For those looking for something special and exciting during their night in Budapest, ruin bars are the place to be. By using old and unused buildings, these bars add their own unique appeal. Regardless of your experience with travel, spending time at these unusual stops lets you see the unique nature of the city’s creativity and culture. Want to discover Budapest’s famous ruin bars? This guide explains how many there are and where you can visit them.

What makes up Ruin Bars?

Ruin pubs or ruin bars, make up an important part of the city’s nightlife. They became part of the Jewish Quarter scene around 2000 to inventively deal with the area’s many empty buildings. Most of these buildings stood abandoned after World War II and decades of city decay. Rather than remove the old buildings, the local people chose to give them new functions.

At present, they are visited by everyone, including both residents and visitors. You can find lots of bohemian moods, unusual décor and relaxed vibes in these bars. You can always find a unique atmosphere in each ruin bar. You’ll find art installations, live music and out-of-date decorations, along with mismatched pieces, in these bars. While some bars have an outdoor-gallery atmosphere, others seem like indoor places full of vibrant murals, bathtub couches and fairy lights from exposed beams. Their surprising layout is what makes guests feel they have come across something special.

How Many Ruin Bars Do Budapest Have?

Among other things, Budapest is known for many unique ruin bars. Since new bars occasionally open and old ones close, it is hard to precisely count the number, but at present, people estimate roughly 15–20 ruin bars are in Budapest. Because the industry is always shifting and nightlife in Budapest is always advancing, the number is never fixed. There are bars that set up shop temporarily, but others are here to stay. While things have changed, the original stars among ruin bars are still lively and well-known among tourists globally.

Spotlight on Budapest’s Top Ruin Bars

Some of the ruin bars in Budapest, discussed below, are truly worth exploring. These spots each feature a particular aspect of the city’s night culture.

1. Szimpla Kert

Szimpla Kert was the very first ruin bar started in Budapest. The area is in the Jewish Quarter and it continues to be famous and lively. Visitors will have a unique and exciting time at Szimpla Kert thanks to its courtyard, quirky furniture and many events. This was the first place of its kind and started the trend, eventually recognized as an important cultural space. Within its boundaries, you’ll discover flea markets as well as live jazz music.

2. Instant

Instant, like Szimpla Kert, is a well-known ruin bar close by. There are countless rooms, all with a different theme and style. You’ll find both lively dance spots and pleasant lounges at Instant. If you get a chance, try karaoke when you visit! The Instant-Fogas complex includes The Bar which brings together two beloved ruin bars under one roof. If you want to listen to techno, indie or pop, Moodify is the place for you.

3. Fogas Ház

Fogas Ház brings together parties, art and culture to form a unique multi-floor ruin bar. As well as bars and places to dance, Fogas Ház has rooms for unique art shows, a concert hall and a terrace. It offers a lively space where lots of different people come together. The place often arranges cultural events, for example, showings, as well as art exhibitions. This is where you’ll find both live music and late-night entertainment.

4. Mazel Tov

Are you interested in a stylish ruin bar? The answer is Mazel Tov. Conna Bar, in the Jewish Quarter, is famous for its beautiful yellow courtyard, great Middle Eastern food and lively bar. It’s a comfortable place to spend your evening with friends. Whether you’re on a date or meeting a friend, the casual elegance of the setting is always suitable for everyone. Mazel Tov keeps an upscale atmosphere, but still reflects the wonderful and creative style found in ruin pubs.

5. Ellátó Kert

Ellátó Kert gives you the opportunity to enjoy a less crowded ruin bar experience for a comfortable atmosphere. Because of its tiny outdoor garden and the vintage decor, the place looks like a friend’s private yard. Pick up a craft beer, chat with others and take in how relaxed the place is. Since locals prefer it, there are fewer crowds here than in the city’s larger bars, so it’s great if you want to avoid tourist spots.

A visit to Ruin Bars in the Hungarian city

After discovering some top ruin bars in Budapest, you should start organizing your trip. Keep the following advice in your mind:

• Because many ruin bars are found in the Jewish Quarter, it becomes an easy place to explore.
• If you want a less crowded atmosphere, plan your visit for during the week.
• A few ruin bars arrange art shows, concerts and movie sessions. Follow their social media accounts or see their websites for the most recent news.
• Should you not know which ruin bar to head to, try joining a group tour and get to see more than one during your evening.

Friends or alone, going from bar to bar allows you to discover more about the city’s artistic energy.

In Conclusion

Ruin bars are famous in Budapest and there are generally between 15 and 20 scattered throughout the city. All the bars are unique, helping to make Budapest’s nightlife scene special. These ruin bars, from Szimpla Kert to Ellátó Kert, are sure to give visitors memories they won’t easily forget. They do more than provide alcohol—they are respected spots in culture, hotbeds of creativity and hubs for friends to meet up.

Because of this, set up your visit, visit some ruin bars and let the bohemian vibe of Budapest surround you! Visiting ruin bars as you dance, admire different art or relax with a beer will give you unforgettable moments while in Hungary’s capital.