As the weather’s getting better, there’s no better way to enjoy a night out than by having a scrumptious cocktail! I’ve gathered some of what I believe are the best cocktail bars in Budapest and definitely worth a visit.
This list includes some high-end cocktail bars that come with a hefty price tag. But there are many other bars on the list that are budget-friendly. I strongly believe that you don’t have to break the bank to have a good time and so including some affordable places was a priority of mine. Quality is also of the essence.
If you share the same sentiment, dive into this article and save these locations for the next time you want to go to a cocktail bar in Budapest.
What are some of the best cocktail bars in Budapest?
Here’s a list of some of the cocktail bars you can’t miss when in Budapest.
🍸Budget-friendly Cocktail Bars in Budapest
1. Ikon Piano Bar and Bistro
If you love the sounds of the piano, you’re going to love Ikon Piano Bar and Bistro. The ambiance of this bar is like no other and it definitely deserves a spot on the list. Taking us to classical times, live music fills the rooms at this bar and it can all be enjoyed alongside a tasty cocktail.
Their menu has a wide selection of amazing cocktails, including classics and signatures, and also consists of strong spirit choices to put you in a great mood.
Location: 1075 Budapest, Kazinczy Street 5.
Entry: Free
Costs: $$$ (Average drink costs around 4000 HUF)
Open hours: 06:00 PM – 05: 00 AM Wednesday- Saturday | Monday-Tuesday-Sunday Closed
2. WarmUp Cocktail Bar
Bartender skills or not, WarmUp Cocktail Bar gives you the chance to experience what it’s like to be a mixologist for a night.
Don’t worry! They won’t have you making drinks for everyone.
Instead, they let you decide what exactly you’d like to drink. Now, I’m sure you’re thinking, ‘Don’t all bars do that?’ Yeah, but this one does so with a twist.
As an alternative to having a fixed menu, this cool and cozy cocktail bar lets you craft your own drink. Simply tell the bartender what you’re in the mood for, a little sweet, a little sour, and you’ll have one personalized drink coming up.
What makes WarmUp Bar one of the best cocktail bars in Budapest is that they don’t just serve you drinks, they offer you an experience!😉
Their philosophy says, every given moment and mood has its own drink, and we couldn’t agree more!
Location: Budapest, Nagy Diófa u. 26, 1072
Entry: Free
Costs: $$$ (Average drink costs around 4000 HUF)
Open hours: 07:00 PM – 01:00 AM Tuesday-Wednesday | 07:00 PM – 02:00 AM Thursday | 06:00 PM – 03:00 AM Friday-Saturday | 07:00 PM – 01:00 AM Sunday | Closed Monday
3. Blue Fox the bar
Offering the very best in modern and classic cocktails is Blue Fox the Bar—a notable cocktail bar in this vibrant city. Their menu includes some all-time favorites and other drinks with a twist to enjoy along with their weekly live DJ performance.
If you’re looking for a cocktail bar with tasty drinks and a great ambiance, this place is definitely one for you. Another huge perk is the “price tag” on these drinks. They’re super affordable and definitely highly surpass expectations, making for a wonderful experience out.
Location: Erzsébet tér 7., Budapest – 1051, Hungary
Entry: Free
Costs: $$$ (Average drink costs around 4000 HUF)
Open hours: 05:30 PM – 01:00 AM Monday-Sunday
4. Boutiq’Bar
Scooping up a spot on this list of best cocktail bars in Budapest and also in the world, is Boutiq’Bar. They’ve rightfully received several awards and being one of the world’s 50 best cocktail bars suits them quite well.
The atmosphere definitely matches the vibes of this place and the tasty cocktails make the experience even better. Another awesome thing is you can enjoy their drinks in the comfort of your own home. Simply join Raise Your Spirits and order your desired cocktail base and have it sent to you alongside everything else you’ll need for your cocktail and enjoy.
Location: Budapest, Paulay Ede u. 5, 1061
Entry: Free
Costs: $$$ (Average drink costs around 4500 HUF)
Open hours: 06:00 PM – 01:00 AM Thursday | 06:00 PM – 02:00 AM Friday-Saturday | Closed Monday-Wednesday
5. KAA
If you’ve been to the amazing city jungle, Twentysix, then you’ve probably walked past KAA. This bar is sister to Twentysix and much like the jungle, it doesn’t disappoint.
They’re open every evening and ever ready to serve the best cocktails. What’s best is that their prices are pretty great and so you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank when you head over there.
Choose anything from a classic cocktail to something unique and prepare to be blown away.
Catch a glimpse of the vibe on their Instagram
Location: 1061 Budapest, Király utca 26.
Entry: Free
Costs: $$$ (Average drink costs around 4500 HUF)
Open hours: 05:00 PM – 12: 00 AM Sunday – Thursday | 05:00 PM – 02: 00 AM Friday – Saturday
6. Black Swan
A truly unique cocktail bar in the heart of Budapest is Black Swan. They’re always ready to offer a great experience in both tastes and feel, and succeed each time.
Prepare to be swept away by the beautiful art deco interior which tells a tale of the drinks on their menu. The Negroni Vintage Room will send you right back to the 1900s when Negronis were born. To inspire cocktail and food enthusiasts, Black Swan Lab was created. Their goal here is to take food and drink lovers along the beautiful journey and creation of something delicious.
Intrigued? Expand your inner world with Black Swan.
Location: 1072 Budapest, Klauzál utca 32.
Entry: Free
Costs: $$$ (Average drink costs around 4500 HUF)
Open hours: 06:00 PM – 02:00 AM Wednesday-Saturday | 06:00 PM – 12:00 AM | Monday-Tuesday
🍸🍸Pocket-heavy Cocktail Bars in Budapest
7. Leo Rooftop Bar
Want a drink to match your zodiac sign? Head over to Leo Rooftop Bar to get the ultimate experience. Their vast cocktail selection includes zodiac-inspired drinks, classics, and some signature mixtures.
If you’re a sucker for gin and tonics, they make a mean drink. But that’s not it, they have lots of special choices on their menu and there’s definitely a drink or two for each kind of cocktail lover.
Leo Rooftop Bar is definitely one of the best cocktail bars in Budapest and it’s got a view that’s to die for! But this will come at a cost. It’s on the higher end when it comes to prices but it’s definitely worth every penny.
Location: Budapest 1013 Clark Adam tér 1.
Entry: Free
Costs: $$$$ (Average drink costs around 5000 HUF)
8. Bar Pharma
If you’re into lab vibes or not-so-ordinary places, head over to Bar Pharma. This cozy bar serves dangerously good alcoholic concoctions to ensure you have a good time. They even serve their shots in “medication bottles”. That sight is a first for many and the experience only begins there.
Bar Pharma is popular for its signature cocktails but also for whipping up pretty good traditional cocktails. It comes as no surprise that this place is one of the top-rated and best cocktail bars in Budapest.
Location: Budapest, Kazinczy u. 35, 1075
Entry: Free
Costs: $$$$ (Average drink costs around 5000 HUF)
Open hours: 06:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday-Tuesday | 06:00 PM – 01:00 AM Wednesday-Thursday | 06:00 PM – 03:00 AM Friday-Saturday
9. High Note Sky Bar
If there’s one amazing thing High Note Sky Bar has, it’s fantastic cocktails and great views! Wait, that’s two things. But who cares?
Nestled on the top floor of Aria Hotel Budapest is this one-of-a-kind cocktail bar. Offering a 360 panoramic view of the city, you can catch some of the city’s most places from here. The beautiful St Stephens Basilica is in full view—making it a wonderful Instagrammable spot in Budapest!
The food doesn’t disappoint either. They’re known for their tasty bar food and scrumptious desserts.
This cocktail bar is on the higher end when it comes to costs with drinks averaging 6000 HUF. With the kind of view the bar has and the wonderful hospitality, it’s all totally worth it.
Location: Budapest, Hercegprímás u. 5, 1051
Entry: Free
Costs: $$$$$ (Average drink costs around 6000 HUF)
Open hours: Monday-Thursday 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM | Friday-Sunday 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Their city-inspired cocktails here
10. The Duchess
Described as a secret liquor library, The Duchess is one of Budapest’s most popular rooftop bars. This exquisite bar has stunning views that stretch over Elizebeth Bridge, Gellert Hill, and the beautiful Buda Skyline.
But this isn’t the only special thing about this fabulous bar. It’s got such a great history and still exudes the aura of royalty. From the intricate architectural details to the amazing service and beautiful views, you’ll truly feel like royalty.
The bartenders at The Duchess can also whip up a mean cocktail and effortlessly prove their expertise in mixology. Like most spots of a similar caliber, it doesn’t come cheap. But once you’re there, soaking in the vibes and enjoying a tasty alcoholic mixture, you’ll forget all about that!
Location: Budapest, Matild Palace, Váci u 36, 1056
Entry: Free
Costs: $$$$$ (Average drink costs around 6000 HUF)
Open hours: 05:00 PM – 01:00 AM
Open hours: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM every day
No matter what you spend at either one of these cocktail bars, prepare for a fun night out. If you want to do more drinking in the city, these other cocktail bars are definitely worth a visit:
- Hotsy Totsy
- Etoile Champagne Bar
- SEVEN Cocktail Bar
- Muza
- GoodSpirit Whisky & Cocktail Bar
For another unique experience around the city, head over to some ruin bars! Budapest’s got the best so guaranteed to have a great time.
Check the list here: The best ruin bars in Budapest
Also recommended: Best Wine Bars in Budapest
Best cocktail bars in Budapest
You could also be asking:
How much is a cocktail in Budapest?
It depends on where you get the cocktail. It will cost you 3500 HUF for a cocktail in a popular ruin bar or in a restaurant. A signature cocktail from a cocktail bar will cost you an average of 6000 HUF.
Is alcohol expensive in Budapest?
Compared to other countries in Europe, the cost of alcohol is cheaper in Budapest. You can get a beer in the supermarket for 350 HUF which is about the same amount for a soft drink. Alcohol prices will go higher based on where you purchase them.
Why can’t you click glasses in Budapest?
This dates back to a legend from Hungary’s 1848 revolution where the Austrians celebrated their victory in Vienna by toasting and clicking their glasses. Hungarians then vowed not to clink their glasses.
Can you drink on the streets in Budapest?
Technically, drinking on the streets is illegal in Budapest. There are plenty of outdoor spaces dedicated to entertainment where alcohol consumption is permissible. However, it’s not uncommon to see people drinking in the streets as people rarely get fined for doing so.
If you enjoyed this article, you may enjoy this one as well: The Best Ruin Bars in Budapest
Or if you’re looking for some inspiration to get out of the city, this article, Best solo travel destinations in Europe, may come in handy.
Feel free to leave any comment on cocktail bars in Budapest that you think should be on this list.
