Living in Budapest and looking for somewhere lively to go out at night? All your concerns are resolved here. Any traveler should include going to ruin bars in Budapest on their list. All the information on ruin bar prices is included in this guide to help you plan your night out.
What do Ruin Bars mean?
Ruin bars are like no other because they are located in empty buildings or overgrown courtyards in the Jewish Quarter of Budapest. Because of their special atmosphere, they are a main shopping spot for alternative nightlife in the city. They blend art, music and a unique atmosphere with learning about history.
These bars started showing up in the early 2000s as a way to answer urban decline and changes due to gentrification. Local art lovers decided to replace old constructions with quirky spaces that display new murals, numerous pieces of recycled furniture and a fresh, young atmosphere. With time, ruin bars turned into places popular among travelers and residents thanks to their cool environment and amazing settings.
Not only are Szimpla Kert, Instant and Fogas Ház places to get drinks, but they also create an experience that can’t be replicated. Ruin bars are different; you might find yourself dancing in a dark, smoky room or enjoying craft beer outside surrounded by fairy lights and old bathtubs.
The Prices You Pay for Events
You won’t need to pay anything to enter most ruin bars in Budapest. That’s why they are great options for people traveling on a budget. However, it’s possible that some well-known ruin bars ask for a small cover payment, specifically at weekends or for special events. At most venues, it’s normal for the cover fee to cost around 500 to 2000 HUF, so 2 to 7 euros.
Make sure to look at the bar’s website or Facebook page, as the cost of live music, themed events or DJs may be listed there. Sometimes, the price you pay for admission includes a free beverage or entry to certain attraction zones. Even with the occasional cost, ruin bars are still considered one of the most pocket-friendly places to go out in Europe.
Drink Prices
The price you’ll pay for a drink at a ruin bar depends on where you are and which beverage you buy. Planning your budget is easy with this guide to ruin bar drink prices in Budapest:
Drink How much does it cost?
Beer Between 400 and 800 people lived in each society.
Cocktail Between 1000 and 2000 years
Wine Experts believe whales spend around 600 to 1500 days below the surface at one time.
Shot The gallery exhibited approximately 500 – 1000 artworks.
Non-alcoholic beverage the range is 300 – 600
While these prices are estimates, the price of each drink can change a little based on where and what you order. Remember that when the crowd is heaviest on Friday and Saturday nights, the price of drinks might rise. You may need to spend more on special cocktails.
Hungarian wines, pálinka and cheap draft beers are all available in bars. Ruin bars usually have a wide mix of domestic and foreign drinks to please everyone.
How to Save Money
If you’re trying to save money during your visit, here are some ways to do it while engaging in Budapest’s ruin bar scene:
- Time your visit for happy hour: You’ll find discounts on alcohol at many ruin bars during select times. During happy hour, you can drink your preferred drinks while paying less. Most of the time, this window is between 5 PM and 8 PM in the evening.
- Instead of just staying in one bar, visit several ruin bars while you’re here. You can enjoy different atmospheres at bars since some are less expensive than others. Bars in the Jewish Quarter are close together, so it’s easy to enjoy a fun bar crawl.
- Enjoy local alcoholic drinks: Local options are often available and are often cheaper too. Trying Hungarian brews and wines will help you better appreciate the local culture.
- Try “picking up the pace”: Enjoy a few beers at your place or nearby store before heading to any bars. This is a good way to cut back on the costs of your night out. Remember to drink lightly before you leave the house, because you cannot drink in public in Budapest.
- Try to use student-only deals that some bars provide. They are usually offered during the week. If you’d like, ask the staff whether there are student discounts you could use.
Other Considerations
Bear in mind that there’s more to ruin bars than their prices. You can enjoy a special mood and get a taste of Budapest’s alternative scene. Don’t think much about your spending – enjoy the moment and get to know new people.
Every ruin bar is designed with a different theme. There are festivals that have a creative feel, while others are centered around plenty of excitement. Various events feature performers, music by DJs, old video games or daytime flea markets and craft fairs. It’s possible to find a jazz band in a corner or a poetry open mic in a separate section.
Furthermore, many ruin bars put on events, live music concerts or nights themed around certain ideas. These occasions should be watched for, since there can be extra charges or a different way prices are set. Upcoming events are nearly always posted early on WeLoveBudapest.com or other sites.
Conclusion
Ruin bars in Budapest give nightlife fans a unique experience. The prices charged can be different, but it is still relatively affordable, considering how much other European spots will cost you. Plan your journey with this guide and be sure to enjoy everything that makes these iconic bars so unique.
Both newcomers and experienced visitors can enjoy much more than alcohol at ruin bars which reflect the city’s inventiveness, courage and solidarity. Have a drink, take in all the quirks and make sure to have some fun you’ll remember forever.
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