Introduction

You’ll find that Budapest is known for its unbelievable nightlife and famous among them are the ruin pubs, unique, themed bars in old, abandoned areas. “Romkocsma” is the name used for them in Hungarian, as they bring together run-down and new styles, sell drinks on the cheap and delight millions of visitors yearly. This guide looks at Budapest’s ruin pubs, explaining what they are, their special charm, best-known pubs and advice for an amazing night in May 2025.

Exploring How Ruin Pubs Began

After starting in the early 2000s, ruin pubs made District VII (the Jewish Quarter) famous around the world for its vibrant nightlife. Since communist systems ended in the region, many buildings in District VII, once full of Jewish life, were left empty and damaged by war and change. In 2002, Szimpla Kert was started when its founders rented a rundown courtyard and decorated it with recycled furniture, local artwork and a DIY spirit. Because of this, entrepreneurs began reusing old factories and other buildings as exciting meeting places. There are already more than 30 ruin pubs in Budapest by 2025, according to Budapestbylocals.com which has boosted culture in the city and helped germinate a wave of similar spots in Berlin and Krakow.

Ruin pubs attract lots of students, backpackers and locals, mostly because their prices are low, with pints costing just 700 HUF (£1.46) and cocktails for between 1,800 and 2,500 HUF (£3.75–£5.21). The importance of these places comes from their base-level starting point, helping local artists and upholding the architectural history of Budapest. The r/travel community on Reddit thinks these sites testify to the city’s strength, blending the past with current interest.

A Different Vibe

Ruin pubs leave an impression full of excitement thanks to their delightfully messy and cheery style. Imagine some chairs that don’t match, walls covered in artwork and odd items like bathtubs used as seats or an old Trabant as a bar top. The use of fairy lights, exposed brick and a variety of art gives the place a bohemian look and enjoying drinks outside in the courtyard or on the roof is always a nice option. Because it’s usually so mild in May, these outdoor spots are just right for enjoying a glass of fröccs as the sun goes down.

You’ll find tourists, ex-pats and Hungarians chatting together in a casual setting. Unlike more exclusive clubs, you don’t have to dress up at a ruin pub, as jeans and sneakers are enough. Dancers head to Szimpla Kert based on TripAdvisor mixtures (4.5/5) that describe its vibe as not too stiff, thanks to live jazz, rock and alternative music performances. All these pubs are unique such as Szimpla’s artistic and Instant’s glittering party area, so anyone can find something they enjoy.

Top Places You Should Visit

Szimpla Kert

If you visit one ruin bar, make it Szimpla Kert, since it’s the first of its kind in Budapest (Kazinczy u. 14, District VII). The complex includes numerous adjoining rooms and a big courtyard, filled with striking objects such as wheeled bicycles and old TVs. Every night, Szimpla features jazz trios and on Sundays, they have farmers’ markets, both running until 2 PM. And of course, there are Dreher pints and pálinka for you at 800 HUF each. Closed at midnight, it’s a 5-minute walk from the M1 metro (Oktogon). Szimpla also has a shisha lounge and a wine bar to give guests more options, says the website.

Instant

The club-and-ruin pub combination at Instant (Akácfa u. 49–51, District VII) makes it a nightlife favorite. Travelers will find neon animals on the walls, reflective ceilings everywhere and music in the main rooms, starting with techno, hip-hop and ending with indie, all the way until 6 AM. You’ll pay 2,500 HUF (£5.21) to enter and a Ruin Mule costs 2,000 HUF (£4.17). On r/budapest, people discuss the “psychedelic” atmosphere it has, appealing to anyone partying or clubbing late. Having Tram 4/6 on Wesselényi utca enables visitors to get there.

Fogasház

Fogasház (at 51 Akácfa u. in District VII) brings together the look of a ruin pub and cultural influences. Students and citypeople enjoy its rooftop area, the chance to play ping-pong and a dance hall located in the lower level. You pay 2,000 HUF (£4.17) to enter and craft beers cost 1,200 HUF (£2.50). You can see theatre performances, join art exhibitions for free and party to techno beats at Fogasház, all advertised on its Instagram. It’s open all the way to 4 AM, so you can go right after Instant without a hassle.

Mazel Tov

With its refined ambiance and courtyard, Mazel Tov (Akácfa u. 47, District VII), is known for its Middle Eastern-Jewish food. It costs 2,500 HUF (£5.21) for a hummus bowl and 2,000 HUF (£4.17) for cocktails. There are always great acoustic sets (for free) which set the tone nicely, according to mazeltov.hu. If you’re looking for tasty food and some pleasant background, it’s ideal, just near the Oktogon M1 stop.

Anker’t

Anker’t (Located on Paulay Ede utca 33, in District VI) has a rustic style and a spacious courtyard. You can get any beer here for 900 HUF (£1.88) and open-mic or craft beer tastings are on Thursdays for 1,500 HUF(£3.13). You can visit Szimpla on weekends until 1 AM – it’s only a 10-minute walk away. According to TripAdvisor, it is a “relaxed spot” that suits traveling couples looking for a peaceful place when evening arrives.

What we offer in Events and Entertainment

Events at ruin pubs make them places where people gather, not just for drinks. You’ll hear folk music live at Szimpla between 8 and 11 PM (free to £2.08 entry) and Instant stays open all night with DJ music. You’ll spot artists in the crowd at Fogasház, a venue that hosts art markets and theater; Mazel Tov meets groups in an intimate setting with their acoustic performances. You will find that participating in an Anker’s pub quiz (costing 1,500 HUF or £3.13 per team) helps you connect with others. Visit the websites of bars or check out their Instagram pages for details on May’s Budapest Beer Week, with plenty of beer added to the craft tap selection and festivals. According to Resident Advisor, ruins pubs are what give Budapest its artistic pulse.

Can Everyone Benefit?

Drinks in ruin pubs are much cheaper than in Western Europe, London pints cost £6, but Budapest pints range from £1.46 to £2.50. It’s rare that entry fees are more than 2,500 HUF (£5.21), while in Berlin they usually exceed £10. Like sandwiches or hummus plates (1,800 HUF, £3.75 or 1,500 HUF, £3.13, respectively), food goes perfectly with drinks here. District VII’s size makes walking to most pubs possible and easy access is possible using the metro (Oktogon, 350 HUF, £0.73) or trams 4 and 6. To use a Bolt taxi in District V, you will pay 2,000 HUF (£4.17).

How to Visit

Get there Early: Szimpla and Instant book up by 9 PM, so arrive at 7 PM if you want to get seats.

• Stick with casual clothes—a shirt and jeans are best; leave your sportswear at home when you come to Instant.
• Don’t forget some Hungarian forint: although cards are now accepted, you’ll find yourself doing better if you have some cash on you.
• Choose a Buda or Pest crawl on the map at maparuinbarsbudapest.com.
• For crowded areas, keep your bag across your body to stop anyone reaching in to take your things.
• Festivals are on the move this month; stay up-to-date on bar social media too.
• The rules state that in District VII, you should, by 10 PM, bring your party inside.

Cultural Impact

Ruin pubs have reshaped Budapest, turning District VII into a nightlife mecca and boosting local economies, per The Guardian. They employ artists, host free events, and preserve historic buildings, earning UNESCO nods for cultural innovation. Their global influence inspires venues in Lisbon and Tel Aviv, but Budapest’s originals remain unmatched for authenticity, per Reddit’s r/travel.

Conclusion

Ruin pubs are Budapest’s nightlife crown jewels, offering a blend of history, creativity, and affordability that captivates all who visit. From Szimpla Kert’s artistic sprawl to Instant’s pulsating floors, these venues deliver unforgettable nights steeped in Hungarian spirit. In May 2025, grab a pint, wander District VII’s quirky corners, and immerse yourself in the ruin pub revolution—a Budapest experience like no other.