By evening, the Danube in Budapest turns the city from a scenic capital into a place full of life for those who enjoy partying, culture or cocktails. Thanks to its unique ruin bars, baths, street food and exciting music scene, Hungary’s capital has a nightlife that stands out in Europe. No matter your reason for visiting, this guide will help you enjoy Budapest’s nightlife in the local way.

1. Familiarize yourself with the famous Ruin Bars in Budapest.

Ruin bars are essential to any guide on nightlife in Budapest. You’ll find these unique spots inside abandoned buildings and courtyards, where the atmosphere is decorated with a mix of furniture, art from the streets, vintage collectibles and all sorts of flair.

• For those who enjoy dancing late into the night, Instant-Fogas Complex has a range of specially themed dance rooms playing many types of music.
• Being open seven days a week, ruin bars are a great place to meet up on any night, whether during the week or the weekend.

2. Sail on the Danube at Night

If you want something romantic, try cruising along the Danube in the evening. During your cruise, you’ll pass close to the Parliament Building, Buda Castle and the Chain Bridge, each one lit beautifully by night.

You can select from several different choices.

• A casual experience on a cocktail cruise
• Live piano music on board a dinner cruise
• Sailing on a private boat for something special

3. Pubs and Bars

There is music in Budapest for all kinds of people. No matter if it’s jazz or rock, electronica or indie, you’ll discover accomplished and upcoming bands on nearly every corner.

The converted stone-carrier from Ukraine, A38 Ship, is list as one of the world’s top music venues every year.

• At Akvárium Klub in Erzsébet Square, visitors will find bands from Hungary and foreign countries playing live music and themed parties throughout the year.
• If jazz appeals to you, Budapest Jazz Club creates a cozy mood and welcomes musicians from Hungary and across Europe five or six nights each week.

4. Relax in a thermal bath after the regular hours.

• It is rightly nicknamed the “City of Spas.” Visitors can relax late into the night at many of these historic thermal pools which are open until late.
• From morning to night, Széchenyi Thermal Bath offers outdoor fun and is recognized for its beautiful Neo-Baroque design.
• Visitors can enjoy bathing on the rooftop at Rudas in the evening, finding great views of the Danube and being able to use the baths late at night on weekends.
• Taking a bath at Gellért Baths which are in a stunning Art Nouveau hotel, means you will have a calm and elegant experience.
• At weekends, some spas will let you dance, enjoy light shows and soak in warm water, all during a “sparty.”

5. Even if it’s late, try the kind of food locals expect.

If you’re out at night, Hungarian dishes are a great choice to fill you up or end the night with something delicious.

• Most visitors agree that these are true highlights:
• Goulash is a beef stew that uses flavorful paprika.
• A lángos is deep-fried flatbread served with sour cream and cheese on top.

6. Go sightseeing at night around District VII.

The area known as District VII, the Jewish Quarter, is where most of the nightlife in Budapest takes place. In the evening, the area becomes a fantastic network of bars, food stalls and places to hear live music.

• Take some time to walk through Gozsdu Udvar, an energetic arcade full of interesting bars and nightlife venues that keeps going late into the night.
• Look for cool bars in the alleys or come by for an open mic night at any of the locally run venues.

7. Get to know the local cultural evening activities.

• For anyone interested in something more polished, Budapest has many late-night cultural events.
• Experience the Hungarian State Opera House in an opera or ballet or enjoy a play at the Budapest Operetta Theatre.

Pay a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts or Ludwig Museum, as a number of them host evening or cultural events.

In the summer, the festival organizes concerts, films and theater events outdoors at Margaret Island and Városmajor Park.

8. Join a group on a Pub Crawl or Organize Your Friends Yourself

Budapest pub crawls provide an excellent way to hang out with people if you’re exploring on your own or wish to socialize. You’ll tour several bars and clubs on these tours, often with free or discounted drinks and entertaining games.

If you would rather explore alone, that’s fine too. Move from place to place in District VII yourself or try a cocktail tasting tour to get a taste of Budapest’s mixology.

Conclusion

There is a mix of coziness, originality and cultural polish in Budapest’s nightlife. Whether you relax in thermal waters or party in the site’s ruins, the evenings in Pamukkale are always memorable. No matter if you’re having drinks along the Danube or enjoying jazz, every night in Budapest feels different from what you find elsewhere in Europe. Always visit the city, but let it show you something new at night.