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

If you’re after a way to experience Budapest’s buzzing nightlife without the hassle of figuring out where to go, the Original Budapest Pub Crawl offers an energetic, social introduction to the city’s famed ruin bars, cocktail lounges, and lively clubs. It’s a four-hour journey that promises a one-hour open bar, free shots at every stop, and VIP access to one of Budapest’s most popular clubs. While it’s packed with energetic fun, it’s also a mixed bag of great moments and some notable pitfalls.

What really draws us in is how this tour makes it easy to meet fellow travelers and locals alike. Plus, the skip-the-line VIP entrance at the final club can save you hours of waiting, allowing you to seamlessly transition from pub to party. However, a word of caution: some reviews mention inconsistencies in the experience, especially regarding the open bar and bar quality, so it’s worth going in with realistic expectations.

This pub crawl is best suited for social travelers looking for a lively night out in Budapest, especially those who enjoy meeting new people and trying a variety of bars and clubs. If you’re after a structured itinerary with authentic local vibes and don’t mind potential extra costs, this could be a memorable way to spend your evening.

Key Points

• Vibrant social experience perfect for meeting new people.
• Includes a 1-hour open bar with long drinks, wine, and beer.
• Visit multiple bars and clubs, from ruin bars to top-tier clubs.
• Skip-the-line VIP access at the night’s final venue.
• Potential extra costs on arrival and for drinks beyond the open bar.
• Guides often praised for friendliness and helpfulness.
• Mixed reviews around the authenticity of the open bar and bar quality.
• Ideal for night owls and those ready to party into the early hours.

What to Expect from the Itinerary

Starting Point: Manytime Bar & Socializing

The tour kicks off at Manytime Bar & Restaurant, centrally located at Király u. 60. This is more than just a meet-up spot; it’s a chance to mingle with your guide and fellow travelers. The guide, often praised for friendliness and humor, will be holding an umbrella to identify themselves — a small but helpful detail amid Budapest’s lively streets.

The First Stop: The 1-Hour Open Bar

Around 10:00 pm, the party officially kicks off with what’s billed as a “famous 1-hour open bar.” This includes long drinks, wine, and beer, with some reviews mentioning watered-down shots that aren’t quite what they seem. This part of the tour is designed to get everyone relaxed and ready to socialize, and many guests enjoy the chance to sip on drinks while chatting with strangers.

However, some reviews note the drinks can be quite diluted, and the “free shots” may not be as potent as expected. One reviewer mentioned that the shot quality was disappointing, describing them as “juice drinks,” which could be a letdown if you’re expecting strong alcohol.

Visiting the Bars and Pubs

After the open bar, the group hits a variety of bars, ruin pubs, and cocktail lounges. These stops often vary night to night, making each crawl somewhat unique. Reviewers mention that the bars tend to be somewhat empty at first, with a few exceptions. For example, one review notes that the initial bars were nearly deserted, but the final club was packed, which added to the excitement.

Guides like Mark and Burak are frequently praised for their knowledge of Budapest’s nightlife and their friendliness. Arun_U commented that Mark was an excellent guide who kept the energy high, sharing fun stories along the way.

The Final Stop: The Club with VIP Entrance

The last venue is a well-known club where guests get skip-the-line VIP access. This VIP privilege is a highlight, especially on busy weekends, allowing you to skip hours of waiting and dive straight into Budapest’s club scene. The club itself is often described as lively and bustling, with some reviewers mentioning that staff tried to upsell drinks at inflated prices, which can sour the experience.

End of the Night

The tour wraps up back at the starting point or close by, with some guests feeling that the night was a perfect blend of socializing, dancing, and exploring Budapest’s best nightlife spots. Others, however, mention that some bars felt underwhelming or that the experience was marred by extra costs or inconsistent service.

The Real Deal: What We Loved and What to Watch Out For

Pros:

• Guides like Mark, Burak, and Lucas are often described as friendly, engaging, and knowledgeable, making the night more fun and less confusing.
• The skip-the-line VIP club access saves precious time and lets you focus on enjoying the party.
• The variety of venues—from ruin bars to bustling clubs—gives a well-rounded taste of Budapest’s nightlife.
• The open bar offers a good start for those looking to loosen up and break the ice.

Cons:

• Several reviews mention additional costs payable on arrival, often via PayPal or cash, which could be surprising or inconvenient.
• The quality of drinks during the open bar and free shots is inconsistent; some guests found the drinks watered down or disappointing.
• Some bars are notably empty early in the night, which may affect your overall vibe.
• The initial meeting point might not be the exact spot, causing some confusion.
• Reports of aggressive upselling at the final club and inflated prices can be a downer, especially if you’re not prepared.

How Much Is It Worth?

For $23.22, this pub crawl offers a solid value, considering the open bar, multiple bar stops, and VIP club access. However, with potential additional costs—like extra drinks or the optional open bar upgrade—your total expenditure can climb. The tour’s worth hinges on your expectations: if you’re after a lively night with easy socialization, it’s generally a fair deal. But if you’re picky about drink quality or prefer fewer extra charges, you might want to plan accordingly.

Practical Tips

• Arrive early at the meeting point to avoid confusion. The guide is identifiable with an umbrella, making spotting them easier.
• Be prepared to pay extra if you want the full open bar experience beyond the initial hour.
• Watch out for extra charges at the club; clarify prices beforehand.
• If you prefer more authentic or less crowded bars, this tour might feel somewhat commercialized.
• Bring cash or PayPal ready for the additional fees some venues require.

Who Would Love This Experience?

This pub crawl is ideal for young travelers, solo adventurers, or groups wanting a fun-filled night without the hassle of planning bar-hopping on their own. It’s perfect if you’re keen to meet fellow travelers, enjoy free drinks early on, and finish with a VIP club experience. It’s less suited for those seeking a more intimate, authentic, or relaxed night out, or for anyone wary of extra costs and inconsistent drink quality.

The Sum Up

The Original Budapest Pub Crawl offers a lively, social evening that showcases the city’s nightlife in a structured, guided format. With guides praised for their friendliness and the VIP club access as a highlight, it delivers a fun night on a reasonable budget. The open bar and free shots give an energetic start, and the variety of venues means you’ll get a taste of Budapest’s diverse bar scene.

However, it’s important to go in with realistic expectations about drink quality, potential extra costs, and variable bar atmospheres. If you’re a night owl eager to dance and mingle, this tour could be a memorable part of your Budapest trip. For those seeking a more authentic or quiet evening, you might prefer exploring independently or opting for a different experience.

Bottom line: If socializing, drinking, and partying are on your agenda, and you don’t mind some unpredictability, this pub crawl offers good value and a chance to make lively memories. Just be prepared for a few surprises along the way.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for minors?
No, the minimum age is 18, so it’s designed for legal drinking age participants.

Does the tour include food?
No, food is not included in the experience.

Is hotel pickup or drop-off provided?
No, the tour does not include transportation; guests need to meet at the designated starting point.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour, receiving a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable.

Can I join the tour if I arrive late?
It’s best to arrive on time; late arrivals may miss the start or not be accommodated.

Are the drinks during the open bar alcohol?
Yes, the open bar includes long drinks, wine, and beer, but some reviews note the quality varies.

How many people typically join?
The tour can host up to 208 travelers, but some nights might be less crowded, especially on weekdays.

Is the VIP club experience worth it?
Absolutely, it allows you to skip lines and jump straight into the party, often being a highlight of the night.

What should I wear?
Dress code is casual but neat; most venues prefer no flip-flops or athletic wear.

Embark on your Budapest nightlife adventure with this guided pub crawl, and enjoy a night filled with new friends, great drinks, and unforgettable memories.