Introduction

Welcome to our guide for Best Bars in Budapest! If you’re a local wanting to experience your city differently or a new tourist seeking the best nightlife, this guide is here to help you. You won’t want to pass up the exciting nightlife that Budapest offers. No matter if you prefer a lively ruin bar or a chic cocktail bar, you’ll find what you like in Budapest. Budapest can match your night out or your evening in with entertainment that sticks with you. We’ll lead you through the top bars in the city, helping you get the most out of this popular and different nightlife scene. Plan for a perfect evening in the center of Hungary!

1. Ruin Bars

To have a distinct Budapest visit, make sure to include a trip to the city’s famous ruin bars. They are different from every other bar you might find elsewhere. In Budapest’s historic Jewish Quarter, you’ll find them set up in abandoned places, turned into fun places with eclectic furniture, curious décor and a very lively atmosphere. They have turned into representations of Budapest’s artistic way of life.

If you’re in Budapest, make sure to include Szimpla Kert on your trip, since it’s the first ruin bar. It started as a small place and is now recognized all over the world. The interesting décor, mixed-style furniture, old TVs and bicycles hanging up make Szimpla a place that visitors won’t forget. You’ll often find live entertainment, arts events and a weekend farmers’ market in the area.

Instant is also famous, thanks to having several floors in which different type of music is played. If you listen to techno, rock or hip hop, there’s a space waiting for you to join. The bewildering décor and busy atmosphere inside Instant make it the best place to catch the vibrant mood of the city’s clubs.

I had to look for Ruin Bars.

Since ruin bars are found all over the Jewish Quarter, it’s smart to plan your evening ahead of time. You will find the most of these special places along Kazinczy Street and Király Street, where nightlife buzzes the most.

Eclectic decorations, glowing lights and colorful art can help you find a ruin bar. These stores may appear unimpressive on the outside, but inside, there’s a shower of color, new ideas and enthusiasm. Having to use hidden entrances makes the game feel even more adventurous.

2. Cocktail Bars

If you enjoy fine cocktails, you’ll be pleased with what Budapest has to offer. Talented bartenders at first-rate cocktail bars in the city make creative drinks in stylish venues.

Top Cocktail Bars That You’ll Love in Budapest

Boutiq’Bar which is situated in the center of Budapest, comes highly recommended among cocktail fans. People love this place because of its broad and skillfully served cocktail menu. You can choose an age-old Old Fashioned or try something made with unusual ingredients and you’ll have it here. Mixology is a passion for the bartenders, who like to include neighboring ingredients and modern ideas in their drinks.

Another notable place is the High Note SkyBar, standing tall at the Aria Hotel. You’ll get incredible panoramas from this rooftop bar, especially a front-row view of St. Stephen’s Basilica. You will find the drinks are as magical as the view, so it’s great for celebrating with someone special.

3. Hungarian Wine Bars

Your visit to Budapest should always include a tasting of Hungarian wines. Wine has been made in Hungary for over a thousand years. The country’s wine selection includes the sweet golden Tokaji, strong reds and cool crisp whites.

The best way to know more about Hungary’s wine is to visit a charming wine bar in Budapest, where skilled staff will explain the different wines to you.

3.2 Klassz Wine Bar

If you are around the Hungarian Parliament Building, Klassz Wine Bar is a great spot to discover Hungarian wine. This bar has a well-stocked list of wines from many regions in Hungary.

You could also sample mini glasses of wine through a wine flight and compare their flavors. If you are an expert in wine or brand new to it, the team will help you pick something that fits your preferences.

4. Craft beer bars

People who enjoy craft beer are increasingly finding Budapest to be a great place for brew lovers. Many bars and pubs specialize in showing both their local and global craft beers which are often switched from day to day.

4.1 Főzdefeszt

If you are in Budapest during Főzdefeszt, take the chance to attend this great event. Főzdefeszt is not a regular bar, but a beer festival that comes back several times a year. Many people from different backgrounds join in celebration of craft beer.

You’ll find plenty of Hungarian beers to sample at the festival, many of which are only available there. You’ll find beers like hoppy IPAs, fruity sours and dark stouts that fit any taste. It’s a wonderful chance to see the energy and creativity fueling Hungary’s increased interest in craft beer.

5. Wine Cellars

If you wish to understand more about Budapest’s wine scene, it’s important to add a wine cellar tour to your plans. Many of them offer both a unique setting from the past and some excellent wines.

5.1 Drugstore

You can enjoy a unique wine tasting at Faust Wine Cellar which is found in the Buda Castle district. This place is held in an old underground cellar, where you can enjoy medieval surroundings as well as enjoy fine wine.

You can try and learn about Hungarian wines and traditions at the same time here. Because the cellar is so cozy and the hosts know so much, it’s perfect for a romantic night out, a peaceful evening or simply to try Hungarian wines in a calm setting.

Conclusion

Budapest offers a diverse and exciting bar scene that caters to every taste and preference. Whether you prefer the bohemian atmosphere of a ruin bar, the art of mixology in a cocktail bar, the charm of local wine bars, the variety of craft beer festivals, or the historic ambiance of wine cellars, you’ll find something in this vibrant city that suits your style.

So grab your friends, mark your favorite bars on the map, and get ready to experience Budapest’s unforgettable nightlife firsthand. Cheers to new adventures!