Budapest is a city that truly comes alive at night, especially if you enjoy a drink or two. Its vivid nightlife, historic ruin bars, lively pub scenes, and scenic river cruises make it a perfect destination for those seeking memorable drinking experiences. We’re particularly fans of the Budapest: Unlimited Prosecco, Beer and Aperol Spritz Cruise because it combines stunning river views with endless drinks, offering a relaxed yet festive way to see the city after dark. For something more social and energetic, the guided pub tours provide a chance to explore the city’s legendary ruin bars with new friends, while the Bingo Bar Crawl adds a playful twist to your night out.
Whether you’re after a romantic sunset cruise, a thorough bar crawl, or a luxurious thermal beer bath experience, Budapest’s drinking tours cater to all tastes and budgets. Ready to dive in? Here’s our full list of the 14 best drinking tours in Budapest, with honest insights to help you pick the right one.
Quick Overview
Our list includes a variety of drinking experiences, from scenic boat cruises to guided pub crawls through the famous ruin bars, and even a beer tasting tour. You’ll find options that emphasize relaxation—like the Prosecco and beer cruise or the thermal spa beer bath, and others that focus on socializing and nightlife, such as the pub crawl or the Bingo Bar Crawl. Each tour offers a different way to experience Budapest’s drink scene, with some including all-inclusive drinks, while others focus more on local culture and history.
Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each experience, highlighting what makes each one special.
1. Budapest: Unlimited Prosecco, Beer and Aperol Spritz Cruise
At number 1, this 75-minute nighttime boat cruise offers the perfect combination of fantastic views and endless drinks. Sipping unlimited Prosecco, beer, Aperol Spritz, or lemonade while drifting past Budapest’s illuminated landmarks is a memorable way to unwind after a day of sightseeing. The boat’s panoramic windows and open-air terrace allow for spectacular photos of the Parliament, Buda Castle, and Chain Bridge as the audio guide points out each site. The reviews highlight the excellent service, unlimited drinks, and the stunning views, making this a favorite for couples and groups wanting a relaxing yet lively experience. The cruise operates in the evening and offers flexibility in start times, making it easy to fit into your schedule.
Bottom Line: A relaxing, scenic cruise with plentiful drinks and fantastic views—ideal for a romantic evening or a small group celebration.
2. Budapest: Guided Pub Tour to Ruin Bars with Games & 6 Shots
Number 2 on our list takes you through 4-5 of Budapest’s most popular ruin bars over 5 hours. It’s perfect if you want to skip tourist traps and experience the authentic Budapest nightlife. Your guide introduces you to the high-energy vibe of ruin bars like Szimpla Kert, with welcome shots and fun challenges to break the ice. The tour includes an open bar hour, which adds great value, and plenty of opportunities for photos, dancing, and socializing. Reviews praise the lively atmosphere and friendly guides, making it a top pick for solo travelers or groups looking for a cultural yet lively night out.
Bottom Line: Best for those seeking a fun, social evening with a local twist, especially if you enjoy games and meet-new-people atmospheres.
3. Budapest: Bar Crawl Tour with Drinks and Shots Included
At number 3, this 3-hour 15-minute pub crawl ensures you’ll visit some of Budapest’s top bars without the hassle of figuring out where to go. Starting at the Ferris wheel, you’ll enjoy around four included drinks and shots at each stop. The tour includes visits to Klauzál tér for Hungarian fröccs, Wesselényi utca for creative shots, and Király utca for beers. Guides share lively stories about Budapest’s bar scene and local culture, making the experience both fun and educational. The tour’s small group size, combined with excellent reviews, means personalized attention and a relaxed pace.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a structured, social night with multiple drinks and a taste of Budapest’s diverse bar scene.
4. Bingo Bar Crawl
This three-hour pub crawl adds a playful twist, with Bingo challenges that keep the night lively. Participants compete in fun challenges like kissing strangers or tequila shots, earning points for prizes. It’s a great way to mingle and energize your evening, especially with the English-speaking host guiding the way. The tour covers some of Budapest’s hot nightlife spots, including the Jewish Quarter, with skip-the-line nightclub access at the end. Reviewers enjoy the party atmosphere and the chance to meet fellow travelers, making it perfect for those who love games and social fun.
Bottom Line: Best suited for lively, interactive nights with a fun, competitive edge—perfect for groups and party travelers.
5. Budapest Ruin Bars: Evening Walking Tour with Drinks & Snacks
This three-hour walking tour takes you inside three of Budapest’s most famous ruin bars—Lampas, Instant-Fogas, and Szimpla Kert. It includes sampling alcoholic drinks and snacks, along with stories behind the bars’ transformation from abandoned buildings to cultural hubs. Small groups ensure a personal experience, and your guide shares insights into the district’s history and street art. The tour is perfect for those interested in culture, history, and unique venues, blending drinks with storytelling in a relaxed setting.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers wanting a cultural night out with drinks, art, and local history, all in a social atmosphere.
6. Budapest Party District Bar-Hop with 2hrs Unlimited Drinks
This 3 to 4-hour experience begins with welcome shots and takes you through four different bars in Budapest’s famous party district. It offers VIP access at Instant-Fogas, one of Europe’s largest clubs, with two hours of unlimited drinks to fuel your fun. A local guide leads the way, creating a lively, guided vibe. The reviews emphasize great locations and friendly hosts, making it suitable for travelers looking for a party-focused night with ease.
Bottom Line: Great for those who want heavy drinking and dancing in Budapest’s most energetic neighborhoods.
7. Budapest: 4-hour Bottomless Brunch w/ Cocktails & Craft Beer
Number 7 combines delicious food and drinks in a lively brewery setting. Over 4 hours, you’ll enjoy bottomless mimosas, Bloody Marys, Aperol Spritz, craft beer, and espresso martinis, along with American breakfast favorites like eggs and pancakes. This tour is perfect for brunch lovers wanting a relaxed but festive atmosphere. The reviews highlight the quality of the food and drinks and the friendly staff. It’s a great way to kick off a day or recover from a late night.
Bottom Line: Best for those wanting a long, relaxed drinking session with great food and lively ambiance.
8. Budapest Exclusive Thermal Spa LUKACS LUXURIOUS PRIVATE BEER BATH
This 45-minute private beer bath at Lukács Baths offers a luxurious twist on relaxation. You soak in a thermal bath infused with beer ingredients, while unlimited Czech beer flows on tap. The experience is cozy, and reviewers mention it as a unique spa treatment that’s both relaxing and fun. It’s a perfect pampering experience with a twist for beer lovers. The small group setting and exclusive atmosphere add to its appeal.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking luxury relaxation combined with a beer-themed spa experience.
9. The Original Budapest Pub Crawl – One Hour Open Bar + Free Shots
Starting with an open bar hour and continuing through multiple popular bars, this four-hour pub crawl is designed for lively, social nights. It begins at Manytime Bar, with the guide leading the way to clubs and ruin bars, ending at one of Budapest’s top clubs with skip-the-line entry. Reviewers mention the friendly guides and great venues, making it perfect for travelers who want a structured yet fun night out.
Bottom Line: Good for those who want a classic pub crawl experience with a mix of drinks, dancing, and socializing.
10. Budapest: Sip & Sail Danube Cruise with Unlimited Beer
This 1.5-hour sunset cruise combines stunning views with unlimited beer on tap. As you glide past Budapest’s most famous landmarks like the Parliament and Buda Castle, you can relax with a cold brew and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Reviews mention this tour as a wonderful way to unwind, especially at sunset. It’s best suited for those who want a scenic and chill drink experience on the water.
Bottom Line: Perfect for romantic evenings or peaceful gatherings with breathtaking river views.
11. Born Under The Red Star – Communist Tour with Coffee in a Retro Bar
This 3-hour small-group tour explores Communist Budapest, visiting landmarks like the Soviet Memorial and House of Terror. It includes a coffee break in a retro Communist-themed bar and provides insightful commentary on the era’s influence. Reviewers appreciate the informative content and unique sights most visitors miss. It’s perfect for history buffs or those interested in Budapest’s past political landscape.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want to combine history and culture with a relaxed atmosphere.
12. Budapest Beer Experience: 2-Hour Guided Craft Beer Tasting
This small-group beer tasting at Előzőház features five Hungarian craft beers, including a local IPA paired with cheese. The host shares professional tasting tips and beer history, making it a fun, educational experience. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable hosts and quality of beers, making it a great choice for beer enthusiasts looking to deepen their appreciation.
Bottom Line: Excellent for those wanting to learn about Hungarian craft beers in a relaxed, guided setting.
13. Budapest: 4-Course Dinner Cruise with Piano Bar
Combine dining and sightseeing on this 2-2.5 hour cruise. Enjoy a 4-course meal and live piano music while floating past iconic sights like Buda Castle and Parliament. It’s a romantic way to see Budapest from the water, with reviews noting a delightful atmosphere. Suitable for couples or those celebrating special occasions.
Bottom Line: A refined, scenic dinner experience with entertainment—best for romantic evenings or special celebrations.
14. Budapest: Party District Bar-Hop with 2hr Unlimited Drinks
Ending our list is another party-focused bar hop in Budapest’s vibrant district. With two hours of unlimited drinks or a welcome shot, guides create a custom route through lively ruin bars, lounges, and hotspots. The skip-the-line entry at Instant-Fogas ensures no waiting in line for the night’s final dance. Reviewers mention the friendly guides and great venues—making it ideal for those wanting an active, social, and energetic night.
Bottom Line: Perfect for party animals and those eager for a fun, flexible pub-hopping experience.
How to Choose the Right Drinking Tour in Budapest
Picking the perfect experience depends on your style and interests. Want a romantic river cruise? The Prosecco and Aperol Spritz cruise (see more) offers a relaxed, scenic way to unwind. If your goal is exploring Budapest’s famous ruin bars, the guided pub tour (click here) offers a lively, social experience with stories and games. For more immersive tasting, the craft beer experience (visit here) is a smart pick, especially if you enjoy learning about local brews.
Travelers on a budget might prefer the Bingo Bar Crawl or the Party District bar-hops which offer affordable prices with unlimited drinks or fun challenges. Those seeking luxury and relaxation should consider the thermal beer bath, which combines spa luxury with beer indulgence.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons, and always check availability and start times. Consider your preferred vibe—relaxed, energetic, historic, or playful—and pick accordingly.
Final Thoughts
From scenic boat cruises to energetic pub crawls, Budapest offers a superb variety of drinking tours that cater to different tastes and styles. If you want a romantic experience with views, the river cruise is hard to beat. For those eager to explore and socialize in ruin bars, guided pub tours and bar crawls provide excellent options. And if your main focus is beer tasting or relaxing in a thermal bath, Budapest’s options will not disappoint.
Each experience offers something unique—so think about your budget, interests, and the kind of night you want to have. Remember, many tours fill up quickly during the busy season, so booking early ensures you won’t miss out on the perfect Budapest night out.