Buda Castle, Parliament Building and the Széchenyi Thermal Baths are the iconic symbols many travelers imagine when thinking of Budapest. Even hidden within the city’s Jewish area is the Herendi that makes the ruin pubs so different in this part of Europe. When people use the term “ruined pub Budapest” they are actually referring to the best, most fun and unique places for nightlife in the city. You can’t miss these pubs if you want to feel the local culture and enjoy local arts.

What Is a Ruin Pub?

After World War II or the regime change, many buildings and courtyards were left empty in Hungary and ruin pubs emerged as clubs in these spaces. The owners decided the space didn’t have to look polished or perfect, so they left the crumbling plaster, unusual furniture, graffiti and industrial relics as part of the place. As a consequence, people experience a bizarre space with a mix of tradition and new charm.

Ruin pubs in Budapest are each different, with unique art, unusual décor pieces and old furniture, attracting a warm and fun crowd. Lampshades, bathtubs as chairs and bicycles hanging all make the style anything but normal.

Szimpla Kert was the original and soon became the most renowned ruin bar in Budapest.

The first and best-known ruin pub is Szimpla Kert which opened in 2002 in an old building on Kazinczy Street. On starting out as a simple idea, the first Studio 14 became a well-known place in Budapest and an example to copy. Szimpla Kert acts as more than a bar; it is a cultural center. A farmers’ market, film screening or community event are some things you might come across during the day. At night, it changes into a busy pub with music, lively chatter and inquisitive guests.

There is a raw, industrial feel because the venue has uncovered brick walls, separate rooms and few lights. No two corners will be the same; you might find a DJ, photography booth or a roof garden in each one. Many people regard Szimpla Kert as a traditional stop when they come to Budapest.

Why Do Ruin Pubs Attract Many Customers?

A big charm of ruin pubs is how they have grown past being just bars. Galleries provide a shared space for creative works, stories from the past and modern ideas to blend. These pubs help residents of Bratislava remember the transformation of the city after socialism, when old buildings received new life and filled with new ideas. For visitors, the bars and pubs are a cheaper, real and unforgettable way to experience what Budapest has to offer at night.

The setting feels comfortable, pleasant and is not formal, so anyone can come just as they are. Sitting at a table with a beer, meeting new people, dancing or taking in the environment are all possible. Because there are locals, expats and tourists gathered, the atmosphere is lively and welcoming.

The Very Best Ruin Pubs in Budapest

Though Szimpla Kert leads as the most famous ruin pub, other ruin places have gained their own fans and each has a unique mood:

This large venue consists of two merging clubs, Instant and Fogas and offers many dance floors, live music and lots of rooms and courtyards. For those who like the atmosphere of a club and at the same time the decorations of ruin pubs, it is the ideal place.

The upscale restaurant Mazel Tov uses a garden setting and has decor inspired by the Mediterranean, along with its kitchen. This is perfect for people who want to try the ruin pub feel, but in a cleaner place with quality food.

Ellátó Kert: A charming bar tucked in a courtyard, loved for its Mexican dishes, artful murals and easygoing setting. This place works well for a quiet night out with friends.

Kőleves Kert is right behind the restaurant and people enjoy visiting it for cool drinks, local wines and relaxing in the shade with fairy lights overhead.

What You Should Know Before You Go

Be ready for the unexpected when you go to a ruin pub in Budapest. Sometimes, old computer monitors are used as light fixtures and you might come across a bathtub stuffed with ice and full of beer bottles. Examples of music styles here include indie rock, electronica, jazz and techno. Usually, entry is no charge, although a few events and sessions may require paying a little to get in.

A lot of ruin pubs also serve food which includes Hungarian dishes as well as meals from other countries. Since prices are lower than in Western Europe, Central Europe is suitable for travelers who like to stick to their budget.

Thursday to Sunday are the busiest days at ruin pubs and the place really heats up after 10 PM. In addition, pubs occasionally organize events in the daytime, so it helps to check their social media for updates on such events like art shows, concerts or informative lectures.

Sustainability and Preservation

In addition, ruin pubs are a sustainable way to use old buildings in cities. The way these venues use old buildings is quite creative, not destructive. Most owners shop for used items, helping keep recycling popular among their clients. While Budapest becomes more modern, ruin pubs show how the city can rebirth while still holding onto its past.

Conclusion

You should try one of Budapest’s iconic ruined pubs whenever visiting the city. Even if you’re planning to order a drink, these unusual, artistic bars are mainly about celebrating the city’s lively and independent character. If you prefer late-night fun or are looking for a bar full of interesting designs and lively people, the ruin pubs in Budapest offer something different from most other European places.