The vibrant capital of Hungary, Budapest is famous for its stunning architecture, varied history and dynamic nightlife. As is the case with the city’s myriad bars, it can be a confusing venture for a first time visitor to decide where to go. That’s why we created this in depth guide to all the great speakeasies, hidden bars and other unique places to drink around the city.

1. Unique, What more can one say? Ruin Bars!

If you’re after a really different and memorable experience, the famous ruin bars in Budapest should be high in your itinerary. They have a creative vibe to them since these bars are located in abandoned buildings, courtyards or warehouses. Ruin bar has several of its own, but all of them have a laid back atmosphere, cheap drinks and a great mix of the locals and the tourists. Ruin bars are iconic to Budapest’s nightlife, pulling people from far and wide looking to take in this unique, creative and casual environment. Apart from the decor, these bars are charming because they bring community spirit – and strangers become friends quickly over a drink and music session.

Best place to find Ruin bars in the local area:

• Among the oldest (and most popular) of ruin bars is Szimpla Kert with a sprawling interior full of vintage decor, mismatching furniture and bizarre artwork. Don’t miss the open air courtyard for a mix of live music and events. But the decorations alone — and the ever changing art installations — they create a whole different fun, whimsical atmosphere which is why people come back repeatedly.
• Fogasház is an all around creative hub, with multiple bars, dance floors and an outdoor rooftop terrace, known for its colorful graffiti covered walls. You’re able to enjoy a variety of music from electronic, to reggae, to hip hop. Right here is a hotspot for night owls that wish to dance the night time away or simply loosen up with friends because of the lively power.
• Kuplung is a ruin bar with a retro mastermind, embracing a industrial chic interior, outdoor terrace and a regular DJ sets. Not only is it a great place to experience affordable drinks, but it’s also a great place to mingle with locals. Kuplung’s vibe strikes that really nice balance of casual and lively, both suitable for a regular group evening and a late night party.
• A wide variety of Cocktails Bars in which you are in a position to enjoy drinkings as Exquisite cocktails.
• But if you want carefully made cocktails (and at some of Budapest’s bars you’ll learn a lesson or two), then you’ll have plenty of opportunities. There are not too many cocktail bars in the city, but those that are up and running are full of talent that is creating some very unique, delectable concoctions. Though they may be fitted out with a certain sophistication and uptown atmosphere, like the Whiskeytown of imagining, they provide selection galore in spirits and liqueurs. If you like your drinks artistic and appreciate a chic night out, cocktail bars in Budapest are for you. From old school classics to ambitious new concoctions, there’s a cocktail bar for you.

Cocktail Bars Must Visit:

• Boutiq’Bar: A cocktail lovers haven situated in the city center of Budapest. The menu has over 500 different cocktails on it, both popular classics and more novel concoctions that you’re sure to find something to your liking. And if there’s anything that sets these bartenders apart, it’s creativity and great attention to detail — every drink a memorable experience.
• Blue Fox The Bar, set inside a historic building close to St. Stephen’s Basilica, offers high class interior design and truly excellent cocktails. With a wide range of signature drinks or an original creation, enjoy them with the skilled bartenders. The vibe of the place makes it a nice place for romantic evening or going for classy night with friends.
• High Note SkyBar: With breathtaking panoramic views of Budapest but not seen on the ground, one can have a cocktail while enjoying its skyline. The rooftop bar of this hotel is situated on the highest floor of the Aria Hotel which presents a luxurious, unforgettable experience. An experience you aren’t going to ignore is watching the sunset over the city with a fine crafted cocktail in your hand.

3. The Craft Beer Bars: Quench your Thirst with Exceedingly Tasty Brews

Beer lovers will be pleasantly surprised to find that Budapest’s craft beer scene is coming up a treat. There are many bars and breweries which are popping up around the city, that specialize in craft beer; unique, flavorful and often times unheard of. You’ll be able to taste hoppy IPAs to rich stouts and more. In recent years, the craft beer movement has blossomed in Budapest, providing something for every palate to make beer tasting an ever exciting adventure.

Interesting Craft Beer Bars:

• Jónás Craft Beer House: Over 20 taps of various craft beers, some local some international, make Jónás Craft Beer House a must for everyone interested in beer. With their extensive selection, the knowledgeable staff will walk you through choices and lead you to some new favorites. It is an ideal place for a beer lover to relax and talk.
• Hops Beer Bar is a laid back cozy spot that rotates through some really great craft beers on tap. Regular events like tap takeovers and beer tastings are found at the community friendly bar. There are truly some real gems in the area and it’s a great place to try new brews and good company.
• Élesztő: Inside a former factory that they’ve turned into a craft beer mecca, with a great range of beers from Hungary and other countries. Take a tasting paddle to sample multiple of their brews and make sure to enjoy some pub style eats while you do. With history brought in together with modern brewing culture there is definitely an industrial adding to the experience.

4. Wine Bars: Don’t miss Hungarian Wines…

When visiting Budapest it is obviously essential to try some of Hungary’s famous wines. With a rich history in winemaking dating back for years, the country has a rich wine tradition and you’ll discover plenty of wine bars in the city to choose among and sample on the local wines and vintages. At Budapest wine bars you can enjoy a classy but not uptight environment in which to learn something about the different Hungarian wine regions, as well as grape varieties.

Top 5 Wine Bars to visit according to Time Out.

• Doblo Wine & Bar: …an impressive 100 or so Hungarian wines to choose from. The staff is knowledgeable, whether you are a wine connoisseur or just beginning to learn about wine and will assist in perfect selection. If you would like to increase your appreciation for Hungarian wines, it’s the place to do so.
• DiVino: Although there are many wine bar chains across Budapest – DiVino has several locations – it stands out as a great place to try Hungarian wines. Relax with a glass of local red, white or rosé over a cozy and inviting atmosphere. If you don’t have a thespian thirsting to decidedly waltz on glass grapes, DiVino will do just fine for casual wine tasting or a chilled evening with friends.
• A wine lover must visit Bortársaság: Their reputation as one of the best places to go for Hungarian wines could not be more well founded. Regular wine tastings and events take place at the bar to help you get to know Hungarian wines. It’s always a good place to experiment with other flavors and vintages.

5. Relax and Unwind in Thermal Bath Bars

So why not combine your visit to a thermal bath with a nice drink – to create a truly unique experience? Ever since its days as an open air spa on hot springs, Budapest, known as a thermal bath city, is best known for its hot, natural springs and many thermal baths. It also provides you a relaxation and refreshment of which can add up that special touch for your night out in Budapest.

• After getting into Thermal Baths and relaxing, feeling almost asleep, I would go out of the sheds, into an alley bordered with bars.
• The Szechenyi Baths: In Europe’s largest medicinal bath, Szechenyi Baths, there’s a bar in its expansive outdoor pool area. Relax in the warm thermal waters whilst enjoying a cold beer or a lovely fruity cocktail. It’s just a unique atmosphere between wellness and socializing.
• Gellert Baths: The drink at Gellert Baths, amid Art Nouveau surroundings, is a stunning setting, although bathing is no longer let d’or (by the hour). The pools are thermal and you can also order your refreshments from the poolside bar and enjoy there. It’s also the kind of luxury environment where it’s good to just sit back and soak up the unique culture of the city.

Now with this comprehensive guide in your possession you’re prepared to explore all of Budapest’s dynamic bar scene. Budapest is filled with unique atmosphere ruin bars, sophisticated cocktail bars, flavored craft beer bars, elegant wine bars, relaxing thermal bath bars, whatever you like, Budapest has it. With that said, raise a glass and cheers to a unique nightlife in Hungary’s magical capital city!