Budapest draws attention for its beautiful buildings, hot springs and strong pub culture. Regardless if you love beer, cocktails or a comfortable setting, you’ll find a pub that fits your taste in Budapest. In this article, we’ll cover the different pubs in Budapest, including classic ruin bars and stylish gastropubs and discuss what makes them special.

Ruin Bars: The Stars of Budapest’s Local Pubs

There’s no way to ignore the ruined downtown bars when looking for the top pubs in Budapest. Old Jewish Quarter (District VII) buildings and courtyards were turned into these pubs which are now unique and filled with character.

Many believe Szimpla Kert is the most famous ruin pub in Budapest. It helped start the scene in Budapest and to this day, people love coming to hear music here. Szimpla has mismatched pieces, unusual art and a relaxed atmosphere, making it nice for just hanging out with friends.

Another great option is Instant-Fogas Complex, a large place with a number of different rooms, so every musical preference is catered to. Begin the evening with a cold craft beer, then end up dancing to electronic tunes somewhere else.

Hungarian Pubs

If you want to try real Hungarian pubs, many local “kocsma” can be found throughout Budapest. Here you will find places with a small menu, mostly drinks like Hungarian beer and pálinka and basic pub snacks.

Fekete Kutya in Budapest is a wonderful example. It brings together a sense of community and a bit of alternative influence. There are nice bartenders, cheap drinks and people playing cards around the bar well into the evening.

Pótkulcs is another great hidden spot, placed in a private courtyard. Though it’s simple, it’s inviting and usually offers live acoustic music. Its pleasant old-style atmosphere makes it one of the most praised pubs in Budapest for anyone avoiding the bustling center.

If you are into craft beer, these are the pubs in Bournemouth for you.

People in Budapest are now choosing craft beer more often, thanks to its recent rise. Today, you’ll find lots of pubs offering both Hungarian and international craft beers.

If you love beer, Élesztőház is a place you can’t miss. Based in a former glassworks, the pub provides more than 20 kinds of tapped beer, including options from craft brewers Mad Scientist, Monyo and Horizont. Seeing the hops and kegs in the background makes everything more interesting and you can always find a new beer to enjoy on the rotating list.

Another place you should visit is Hops Beer Bar near the Parliament. Even though it’s not as large as Élesztőház, Publiq Beer has a comfortable atmosphere and educated servers, making it ideal for beer enthusiasts.

New and unique Gastropubs

Anyone who enjoys gourmet meals with their drinks will find many excellent pubs in Budapest.

This category is commonly referred to as Kandalló, one of the best known. Many customers are drawn to the burgers and the great variety of craft beer. It’s a nice and friendly place for a relaxing time with friends.

Mazel Tov provides a nicer and more upscale pub atmosphere. The place used to be a classic ruin bar, but these days its beautiful contemporary style and tasty Middle Eastern dishes give it more of a gastropub feel. It’s perfect if you want to dress up without feeling uncomfortable.

Pubs with a Special Kind of Feel

What makes some pubs unique is when they provide more than just beer—such as a lovely view, entertainment or a truly memorable atmosphere.

Pontoon, sitting on the Pest side of the Chain Bridge, is open only in the summer and lets visitors take in the Danube and Buda Castle. During summer, the place is popular with locals and tourists who love to have a cold drink while watching the city’s sunset.

In the Jewish Quarter, Doblo Wine & Bar is focused on serving wines and bites. Live jazz, an impressive choice of wines and a lovely setting make it perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy a night out that still feels like a pub.

Ways to Have a Good Time at Budapest Pubs

Pick up your friends after 8:00 or 9:00 PM; pubs start becoming packed then. If it’s a calm evening you are hoping for, try arriving early.

There are places that accept only cash, so remember to keep a small amount on you. It’s useful to have some Hungarian Forints available at all times.

Budapest’s public transportation might be late, but you can use night buses and trams after dark. Taxis are not expensive and it’s easy to call one using the Bolt app.

You should tip pubs and bars about 10%, unless they have added a service charge.

Conclusion

If you are just discovering Budapest or have been there often, you won’t find a city pub scene like this anywhere else. Every type of bar here gives its own taste of the city’s vibrant lifestyle, whether it’s a playful ruin bar or a cozy gastropub. If you want to enjoy the top pub in Budapest, you won’t run out of great options.