Ruin Bars: A Unique Budapest Experience

A famous way to enjoy the city’s nightlife is to visit one of its ruin bars. The atmosphere in these bars is special because they are located in previously abandoned sites or courtyards. Many bars have colorful decorations, spray-painted walls and areas for meals inside and out. If you enjoy listening to alternative music, creative styles and a chilled environment, ruin bars are the place for you.

Ruin bars got their start in Budapest’s Jewish Quarter as a way to fix up old and neglected properties. At first, people would go to underground hangouts for art, but now these places are known for being a key part of tYhe city’s nightlife culture. These bars regularly become spaces for art, shows and acts where community members gather.

If you’d like to sit on a refurbished bathtub seat with a beer or dance beneath string lights, you’ll find ruin bars perfect for the lively, bohemian city.

Top Ruin Bars Located in Budapest

Szimpla Kert

Every nightlife lover should visit Szimpla Kert, the first ruin bar in Budapest. Found in the Jewish Quarter, the bar offers several themed rooms and a big courtyard. You can listen to live music, dance to DJs, see art on display and choose from many drinks.

Being the first ruin bar, Szimpla Kert has earned itself an unmatched reputation. The interior is full of different designs — mismatched furniture, bicycles hanging from the ceiling and TVs set sideways to look like walls decorate the place. On Sundays, the place is also home to a community farmers’ market, demonstrating how much love and respect the area gets from locals.

No matter if you’re there to try craft beers, join an open-mic or simply watch people, Szimpla gives a truly special and friendly vibe.

Instant

At Instant, you’ll find many rooms and a mixture of different types of music. Everywhere you look on this floor, you’ll encounter everything from electronic music to bands, making it really exciting. Drink in the funky ornaments and marvel at the lighting decorations!

Istant and its neighboring venue Fogas Ház have joined together to make a club that utilizes most of a single block. People can move between rooms for different musical genres, ranging from techno to retro hits and dance wherever they like. The unusual displays decorating many walls, the playful figures in scenes and the eye-catching lights here give everyone a fantastically interesting break from everyday life.

Instant suits adventurous people seeking a mix of settings in one area, so it’s great for an unexpected get-together.

For anyone who loves to dance, there are Electronic Music Clubs throughout the night.

Clubs dedicated to electronic music can be found throughout the city because this genre is popular in Budapest. If dancing to upbeat tracks in a fun environment sounds good to you, you won’t be disappointed by these clubs.

Those who enjoy electronic music will discover Budapest full of great DJs, interesting sounds and memorable visuals. If you like techno, house, drum and bass or experimental music, you’ll enjoy nights that are both energetic and exciting, whether the club is big or small.

No matter where you go, you’ll see that electronic music in Budapest is diverse and follows strong European traditions.

My List of Recommended Electronic Music Clubs in Budapest

• Club Name
• Location
• Music Style
• Akvárium Klub
• Erzsébet tér 12, Budapest
• Many types of electronic music
• LÄRM
• 29 Kazinczy u., 1075 Budapest
• The genres techno and house
• Toldi Klub
• Unit 36–38, Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út 1054 Budapest

Experimental electronic

The Akvárium Klub is as much about music as it is about culture. People can enjoy both quiet house concerts outside and big raves deep inside Hilldale.

If you love techno and house, LÄRM should be your haven in Budapest. No cameras allowed and all attention on music make the festival special for fans looking for a complete, unbroken sound session.

Toldi Klub is set in a smaller space and puts on imaginative evening events. Thanks to its unusual electronic sounds and unusual themed events, the crowd at Budapest’s parties usually includes many artists.

Try a drink at one of the city’s amazing rooftop bars.

If you’d like to watch Budapest from above, you can check out the city’s rooftop bars. Those establishments give guests a chance to see the city’s attractions up close, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Whether you’re after some early-evening cocktails or late-evening sounds, rooftop bars in Budapest are the best choice for a cozy, scenic evening. Because they overlook landmarks like Parliament, St. Stephen’s Basilica and Buda Castle, these locations provide a special and elegant setting. A lot of cafés have DJ performances or live acoustic music to improve the mood without making it too lively.

Everyone will enjoy these rooftop bars for an evening out with friends or on a date, among the bright city lights.

The Top Five Roof Views in Budapest

360 Bar

Near the famous St. Stephen’s Basilica, 360 Bar offers guests a complete view of Budapest. Because of the fashionable atmosphere, great drinks and modern look, this place is perfect for an evening out.

Enjoy a drink at the bar where you’ll find unique drinks and amazing seating that let you admire the area from above. Since it’s especially busy at sunset, try to get there early. Winter turns the bar into a snug igloo lounge, showing that you can visit there any time.

High Note SkyBar

Located on the highest level of the Aria Hotel, the High Note SkyBar features extravagant surroundings and the perfect view of the Opera House. Appreciate the beautiful atmosphere, great music and amazing drinks.

If you want to celebrate a special time or want to enjoy a quiet hangout wearing your finest, head to the High Note SkyBar. The bar’s tiered terrace means there isn’t a bad seat and the service is just as good as what you find in the hotel below.

Conclusion

Budapest has a variety of nightlife options that suit everyone. Budapest is known for its ruins-themed bars, crazy clubs and spectacular bars up high, so there is something for every taste. Enjoy exploring these clubs smartly, hold onto your things and let yourself feel the fun of Budapest’s nightlife!