Budapest: Ruin Bar Crawl with Drinks & Shots Included

Summary

Hungarian fröccs, wild shots & Budapest’s ruin bar spirit

You’ll join fellow travelers for a night out in Budapest’s legendary ruin bars, sampling Hungarian fröccs and creative shots as you swap stories and laughs. With drinks included and a local guide leading the way, expect unexpected moments—like quirky décor or new friends—and leave with memories that linger long after last call.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the sticky table — not in a gross way, just that lived-in feeling you get in Budapest’s ruin bars. Our guide, Márk, handed me a glass of fröccs (it’s wine with soda water, but don’t call it a spritzer here) and started telling us how these places survived decades of change. Someone spilled a little on my sleeve; I didn’t care. The air smelled like old books and something herbal — maybe the bitters they use for shots? It felt like the kind of place where you could lose track of time or your plans.

I tried to order in Hungarian (“egy sört, kérek!”), which got a laugh from the bartender and some encouragement from Márk. We bounced between three or four different bars — each one stranger than the last. One had bicycles hanging from the ceiling; another had walls covered in faded movie posters. At some point we all did a round of shots (I still can’t tell you what was in mine — something spicy and sweet at once). There were people from all over: Australians talking about river cruises, two Dutch girls comparing tattoos, locals who seemed to know everyone by name.

By midnight I’d stopped checking my phone. The music got louder, but somehow it didn’t drown out our little group’s laughter. It was humid outside — that sticky summer heat — but inside it felt like its own world. Márk told us some wild story about Budapest’s past (something about poets and secret police?) while we nursed beers that tasted colder than they probably were. I remember thinking: this is what people mean when they talk about “vibe,” even if I usually hate that word.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Budapest bar crawl with drinks and shots

• Indulge in Hungarian fröccs and history
• Discover unique and creative shots
• Enjoy favorite brews and relax
• Embark on exquisite cocktail creations

Top questions

How many drinks are included in this Budapest bar crawl?

The tour includes 2 drinks (beer and fröccs) plus 4 shots per person.

Is there a local guide during the Budapest ruin bar crawl?

Yes, the tour is led by a local guide who shares stories and helps navigate the nightlife.

Are service animals allowed on this Budapest bar crawl?

Yes, service animals are allowed during the tour.

Is public transportation nearby for getting to or from the crawl?

Yes, there are public transportation options available close to the meeting point.

What kind of drinks will I try on this Budapest pub crawl?

You’ll try Hungarian fröccs (wine spritzer), beer, and several unique shot concoctions.

Is lunch or dinner included on this tour?

No meals are included; only drinks and shots are provided during the crawl.

Can pregnant travelers join this Budapest bar crawl?

This tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers due to alcohol consumption.

Do I need to be very fit to join this pub crawl?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels; expect some walking between bars.

What’s included

Your night includes two drinks—one beer and one Hungarian fröccs—plus four inventive shots along the way as you explore several ruin pubs with your local guide before heading off into Budapest’s late-night scene together.