Budapest Ruin Bar Pub Crawl & 6 Shots with VIP Club Entry

Summary

Budapest nightlife crawl with ruin bars, retro pubs, games and shots

You’ll jump straight into Budapest’s legendary nightlife with a local guide leading you through quirky ruin bars and retro pubs. Expect six welcome shots, ice-breaking games that actually work, fast-track entry to clubs like Instant-Fogas, and plenty of chances to meet both locals and fellow travelers. You’ll leave with new friends—and maybe even a few blurry photos you’ll want to keep.

What’s the experience like?

"You ever tried pálinka?" our guide, Gábor, grinned as he handed me a tiny glass that smelled like trouble. We’d just ducked into this half-lit ruin bar in downtown Budapest—walls covered in old bikes and mismatched lampshades, the air thick with cigarette smoke and laughter. I could hear someone playing old Hungarian rock on a battered jukebox in the corner. The first shot burned all the way down (in a good way?), and suddenly it felt easier to talk to the group—people from everywhere, swapping stories between sips.

I didn’t expect to actually enjoy the drinking games but somehow ended up arm-wrestling an Irish guy over who had to do another round. Gábor kept things moving but never rushed us—he’d just say “Take your time,” then point out some weird detail about the place, like how one bar used to be a dentist’s office. The route changed as we went; sometimes we lingered if the conversation got good or if someone wanted to try saying “Egészségedre!” properly (I still can’t). There was this card with little challenges—one dared me to ask a local for their favorite shot. She recommended Unicum, which tasted… complicated. Not sure I’d order it again but hey, when in Budapest.

Later on, we skipped the line at Instant-Fogas club—felt kind of cool walking past everyone waiting outside. Lights were pulsing inside and people were already dancing like it was 2am even though it wasn’t. Somewhere in there Gábor snapped a picture of us mid-laugh (I hope he deletes mine). My shirt still smelled faintly of paprika chips by the end of it all. Walking back along those cobbled streets at night, I realized I hadn’t checked my phone once since we started—which says something.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Budapest nightlife and bars

• Meet local guide
• Visit 2-3 authentic ruin bars
• Enjoy 6 welcome shots
• Play drinking games and challenges
• Visit 2-3 retro bars
• Receive informational card for mingling
• Take professional photos
• Dance and socialize with group

Top questions

How many bars do you visit on this Budapest pub crawl?

The tour usually stops at 2–3 ruin bars and 2–3 retro pubs; routes may vary nightly.

Are drinks included on the Budapest ruin bar tour?

Yes, six welcome shots are included during the crawl; extra drinks can be purchased.

Is there VIP club entry on this Budapest pub crawl?

Yes, VIP fast-track entry is included for Instant-Fogas club during the tour.

Can you join the group later if you want to stay longer at one bar?

Yes, you can scan your QR code to find the next location and rejoin anytime.

Are there any games or challenges during the tour?

Yes, drinking games and warm-up challenges are part of the experience.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, public transport options are close to where the tour takes place.

Do you get photos from the night out?

Your guide will take digital pictures throughout the evening for you.

Is food included on this Budapest nightlife tour?

No meals are included; only drinks (shots) are provided as part of the package.

What’s included

Your night includes six free shots across several ruin bars and retro pubs in downtown Budapest, fun drinking games and mingling challenges led by your local guide, VIP fast-track entry into Instant-Fogas club so you skip lines like a regular, plus digital photos from throughout your adventure before heading home whenever you’re ready.