Introduction

If you happen to be in Budapest and wonder what to do in the evenings, keep reading! You’re already in the right place. We will find out what the city has to offer on weekdays when it comes to nightlife in this complete guide. You’ll find trendy bars and clubs as well as exciting events and unique experiences with us. No matter if you’re alone, with a loved one or with friends, Budapest has something special for you each night.

1. See what Ruin Bars are by exploring them.

If you want to discover somewhere different and charming, Budapest’s ruin bars are a great choice. These somewhere venues are full of color and art and were once abandoned buildings and private courtyards. They combine classic furniture, mismatched chairs and a relaxed mood, so no other bar feels the same in Europe.

• This is where the first ruin bar began and it’s famous among locals. Pay a visit on a weekday to find a quieter space, yet still have fun listening to live music, viewing art and enjoying some great cocktails.
• The Instant-Fogas Complex is well known for its many dance floors, playing everything from techno to hip-hop and its maze-like interior.

If you prefer a less crowded and real dinner experience, weeknights are the time for you.

2. Join a Danube River Night Cruise.

See Budapest from the river at night, as you enjoy the beautiful waters and city lights. These cruises give you the chance to see many landmarks from every angle.

• The Parliament Building shows up in a handsome golden color when illuminated against a dark night sky.
• The Chain Bridge lights up the connection between Buda and Pest
• Enjoying the sight of Buda Castle and Gellért Hill which give your evening a truly impressive setting.

Choose a cruise with music or dinner if you’re hoping for a romantic or elegant evening. Some companies run short cocktail cruises that make a relaxing drink after dinner possible.

3. Attend Concerts

There is a lot of live music happening in Budapest every night.

• Docked on the Danube, A38 Ship in Budapest is a reimagined Ukrainian ship and one of the coolest spots for concerts. You can find rock, dance, techno, ambient, alternative and other experimental music genres here.
• Erzsébet Square’s Akvárium Klub organizes concerts, DJ events and cultural programs. It’s also a favorite spot for young people to gather.

Budapest Jazz Club is located at 3.1 on the map.

Those looking for something more personal might want to visit the Budapest Jazz Club. Enjoy jazz plays in the elegant, softly lit room, featuring excellent performers both from Hungary and overseas. Most of the time, you’ll find standards, a bit of swing and contemporary jazz, all combining for a pleasant, top-notch show.

4. Go to the area’s Thermal Baths.

After a busy day visiting sights, the top way to relax is in one of Budapest’s famous thermal baths. Opening hours for these places include late in the evening for weekday clients:

• At Széchenyi Thermal Bath, the three outdoor pools and indoor baths are available until 10 PM each day.
• The Art Nouveau architectural style of Gellért Thermal Bath makes it great for a relaxing bath.
• Several days each week, Rudas lets visitors take a late bath with city skyline views from the rooftop pool.

Remember to take your swimsuit, towel and flip-flops—you’ll be feeling completely at ease after.

5. Try a Night Walk in District VII

You’ll find Budapest’s liveliest nightlife in District VII, known as the Jewish Quarter. You still see crowds during the week, but nothing as chaotic as the weekends.

• Try some hidden cocktail bars, bought meals from street food vendors and stopped at unique shops.
• Check out the murals and street art pieces you see randomly on the streets.
• You can find lots of restaurants and bars, plus live music or pop-up shops in the busy indoor passage called Gozsdu Udvar.

This is one of the favorite places for an after-work walk because it’s full of surprises.

6. Try Hungarian foods.

Try eating some traditional Hungarian meals that really hit the spot.

Hungary’s famed stew, goulash, is very rich and filling.

Lángos, fried flatbread rubbed with sour cream and cheese, is an excellent choice to have on the streets.

There is nothing better than having a chimney cake (Kürtőskalács) after dinner.

6.1 Ruin Pubs that Offer Dining

You can also eat a meal at some ruin bars.

• At Mazel Tov, you’ll find a cross between a thrilling ruin bar and high-class Middle Eastern eatery blended with garden-inspired decor.
• Szimpla Kert hosts a farmer’s market on some weekdays so you can try fresh foods and taste traditional dishes in a lively bohemian atmosphere.

7. Join or support Cultural Events.

There’s more to Budapest than just nightlife; it’s also full of cultural events almost every week.

• Enjoy a beautiful opera, ballet or musical at the Hungarian State Opera House or Budapest Operetta Theatre.
• Many museums and galleries, for instance the Ludwig Museum of Contemporary Art, give people the chance to visit after normal business hours.

7.1 Budapest Summer Festival

Summer in Budapest is a great time to enjoy outdoor concerts, plays and films at the Budapest Summer Festival. Most of the Budapestian music nights during the week are mild in crowds and help you experience Hungarian culture under the open sky.

8. Go on pub crawls.

If you’re alone or want to socialize, a Budapest pub crawl is a lot of fun mid-week. What is included on these guided tours often includes:

• Entrance to leading bars and clubs.
• Joined simply to earn welcome shots or drink discounts.
• Interesting games, activities that help everyone meet and opportunities to get together with other travelers.

Conclusion

There are many entertaining and varied opportunities in Budapest’s nightlife on weekdays. No matter if you like live music, cultural events, cool bars or just want a day at the baths, you’ll find what you seek in Budapest. Avoid the weekend rush by finding an authentic side of Budapest. Take advantage of your weekdays by enjoying Buda’s lively nightlife and making memories, one drink, show or relaxing dip at a time.