1. What are Ruin Bars?

They are special establishments found inside abandoned buildings, warehouses or factories. These businesses began in Budapest in the early 2000s, after some creative entrepreneurs saw that bringing life to unused buildings was a better option than knocking them down.

They opted to display a worn, unusual look, rather than transform these areas into sophisticated places, using various, unusual pieces of furniture, old or salvaged decoration and many different types of artwork. The result? Bars that have their own style which pays tribute to the past while welcoming the future. In recent years, what started as underground ruin bars has become an important aspect of Budapest’s nightlife.

Today, many people visit ruin bars to meet, enjoy live music, hear new ideas and participate in parties. If you want to hear some music, see art or dance all night, these places offer an experience you won’t find anywhere else in Budapest.

2. One-of-a-kind Atmosphere and Decor

Rain looking special is mainly because of their particular atmosphere and décor. In contrast to polished bars, ruin bars are well-known for their unique and charming interior styles which make them both appealing and attractive to guests.

Entrance into any ruin bar is like entering a walking artwork. You should find:

Lots of these furniture pieces aren’t identical and that can make decorating more interesting.

There are many walls covered in graffiti and you’ll also see lots of street art.

You can use old TVs, bathtubs, bicycles and typewriters as part of your home décor.

Pops of color from string lights and many different lampshades make the house feel dreamy.

The end product is a place where the air feels relaxing, warm and guests can easily take pictures and have fun. Since every ruin bar is different, you’ll always find something new on your travels.

3. Szimpla Kert led the way and started what Budapest is known for today.

Szimpla Kert is definitely the most outstanding ruin bar in town. Since it was the first ruin bar in Budapest, Szimpla Kert helped make ruin bars popular and launched the city’s alternative nightlife scene.

The venue was started in the Jewish Quarter in 2002 by moving into a run-down building that was to be razed. Today, the bar is extremely popular in Europe for its exciting interior design and variety of drinks.

There are a variety of spots inside, for example the large courtyard where films are shown and the markets are held. The Szimpla Kert bar and club is often home to:

Live music

Themed parties

Art exhibitions

Community events

A bar is important in the local culture. You should visit Szimpla Kert no matter if you’re there for a chat over drinks or to dance in one of its trippy rooms.

4. Quick – The Soul of Partying

Instant is another famous ruin bar that you should visit if you’re near Szimpla Kert. If you want a culture-infused evening, head to Szimpla, but for strong music and a wild dance atmosphere, Instant is your place. Many come to Instant since it’s famous for its energetic vibe, where people can dance throughout the night.

The organization has several different types of establishments.

Every dance floor is dedicated to its own kind of music.

A range of bars offering low-priced drinks

A place where you can take a break between your exercises

At Instant, you’ll often find both global and local DJs, making it the leading place for people who love clubs and music. If you like house, techno, pop or hip-hop, there’s an area of the festival designed for you.

5. Fogasház Program k.o.: Mittel in vor allem künstlerischer, aber auch unterhaltender Hinsicht

If you prefer a creative and varied night out, Fogasház is the place to go. A cinema, an art gallery and a bar for live music all meet in just this one location. Because creativity joins nightlife here, this is where students, artists and travelers all love to be.

Fogasház regularly welcomes the following programs:

Art exhibitions

Theater performances

Live music

Examples of this are workshops and spontaneous market stalls.

It’s the perfect spot to get a drink, enjoy a show and chat with an artist or music-lover all by yourself—every night.

6. Anker’t – Bringing You Joy from the Outdoors

For those who like a no-roof experience, Anker’t is just what you’re looking for. Anker’t is placed in a former factory courtyard, giving guests a generous outdoor space, a large bar and various seats, so it is popular during the summer.

Both residents and travelers give Anker’t credit for its:

Putting on outdoor film showings

Running themed parties and weekly farmer’s markets

Providing a friendly and relaxed space

Start your evening here with friends, enjoy some special drinks and even witness an open mic event outside.

7. Instant-Fogasház Group

The Instant-Fogasház Group runs and owns a group of ruin bars in Budapest. Along with Instant and Fogasház, they take charge of a number of other successful restaurants, each one unique.

Robot – Associated with live rock and a bold atmosphere.

Liebling – A more lazy rooftop place to enjoy drinks and talks.

Pontoon sits by the Danube, giving you great riverside and summer evenings with music.

Discovering the different places in this group is a fun way to see more of Budapest’s nightlife, traveling from one creative spot to another under the ruin bar name.

Conclusion

While in Budapest, make sure you visit at least one of the city’s famous ruin bars. These special places allow visitors to witness how history, art and lively scenes from the city’s past have come together.

Szimpla Kert was the originator of this movement and now, places like Instant, Fogasház and Anker’t each have their unique character.

Ruin bars in Budapest are the place to go if you’re after music, art, culture or a great night out. Take a drink, admire the uneven spaces and celebrate a metropolis that gives old things new life.

Cheers!