If you’re thinking about visiting Budapest, you may have read about how lively and distinctive their nightlife is. Ruin bars are an important highlight you need to check out while you’re here. Everyone interested in the city’s culture, nightlife and art should include these places on their itinerary. In this guide, you’ll get all the information on the time schedules of ruin bars in Budapest.
What do we mean by Ruin Bars?
Budapest’s nightlife includes many interesting ruin bars. For the most part, these bars were placed in abandoned, neglected buildings, factories or courtyards that once existed after World War II ended. Rather than pulling down these spaces, imaginative people turned them into special bars where art, music and an alternative vibe met.
Ruin bars started in the early 2000s and one of the first was Szimpla Kert. People quickly recognized the value in ruins and now, ruin bars are not only for nightlife but also support important cultural events. Guests will discover a range of out-of-the-ordinary pieces, interesting art pieces and an ambiance meant for sharing and artistic ideas. The bars take part in reshaping former neighborhoods in Budapest and now represent the city’s efforts to challenge and advance in the arts.
Popular bars ruins and the hours they are open.
There are lots of charming and unique ruin bars in Budapest. If what you’re after is a relax table or a place to dance your shoes off, any ruin bar will have just the setting for you. Check out some of the most famous ruin bars along with the usual times they open.
Ruin Bar Opening Times
Szimpla Kert Monday-Sunday: 12:00 PM – 4:00 AM
Instant Monday-Sunday: 6:00 PM – 6:00 AM
Fogasház Thursday-Saturday: 8:00 PM – 4:00 AM
Ellátó Kert Monday-Saturday: 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Sunday: Closed
Kuplung Monday-Sunday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
The hours listed here should be seen as a guide; actual times may vary with the seasons, various happenings or plans made by the park. It’s important to double-check things first before going.
What to Consider
Before heading to the ruin bars, remember a few key things.
- Lots of Theme Parks Have Unique Opening Days
Opening days are defined for a number of the ruin bars in Budapest. It’s wise to check online before you go to make sure the place is operating.
Although most popular bars are open almost every day, you might find that smaller, niche ones are not open every day. If you check in advance, you won’t risk arriving at a venue that has already turned people away.
- Dress Code
Since ruin bars have an informal and laid-back style, you won’t usually find a dress code. At the same time, you should adjust your appearance depending on the expected weather and the environment at the place you’re going to. You should wear shoes that fit well because a few places may include staircases or unusual room arrangements.
If you visit Instant or Fogasház, you may find that the crowds are bigger and the dancing is really going all night. You should find clothes that allow you to move comfortably. Try taking some extra layers too, because several ruin bars have indoor and outdoor areas to explore.
- Wait Times
Because of how popular they are, these places can become very busy, mainly at the busiest travel times. If it’s important to you, get there early during the week or later in the day on weekdays.
A good trick is to arrive shortly before the bar gets busy. When you go early, you’re more likely to find your preferred spot and extra time to explore the unusual furniture and surroundings. In addition, you can have conversations with those around you more easily when everything isn’t too loud.
- Live Concerts
A lot of ruin bars organize live music, art shows and similar events. Make sure to see what events are taking place by checking their calendars. You should keep in mind that not all events are open at the same time and you may need to make reservations for some.
Visitors won’t just find alcohol at ruin bars—there are plenty of creative options such as jazz, electronic sets, underground films and poetry in front of an audience. Luckily, sometimes you’ll discover that a fun night or market is happening during your visit.
Visiting Budapest’s Nightlife Scene
Going to ruin bars in Budapest gives an opportunity to join the city’s exciting nightlife and cultural activities. These unusual venues are now famous in Budapest and attract people from all over. Be sure to discover a range of ruin bars, because each one has its own interesting style and things to offer.
No two ruin bars are the same when you look around. Enjoy rooftop terraces or explore vintage thrift stores, since some food places now use unique and repurposed designs. The variety is why ruin bars are attractive and deserve further exploration.
Final Thoughts
Show your respect for the place and for the others around you, because ruin bars are an important part of the city’s heritage. Spend your evening soaking up the city’s special atmosphere and make your night in Budapest memorable.
No matter if you’re alone, a couple or a group, there’s a ruin bar in Budapest for each type of traveler. Because of their friendly setting, interesting decor and active events, these places are suited for more than bar-hopping; they reflect the strength and vibe of Budapest.
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