Szimpla Kert

"It all began in the early 2000s when a group of artists and entrepreneurs saw potential in the abandoned buildings of Budapest's historic Jewish Quarter. These buildings, left vacant and neglected after World War II and the Communist era, were ripe for revitalization. The concept of the ruin bar emerged as a way to breathe new life into these neglected spaces. Rather than demolishing the buildings, entrepreneurs began transforming them into eclectic and unconventional bars, using salvaged furniture, quirky decor, and vibrant street art to create unique and atmospheric spaces. The first and most iconic ruin bar, Szimpla Kert, opened its doors in 2002 in a dilapidated factory building. Szimpla Kert quickly became a hotspot for locals and tourists alike, drawn to its laid-back atmosphere, live music, and cheap drinks. Its success inspired a wave of similar establishments to pop up throughout the Jewish Quarter, each with its own distinct character and charm. Today, ruin bars are an integral part of Budapest's nightlife scene, attracting visitors from around the world with their bohemian vibe and historic surroundings. They serve as symbols of Budapest's resilience and creativity, transforming formerly forgotten spaces into vibrant hubs of culture and community. Whether you're sipping a cocktail in a courtyard adorned with fairy lights or exploring hidden rooms filled with vintage furniture, a visit to a ruin bar offers a glimpse into Budapest's storied past and thriving present."

"Szimpla Kert en Budapest es un emblemático ruin bar conocido por su ambiente único y ecléctico. Situado en un edificio abandonado, presenta un diseño creativo con arte callejero y elementos vintage. Ofrece una amplia variedad de eventos, desde proyecciones de películas hasta conciertos, y su oferta de bebidas abarca desde cervezas locales hasta cócteles creativos. Con espacios para socializar tanto en interiores como en un patio al aire libre, Szimpla Kert se ha convertido en un ícono de la cultura alternativa y la vida nocturna de Budapest, atrayendo tanto a lugareños como a turistas."

"It's the most diverse ruin bar: they open in the afternoon and stay open as late as 4 am in the morning. You can come here for a chilled afternoon or evening and even stay to party for the night. There is even one room dedicated for shisha on the ground floor. They have a flea market or craft fair every Saturday, and a farmer's market every Sunday. Often they have live music in one of the rooms and they like to exhibit art from local designers and artists. In the summer, they have open-air cinema in the courtyard. Make sure to look around in every room and spot the random ornaments."