budapest’s coolest spots. From what we’ve gathered, it’s a well-loved option for travelers who want to meet new people, enjoy authentic Budapest nightlife, and have a genuinely fun evening.

What really stands out about this tour are the friendly, knowledgeable guides who keep the mood upbeat with games and lots of shots, and the chance to explore several of Budapest’s best ruin bars without the hassle of waiting in long lines. However, one thing to keep in mind is that the experience involves a good amount of drinking and noise, which might not suit everyone. This tour feels best suited for groups wanting a social, energetic night rather than a relaxed evening out.

If you’re after a chance to experience Budapest’s renowned ruin bars, meet fellow travelers, and enjoy some lively fun, this tour could be just what you need. It’s especially popular among those looking for a good value and a memorable night out. Now, let’s dive into the details so you can decide if this is the right experience for your Budapest trip.

Key Points

• Vibrant atmosphere in Budapest’s best ruin bars, perfect for socializing
• Games and challenges to break the ice and keep energy high throughout the night
• 6 complimentary shots and an optional open bar for a full party experience
• Skip the lines at popular venues, making the most of your limited time
• Guides who are friendly, engaging, and experienced at creating a fun environment
• Flexible ending at the Instant-Fogas Complex, with VIP entry and party vibes

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

This pub crawl kicks off with a friendly meet-up in the city center, typically at Liszt Ferenc tér or Gyulai Pál utca. As soon as you arrive, you’ll notice the lively buzz that Budapest’s ruin bars are famous for. It’s an energetic, informal vibe where you can start mingling with fellow travelers, thanks to the guides who introduce everyone with icebreaker games. From the start, the focus is on having fun and connecting.

The tour lasts around five hours, during which you’ll visit four to five of Budapest’s most popular ruin bars. Each stop offers a different vibe, from artsy and eclectic to more industrial and lively. The guides are skilled at keeping the group engaged with fun challenges and drinking games, which many reviews say are a highlight. As one reviewer put it, “the intro game to break the ice was simple and fantastically managed,” making it easy for solo travelers and groups alike to relax.

The Bars and the Experience

The first stop usually involves a quick shot to shake off any initial nerves and warm up the group. The guides often take photos—many reviews praise them for capturing those fun moments of dancing and laughter. The bars themselves are notable for their unique decor and high-energy atmosphere. Many mention how the venues are cool, authentic, and different from typical tourist spots.

Throughout the night, you’ll be encouraged to buy drinks, but there’s also an option to take advantage of an open bar for an hour for an extra $20**. This open bar is a real bonus, offering unlimited long drinks, wines, beers, and mixed beverages like whiskey, gin, vodka, tequila, and rum. For those who prefer to keep it light, wines and beers are available too. The open bar, combined with the free shots—six in total—ensures you’ll be well-stocked for the night.

The Fun and Games

The tour’s emphasis on games and challenges is what many guests rave about. From icebreakers at the start to energetic challenges en route and at each bar, the guides keep things lively. These activities help everyone loosen up and contribute to the social atmosphere. Many say they made new friends along the way, and one review noted, “the group togetherness carried on throughout the entire evening.”

The VIP Entry and Final Stop

The tour ends at the Instant-Fogas Complex, a well-known nightclub where you get VIP entry, meaning no lines and quicker access. Many reviews mention how smooth and hassle-free this process is, adding extra value. You’ll also get photos taken by the guides, giving you memories of your wild night. After the bars, you’re free to dance and keep the party going in the club, which many find to be a highlight.

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Group Size, Duration, and Price

With a duration of 5 hours and a price of around $23 per person, this experience offers good value. The group sizes can vary, but reviews mention groups of about 12 or even larger, which keeps the vibe energetic without feeling overwhelming. The inclusions like free shots, VIP entry, and digital photos add to the overall experience, making it worthwhile for those who want an active, social night out.

Is It Worth the Price?

In our view, the $23 base price is quite reasonable considering the number of venues visited, the free shots, and the VIP treatment at the club. The optional open bar for an extra $20 is a fantastic deal if you’re looking to indulge; it’s a great way to maximize your drinking and social experience without worrying about individual drink costs.

What the Reviews Say

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with a 4.8/5 rating based on over 1,200 reviews. Many travelers highlight the friendly guides and entertaining games as key highlights. Several mention how the experience was well-organized, with smooth transitions between venues and engaging hosts. For example, one guest noted, “the guides know their way around the best bars and made us play a couple of games to break the ice,” which really sums up the communal vibe.

Others appreciated the quality of the venues and the free shots throughout the night. Many reviewers also say they felt safe and well-looked-after, which is comforting for solo travelers or those new to Budapest nightlife.

However, some reviews hint that the night can be quite boisterous, especially with a large group and the open bar. If you’re not into loud music, dancing, or drinking games, this might not be your ideal evening.

Practical Tips

• Arrive 5 minutes early at the meeting point to ensure you don’t miss the start.
• Bring your passport or ID—it’s required for entry and age verification.
• Dress comfortably but consider smart-casual, as some venues have a slightly dressier vibe.
• If you want to enjoy the open bar, plan to buy it early in the evening.
• Remember to behave respectfully—noise, unruliness, or damage to venues can lead to fines or being asked to leave.
• For solo travelers, this is a fun way to meet people, but keep an eye on your belongings.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for social travelers, especially those interested in Budapest’s famous ruin bar scene. If you love games, shots, and dancing, you’ll love the lively, high-energy vibe. It’s also great for groups of friends or solo travelers who want to make new friends in a relaxed environment.

However, it’s not suitable for children under 18 or travelers seeking a quieter, more laid-back experience. The emphasis on alcohol and loud venues means it’s geared toward party-goers.

The Sum Up

If you’re looking for a fun, sociable way to experience Budapest’s nightlife, this guided pub crawl offers a fantastic combination of authentic ruin bars, engaging hosts, and lively party atmosphere. The inclusion of free shots, an optional open bar, and VIP nightclub entry makes it a practical choice for travelers wanting to maximize their evening.

The tour’s strength lies in its friendly guides, well-chosen venues, and interactive games that help everyone loosen up and have a great time. While it’s definitely a lively, drinking-focused experience, it’s perfect for those wanting an energetic night out with new friends and a taste of Budapest’s famous ruin bar culture.

For those who enjoy socializing, dancing, and a bit of friendly competition, this tour is a solid pick. Just remember, if you prefer a calm, quiet evening, this might not be the right fit. But if you’re ready to dance, laugh, and enjoy Budapest’s vibrant nightlife, you’ll find plenty to love here.

FAQ

Is there an age requirement for this tour?
Yes, you must be over 18 to join, as it involves alcohol consumption and venue entry.

Does the tour include food?
No, food is not included, so plan to eat beforehand or afterward.

What is the duration of the tour?
The overall experience lasts about 5 hours, starting in the early evening.

Can I buy additional drinks during the tour?
Yes, you can purchase more drinks at the bars, and there’s an optional open bar upgrade for unlimited drinks for one hour.

Does the tour provide photos?
Yes, your guides will take digital photos of your group throughout the night.

Is the open bar available for the entire tour?
No, the open bar is an optional one-hour addition for $20, not included in the base price.

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. Many reviews mention meeting new friends and feeling safe while enjoying the lively atmosphere.

If you’re after a lively, well-organized way to explore Budapest’s nightlife and meet people in a fun, relaxed setting, this pub crawl hits the mark. Just go with a good attitude, and you’re sure to have a memorable night.

You can check availability for your dates here: