If you hope to go to Budapest, Hungary and want unique and exciting nightlife, you simply must check out the ruin bars. Ruin bars symbolize what the social and cultural life of Budapest is all about. Bars like these are arranged in empty buildings or locations with a bohemian, retro and eclectic feel. Here, we will talk about a few outstanding ruin bars in Budapest that are not to be missed.

Szimpla Kert

Szimpla Kert was the first and is now the best-known ruin bar in the city. Sitting inside the historic Jewish Quarter, it features mismatched furniture, unusual decorations and a lively setting. There are a variety of rooms with different concepts and among them is a shisha garden as well as an open-air courtyard. Choose from many drinks and live music to suit all your preferences.

Szimpla Kert started the ruin bar scene and now defines what these type of venues can offer. This place is fun and lively and they often run art shows, film nights and public gatherings besides the regular party scene. No matter if you’re drinking pálinka or just enjoying the place, Szimpla Kert gives a great taste of Hungarian culture.

Instant-Fogasház

Instant-Fogasház, also known as Insta-Fauna, is a well-known ruin bar just close to Szimpla Kert. It creates a lively and vivid environment using colorful lamps, special art displays and a mix between electronic and alternative music sounds. The nightclub consists of a few rooms connected together and each room has a different mood. Whether your goal is dancing, hanging out with friends or viewing live entertainment, this place has them all.

Many locals and tourists now go to this place for their nighttime entertainment. The rooms which feature unique décor like animal sculptures and bizarre murals, help make the hotel feel like a dream, while the many rooms give guests privacy and choice. Dance floors and DJs playing into dawn give the place a mixing of club music and old ruin bar appeal.

Fogas Ház

Each area inside Fogas Ház has a different theme and atmosphere. There are many places here to choose from such as Fogas and Kuplung. In the central courtyard, people gather and you can enjoy both performances and cultural events. Because of its large range of choices, Fogas Ház is enjoyed by both residents and travelers.

More than being a bar, Fogas Ház is an important place for the community. During a typical night, a techno DJ may be performing in one space and a film or art, could be shown in another. Since it appeals to many ages, the place attracts groups that come for either a party or late-night drinks. Because of where it is, it makes other nightlife areas easy to reach from here.

Corvintető

Corvintető is a ruin bar on top of a building, where you get impressive panoramic views of Budapest. On the floor of the Corvin department store, it features cozy indoor areas as well as a lively rooftop terrace. Because of its electronic music and peaceful lifestyle, it’s a superb place to take it easy, have a drink and observe the city from above.

Sunset is a great time to be on the roof at Corvintető, since the views are amazing and it’s the perfect spot for both photos and relaxing. The music lineup usually highlights some of Hungary’s talented underground DJs and being so high up above the city gives a nice break from the busier areas. If catchy tunes and lovely surroundings are what you want, Corvintető is your best choice.

Ellátó Kert

Set inside the inner courtyard of an older building, Ellátó Kert is a cafe hidden from the main streets. The venue has a true underground atmosphere because of its exposed bricks, graffiti murals and rescued furniture. Even though it is not very big, its atmosphere brings in people from the neighborhood as well as curious visitors. Live music shows, open-mic nights and poetry readings are usual at Ellátó Kert which is why creative people should not hesitate to visit.

If you want something more relaxed than the big ruin bars, this place is a good choice. Many artists in Budapest love it and it frequently features local performers and encourages them to join forces. Surprise may come if you talk to a musician or artist over a beer while enjoying the cozy setting of the courtyard.

Summary

The atmosphere at Budapest’s ruin bars is thoroughly exciting and impossible to find in most other places. If you enjoy fun parties or visiting unusual bars, both types of customers will find something they like at these places. Summary of the top ruin bars in Budapest below.

Ruin Bar

Location

Szimpla Kert

Jewish Quarter

Instant-Fogasház

Jewish Quarter

Fogas Ház

Józsefváros

Corvintető

Corvin-negyed

Ellátó Kert

District V

Try to go to these particular places on your trip to Budapest. All ruin bars are unique, so guests always get a special experience and a taste of Budapest’s lively night scene.

Restaurateurs, dancers, music fans and those who just enjoy a cocktail in a unique setting will all find what they’re looking for in the excellent ruin bars of Budapest. They represent the Detroit spirit by giving old places new life with culture and fun. Take advantage of the unique nightlife there while you are in Budapest.