The capital of Hungary, Budapest, is famous for its lively nightlife and ruin bars are a unique aspect you’ll find there. People from around the world and local residents are drawn to these bars. But what do ruin bars mean and what part of Budapest are they found in? We shall look at this issue to gain a better understanding.

What do Ruin Bars refer to?

Often called “romkocsma” in Hungarian, ruin bars are places set up in old buildings, yards and industrial sites. They have a unique ambiance that features elements from grunge, the past and art. Most tourists visit these bars because of the special vibe and decor, since they are unlike other places.

Ruin bars began in the early 2000s to put abandoned or unused buildings to new and imaginative uses. Rather than demolishing them, entrepreneurs turned them into busy hubs that highlight their faults, history and unique appearance. This way of thinking not only made old areas of Budapest interesting again but also inspired a cultural trend that is now a major aspect of the nightlife in the city.

They’re more than places to buy drinks; they reflect a cultural change. Art exhibitions, concerts, theatre events and gatherings for the community are held at deteriorated bars often. There, visitors experience an enjoyable environment with different creative, historical and social aspects all blended together.

The area of Ruin Bars, known as District VII.

A majority of ruin bars are found in District VII, known as the Jewish Quarter or Erzsébetváros, in Budapest. Since there were plenty of empty buildings and low rents when the trend started, this area became famous for its ruin bars.

Because it was once a Jewish neighborhood, District VII makes the ruin bars more interesting. While the ruin bars make the area fashionable and modern, there are also plenty of ancient synagogues, old bakeries and different kinds of shops in the area. This combination lends a unique feel to the district, so it is a fun place to visit in any lighting.

The Jewish Quarter has seen much change in the last two decades. The area which once was ignored, is now full of life thanks to ruin bars. With more people visiting because of the bars, investors and those responsible for preservation began to take notice.

Investigating the district of VII

This area is known for its history, bright culture and bustling streets. A full tour takes visitors past unusual street art, uniquely styled shops, beautiful eateries and a large array of ruin bars. The area offers a blend of its past, fun evenings out and a stylish city atmosphere.

When you stroll through District VII, the artistic activity there will be obvious. Graffiti artists often make the walls into their canvases and much of the city is decorated with murals about Budapest’s past and present. While the visual arts are well-known here, the area’s eateries stand out, too, with options spanning Hungarian specialties and dishes from many other countries.

The heart of nightlife in District VII isn’t limited to ruin bars. This area is home to cocktail lounges, nightclubs and music spaces that suit people with many different preferences. That’s why visitors who want to enjoy a full night out in one place will find Roisel convenient.

Favored Ruin Bars from District VII

We’ll explore some of the best ruin bars in Budapest’s District VII in the following section.

• Szimpla Kert was the first ruin bar to open in Budapest. There are many different rooms, plus an enclosed courtyard, a garden area and a hodgepodge of furniture and decorations throughout. Art galleries, concert halls, exposed brick and others see live music, night events and a busy farmer’s market on Sundays. Thanks to its labyrinth-like design and frequent change of decor, visitors to Szimpla Kert feel a unique, adventurous atmosphere.
• Multiple floors and different rooms at Instant create a space that feels like a maze. Every room is themed differently, giving visitors a special adventure. Its lively parties full of various music genres are why Instant gathers young and enthusiastic people.
• Fogas Ház: Fogas Ház covers several different spaces, all in one location. You’ll find different places for entertainment, including a bar, a terrace, a club with a dance floor and a bowling alley. Because there is so much to see and do, locals love coming to the mall for different experiences.
• Ellátó Kert: This is a ruined bar on a smaller side, but you won’t find it any less charming. Because of its colorful and winding courtyard, it is cozy and just right for relaxing and having a beverage. Small ruin bars usually create a pleasant and calm atmosphere that is good for relaxed occasions.

Some Additional Districts Deserve Mention

Although District VII is known best for ruin bars, that doesn’t stop you from discovering them elsewhere in the city. A number of ruin bars can also be visited in District VIII, District IX and District XIII. But, if you are more interested in visiting real ruin bars, District VII should be where you head.

Going to ruin bars outside District VII gives you a new way to experience the city’s nightlife. A lot of these bars focus on serving specific communities or by hosting themed events. They are good options if you’d like to experience something new in a part of the city other than the main central area.

Conclusion

Many visitors come to Budapest for the unusual experience and vibe found at the city’s ruin bars. Concentrated around Budapest’s District VII, most of the bars here ensure an evening to remember for visitors. You will likely remember the ruin bars in Budapest’s District VII, from the original Szimpla Kert to the unique Instant.