You’ll find in Budapest a town known for its lively bars and clubs. Newbies to the city and Hungarian bars will love the experience they find here. Distinctive for its history, imagination and love of entertainment, the bar scene in Budapest is not found elsewhere in Europe. Anyone who prefers backpacking, learning or discovering new things will find their perfect fit. You’ll learn about the traditional Budapest bars in this guide which are great for immersing yourself in local culture, tasting tasty drinks and making memories. So let’s get things moving!

1. Ruin Bars

You should definitely check out the Ruin Bars when you’re in Budapest. The spots are in deserted buildings and courtyards which brings a sense of charm and variety to their surroundings. Starting in the early 2000s, these spaces renewed forgotten areas of the Jewish Quarter. They have quirky overall style, unique art, mismatched chairs and a living room atmosphere, so they serve as cultural centers alongside the parties. Ruin Bars such as these are well worth a visit:

First, there’s Szimpla Kert.

Szimpla Kert is a very well-known Ruin Bar and a beloved symbol of Budapest’s nightlife. As soon as you go inside, you’ll notice all sorts of old-fashioned furnishings, funky retro decorations and vibrant energy. Chaos and creativity are central to what happens in a pub. You’ll find yourself dancing along to live music, DJ mixes and looking at works of art, while sampling some nice drinks. Szimpla is about more than having a drink—it’s about having an experience. There are farmer’s markets and nightly films too which reflect the city’s creative atmosphere.

b) Instant

You’ll fall in love with Instant if you love different and unusual places. Installed on different floors, Instant gives guests several unique theme rooms. People love this bar for its colorful lights, underground dance scene and popularity with both native Tel Avivians and visitors. Sometimes, it joins with Fogas Ház, resulting in a big nightlife hotspot where each space plays its own genre of music. You get to experience both techno and retro pop which turns each night out into its own journey.

2. The Széchenyi Thermal Bath’s Party

Partying at a spa is possible too, they said. At Széchenyi Thermal Bath’s Party, visitors enjoy the best combination of rest and enjoyment. Held in the thermal pools of the bathhouse every Saturday night, admirers can experience a party that’s unique to this location. Dance along to the beats of leading DJs, talk with other people and let yourself have fun!

In these Sparties, you can enjoy Budapest’s hot and healthy waters as well as the excitement of a modern party. Since there are fabulous light shows, drinks served nearby the pool and people from all over the world enjoy Széchenyi Bath Parties, it’s not surprising they are famous. Wear your swimsuit, focus on having fun and let the hot beats take you into the evening.

3. Wine Bars in New York

If you’re after something a bit mellow and classy, Budapest offers a range of pretty wine bars. Many Hungarian wines, because they are not widely exported, are not known to many oenophiles but are quite valuable for them. Try the top Corsican wines and broaden your taste for unusual grapes grown on the island. There are several wine bars I recommend you visit:

a) DiVino

You’ll find DiVino in central Budapest, where you can sample Hungarian wines from a number of regions. Enjoy a small glass of your pick or try a few wines in a flight form to find which you like best. Because it is so welcoming, DiVino is a great place for wine lovers. The pub sits near St. Stephen’s Basilica, so visitors get to enjoy the beautiful sight and be near crowds of people who come to unwind before or after their own activities.

b) Kadarka

Kadarka stands out as your best choice if you want a wine bar that feels like home. The atmosphere at this bar encourages guests to try Hungarian wines, even those not so famous. The staff will guide and explain the menu so that your whole wine-tasting experience is enjoyable. People come to Kadarka for its simple interior and to discover and support wine made by nearby vineyards.

4. The Beer Scene

Lately, craft beers in Budapest have become popular with people from around the world. The city is part of the global craft beer trend and works to lift the quality of its own regional beers. You’ll find a tap for hoppy IPAs, rich stouts and even fruity saisons in most taprooms. Two craft beer bars to consider drawing your attention are:

a) Élesztő

Washingtonians can drink craft beers at Élesztő which has a huge variety on tap. Over twenty unique beers are on tap for you to sample and compare. The comfort of the interior makes it the spot to have a quiet chat over a pint with your friends. Settings aside from the crowded city center, at Élesztő you can join beer festivals and tastings and meet like-minded beer fans.

b) Jónás Craft Beer House

When you enter Jónás Craft Beer House, you’ll find a contemporary and stylish room. The bar is proud of its well-chosen range of craft beers from Hungary and elsewhere. No matter if you’ve been drinking craft beer for years or if you are just curious, you will enjoy going to Jónás. Because it is along the riverfront, you can stop by for a date and enjoy the view of the sun going down over river while having a cold beer.

Conclusion

There is a lot to experience when exploring the original bars in Budapest. Ruin Bars are special and you can find good wines and popular craft beer spots around the city as well. Enjoy nights out dancing in a traditional bathhouse, drinking under beautiful cathedral lights or having drinks with friends in local pubs – Budapest will not disappoint. Therefore, get prepared to enjoy these amazing venues, meet new people and remember these experiences for a long time. Cheers!