Is alcohol expensive in Budapest?

Wondering if alcohol is expensive in Budapest? Let’s find out in a sober way. 

As you may or may not know, Budapest is not cheap, cheap, at least not as it used to be. But if you go, it is still way more gentle for the pockets than other capitals in Europe. So you can play your cards well and have a luxury experience without paying luxury prices.

Is alcohol expensive in Budapest compared to other European capitals?

The HUF, the local coin, has an advantage if you come from the eurozone. So everything looks expensive, but it’s actually cheaper than the rest of Europe. Also, try to remember the conversion trick. Look for the exchange rate every day.

alcohol cheap or expensive budapest

Beer prices in Budapest bars and ruin pubs

For example, in a local bar, an average beer, a pint, costs approx between 1,200 HOF or 2,000. That’s typical for ruin bars. And for a Romkoskma, something reasonable is between 1,200 to 1,800 Huf the beer.

Happy hours and on Erasmus nights are an actual thing. You can find huge discounts on beer on those nights. Even at 900 HUF. Craft beer is a little bit more expensive, it’s the artisan version of the lager, so expect a cocktail price for a craft beer.

Cocktail, shots, and party prices in Budapest nightlife

Cocktails are up to 3,500, and if it’s an Instagrammable place, expect even more. Shots inside the party can be around 1,400 Huf. That’s the average price.

The most expensive can maybe be the price of alcohol in festivals, those long drinks can be up to 3,500 HUF and they will charge you extra for the reusable cup.

Does location affect alcohol prices in Budapest?

Of course. In some touristy zones close to the center, in the district 5 or the district 7, they can charge on a Friday night even way more than that. So if you get out of these zones like 10 minutes out or 15 minutes walking, prices get waaaay down.

Id you dont know where to go in Budapest for bars and clubs is better to make a pub crawl.

Is alcohol expensive in hungary

How to drink smart and save money while pub crawling in Budapest

And what we would recommend is that you drink at home so as not to spend that much money first. Have an Aperol, half a liter beer, a pint that costs 300 Huf. And then hit the bars. That’s the smart pre-drink alternative if you’re really into alcohol.

Making our original Budapest pub crawl is the best way to drink in fair price while discovering the night of Budapest. Different bars with access included and drinks in fair price will make your night a great one. Also because comming with more people is always better that go by your own.

Taxes, extra charges, and why alcohol feels more expensive

The IVA in Hungary is quite expensive, it’s 27%, and for the alcohol usually, they charge you extra for that. So when you’re in a restaurant, especially look for that. 

Some places, they also ask for an extra charge, even an extra 15%. So look at the bill before tipping.

There are special taxes in Hungary, so… It’s normal that every year alcohol gets more expensive.

Is alcohol expensive in Budapest today?

It depends on the day you’re reading this. Put in 2026, to say everything in one word, Budapest definitely is not an expensive city to go out, but neither is it the paradise of 2016. It’s a mix between street prices and super happy hour… Choosing the neighborhood always helps. You can go out in a hardcore style and just spend smartly. And that, for a city that has such a good party scene, this is a golden tip.