What do you understand by Ruin Bars?

If you’re ready to visit Budapest, you may already know about the city’s famous ruin bars. They are a leading reason people visit the city as they bring together nightlife and history. Because most ruin bars are in buildings that once belonged to the city’s old Jewish Quarter, they have a unique and different feeling.

The buildings were supposed to be knocked down before, but those walls are now covered in mismatched furniture, various works of graffiti and artistic displays. Seeing both urban decay and creative ideas together in these bars gives them a unique and important look. All these stories talk of nightlife, but also of how cultures continue to thrive in the face of change.

Instead of being pubs or direct clubs, ruin bars can be rented out for concerts, artexhibitions, film screenings, flea markets and similar functions. Because nightclubs are always different and exciting, many travelers, no matter their usual tastes, see nightclubs as an exciting place to visit.

How to Arrange Your Ruin Bar Crawl

You should start your ruin bar crawl planning in Budapest by picking the neighborhood you wish to visit. You’ll find the largest number of such bars in the mostly-Jewish Jewish Quarter, so it’s a good place to begin. It’s possible to choose one or two bars or attempt a whole pub crawl, based on what feels good to you.

You can enjoy a different kind of charm when you stroll the tight, curving streets of the Jewish Quarter. You’ll find courtyards that feel private, artwork on buildings, boutique stores and small eateries in the shadow of ruin bars. Regardless if you’re on your own, with a friend or with a group, you’ll find it both economical and fun to plan a bar crawl here.

A lot of people head to a nearby bistro for dinner first, before exploring the ruin bar scene. Because there are no strict rules or dress codes for these places, you’re free to enjoy them as slowly or quickly as you like.

The Most Famous Ruin Bars in Budapest

At its origins, Szimpla Kert helped begin the ruin bar craze. It’s a big network of spaces, combining live music, art exhibits and a lively atmosphere.

Many people believe that Szimpla Kert was the first ruin bar when the movement started in the early 2000s. One can find this place in an old factory building filled with many surprising objects like ornate bathtub couches and bicycles on the ceiling. As a bar, Szimpla also puts on community events such as farmer’s markets and cultural fairs, so families and locals join the partygoers.

Known for its different surroundings and plenty of dance areas, Instant is a favorite among party people. There’s a good mix of residents and tourists checking out the night scene.

After Instant joined forces with Fogas Ház, they called themselves Instant-Fogas and became one of the biggest ruin bars in Budapest. Every area is unique, with its own professional DJ, music genre and design. There’s plenty of excitement in the air and it’s a perfect stop for anyone wanting to dance and explore hallways lined with surreal art.

It’s every party-goer’s favorite: Fogasház stands out for its impressive green courtyard made for enjoying chats. There are concerts and art exhibitions held regularly at Fogasház.

House of Teeth or Fogasház, continues to be known as a center for culture because of its history at a dental clinic. The courtyard is less crowded than many ruin bars, so it’s ideal for taking a break and socializing over drinks. Because of its creative program, there are often one-of-a-kind events, including DJs and themed parties.

Located inside a previous factory, Anker’t provides an airy outdoor area, a bar and a club. Both day and nighttime visitors come in high numbers to this site.

Its minimalist, industrial design is one of Anker’s main features. Rather than the messy, cramped feelings at ruin bars, Anker’t gives visitors a tidy space with an outdoor setting. It also cares a lot about being inclusive which is why it often organizes LGBTQ+ events, film nights and food markets. Because of its excellent location and gentle atmosphere, the city draws many different types of visitors.

A Guide to Enjoying a Ruin Bar Crawl

After you have chosen your ruin bar route, let’s look at some helpful tips to enjoy your night out:

• Start Early

Enjoying the buzz of ruin bars is easiest if you begin your bar hopping in the early evening. Following this approach will give you plenty of time to try out various bars and experience what they’re like.

You can see everything—and enjoy the artwork and amazing buildings—with fewer people if you visit early in the morning. In many bars, you can have food and coffee during the early hours, so it’s easy to kick off your night with a chill atmosphere.

• Expect Lots of People

 Especially at weekends, the best ruin bars may be crowded. If a more laidback visit is what you’re after, try your crawl during the week or come a little earlier in the evening.

Come earlier than 10 PM to avoid the long lines and crowded area on the dance floor. During popular hours, you might have to wait in line to enter a venue, so it’s good to have other party spots in mind.

• Appreciate the Variety in Your Neighborhood

What makes ruined bars special is their original and artistic setting. Don’t rush—stop to admire the unusual decor, non-typical seat options and surprising place for your party.

Instead of the classic bar design, ruin bars use creativity by turning pianos into tables and filling their rooms with old TVs. Being around the creative lifestyle is a big reason to visit, so make sure to see every special place.

• Experience Food and Drinks

Drink local Hungarian drinks whenever you are in a ruin bar. Most people choose to drink Unicum, pálinka or fröccs. If you’re not sure what to order, ask the bartender for advice.

Many Hungarian types of alcohol are powerful and not the same as in other nations, so you should sample only a little of different drinks. The brandy Pálinka is strong, while a fröccs which is a combination of wine and soda water, is easier to enjoy. Friendly bartenders are happy to let you know what drinks to explore.

• Don’t forget to rest and drink water.

With all the ruin bars out there, take some time to rest and keep drinking water. There are usually comfortable spots outside or within the bars for you to rest and get a bit of energy before carrying on.

Taking a bottle of water and pacing how you drink can really improve your game. A lot of bars also offer snacks or work with nearby vendors to let people enjoy some local delicacies.

Conclusion

You should definitely participate in a ruin bar crawl when you’re in the city. Enjoying a great ambiance, you can learn history and understand a culture when you go clubbing at these places. When you plan and use these suggestions, you are all set to dive into Budapest’s best ruin bars.

Ruin bars give everyone a chance to cut loose, sightsee, relax or get a taste of the city’s unique culture. Beyond being nightlife centers, they reflect creativity, strength and team spirit within communities.