As well as being a place of historic significance, Budapest’s Jewish Quarter (Quartiere Ebraico) is the main hub for the city’s active nightlife and pub culture. Right in District VII, this lively area hosts a range of old and new traditions, street art and is famous for its pubs. The nightlife in the Jewish Quarter is great for anyone interested in history, parties or travel.

A district with a history and an up-to-date attitude

To learn about the pubs, we should first know something about the Jewish Quarter’s history. At one time, the Jewish quarter in Budapest was the heart of the Jewish community and it still offers the Dohány Street Synagogue, Europe’s biggest and plenty of kosher eateries and cultural places.

The effect of the presidency became clear after 2000, when the area changed a lot. Entrepreneurs, artists and other creatives moved in and buildings and yards were transformed into bars, cafés and cultural centers. The result? A mixture of history, pleasure, architecture and deserted places.

The Rise of the Ruin Pubs

A piece on pubs in the Jewish Quarter should never fail to mention ruin pubs (romkocsmák). The typical bars in Budapest are originals, placed in dilapidated buildings or courtyards and decorated with different furniture, old ornaments, street art and strange installations. The atmosphere you find here is nothing like what you get everyday.

Szimpla Kert Was the First

Szimpla Kert, on Kazinczy Street 14, is the first ruin pub in Budapest and the most famous. When it opened in 2002, Szimpla helped define alternative nightlife in Budapest. Because it offers bars, a courtyard, live shows, movie screenings and even a farmers’ market on Sundays, it acts more as a cultural center than only a pub.

Prepare to enjoy a choice from craft beers, fruit pálinka or cocktails while relaxing on seat taken from old cinema or inside a Trabant car. Szimpla is well worth a visit for anyone seeing Budapest for the first time and is a famous part of its pub scene.

Leading Bars and Pubs to Visit in the Jewish Quarter

You will also find many pubs in the Jewish Quarter other than Szimpla, including hipster establishments, cocktail bars and places for craft beer.

1. Instant-Fogas Complex

On Akácfa Street, this mega-venue comes from the merger of Instant and Fogas Ház which used to be in ruins. Today this club has more than 20 rooms and several dance areas, so if you’re into clubbing after pub drinks, that’s the place to be. DJs play electronic music, old pop favorites and the place is filled with unique art and bright neon displays.

2. Ellátó Kert

Both locals and expats love Ellátó Kert for its calm courtyard vibe that invites casual drinking. Enjoying Mexican street food, looking at the colorful murals and the low prices are why many people like it as a pre-drink stop.

3. Mazel Tov

Should you wish to have an upscale experience, go to Mazel Tov which is a mix of a chic ruin bar and a Mediterranean restaurant. Fairy lights, greenery and the glass roof give this place a cozy feeling, while serving fantastic Middle Eastern dishes and offering craft cocktails and good wine. I find that it suits either a lovely date night or a chic dinner before you start your evening.

4. Doboz

You’ll find Doboz (“The Box”) behind a big red door on Klauzál Street, where art installations meet party atmosphere. The courtyard has a large tree that is more than 300 years old, with a huge King Kong statue climbing up it.

5. Kőleves Kert

Opening only in summer, Kőleves Kert is a laid-back pub that looks like a garden. Having colorful lawn chairs and friendly staff, it makes for a great spot to relax in the summer. The attached Kőleves restaurant prepares amazing Hungarian and international meals all day.

Best Drinks to Enjoy in the Jewish Quarter

Budapest’s Jewish Quarter has pubs where you can order local and international drinks:

Suggestions include tasting Mad Scientist, Horizont or MONYO, three excellent local breweries.

• Pálinka is strong fruit brandy, known in Hungary and should be enjoyed slowly.
• If it’s hot outside, consider a Fröccs which blends wine and soda water.
• Tokaji is a sweet type of wine made in northeastern Hungary and often seen in nicer bars
• A lot of pubs provide themed drinks and cocktails for special occasions. Talk to the bartender if you’re interested in finding a new drink.

Some guidelines for going pub crawling in Budapest’s Jewish Quarter

Book your reservation early, because many ruin pubs become full after 9 PM. Be early if you want to grab a table at places like Mazel Tov or Szimpla Kert which are often very busy.

• Cash is helpful, since some bars do not accept cards; you can exchange your Euros in the city center.
• Dress in casual clothes, since pubs usually have a relaxed dress code. Feel free to dress casually or get dressed up—both are accepted.
• Take care of yourself: though Budapest is mostly safe, be mindful of your drink and belongings in busy places.
• Book a guided pub crawl: Various tour operators lead you through the pubs in the Jewish Quarter, with helpful facts and drinks specials.

Final Thoughts

Drinking is just one part of the pub scene in Budapest’s Quartiere Ebraico—it lets you see how the city is creative, strong and always finding new ways to be itself. Whether your plan is to have a drink in a traditional courtyard, keep dancing all night in a club or eat while looking up at the stars, the Jewish Quarter is for you.

All sorts of stories can be found in bars, from the oldest ruin pubs to the newest cocktail lounges. Because history (daytime) and nightlife (nighttime) mix so well, Budapest is the best spot to begin your adventure.