The capital of Hungary, Budapest, is famous for its history, fantastic architecture and lively nightlife. The best way to feel the city’s exciting atmosphere is by going on a bar tour and checking out different venues. If you love comfortable pubs, stylish cocktail bars or unique ruin bars, there’s a place for you in Budapest. Here, you’ll find out what you need to know about bar hopping in Budapest, including where to go and ideas on what to do.

Why Should You Try Bar Hopping in Budapest?

One of the things that makes Budapest different at night is its wonderful ruin bars. Inside these bars are buildings that were once left behind in the historic Jewish Quarter, now turned into fun spots full of vintage furniture, interesting art and creative touches. Everyone is easy to approach, so you can meet people and have a chill evening at any time.

The city gives you plenty of choices, aside from ruin bars, like cozy craft beer pubs, elegant wine bars and fashionable cocktail places. Going from bar to bar helps you taste and feel different drinks and atmospheres in just one evening.

Best Places to Head for Bar Hopping

Most people go bar hopping in the popular Jewish Quarter, also called the 7th District. Since the neighborhood has lots of bars and clubs nearby, you don’t even need a car to walk around. Some excellent neighborhoods and areas to visit are listed here:

• Many believe that Kazinczy Street is the center of ruin bar life, since Szimpla Kert, Instant and Fogas Ház are all found here.
• On Gozsdu Courtyard, pedestrians can walk through the space linking Király and Dob streets, enjoying a wide range of bars, restaurants and clubs.
• Deák Ferenc Square: Students and tourists love the area because there are many buses and trains, plus nearby bars.

Top Bar Stops Along Your Journey

If you’re having a night out at different bars, begin early so you can experience everything there is to enjoy. You shouldn’t skip these legendary bars in Dublin:

1. Szimpla Kert

Much of Budapest’s iconic ruin bars got their start at Szimpla Kert, a location that stands out above others. The rooms are filled with vintage objects, fun artwork and you can explore the hotel’s outdoor garden. Apart from drinks, Szimpla has farmers’ markets and screenings of films during daylight hours. Singles can try creative cocktails or have a local Hungarian beer.

2. Instant-Fogas Complex

The space is made up of two previous ruin bars, now blended, with different dance and chill zones throughout. If you’re eager to listen to different kinds of music from electronic to indie rock, Spotify is best for you. From outer space to even the stars, the walls and structures are just as funky and colorful as they can be.

3. Mazel Tov

Mazel Tov brings the look of a ruin bar and adds a Mediterranean garden feel to its restaurant. It’s trendy, full of color and famous for its fantastic cocktails and yummy food. When it’s warm outside, the outdoor courtyard is lovely to enjoy.

4. 360 Bar

360 Bar on the rooftop is where you’ll find stunning views all around Budapest. Have a good time with unusual cocktails as you watch the skyline change with each sunset. It gives you a chance to stop drinking and observe the city.

5. Csendes Vintage Bar & Café

If a calm and personal stop appeals to you, Csendes Vintage has a cosy vintage interior and hosts live music every week. With different atmosphere and far less activity than the ruin pubs, this makes a fine spot for slow drinking.

Ways to Enjoy a Good Bar Hopping Experience

Follow these handy tips to make sure you have a great night in Budapest:

• Don’t wait too late: Although most bars get crowded after 10, ruin bars usually open earlier in the evening, so you have more time to discover.
• Choose comfortable shoes because you’ll be walking over cobblestone and rough ground.
• Always keep some cash on you; you may need it at smaller bars and with street sellers. There are ATMs everywhere, but you might face a charge.
• Try to taste the local drinks, like pálinka, Unicum and some unique craft beers.
• Make sure to stay cautious, as you should in any night out, especially watch your drinks and belongings.
• Going by bus or on foot is better than taking a taxi, because most bars are near by. Trams and taxis are both good options if you don’t plan on walking long distances.

How the Crowd and the Place Feel

The bars and clubs in Budapest suit many kinds of people, so they draw both locals, expats and tourists. Friendliness in the crowd is common, especially at the ruin bars, because everyone is in a casual mood. You can find everything from relaxing indie songs to party dance beats depending on your mood.

You’ll also find that drink prices in the city are cheaper than those in other top European cities. It’s common for many bars to have happy hour deals, so keep checking their advertisements.

There’s also late-night food and parties you can join instead of bar hopping.

After several rounds, it’s possible that hunger strikes and you’ll need to eat a little something. You’ll find various kinds of food in Budapest at late hours, including classic lángos and dishes from many cultures. Many ruin bars have food stands nearby, but you can also try the late-night restaurants close by.

Should you want to keep the fun going when bars close, afterparties in clubs and music venues in the city don’t stop until much later. Those who like electronic music will likely have been to Corvin Club and Lärm.

Final Thoughts

Touring Budapest’s bars is not only for fun—it also brings together art, tradition and conversations. Because of its ruined buildings turned bars, rooftop hangouts and comfortable pubs, the city never runs out of options for nightlife experiences. No matter how long you are staying in Budapest, be sure to visit some of its legendary bars one night.