If nightlife in Budapest is mentioned, Pub Szimpla probably pops up in your research. In Budapest’s downtown, Pub Szimpla Budapest, better known as Szimpla Kert, is actually much more than a bar. It is an important part of Budapest’s culture, a symbol of post-communist revival and the ruins pubs there began the famous local trend.

The First Launch

Szimpla Kert started in 2002, at a moment when the Jewish Quarter was still empty of people and full of forgotten structures needing care. Thinking destruction was not necessary, the group of friends made it into a pub with its own flaws and offered clients an experience unlike that at regular bars.

They wanted to build a chill place for locals and creative types. As a result, they built Pub Szimpla which changed the concept of a bar.

Ruin Bars

Ruin pubs are simple in concept yet brought about a real transformation. Instead of spending money on restoration, the owners mostly kept the building just as it was, with its old feel intact. That place had mismatched furniture, walls with graffiti and unusual installations and the courtyard was made cozy with arranged seating and vintage ornaments.

An early display by the judges rapidly became a cultural force. Szimpla Kert was the first ruin pub in Budapest and because it became so popular, dozens of more ruin pubs were built in the city. Purely by virtue of its legacy, Pub Szimpla always stands out from its imitators.

The atmospherics at Pub Szimpla

Going into Szimpla Kert for the first time feels as if you’ve entered a construction site where art objects are always being added. Some spaces are designed to look like lofts and others look like they belong in an artist’s studio. Bike mobility shows include hangable plants, TVs serving as lamps and car doors as tables.

Despite what it may seem, the Pub Szimpla space is designed to have a certain layout. Each element is planned to further surprise and delight visitors. Things are dimly lit, the playlist changes depending on where you are and each turn brings a surprise.

The feel here is different to anywhere else, whether you’re having a local craft beer, admiring live jazz or hanging out on a converted bathtub.

Going beyond the title of a pub!

The real standout feature about Pub Szimpla Budapest is how much it values community and culture. Even though the bars have fine drinks, the venue is known for its variety of activities and events.

Art and concert shows

There are often live bands, DJs and experimental acts at Szimpla. There are always concerts going on, from jazz to electronic and indie music. Local artists can show their work on the walls and the art installations are updated regularly.

Farmers’ Market

Pub Szimpla’s courtyard becomes a farmers’ market every Sunday. People selling here have local vegetables, their own jams, cheeses, baked foods and artisan crafts available. The event is friendly to families and gives you another glimpse of what Budapest is like.

movies are presented and there are cultural activities too

Film nights, literary readings and workshops about sustainability are held at Szimpla for the community. Creativity is embraced here as part of the culture and is proactively encouraged.

Food and Drinks offered at Pub Szimpla

Even though beer in a jug is the star, the food at Szimpla is worth noticing as well. You can order Hungarian beers, wines and spirits, including a well-known brandy called pálinka, in this bar.

The location offers burgers, sandwiches and vegetarian dishes at its own food stall. Quality and provided at reasonable prices allow guests to have a full dinner without spending too much.

Sustainable practices and caring about social well-being

Szimpla Kert puts importance on sustainability and making a positive impact in the community. Bar owners encourage people to respect nature by practicing recycling and using less plastic and they also collaborate with different NGOs and social enterprises. These programs, for example, the farmers’ market, benefit local farmers and other small producers.

The best times for a visit.

You can visit Pub Szimpla every day and the feel in the place shifts with different days and times. Weeknights are a good time to come in, relax, order a drink and enjoy the surroundings. The street is more crowded during weekends since both locals and tourists are there.

Try to come before 9 p.m. if you want to miss the biggest crowds. The place is very big, but it gets packed fast, mainly on Friday and Saturday.

Guide to Visiting Pub Szimpla Budapest

• Having some money in Hungarian forints can be useful; most places still take cash.
• Visit the upper floors: Although most people stay at the lower levels, the higher floors include more comfortable areas and similar interesting decor.
• Play by the rules: The place is popular with tourists, but it is also important to local people. Never encroach on people’s personal or private space.
• Don’t hurry as you look around the museum. Every room brings its own unexpected discovery.

Conclusion

Pub Szimpla Budapest is really an experience, a famous work of art and a symbol of how Budapest has improved its neighborhoods. With its charming history and architecture, Szimpla introduces a bold atmosphere in the centre of Budapest.

Going to Pub Szimpla, no matter if you’ve traveled before, is an experience you won’t soon forget. That’s where you get the mix of history, art, community and nightlife, all in a building that used to be old and has been revived by an inspiring team.

When you’re in Budapest, do try to see it for yourself. Order a drink, look for a colorful spot to relax and relax as Pub Szimpla impresses you.