Budapest’s Ruin Bars

What are Ruin Bars Anyways?

After WWII much of the old Jewish Quarter, home of the Jewish Ghetto, was left partially destroyed with many abandoned buildings. In the early 2000's a group of friends decided to purchase one of these spaces to open a bar, rather than remodeling the space they worked with the building as is. This was the birth of Szimpla Kert, one of the most popular to visit as it is the original. 

Since then many others have opened in the same fashion. An old, abandoned building turned into a vibrant space with the help of some unique decor, local artists and lots of thrifted furniture. It is quite the experience, walking through Szimpla Kert felt like drinking in a mix of a Modern Art Museum and a Thrift Store. They all have a very eclectic feel.

Unlike most other bars or clubs, these are very unassuming from the outside. Besides the fact that they are in old, abandoned buildings, they also do not boast large lit up signs. If you don't know where you're heading you could easily walk right by and not even notice.

What if I Don't Drink?

Honestly, it is still worth popping in! Don't worry, as much as the nightlife is engrained in Budapest, they do offer so much more!

Many of the bars do offer other activities such as Live Concerts, Movie Screenings and even Brunch! So, if drinking and bar hopping aren't your thing I would suggest popping in when they open and take a walk around. These buildings are decorated unlike anywhere else I've ever been.

Szimpla Kert

While the original has become increasingly popular to visit, I still think it is definitely worth it to pop in. If you're only going to stop into one I think it should be here! There are several rooms through out, all decorated differently and VERY eclectically. Each room has a different style; there is the cover photo of this guide, another had a clawfoot tub turned into a seating area, you'll see plants and abstract art...it really has everything! The courtyard out back boasts another bar with seating and a smoking area. While it can get crowded here at night we still felt like we had plenty of space to move around. 

If you want to visit but the bar scene isn't quite your thing, that's okay. They host live music here as well. If that's not much your speed either, there's still options! On Sundays they host a Farmer's Market or stop in earlier in the day for  some food or even just a walk around!

Other Ruin Bars

We've only visited a couple, but have heard great things about several of them. If you're looking for more of a club vibe then you'll want to head to Instant which is the largest in the city, its home being an abandoned apartment building. There are dozens of rooms (again, all decorated differently), bars and DJs.

If you're looking for the 'experience' of a ruin bar but slightly more sophisticated, you could grab a table at Mazel Tov. We've heard this is definitely more tourists than locals, but may be more fit for all ages.