There’s hardly a drink more steeped in Hungarian history than Unicum, the iconic herbal liqueur. Its story is inseparable from the Zwack family, who have woven it into the fabric of the nation for over two centuries. Today, Unicum remains Hungary’s most beloved beverage, and at Budapest’s Unicum House (Unicum Ház), you get a full five-senses experience to learn just why that is. Here, you can tour the legendary factory, sample unique aromas, and taste the full line-up: the classic Unicum, fruity Unicum Plum (Unicum Szilva), the high-end Unicum Riserva, and the bold newcomer, Unicum Barista.
A Sensory Adventure
At the Unicum House, it’s not just about tasting—it’s a complete sensory immersion. You’ll step right into the Zwack family’s dramatic history through a 270-degree immersive short film. The exhibition brings the past to life with vintage bottles, old documents, family photos, and artifacts, each with QR codes you can scan for expanded stories, videos, or photo galleries. Want a unique souvenir? Use their selfie booth for fun photos with Unicum-branded virtual backdrops—perfect for sharing on social media.
But for many, the highlight is venturing into the historic distillery and the oak barrel labyrinth below, where the elixir ages for months. Here, you get the rare treat of sampling Unicum straight from the barrel!
And before you leave, the on-site shop tempts you with every Unicum product imaginable, plus branded gifts for die-hard fans.
Tour Options for Every Curiosity (and Palate)
There are two main English- and Hungarian-language tours: Standard and Premium. Both start with the immersive film, followed by a live guided walk through the distillery and ancient cellars. You’ll explore the entire museum with a free audio guide. The Standard tour treats you to two tastings: Unicum and Unicum Plum (Unicum Szilva). Premium tours take it up a notch with four samples, adding Unicum Riserva and the innovative, coffee-infused Unicum Barista.
Standard tours run Monday through Friday at 10:00 am, 11:00 am, and 2:00 pm, with Saturday slots at 10:15 am, 11:30 am, and 3:00 pm. Premium tours are weekdays at noon and 3:45 pm, and on Saturdays at 1:00 pm and 3:45 pm. But don’t just show up! Guided visits to the historic distillery and cellars require booking for those exact times, and you can’t buy tickets online on the day of your visit. Tours only depart at advertised times, and last-minute arrivals are not guaranteed a spot.
Tickets and Prices
A single adult ticket is about $11 (3,950 Ft) and includes the film, guided tour, Unicum and Unicum Plum (Unicum Szilva) tastings, and full access to the exhibit with an audio guide. Seniors pay roughly $10 (3,500 Ft), and kids under 18 are about $5.60 (2,000 Ft)—but, unfortunately, no tastings for minors. Premium tickets are $15.50 (5,500 Ft) and include all drinks in the range.
Got a group (over 15 people)? The standard group tour is only $10 per person (3,500 Ft). Book by email for group discounts and special scheduling.
Unicum: Two Centuries of Mystique
The 20-minute introductory film presents the Zwack family saga and the rich story of their herbal liqueur empire. Ever wondered about Emperor Joseph II’s legendary court physician, where Hungary’s first neon sign was lit, or the backstory of its most iconic poster? You’ll find these answers woven seamlessly into the family’s epic timeline at the museum.
Amid rare, beautiful bottles, the exhibition space unpacks 220 years of a top-secret recipe. Check out the oldest Unicum bottle in the collection, a postcard from World War I, unpublished poetry from Endre Ady, and the Swedish passport issued by Raoul Wallenberg for Péter Zwack. See moments from the regime change era and learn how Unicum Plum (Unicum Szilva) became an instant worldwide sensation.
Each showcase is now packed with interactive QR codes. During COVID, these digital extras multiplied, so almost every display unlocks extra stories, videos, or hidden treasures. Don’t forget to snap a branded selfie on-site—fresh fun even for returning visitors!
The Heart of Unicum
The original distillery, built in 1892 and lushly draped in ivy, is the heart and soul—the “Heart of Unicum.” Restored to its former grandeur, visitors can see the working distillery and marvel at century-old equipment, gigantic stone jars, and the same aromatic herbs that make up the secret recipe.
Down below, the nearly 1,640-foot (500-meter) maze of oak barrels matures the spirit. Guided tours wind through these twisting corridors, where Unicum and Unicum Plum (Unicum Szilva) are drawn fresh from the cask—your senses couldn’t get closer to the secrets of Hungary’s most famous drink.
Plan Your Visit
Both the museum and gift shop are open Monday to Saturday, but tour times are fixed—be sure to reserve in advance. Unicum House (Unicum Ház) is a destination that brings history, family legend, and the magic of Hungary’s favorite drink to life, sip by sip, for every curious traveler or connoisseur.
