Why Budapest Is an Ideal Destination for a Stag Do

Budapest consists of two former cities (Buda and Pest) separated by the beautiful Danube. Similarly to Paris, the Hungarian capital boasts stunning architecture, tree-lined boulevards, and spectacular bridges.

We’ve been organising awesome stags in Budapest since 2004: So we are hands down one of the O.G. stag organisers in one of Europe's top party cities – Which has just been awarded as one of the "European Best Destinations in 2019". Over 5 million visitors went to Budapest in 2023 for the first time.

Thankfully, award-winning bars, world-class nightclubs and a whole heap of activities that will keep your Budapest stag party occupied from dusk until dawn. Buda has a reputation for being a little more chilled than Pest, where all the party action takes place. Regardless of whether you stay in Buda or Pest, Pissup guarantees to organise an experience that will bring all of your mates together for an unforgettable time in Hungary’s biggest and best city.

Check out our amazing Budapest stag ideas below.

Top 10 Activities to Do for Legendary Stag Do in Budapest

Infuse some excitement into your stag do in Budapest with these legendary activities!

Budapest Pub Crawl

Enjoy a pub crawl in one of the cheapest capitals in Europe. Generally, a pint of local beer costs (in local currency, the Forint) around the equivalent of 1 to 3 pounds, depending on the bars.

Private Danube Cruise with Unlimited Drinks for a Bachelor Party in Budapest

The must-do Danube cruise with a mini-bar on the boat is perfect for your bachelor party in Budapest. It involves one hour of cruising on the water with unlimited drinks. Safety measures will be explained on the boat to ensure your well-being during the activity.

Handcuffed Entertainer

Imagine the scenario: you are with your group in a bar in Budapest when suddenly, one of our entertainers enters and surprises the groom-to-be by handcuffing himself to him. He will be stuck for an hour, even for bathroom breaks. He will challenge him and make the whole group laugh.

Paintball

On a former military base in a forest, lead this paintball game in a stylish setting. There will be plenty of hiding spots, so hide and shoot at the right moment.

Karting

What better than a good competition to spice up your stag party in Budapest? We offer a grand prix karting for adrenaline lovers. After the warm-up and qualifications with five laps each, you will have 12 laps on the best track in Budapest, 500 meters long.

Beer Bus

The beer bus is a refreshing way to tour downtown Budapest during your bachelor party. On board this double-decker party bus, the guide will show you the city's must-see spots and surroundings for a one-hour ride. Throughout the trip, delicious beers will be offered!

Escape Game

An escape game is an excellent option to start your stag do. Hungarians are good at escape games, and you will see it for yourself with stunning settings. You must show coordination and logic to leave the room in one hour.

City Challenges

Take part in challenges and games in Budapest for a hilarious evening with your friends. We offer you four hours of pure fun, including dinner, drinks (steak and fries), and a nightclub entry.

Pàlinka Tasting

Do you know Pàlinka? It is a traditional Hungarian brandy originating from the Carpathian region. Its name is derived from the Slovak word “páliť” (meaning "to distil" in English). We offer you a tasting of different varieties. Get ready for a unique local experience.

This drink can be flavoured with apple, pear, quince, or other fruits, giving it a delicious taste. The alcohol content can range from 35 to 70%, so be careful not to drink too much.

Bubble Football

Rush onto the field, surrounded by your air bubbles, to bounce off your friends while trying to score goals. The two teams will face off in an extraordinary match full of literal bounces. There will be 1 hour of play with transport included and a referee on site, so no cheating!

Nightlife Evening Activities for Your Stag Do in Budapest

You should know well by now that much of Budapest's stag do reputation comes from its exciting nightlife scene. It has all the ingredients for a messy weekend: world-class bars, lively nightlife districts, and elite clubs; no matter the night of the week you go out, you better buckle up for a night of mayhem.

Bars & Bar Crawls

Szimpla Kert

Szimpla Kert is excellent for a night out in Budapest. In 2011, Lonely Planet magazine chose it as the third-best bar in the world, and it’s undoubtedly the coolest.

It all started when a group of students converted a ruin into a bar, now known as the famous ‘ruin bars’ (transforming an abandoned building into a bar). The bar has a unique atmosphere with otherworldly decor. It has three floors and nine bars. It is a bar highly appreciated by both locals and tourists.

Hotsy Totsy

In the secret bar style, Hotsy Totsy reigns in Budapest. Its delicious cocktails, dim lighting, and 1950s music give it a stylish atmosphere. And as a bonus, there’s a secret bar to discover inside this already secret bar. We won’t say more!

Ötkert

Ötkert is another trendy “ruin bar” where you must dress smartly. In addition to being a bar, you can find snacks during the day and early evening, and once the sun sets, enjoy live music and a nightclub atmosphere. Celebrities passing through Budapest often make a stop here.

The 360 Rooftop Bar

It’s a rather chic bar, but as its name suggests, it offers a panoramic view since it’s located on the rooftops of Budapest. The menu features delicious cocktails and breathtaking views of the city's heart. The best time to go? At sunset, of course!

Other Suggestions

One of the most well-known and appreciated bar is Szimpla, a reference in Budapest. The atmosphere is indescribable, and the decor is entirely wacky.

The A38 is also a perfect option, in a completely different style. This bar offers countless cocktails and concert nights every weekend, making it a great way to spend a night out with friends in Budapest for your stag do.

Best Districts for Nightlife

There's no hiding that Budapest is great by day, but when night falls, it's when the real fun happens. While you can party in just about any corner of the city, much of the city's best nightlife revolves around two main districts, Districts 6 and 7. They're beside each other, so you'll have easy access regardless of where you kick things off.

District 6

Hailed as Budapest's Champs-Élysées, District 6 may be a little smaller than its counterpart, District 7, but it's where Friday nights start for most Budapestians. District 6 is the perfect place to start before the main event. It's a buzzing little area with quirky cocktail bars like ShowRum Spirit Bar, local boozers such as Pótkulcs, and foreign favourites, including Becketts Irish Bar & Restaurant.

District 7

District 7 is where much of the partying happens in Budapest. It's home to the city's ruins bars, including the famous Szimpla Kert and bouncing clubs like Doboz.

Best Clubs to Enjoy Your Stag Party

Instant-Fogas

Instant-Fogas is a party complex that features 17 bars and seven floors playing the latest tunes from all genres, from techno to R&B. (More info)

A38

A38 is a boat on the Danube transformed into a club that doesn't move. Picture yourselves partying on Europe's most famous river with a clear view of the stunning Hungarian Parliament.

Morrisons 2

Cheap beers, beer pong tables everywhere, rowdy as ever, and great tunes all through the night; you're always guaranteed a fun night at Morrisons 2.

Aether Club

To end the evening, meet us at Club Aether, a club you won’t soon forget. This underground nightclub will appeal to all techno music fans. Although the room is small, the sound and lighting are incredible.

Things to Do During Your Stag Weekend in Budapest

During your downtime throughout your stag weekend in Budapest, you might want to do some sightseeing. Here are some sights you don't want to miss:

Parliament Building

Soak up one of the finest examples of neo-Gothic architecture at Budapest's Parliament Building. Set along the Danube, it's the site of the country's legislature and Holy Crown. Tours can be taken off the inside, where you can marvel at the 691 stunning rooms like the Congress Hall and learn all about the history.

Castle Hill and Its Historical Monuments

Castle Hill is part of the Buda side and has many places to explore. Start with the Buda Castle, also known as the Royal Palace, a capital classic. Pass by the Fisherman's Bastion, with its stunning view of the Danube River and the other side of the bank. Then, continue towards Matthias Church, Trinity Square. UNESCO declared the castle a "World Heritage" in 1987.

House of Terror

Discover the crimes of the Communist Secret Police through the House of Terror, a four-floor exhibition about Hungary's past fascist regime and the effect they had on society. The building where the museum is set was the old base Communist Secret Police, where they committed some of the most disgusting crimes known to man.

Shoes on the Banks of the Danube (Jewish Memorial)

Next to the Parliament, you will find a curious memorial: numerous shoes that seem abandoned. It’s a monument unlike any other, and it has an unfortunate story behind it. Between 1944 and 1945, the Jews were forced to remove their shoes before being shot by Hungary's Fascist Arrow Cross Party Police and thrown into the Danube. Learn more.

Fisherman's Bastion

Catch the best view in Budapest at the fabulous Fisherman's Bastion. These incredible viewing towers were built between 1895 and 1902 as part of renovations to Buda Castle. Compared to other neo-Gothic structures in the city, the Fisherman's Bastion is much more modern, but that doesn't take anything from its beauty. While the towers are impressive, the main draw here is the panorama of Budapest's city centre.

The Thermal Baths of Budapest

You can find various hot water spas to relax or party during a Sparty, all in swimwear with a DJ. The Rudas, Gellért, Széchenyi baths, and many others await you. Here is a list of the best baths in Budapest.

Heroes's Square

‘Hősök there,’ or Heroes' Square, is at the heart of the Hungarian capital, on Andrássy Avenue. It is the largest square in Budapest, and it has monumental statues. Start all your city adventures from this square.

Advice to Get around Budapest

Get yourself up to date with all the essential information you need to get around Budapest before you arrive.

Currency

The currency used in Budapest and throughout Hungary is the Forint (HUF). You'll find many currency exchange offices throughout the city where you can exchange your home currency for Forints. Debit and credit cards are accepted at most establishments in Budapest, but it's always good to have some local currency on hand, just in case.

Language

Budapest's local language is Hungarian, and 98% of the population speaks It. However, many people know how to speak English, especially the younger generation, who work in most bars and clubs, so you won't have any problems getting by.

Stay Safe

Budapest is a safe city, but tourists are the most vulnerable because they're unfamiliar with the surroundings. To protect yourself from unwanted trouble, follow these tips:

• Bring a spare debit/credit card.
• Only take out the amount of cash you need.
• Don't walk home alone drunk in the dark.
• Always have some battery on your phone.
• Write down the name of your hotel so you can get home even if you're drunk.

Budapest districts to avoid

Hungary and Budapest are safe and have a low crime rate. Nevertheless, we recommend avoiding areas such as Józsefváros, Lipótváros, Hős Street (Heroes' Street), and certain underground passages.

Take precautions at night, and avoid being inebriated or alone to prevent facing dangerous situations.

Public transport

Budapest's public transport is efficient and affordable, with trams, buses, and metro lines connecting the entire city. The metro has four lines (yellow, red, blue, and green), and tickets are available at station machines.

• The bus system features over 200 lines; red buses serve Pest, while blue ones cover the whole city. Tickets can be bought from drivers or vending machines at some stops.

• Trams, with over 40 lines, are a popular choice, especially in the city center, with tickets sold at stop machines.

• A single ticket costs about 350 HUF (£0.5-£1) for one journey, while a 24-hour travel card costs around £5 and is ideal for unlimited daily use.

  Taxi

  Taxis are readily available across Budapest. They run on taxi meters, which allows you to monitor the price without getting ripped off. If a driver refuses to use the taxi meter, get out and wait for the next one, as they could try to overcharge you. The base fare for a taxi in Budapest is 1000 HUF (£2.19) and an extra 400 HUF (£0.87) per kilometer (June 2024).

A great alternative to taxis is ridesharing applications like Bolt and Uber. These are usually much cheaper than taking a taxi. The fares are fixed, and you'll see the price before you accept it, so you'll know if it's worth taking or not.

Our Tips for the Perfect Stag Weekend in Budapest

Planning a Budapest stag can be incredibly stressful, so why not look at our activity packages and let us do the hard part for you?

Small Budgets

If you're on a tight budget, here are some activity recommendations:

• Start your first night at Morrisons 2 with welcome drinks.
• Start your second day with a thrilling paintball session. Then, enjoy a private river cruise.
• Bubble Football and Escape Games are also excellent choices

  Large Groups

  Keeping everyone together in a large group at a stag party is a nightmare. To combat these challenges, check out our recommendations.

• Day 1 of your Budapest adventure starts with a guided tour of the city's best bars, featuring strong Pálinka and cold beers. The tour culminates in a night at a top club with included entry.
• On Day 2, enjoy an evening cruise on the Danube with an open bar.

  Large Budgets

• Day 1 starts with a VIP super hummer ride from Budapest Airport for up to 22 people, followed by a visit to a top steakhouse.
• Day 2 starts with a shooting experience and a thrilling ride in an MT-LB tank. It then transitions to a Danube River cruise with unlimited drinks and ends with a VIP table and bottle service at Morrisons 2.
• On Day 3, detox at a rejuvenating spa in Buda before your airport transfer.

Our Guide to Organise Epic Stag Do in Budapest FAQ

Is Budapest Safe for a Stag Do?

Yes, Budapest is safe for a stag do and all other kinds of trips. While petty crime happens occasionally, it can easily be avoided with the right safety precautions. Do the right things: Always walk in a group, don't carry large sums of money around, and don't look for trouble. If you follow these simple rules, you'll have a safe trip.

What Are the Best Times of Year to Organise a Stag Do in Budapest?

You can have a stag do in Budapest at any time of the year. However, the preferred time is between September and November, when the main tourism season has died down, so everything is much cheaper, like accommodation and flights. The only downside to this period is the weather may not be great, but who cares since you'll be in the pub most of the time, right?

What Activities Do You Recommend in Budapest if It Rains During the Stag?

The weather in Budapest can be unpredictable at the best of times. If you happen to be in the city when it rains, you can go for a game of bubble football, take part in a Pálinka tasting or go axe throwing. The options are endless.

What Are the Best Places to Stay in Budapest?

Where you'll stay in Budapest will depend on your tastes and budget.

• District 5 is the most convenient option since it's close to everything. Many main attractions are nearby, like the Parliament Building and St. Stephen's Basilica. However, accommodation here can be expensive, so it's not recommended if you're on a tight budget.
• There are always affordable deals on accommodation in District 6; it's more local than some of the other options, so the demand tends to be lower. Staying here will set you up nicely for enjoying the city's nightlife and key attractions, like the Terror Museum and the Opera House.
• If you want to be close to all the action, District 7 is a no-brainer. You'll have all the ruin bars on your doorstep, and plenty of places to eat are open until late. Once you have beer and food, what else do you need?

  How to Get Cheap Prices for My Stag Weekend in Budapest Far in Advance?

  The best way of getting a cheap price for your stag weekend is by booking in advance. You won't compete with other customers for availability, especially during the high season, so you can pick up affordable deals. If you have some idea of when you're hosting your stag do and would like to start putting the plans in place, you can contact our team today, and we can help you design an itinerary to suit your needs.

  Should I Book Activities for a Stag Do in Budapest?

  You know what they say, it's not stag do without activities. They bring your entire group together with one common goal: humiliate the stag as much as possible before he sails off into the sunset with his wife. Of course, you don't have to embarrass the stag if you don't want to; the activities can be just for adding some structure to the weekend, so it keeps the group together for a certain period.

  What Budget per Person Should Be Planned for a Stag Do in Budapest?

  Planning a budget per person will depend on your plans for the stag do. If you're doing some activities, you should set aside £100 to £300 for each participant, and then they should factor in their spending money when they arrive in Budapest. Suppose you weren't doing any activities and planning everything by yourselves. Well, then, it would be a personal choice based on each individual's spending habits.