The town is famous for being a lively city with lots of restaurants, pubs and places to go out and enjoy. Over the years, the well-known “ruin bars” have gained a lot of fans. Such non-standard entertainment venues have become an important part of what makes up the culture and community in the city. This article will talk about the rise of ruin bars and explain why they have become popular.

How are Ruin Bars described?

In Hungary, ruin bars which are also known as szórakozóhely, are places that open in decaying or abandoned buildings. Because of this, the buildings which were affected by war or by years of neglect in communist times, were renovated and turned into important hubs for social life.

The Start of Ruin Bars

It was in the early 2000s that a few friends, motivated by the underground scene and the cost of regular bars, repurposed abandoned locations to make them into unique places to enjoy. They wanted to offer people a special atmosphere where they could listen to music, view art and relax.

Szimpla Kert is the original ruin bar in Budapest.

The first of these places to get noticed was Szimpla Kert which opened in 2002. Since opening in the busy Jewish Quarter, shows at Szimpla Kert drew local and international customers. Because of the eclectic décor, jumbled furniture and lively setting, it gained popularity very quickly.

After Szimpla Kert proved successful, more entrepreneurs started to copy the idea, changing other empty buildings into interesting bars. Nowadays, Budapest is where you can find many ruin bars, each one with its own special atmosphere.

The Atmosphere and The Features

The atmosphere at ruin bars is always varied and relaxed. These places usually include retro furniture, walls with graffiti, hanging plants and vintage items as decorations. Multifunctional spaces may host concerts, DJ nights, art shows, films and farmers’ markets.

Discovering Kazinczy Street

Ruin bars have made Kazinczy Street especially famous. There are famous places there such as Fogasház, Instant and Ellátó Kert. All along Kazinczy Street, there is lively music, people enjoying themselves and a fun atmosphere.

Ruin Gardens that use the furniture and structures of outdoor architecture

Many ruin bars, besides their indoor spaces, also have big outdoor gardens. On warm summer nights, these gardens let visitors relax with their drinks, talk with their friends and interact with others.

What is the Reason to Go to Ruin Bars?

Ruin bars give you an experience that’s not found in many other places. Explore these unusual spots in Budapest because of the reasons listed below:

Ruin bars display the past, creative nature and alternative taste of Budapest. The rich ambiance attracts visitors and residents alike.

The atmosphere is made special by the mix of retro decor, worn-out chic designs and bands onstage.

Because most ruin bars have cheaper drinks, they become especially appealing places for visitors wanting to save money.

Friendly and fun ruin bars make it simple to talk and interact with fellow members of the community.

Final Thoughts

Though people go to ruin bars to have fun and grab a drink, it is much more; it is also about connecting with the city’s special subculture. Ruin bars are perfect for anyone interested in art, music or who just wants to have an unusual night out in Budapest.