The best “ruin bars” in Budapest

If you love finding places that are as peculiar as they are wonderful, then the ruin bars in Budapest should top your list of places to visit in the Hungarian capital.

A great way to get introduced to and learn more about this original concept is by participating in a free night tour of Budapest, perfect for getting a feel for the city’s nightlife. Keep reading to learn everything about the ruin bars in Budapest and discover the highlights of entertainment in the city.

What are the ruin bars in Budapest?

Ruin pubs, or ruin bars, are establishments mainly located in the Jewish Quarter (District VII) of the Hungarian capital. This concept emerged in the early 2000s with the aim of reclaiming a series of abandoned buildings and giving them a new purpose.

Despite what their name suggests, these bars offer unpretentious spaces to grab a drink, eat something, or dance the night away. They are characterized by being extravagant and unique places, with reclaimed furniture, unusual decor, and pretty original decorations.

These bars have become cultural landmarks, as many host markets, concerts, movie screenings, and all sorts of events. They are definitely a must-visit in Budapest, beyond the essential visit to the Hungarian Parliament.

The best ruin bars in Budapest

In no particular order, here are 7 of the best ruin bars in Budapest:

Szimpla Kert

Szimpla Kert is undoubtedly the most famous ruin bar in Budapest. Opened in 2002, it is located in an old stove factory and impresses with its large size and creative design, featuring two floors filled with colorful tapestries, graffiti, psychedelic lights, and hanging plants.

One of its highlights is its numerous activities. It offers outdoor cinema and theater, free concerts, art exhibitions, a healthy organic farmers’ market on Sundays, and an occasional flea market in the central courtyard, with all kinds of vintage items.

Basically, you could come here seven days a week without getting bored. Not to mention that in 2012, Lonely Planet named it the third-best bar in the world, so there’s no better place to try authentic Hungarian beer for the first time.

You can visit Szimpla Kert and learn about the history of the neighborhood and its synagogue on the Free Tour of the Jewish Quarter of Budapest.

• Address: Kazinczy u. 14, 1075

• Hours: Monday to Friday 15:00 to 4:00, Saturday 12:00 to 4:00, Sunday 9:00 to 3:30.

 

Instant-Fogas

Fogas Ház and Instant used to be two separate bars until they merged in 2017 to create a gigantic ruin bar in Budapest, with nearly 1,200 square meters. However, neither has lost its individuality: Fogas retains its classic ruin bar vibe, while Instant embraces its eccentricity.

The new complex offers an endless amount of fun in all aspects, year-round. It features a tranquil rooftop with good food and drinks, as well as several themed rooms with all kinds of music, including techno, rock, metal, D&B, jungle, and dubstep.

You’d need a very tired soul not to have a good time here.

• Address: Akácfa u. 51, 1073

• Hours: Monday to Sunday 18:00 to 6:00

Csendes Vintage

Its chaotic walls may be covered with extensive murals and old objects, but Csendes (which means “quiet”) lives up to its name. It’s a cozy café, perfect for chatting, that transforms into a civilized bohemian-style bar at night.

This ruin bar in Budapest serves hearty food, has a long list of alcoholic drinks, and a varied musical and cultural program. The wall decorations will blow your mind; in fact, you could spend the whole night looking at them and still not be able to appreciate them completely.

Just a heads up: the decor includes some pretty creepy dolls. Who said fear?

• Address: Ferenczy István u. 5, 1053

• Hours: Monday to Saturday 16:00 to 0:00, Sunday closed.

Élesztőház

Élesztőház opened its doors in 2013 with the clear mission of offering something out of the ordinary. Its name, which means “yeast” in Hungarian, was not chosen by pure coincidence: its wide selection of local and international craft beers will leave you speechless.

From the outside, this ruin bar in Budapest looks like a building you’d think twice about entering, as it used to be an old glass factory. However, its offerings are well thought out, with a bohemian atmosphere, a kitchen, a café, and a cozy wine and tapas bar.

Here, you’ll even find a beer brewing studio, in case you’re interested in learning.

• Address: Tűzoltó u. 22, 1094

• Hours: Sunday and Monday 15:00 to 1:00, Tuesday and Wednesday 15:00 to 2:00, Thursday to Saturday 15:00 to 3:00.

Fekete Kutya

Fekete Kutya is a true hidden gem among the ruin bars in Budapest, as it is not very well known to tourists. Located within a small game room, it stands out as a cozy pub with a family atmosphere, good music, and artistic drawings on the walls.

As its name suggests, meaning “black dog” in Hungarian, dogs are also welcome here. In addition to serving craft beers, cocktails, and wines, it’s also a good place to eat and try some traditional Hungarian dishes at an affordable price.

• Address: Dob u. 31, 1074

• Hours: Sunday 17:00 to 0:00, Monday and Tuesday 17:00 to 1:00, Wednesday and Thursday 17:00 to 2:00, and Friday and Saturday 17:00 to 3:00.

 

Kőleves kert

Köleves Kert, which occupies the grounds of an old kosher meat plant, is another ruin pub in Budapest characterized by being relatively quiet and not overcrowded with tourists.

It has a lush courtyard with white gravel, a bar filled with colorful hammocks and bright furniture. It also houses one of the charming restaurants in Budapest, specializing in Jewish and Hungarian cuisine. You’ll love its lamps made from bronze cheese graters!

• Address: Kazinczy u. 37-41, 1075

• Hours: Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday 12:00 to 22:00, Thursday to Saturday 12:00 to 23:00, Monday closed.

Grandio Jungle Bar

Don’t let the name intimidate you: Grandio Jungle Bar is named for its lush patio shaded by trees. It’s located inside an authentic hostel, adorned with contemporary artwork and furnished with carefully salvaged and restored tables and chairs.

This place makes you feel like you’re anywhere but in the heart of a major European capital. It’s colorful, lively, and always filled with young people and hostel guests, making it a great meeting point to grab a drink and meet new people.

• Address: Nagy Diófa u. 8, 1072

• Hours: Monday to Sunday 14:00 to 0:00.

Gozsdu Udvar, a reference for entertainment in Budapest

 

We can’t finish this post without mentioning Gozsdu Udvar, one of the most dynamically developing centers in Budapest. Completely renovated in 2009, it is located in the Jewish Quarter and is a vibrant passage between Kiraly and Dob streets.

In recent years, it has become a meeting point connecting entertainment, gastronomy, and culture. It receives over 900,000 visitors a year, and thanks to its cosmopolitan character, it has become very popular among both residents and tourists in the Hungarian capital.

It gets busiest on Fridays and weekends, with vendors selling trinkets, live bands, and people wanting to have a night out.

If you want to discover for yourself how and where Budapest’s nightlife is born, join the free night tour of Budapest, where you can discover these and many other incredible places in the city.