If you fancy a beer for just 79p, then a trip to central Europe could be well worth considering – and there’s a whole lot more to Hungary that the great value bars
Europe’s cheapest city for a pint continues to sell beer for five times less than the UK average – and is just a quick good-value flight away.
In Hungary’s Northern Great Plain region, Debrecen doesn’t just offer low cost drinks. It’s a fantastic weekend get-away and if you plan right, it could be the biggest bargain trip of your life. According to best-price finder Skyscanner, you can travel from Luton Airport to the city from as little as just £23 for a return flight if you go at the right time of the year.
It’s well under three hours away and it is known as Europe’s cheap pint capital for a reason. Thirsty visitors to the Hungarian city can grab a Soproni lager for just 79p with the average lager setting you back 82p. That is a full 6.6 times cheaper than the average price of a pint in London, where the average drink now sets you back an upsetting £5.90.
Even Derby – the UK’s cheap place to grab a pint according to one study – can’t match the prices, with the average charge in the Midlands city £3. Debrecen isn’t just a great place to enjoy a drink however, but a fascinating city in its own right. The bustling university town has a large yellow cathedral Reformatus Nagytemplom, an extensive museum of Hungarian culture, a zoo and a theme park.
The inflationary pressures of the past couple of years has had a big impact on the costs of alcoholic drinks in the UK. Figures from the Office for National Statistics released last year showed that the average cost of a pint of draught lager in a pub increased 12.1% between August 2022 and August 2023, from £4.12 to £4.65. With wages failing to keep pace for many, spending an evening at the pub may begin to feel like a luxury.
The good news is that Debrecen is not the only place you can pick up an incredible value pint in Europe, and we’ve detailed a few hot spots here. But if you want to avoid the destinations where you’ll be charged the earth for a beer then you’ll want to steer clear of Iceland – a beer now costs and average of £8.33 a pop!
Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife – £1.60
An oldie but a goodie, this Canary Island classic continues to provide bang for your buck. And with sweeping sea views, a serene atmosphere and dirt cheap pints, there are no surprises why. If you travel in June before the school summer holidays you will find good weather as well as great value for money in-destination, all while avoiding peak season airfares and hotel charges.
Faro, Portugal – £2.18 a pint
The Algarve is synonymous with azure waters, sunshine, delicious food and affordable drinking boltholes. Consider Faro for your next European break for wallet friendly price tags on flights, hotel stays, and in-destination costs – beers start at a mere £2.
Zagreb, Croatia – £2.44 a pint
Zagreb brings to mind sandy beaches by day and partying with friends by night thanks to an attractively low price per pint, just £2.44. Avoid the school holidays and visit in May-June to take advantage of the best savings.