5-a-side football for a stag do in Budapest

A game of football is a classic stag-do activity, and Budapest has plenty of pitches. Most packages bundle transfers, a pitch and a guide at a fixed price per person. If your group just wants a proper game, you can also do it yourselves for less. This guide covers both ways to play with PitchUp.

Option 1: join a pickup game together

Pickup games run several times a week at venues across Budapest. Each match page shows the time, format, surface, price and how many spots are left. If there are enough spaces, everyone in your group books their own spot and you play with and against locals, which is a good story in itself.

• Best for: groups of 2 to 6 who are happy to mix with other players.
• Where: BME Sporttelep (XI.) and Városliget Mini Arena (VI.) have the most evening games.
• How to pay: each player pays the host in cash at the venue.

Option 2: a private game for your group

With 10 or more players, run your own game. One person applies to become a host on PitchUp; we reply within 24 to 48 hours, so apply at least a few days before the trip. The host posts a game at a Budapest pitch, makes it private and shares the invite link. Only people with the link or code can book, so it's just your group.

• 5v5: 10 players, the classic stag-do format.
• 6v6: 12 players, a little more space.
• 11v11: 22 players on a full-size pitch, for a big group.

Choosing a pitch

Budapest Garden FC in Zugló (XIV.) and Panoráma Sportközpont (II.) have changing rooms and showers, which matters when you're heading out afterwards. Panoráma also has parking and a café. Floodlit turf at Városliget Mini Arena and Budapest Garden FC means you can play in the evening.

Plan it well

• Play early in the trip, before the late nights catch up with you.
• Bring the right boots: turf shoes or short studs for artificial turf.
• Bring a light and a dark shirt each, or matching shirts for the group.
• Arrive ten minutes early: pitches are booked by the hour and games start on time.
• Bring cash in forints for the host.

Common questions

Can we book a pitch just for our group?

Yes, as a private game run by someone in your group who hosts on PitchUp. Apply a few days ahead.

Do we have to be good at football?

No. Small-sided games work at any level, and in your own private game the only opponents are your friends.

What if someone drops out?

Players can cancel from the app. With 24 hours' notice or more there's a full refund, between 6 and 24 hours 50%, and under 6 hours none.