Budapest: Brewery Tour at “First Craft Beer” & Beer Tasting

A Closer Look at the Budapest Brewery Tour at First Craft Beer

If you’re visiting Budapest and craving authentic craft beer experiences, the Brewery Tour at “First Craft Beer” is worth considering. This guided tour, lasting about an hour, takes you into one of Budapest’s most modern breweries, located at Váci út 83. Led by knowledgeable staff, including brewers and staff from various parts of the brewery, you’ll learn about the brewing process, ingredients, and the story behind Hungary’s fast-growing craft beer scene. Expect to sample four different beers—ranging from India Pale Ales (IPAs) to fruity sours—all in a relaxed, friendly setting.

What we genuinely appreciate about this tour is its focus on education and tasting. You’ll get to see the brewing equipment up close, learn about the ingredients like malted barley and hops, and understand what makes each beer unique. The fact that they brew small batch, limited-release beers adds a special touch, especially if you’re into trying something that’s crafted in very limited quantities. Plus, the tour’s relaxed pace and intimate setting make it more like a conversation with a knowledgeable friend than a formal lecture.

One consideration to keep in mind is the tour’s timing—it’s generally scheduled after 18:00 on weekdays and after 14:00 on Saturdays, so if you’re planning an early day, this might not be your first activity. Also, the tour isn’t suitable for minors or pregnant women, so it’s more a beer lovers’ experience than a family outing.

If you’re someone who enjoys learning about local food and drink traditions, appreciates a good variety of craft beers, and prefers a personalized experience, this brewery tour is a solid choice. It’s especially well-suited for curious travelers eager to discover Budapest’s emerging craft beer scene in an authentic way.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Educational and Tasting Focus: Learn about brewing ingredients and process while sampling four different beers.
• Modern, Well-Equipped Brewery: Explore a brewery that has been operational since 2017 and produced over 3 million liters.
• Limited Release Beers: Enjoy the chance to taste their Small Batch beers, which are brewed only once in a lifetime.
• Expert Guides: The tour is led by staff working in various roles—brewers, warehouse managers, sales, and finance—adding diverse perspectives.
• Flexible Booking: Reserve now, pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• Ideal for Beer Enthusiasts: Perfect for those wanting a behind-the-scenes look at Hungary’s craft beer movement in a private group setting.

An In-Depth Look at What You Can Expect

Location and Meeting Point

The tour begins in the SelfStore courtyard at Váci út 83, specifically inside the FIRST Taproom. You’ll enter through the car courtyard—so finding the meeting point is pretty straightforward if you’re familiar with Budapest’s layout. The tour ends back at the starting point, making it convenient for those staying nearby or planning to explore more of the city afterward.

The Guided Tour Experience

In a typical 60-minute session, you’ll be guided through the brewery, which has a sleek, modern feel that reflects Budapest’s contemporary craft beer scene. We liked that the guide takes time to introduce you to all the brewing equipment, explaining what each machine does and the significance of various brewing stages. This insight transforms the process from a mysterious black box into a transparent, understandable craft.

You’ll have the opportunity to see, smell, and even taste some of the raw ingredients—malts and hops—giving you a tactile sense of what goes into your beer. One reviewer mentioned, “We loved the way the guide explained the ingredients and brewed beers—they made it simple and fun.” It’s this approachable teaching style that makes the experience accessible for all.

More Great Tours Nearby

Beer Tastings and Highlights

After the tour, you get to sample 4 x 2 dl beers—enough to enjoy and compare without feeling overwhelmed. The selection often includes their popular IPAs, fruited sour beers, and their barrel-aged super specialty beers. If you’re into hop-forward beers, you’ll appreciate their IPAs, while sour lovers will find the fruited options refreshing.

The tasting experience is more than just drinking; it’s about understanding what makes each beer different. The guide might also point out the specific ingredients that influence the flavor, such as the malted barley or the hops, which enhances your appreciation of craft brewing.

Learning About Craft Beer in Budapest

Since First Craft Beer has been brewing since 2017 and has already brewed over 3 million liters, their experience is evident in their professional approach. They even create Small Batch beers that are brewed only once, making each encounter a potential one-of-a-kind experience. This aspect was a favorite among reviewers, who enjoyed tasting beers that are not available anywhere else.

The Modern Brewery Setting

The brewery itself is described as attractive and state-of-the-art, reflecting Budapest’s modern brewing scene. The equipment and infrastructure, which include advanced brewing technologies, make for an interesting visual contrast with traditional European brewing traditions. You’ll learn why modern breweries like this are changing the Hungarian craft beer landscape.

Practical Details and Logistics

The tour lasts about an hour, so it fits well into a busy sightseeing day. The group size is private, enhancing the experience’s intimacy and allowing for more personalized questions. The activity is in English and Hungarian, suitable for most travelers. Keep in mind, it’s not suitable for children under 18, pregnant women, or those over 70, which is typical for beer tastings.

Pricing includes the guided tour, four tastings, and the ingredient tastings, which we find offers good value for a unique, behind-the-scenes experience. Given the quality of the guide, the beer selections, and the personalized approach, it’s a worthwhile spend for craft beer lovers or those curious about the local scene.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This brewery tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy craft beers and want to understand their production. It’s ideal if you’re looking for an experience that combines education with tasting, and if you prefer small, private groups over large tours. It’s also perfect for those wanting to explore Budapest’s burgeoning craft beer scene in a relaxed, friendly setting.

However, it’s not designed for children or nondrinkers, and if you’re not a fan of beer, this might not be the best activity. But for those who love learning about local flavors, this tour offers a genuine, behind-the-scenes look that’s hard to find elsewhere in Budapest.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
While the tour focuses on beer ingredients, it doesn’t specify whether any animal-derived products are used. Usually, craft breweries use plant-based ingredients, but if dietary restrictions are a concern, it’s best to inquire directly with the brewery.

Can I join the tour if I don’t speak Hungarian?
Yes, the tour is offered in English and Hungarian, and most guides are likely fluent in both. Check the schedule to confirm the language for your preferred time slot.

How much beer will I get to taste?
You’ll enjoy 4 x 2 dl beers, which is enough for tasting and enjoying without becoming intoxicated. It’s a good-sized pour for a guided tasting.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The information provided doesn’t specify accessibility features, so if mobility is a concern, contact the provider directly to clarify.

What time do the tours start?
On weekdays, they start after 18:00, and on Saturdays after 14:00. Confirm availability when booking, as times may vary.

Can I book this as a private group?
Yes, the experience is offered for private groups, making it ideal for friends, couples, or small groups seeking a personalized experience.

Is there a minimum group size?
Yes, a minimum of 3 people per group is required to book.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket covers the guided tour, four tastings, and an informative session about brewing ingredients and history.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Absolutely, cancellations are possible up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for travelers.

Is this activity suitable for non-drinkers?
Since it’s centered around beer tasting, it’s not suitable for those who do not drink alcohol, including pregnant women and minors.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to pair your Budapest visit with a genuine insight into Hungary’s craft beer scene, this brewery tour at First Craft Beer offers a well-balanced mix of education, tasting, and behind-the-scenes access. It’s a hands-on experience that not only satisfies your curiosity about brewing but also provides a chance to sample some of the most interesting beers Hungary has to offer.

The tour’s intimate setting and knowledgeable guides make it a rich experience for beer aficionados or anyone interested in local food and drink culture. Keep in mind, it’s best suited for travelers who want an engaging, relaxed activity in the evening, away from the hustle of the city streets.

Ultimately, this experience offers a fantastic value if you’re eager to understand the craft behind the beer and enjoy a few good pours in a welcoming environment. Whether you’re a seasoned craft beer lover or a curious traveler, it’s a memorable way to taste Budapest’s modern brewing craft.

You can check availability for your dates here: