The Original Budapest Pub Crawl – One Hour Open Bar + Free Shots

If you’re looking to explore Budapest’s vibrant bar scene in a fun, social setting, The Original Budapest Pub Crawl offers an appealing way to do just that. With its lively atmosphere, friendly guides, and exclusive access to some of the city’s best clubs, this tour promises an energetic night that balances movement, socializing, and a bit of partying.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the one-hour open bar at the first stop gives you a generous intro to Budapest’s drinking scene. Second, the opportunity to meet fellow travelers and locals makes the night more engaging. Third, the skip-the-line privilege at a top club ensures you jump right into the action without waiting around.

However, a potential downside is the mixed reviews regarding the quality and transparency of the open bar, which some guests felt was not as advertised. This is worth considering if you’re on a tight budget or seeking a fully authentic experience.

This tour is best suited for social travelers who want a guided introduction to Budapest’s nightlife, enjoy meeting new people, and are comfortable with some unpredictability. If you’re after a fun night with a friendly crowd and lively guides, you’ll likely find this tour well worth the money.

Key Points

• Vibrant social scene: Meet fellow travelers and locals in a lively atmosphere.
• Open bar included: Enjoy a 1-hour long drinks session at the first stop (though reviews suggest quality may vary).
• Skip-the-line access: Get priority entry to one of Budapest’s most popular clubs.
• Multiple bar stops: Experience a variety of Budapest’s ruin bars, cocktail bars, and clubs.
• Guided experience: Led by knowledgeable, friendly guides who help navigate the nightlife.
• Value for money: Priced at $23.22, it offers a good introduction to Budapest’s nightlife if expectations are managed.

Breaking Down the Experience: What To Expect

Meeting Point and Starting Atmosphere

The tour kicks off at Manytime Bar, located at Király u. 60, in the heart of Budapest. The guide — identifiable by an umbrella — gathers everyone between 9:00 and 10:00 pm. This initial gathering is a great chance to meet your guide and fellow travelers, many of whom book about ten days in advance, indicating decent popularity. The reviews praising guides like Mark highlight that a friendly, engaging host makes a big difference in setting a relaxed, fun tone early on.

The First Stop: Open Bar & Introduction

Shortly after 10 pm, the group heads to the first bar, where you’re offered one hour of open bar, featuring long drinks, wine, and beer. According to the tour description and reviews, the open bar is intended to be a highlight, creating a casual, party vibe. Arun_U notes, “Mark was a great guide! Had an amazing time. Free shots at every bar and all the guides were very friendly,” emphasizing how the social aspect kicks off right from the start.

However, some guests, like Kristin_S, express skepticism about the open bar’s actual quality — with watered-down drinks being a common complaint. The extra 3800 HUF charged for the open bar can be a worthwhile investment if you’re after a lively start, but keep in mind the drinks might not be top-shelf.

Bar-Hopping: A Mix of Ruin Bars and Cocktail Bars

Following the opening, the crawl visits a sequence of bars—likely a combination of Budapest’s famous ruin bars and contemporary cocktail venues. You’ll get a taste of Budapest’s eclectic nightlife, which is renowned for its ruin pubs and creative cocktail spots.

Guests report that the selection of bars can be hit or miss; some are quite empty with only your group present, while others are lively. One reviewer, ALEXANDER_W, mentions that the first two bars were practically deserted, but the final club was packed, giving a more authentic party experience.

Guides: Friendly, Knowledgeable, and Entertaining

Reviews consistently mention guides like Mark, Lucas, and Burak as being personable and helpful, often sharing funny stories and making the night more memorable. One reviewer praised Burak specifically as being “really helpful” and recommended trying the crawl during their visit.

The guides not only facilitate the logistics but also add humor and personality, which can greatly enhance your night out. This personal touch is a highlight, making the experience more than just a bar-hopping tour.

The Final Destination: Club with Skip-the-Line Entry

The tour culminates at one of Budapest’s most popular clubs, where you benefit from skip-the-line access. This perk is highly valued, as it means no waiting in long queues and getting straight into the party. The club is described as lively, and guests often appreciate the chance to dance and socialize in a vibrant environment.

Price, Value, and Additional Costs

While the base price is around $23.22 per person, reviews reveal some extra costs to be aware of, such as additional payments on entry (via Revolut, PayPal, or cash) and optional open bar upgrades. Some guests found the drinks at the end club to be overpriced and the staff somewhat pushy about ordering expensive bottles.

The value depends on your expectations: if you’re after a guided night with socializing and skip-the-line entry, the price is reasonable. But if you’re a craft cocktail enthusiast expecting premium drinks, you might be disappointed.

Authenticity and Guest Experiences

Mixed reviews are common with tours like this, and this one is no exception. Arun_U’s glowing review about Mark’s guiding skills contrasts with Kristin_S’s frustration over poor organization and misleading open bar promises. A recurring theme is that the guides are friendly, making the tour enjoyable despite some of the logistical hiccups.

Some reviews indicate that the tour predominantly appeals to those willing to go with the flow, accept some variability, and enjoy the social aspect. Others mention that the initial meeting point can be confusing or that additional costs aren’t clearly communicated upfront.

Highlights to Love

• Friendly guides like Mark and Burak add personality and local insights that turn a simple pub crawl into a more engaging experience.
• Diverse bar selection showcases Budapest’s trendy ruin bars and other nightlife venues.
• Skip-the-line access to a popular club ensures you beat the queues and dive directly into the party.
• Social atmosphere fosters meeting travelers from all over the world and even locals, making the night more memorable.

Things to Consider

• The quality of the open bar may not meet everyone’s expectations, and some drinks could be watered down.
• The additional costs and tips can add up, especially if you’re not prepared for extra payments at entry.
• The variation in bar popularity means some venues may feel empty or underwhelming.
• The tour starts later than advertised (around 10 pm), which may affect early-night plans.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This pub crawl is ideal for young travelers, solo adventurers, or groups looking to get a lively, guided introduction to Budapest’s bar scene. If you appreciate a social environment, friendly guides, and the convenience of skip-the-line access, you’ll likely enjoy the experience.

However, if you’re seeking a high-end bar experience, craft cocktails, or a perfectly transparent open bar, this tour might fall short. It’s also worth noting that the tour operates with a maximum group size of around 208 people, so expect a lively, bustling atmosphere.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for under 18s?
No, the minimum age is 18 years, making it suitable for legal drinkers wanting to explore Budapest’s nightlife.

What time does the tour start?
The official start time is 9:30 pm, but guests report it often begins closer to 10 pm. It’s best to arrive early to meet your guide.

Are drinks included in the open bar?
Yes, there’s a one-hour open bar at the first stop, which includes long drinks, wine, and beer. Additional costs may apply for extra drinks or upgrades.

Where do I meet the group?
At ManyTime Bar & Restaurant, Király u. 60, Budapest. The guide will be holding an umbrella to identify themselves.

What is the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 4 hours, ending back at the starting point or the final club.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

Final Thoughts

This pub crawl offers a lively, social way to experience Budapest’s nightlife, especially if guided by engaging, knowledgeable hosts like Mark or Burak. You’ll get a taste of the city’s famous ruin bars, enjoy a generous open bar at the start, and skip long lines at a busy club.

While there are some caveats around drink quality and extra costs, many travelers find the tour to be a fun, inexpensive way to kick off an evening of exploring Budapest’s dynamic party scene. It’s best suited for those who enjoy meeting new people, are flexible with the experience, and value having a guide to navigate the city’s nightlife.

If you’re after a lively introduction to Budapest’s party scene with good company and the convenience of skip-the-line access, this pub crawl could turn into one of your favorite nights out in the city.

Remember: Always check the latest reviews and confirm details before booking, as experiences can vary and tours may update their procedures or policies.