Budapest: Guided Pub Tour to Ruin Bars with Games & 6 Shots

If you’re looking to experience Budapest’s nightlife beyond the usual tourist traps, this guided pub crawl through the city’s famous ruin bars might just be your best bet. The tour, offered by Party Deck, promises a lively evening packed with drinks, fun games, and the chance to connect with fellow travelers.

What we love about this experience is how it combines authentic Budapest nightlife with a social, welcoming environment — perfect for solo travelers or groups. The guides are not only knowledgeable but also skilled at keeping the energy high. Plus, the inclusion of free shots and the option for an open bar adds significant value. Still, it’s worth noting that the cost might seem steep for some, especially if you’re not interested in drinking extensively.

This tour is best suited for those who enjoy lively atmospheres, want to see the city’s famous ruin bars, and love meeting new people. It’s also ideal for travelers keen on combining sightseeing with social fun — in other words, a great way to kick-start an evening in Budapest.

Key Points

• Authentic Budapest nightlife: Skip touristy spots and go straight to the city’s best ruin bars.
• Social and fun: Games, challenges, and friendly guides create a welcoming vibe.
• Value-packed: Free shots, digital photos, and VIP entry to a popular club.
• Flexible options: Optional open bar for an additional 20 euros enhances the experience.
• Well-reviewed guides: Multiple travelers praise the guides for their friendliness and energy.
• Great for making friends: Solo travelers and small groups alike rave about the social atmosphere.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point and Meeting

Your night begins at Liszt Ferenc tér 7, a lively spot in Budapest’s city center. We liked how the meeting point is easy to find, and the fact that you’re encouraged to arrive 10 minutes early to ensure a prompt start. This initial briefing sets the tone, as your guides introduce themselves and gather everyone into a friendly crowd.

The Itinerary and Venues

The tour takes you through 3 to 4 ruin bars and wraps up at the Instant-Fogas Complex, a well-known nightlife hub in Budapest. Each venue has its own vibe, but what unites them is their character — colorful, eclectic, and brimming with energy. The guides excel at choosing spots that are both authentic and fun, steering clear of overly touristy places.

The Guides and Activities

The most praised aspect of this tour is its guides. Multiple reviews emphasize how guides like Syrina, Kidda, and others make the night memorable through their friendly attitude, engaging games, and attention to safety. They kick off the evening with ice-breaking activities, which help even shy travelers feel comfortable.

Throughout the night, expect drinking games and challenges designed not just to entertain but to foster camaraderie. As one reviewer noted, “Ayush, Kidda, and Zinnia start the evening by running games, so everyone gets to know each other.” This social element is a core part of the experience, ensuring a lively and inclusive environment.

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Drinks and Shots

Included in your ticket are 6 complimentary shots—a perfect way to break the ice or to toast at each bar. If you want to keep the drinks flowing, the optional 1-hour open bar costs around 20 euros and offers unlimited long drinks, wines, and beers. Reviewers consistently mention how the free shots and VIP entry make the night feel like a genuine Budapest insider experience rather than just another pub crawl.

The open bar is a “golden ticket” according to many, giving you the chance to enjoy drinks like whiskey, gin, vodka, rum, tequila, and mixed beverages without worry. For those who prefer a milder option, wines and beers are also available.

Atmosphere and Photos

The vibe in Budapest’s ruin bars is electric — a blend of creative decor, lively music, and a sense of spontaneity. Guides are happy to snap photos of your group dancing and having a good time, capturing memories to look back on. Reviewers loved these candid shots, often saying they appreciated the thoughtfulness and fun they added.

The Final Stop and Club Entry

The tour culminates at the Instant-Fogas Club, one of Budapest’s most popular clubs. VIP entry is included, meaning no lines or fuss—just straight into the party. This seamless transition from bar crawl to dance floor is a highlight, especially for those wanting to extend the night.

Group Size and Social Dynamics

Groups tend to be small enough for intimacy but large enough for lively atmospheres — around 12 people per group seems typical. Reviewers report making friends quickly, sharing laughs over the games, and continuing conversations the next day. Solo travelers especially find this tour a great way to meet people, with many expressing that guides do a fantastic job of ensuring everyone feels included.

Duration and Price

The tour lasts around five hours, starting in the early evening and ending at the club late at night. The base price covers the guided experience, free shots, and VIP entry, which many find good value considering the cost of individual drinks and entry fees in Budapest’s nightlife scene.

The optional open bar, costing about €20, is a nice add-on if you want to indulge without constantly reaching for your wallet. Multiple reviews highlight how the value for money is excellent, especially when you consider all the included perks and the memorable experience you get.

Why This Tour Works Well

Authentic venues: The ruin bars in Budapest are a must-see, and this tour ensures you visit some of the city’s top spots with an insider’s perspective. These venues are more than just bars—they are cultural icons, showcasing Budapest’s creative spirit.

Social atmosphere: The use of games and group challenges transforms what could be a passive pub crawl into a lively, engaging experience. Many reviewers mention how these activities help break down barriers, making it easier to meet people.

Guides: The reviews consistently praise the guides for their friendliness, professionalism, and ability to keep the energy high. It’s clear that a good guide can turn a simple pub crawl into a memorable night out.

Inclusive experience: Whether you’re traveling solo or with friends, you’ll find this tour welcoming. Many travelers mentioned feeling safe and comfortable, even as a solo female traveler.

Value for money: With free shots, VIP club entry, and the option for an open bar, this experience offers more than just a few drinks — it’s a full night of entertainment for a fair price.

Things to Consider

While the tour is highly praised, a few points are worth noting. The cost can seem high for the open bar option, so if you prefer to drink moderately or focus on sightseeing, you might not find it necessary. Plus, the experience involves group activities, so if you’re shy or prefer a quiet night, this tour might be a bit too lively.

The behavior policies are strict — no intoxication before the start, no noise disturbance, and respectful conduct are expected. Failing to adhere could mean exclusion from the tour, so plan your evening accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This pub crawl offers a lively, safe, and authentic way to experience Budapest’s famous ruin bars. It combines well-chosen venues, energetic guides, and fun activities that make the night feel special. The value for money is clear when you factor in free shots, VIP access, and the potential to make lasting memories and new friends.

If you’re a traveler who loves social nights out, exploring unique venues, and enjoying a vibrant party scene, this tour is likely to suit your style perfectly. It’s also a great choice for solo travelers or small groups looking to kick off their Budapest visit with a memorable experience.

For those seeking a more relaxed evening or minimal drinking, consider whether the open bar option aligns with your plans. But for a fun, engaging, and culturally rich night, this guided pub crawl hits the mark.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes guided visits to 3-4 ruin bars, digital photos, 6 free shots, and VIP entry to the Instant-Fogas nightclub.

How long does the tour last?
The experience takes about 5 hours, starting in the early evening and ending at the club, allowing ample time for drinks, games, and socializing.

Can I buy extra drinks during the tour?
Yes, you can purchase additional drinks at the bars. The open bar option, available for around 20 euros, offers unlimited drinks for an hour.

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. Many solo travelers have praised the guides for making them feel welcome, and the social activities foster new friendships.

What should I bring?
Just your passport or ID. Remember to arrive 10 minutes early to meet your guides and to dress comfortably for a night of standing, dancing, and socializing.

Are there any restrictions?
Yes, you should not arrive visibly intoxicated, and noise or unruly behavior is not permitted. Respect for the venues and other guests is expected at all times.

Whether you want to see Budapest’s underground nightlife, meet new people, or just have a fun night out, this pub crawl offers a well-rounded, authentic experience that’s hard to beat.

You can check availability for your dates here: