Budapest is famous for its lively nightlife and active entertainment. If you’re in the mood for fun with friends or for dancing until you drop, you’ll find the perfect venue in Budapest. Let’s walk you through some interesting spots to enjoy a night out in Budapest.

There is something for everyone in Budapest’s nightlife.

Budapest’s nightlife has a lovely balance between history and modern style, so you’ll find ruin bars and river cruises as well. Hungarian drinks and admission costs are much less than what you’d expect to pay in Amsterdam. Warm nights in May 2025 and celebrations like Beer Week add more enjoyment to Budapest, the site says. It’s described on Reddit as a “nightlife buffet” by r/budapest and District VII is where the fun begins.

You will also want to check out the Ruin Bars next time you visit Budapest.

Budapest’s ruin bars are a famous place for nightlife. Because they are in abandoned structures and courtyards, these venues give a special atmosphere. Szimpla Kert was the first ruin bar and continues to be worth considering for anyone looking for a great night. Many people like it because of its mismatched furniture, its bohemian feel and its easy-on-the-wallet drinks.

Besides the original ruin bars, Instant, Fogasház and Mazel Tov are also popular. The character and charm in every ruin bar blend art pieces, live performances and lots of different street food.

Kazinczy u. Come here for pints at 800 HUF and to witness jazz nights which don’t charge a fee (£1.67/800 HUF). Techno fans should try Instant (Akácfa u. 49–51), while entrance costs 2,500 HUF (£5.31) and Fogasház (Akácfa u. Birdy offers views from their rooftops (for 2,000 HUF, approximately £4.17) and you can find Mazel Tov at Akácfa u. You can find falafel for 2,500 HUF (£5.21) at 47). You’ll find all three not far from M1 (Oktogon). TripAdvisor says their “arty chaos” is another of their unique features.

Walk from bar to bar in the Jewish Quarter.

The Jewish Quarter is bursting with pubs and bars that match every visitor’s preferences. It is easy to discover this area by participating in a pub crawl. On these tours, you’ll explore the best bars and pubs and get to meet other travelers.

While on the pub crawl, you’ll go to places like Ellátó Kert, known for its cozy garden and Élesztő, a craft beer place with many local beers to taste. You can have fun with others, experience modern drinks and witness the excitement of Budapest’s clubs and bars.

Pub Crawl Budapest (€7,000, £14.58, pubcrawlbudapest.hu) visits Ellátó Kert (Kazinczy u. 48, beers 1,200 HUF, £2.50) as well as Élesztő (Király u. 13, IPA 1,200 HUF, £2.50). Oktogon is where the crawls start at 8 PM. Many people in r/travel praise the community feeling on Reddit.

Bars on Rooftops Overlooking Beautiful Views

Rooftop bars in Budapest give visitors stunning panoramic sights of the city. A fine example is 360 Bar, right in the center of Budapest. Owing to its modern style, wonderful cocktails and great views of the St. Stephen’s Basilica, Astoria is a place not to be missed.

You can also visit High Note SkyBar which is found on the highest floor of the Aria Hotel. Due to its lovely environment, polite staff and impressive views of the Hungarian Parliament Building, it’s a favorite place for couples and larger groups alike.

At 360 Bar (Andrássy út 39) you will find cocktails for about 3,000 HUF, £6.25 and High Note SkyBar (Hercegprímás u.) is another place to get cocktails. 5) has drinks available for 3,500 HUF (£7.29). You will find both near M3 (Arany János utca). Viator says that 360 Bar is an essential highlight of the city’s skyline.

District VII Dance Halls

The Jewish Quarter or District VII, is famous for its lively nightclubs. If you love electronic music and dancing, you’ll find it here. To please today’s diverse crowd, Instant has various dance areas offering different types of music.

Party fans also consider Anker’t and Fogas Ház as great places to enjoy fun. You’ll always find exciting parties and events at these one-of-a-kind venues.

Approach M1 (Oktogon) and you’ll see Instant (entry 2,500 HUF, £5.21), Ankert (beers 900 HUF, £1.88) and Fogas Ház (entry 2,000 HUF, £4.17). You can find listings for Resident Advisor’s EDM events.

Go on a riverboat across the Danube.

To enjoy both a fun night and some famous sites, a Danube River cruise is an outstanding choice. You can experience the impressive views of Budapest and take in music and drinks during these tours.

Legenda Sightseeing Cruises and Duna Bella are some of the best river cruise companies available. stare at the gleaming Chain Bridge, the Parliament Building and Buda Castle from your boat as you pass by on the Danube River.

City cruises on Legenda and Duna Bella operate from near tram stop 2 on Nap Sarok Mary street. Having a cocktail will cost you 2,000 HUF (£4.17). Many on TripAdvisor (4.6/5) comment on how impressive the views are here.

• Helpful Advice for May 2025
• Reserve a Cruise Via Legenda’s Site for When the Sun Sets.
• Smart-casual style should be worn for High Note.
• Crawls with Pub Crawl Budapest come with shots.
• The M1/M3 on Metro (about £0.73) serves District VII.
• Explore Beer Week and see the extra dates happening at Élesztő in May.
• Keep your valuables guarded at Instant.

What is Special about These Venues?

Enjoying cocktails in ruined buildings, river cruises and inexpensive nightclubs, all for half the price  in Berlin, is something you won’t find everywhere. See the parliament building, by booking a visit during the day (tours at 10,000 HUF, £20.83).

Conclusion

Budapest has plenty of places for those who want to enjoy an amazing night out. Whether you’re searching for special ruin bars and pub crawls in the Jewish Quarter or luxurious rooftop bars and nightclubs in District VII, you’ll find what you want. Remember to arrange a Danube River cruise for a memorable time on your trip. Regardless of where you visit, the city’s nightlife will make sure you have an unforgettable evening.