Things to do in Budapest and around Budapest: Places to drink

Although Hungarians love to drink, they mostly do this in the privacy of their home or in cheap stills located in basements. Of course, very few of these places are in the downtown area where you would see them. Bars and night clubs are really not the place where an ordinary Hungarian man would get drunk. If you go to places like this, you will meet fellow tourists and expats only. Not to say that this is not fun...

A good place to start would be For Sale (V., Vamhaz krt 2) right near the Liberty bridge and the Central Marketplace. This is a country-style pub with live music open until 2 am. To be honest, I have never been able to get a place in the bar where I would see the band.

Another choice is Pesti Est Cafe (VI., Liszt Ferenc ter, 5) not too far from the Opera House. Service is friendly, live piano music. Open until 2am.