The Best Ruin Bars in Budapest
They started out of necessity and then became a trend, and now they are an integral part of Budapest’s nightlife and social scene. Of course, we’re talking about the ruin bars in Budapest, which were once a secretive “in the know” place to grab a drink, but are now a very popular part of mainstream culture in this dynamic Hungarian capital. The first of these ruin bars in Budapest, Szimpla Kert, is now practically a tourist attraction. While locals and travelers alike enjoy having a cheap beer while sitting on dingy furniture surrounded by weird art, the occasional tour group will come in to take photos too.
But it wasn’t always this way. In order to find a place to serve cheap drinks, in 2001 the founders set up a bar in one of Budapest’s many abandoned buildings. They moved around a few times, and in 2004 found a more permanent home in the old Jewish Quarter. Since then, the ruin bars have become an institution in Budapest, and have inspired other cities to do the same.
READ: For a break from the nightlife scene, head to pristine Hallstatt in nearby Austria.
Following in the footsteps of Szimpla Kert, other ruin bars began to pop up around the city center. Some only lasted for a short time, while others have stuck it out over the years. Sometimes real estate developers come in and buy the old building, and the bar must close. Other times the local residents find a way to get the bar shut down because of loud noise and music. And rumor has it that some of these bars don’t even pay rent, they just sneak into the ruins and set up a secretive bar until the owners find out.
Now, not only is the secret out, but ruin bars have become a legitimized business in Budapest. Other savvy business owners are creating ruin restaurants, nightclubs, dance clubs, and more. It is not uncommon to see a high-end restaurant that has the look of a ruin bar, as the owners try to capitalize on something that is grabbing worldwide attention and pushing Budapest even higher on the list of “must visit” cities in Europe.
Read: Find out how to visit Budapest – and other cities in Europe – for cheap!
It’s clear that ruin bars and related establishments are here to stay, and for a good reason. Locals and visitors alike enjoy them, whether they are a bar, restaurant, dance club, or some combination thereof. If you’re in Budapest, don’t miss visiting a ruin bar, as many travelers claim that this is one of the best things to do in the city.
Below are some of the best ruin bars in Budapest – at least for now. While some of them have been around for a decade or more, others are new and might not last very long. Catch them before they close!
Best Ruin Bars in Budapest
Szimpla Kert
The first and original ruin bar is now famous and worth a visit. While you’re there, have a drink at one of their mismatched tables, admire the artwork, and strike up a conversation with the locals. They have indoor and outdoor seating, and an old derelict car – a Trabant – makes for an interesting showpiece, and doubles as a place to sit. In addition to drinks, food is also served. Later in the evenings, the atmosphere becomes more party-oriented with music and a festive crowd.
Fogashaz & Instant
The building that now contains Fogashaz, which translates to “House of Teeth,” once contained a business to repair dentures. An old sign led to the naming of this large complex. Like many of the older buildings in Budapest, the structure has been remade into a bar. But this place is not like the others, because it contains multiple venues under one roof. Housing several bars, clubs, lounges, and dance floors, Fogashaz is a veritable complex and nightlife institution.
One of the first ruin bars in Budapest is Instant, which now occupies one of the sections of Fogashaz, featuring a bar and dance floor which will guarantee to occupy your time until the sun comes up. The vibe is active like a dance club, with pricier drinks and DJ’s spinning music to enthrall the masses.
Other sections of Fogashaz are more relaxed, with quieter rooms, lounge bars for actual conversations, ping pong tables, and more. All of the areas of this huge complex are decorated with eclectic and intricate designs, such as strange color combinations and dirty old furniture with various objects hanging from the ceilings. It’s a place you won’t forget, so don’t miss it.
Doboz
Another ruin club “complex,” Doboz fills up at night as their bar turns into a dance club with throbbing music. The prices of drinks here are a little higher than at other ruin bars, and many say that the large scale of renovation to the building might exclude this from being called a ruin bar, but nonetheless, it receives its fair share of guests looking for excitement. They have multiple rooms and a courtyard full of local art and sculptures. They also have a full menu for those that want to grab a bite before things heat up.
Anker’t
With multiple courtyards and a huge dance floor that heats up in the evening, this former factory-turned-nightclub will meet all of your hedonistic needs for a night out in Budapest. Some areas are for lounging while the main section hosts DJ’s and other live music.
But it’s not all about the nightlife here. During the day Anker’t turns into a place that also houses a weekly market and film screenings, and they also serve decent food. Why would anyone ever want to leave?
Kuplung
A bit hard to find, Kuplung (“Clutch”) is a former car repair shop. The hard-to-find aspect of Kuplung is one of its appeals, and once you’re in, the attraction is obvious. Following the eclectic art trend set by other ruin bars, Kuplung has a large fabricated whale hanging from its ceiling, as well as other urban-themed artwork. Local bands and DJ’s play regularly here in the evenings, too.
Corvinteto
This bar and dance club is known for its large rooftop with nice views and trendy music. While the atmosphere here is less about being a bar and more about dancing, that doesn’t stop the crowds from funneling in late at night to the top floors above a supermarket. If you’re only looking for a relaxing bar atmosphere, come early for a casual drink and avoid it later in the evening when the DJ’s are playing.
Nightlife in Budapest
Budapest is filled with all types of bars and clubs as it becomes a nightlife destination in its own right. While ruin bars have become a highlight of the city’s entertainment scene, the associated “ruin clubs” are also an integral part of the European party circuit. It also helps that the overall cost of travel in Budapest is fairly low compared to other European cities.
Also if you need a place to stay, a number of great party hostels can be found in Budapest, too. Why not stay somewhere cheap, meet up with some fellow travellers, and venture out into the city’s ruins? You can even take part in a Backpacker Pub Crawl – one of many pub crawls on offer in Budapest.
Book a Pub Crawl in Budapest!
READ: Beautiful Vienna isn’t far from Budapest – so why not do a combined Budapest/Vienna trip?
Where to Stay in Budapest
Hostels in Budapest:
Airbnb in Budapest:
Mid Range Hotels in Budapest:
Budapest Holidays Harmony offers units with free WiFi, flat screen TVs and fully equipped kitchenettes, and it’s located right in the heart of Budapest, within minutes of the historic Old Town.
The Elit Hotel is a great midrange choice that includes breakfast and is located only 500m away from Central station. There is a bar onsite with an outdoor terrace which also offers light meals and snacks throughout the day.
Liszt House Apartments in Centre offers clean and modern rooms and apartments with free WiFi. There is parking next to the apartments and they are located in a beautiful part of Budapest, only one mile from the historic Old Town.
Luxury Hotels in Budapest:
Hotel Rum Budapest has artfully decorated rooms, and has a great location close to the famous Gellért Thermal Baths – you can book a tour around the historic baths here. Room prices include a buffet breakfast which is served every morning on the Hotel’s roof terrace.
The Aquincum Hotel is a fabulous luxury option with an onsite spa with thermal pools, and a fine dining restaurant. Located on the Danube riverfront, the hotel is also close to the historic old town. Make sure you take a river cruise whether you stay here or not.
Hotel Erzsébet City Center is an elegant choice in Budapest’s City Center, with well appointed rooms and a Steak Restaurant and Wine Bar onsite.
Central Basilica Apartment is a spacious two bedroom apartment located within walking distance to the Old Town. Access to a kitchen is a big plus to staying in this apartment.
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READ: Visit Budapest in winter as part of Christmas Markets trip.
Author Bio
Bryan is obsessed with all things budget travel, and that’s why he and his wife started Budget Your Trip which is dedicated to travel costs from around the world. Also an avid photographer, he has visited more than 50 countries and believes in slow travel.
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