Subscribe to our social channels to get the latest news about Hungary!
Budapest’s best bars, ranging from ruin pubs to sky bars, according to CNN
Change language:
One of the top draws for tourists besides the beautiful sights of Budapest are the city’s unique drinking venues. They bring people from all over the world to Budapest. There are many clubs and bars that stand out, but the most can be found in the 6th district. Here you can find some of the best ruin pubs in Europe. From ruin bars and bistros to high-end bars and rooftop venues, there’s something for everyone. CNN put together the ultimate guide to the best ruin bars in Budapest.
If you are curious about what festival to attend in Budapest, here are 11 for you to consider. These are the best festivals in the capital of Hungary according to CNN.
Ruin bars
A ruin bar or a ‘romkocsma’ is a place that is built or opened inside an old building; they do not crumble or anything, they are just opened in aged buildings and the decoration mirrors that. The whole fashion started around 2001, when a bunch of young men wanted cheap places to drink because their wallets were empty, but their thirst great. From this need came the ruin bars or ruin pubs of Hungary, called ‘romkocsma’ in the language. Derelict buildings and unused outdoor spaces transformed into lovely, yet pleasingly chaotic bars where the beer is still cheap. One can get a large beer for around 2 € – can be found on CNN’s website.
Szimpla Kert
Szimpla Kert was probably the first ruin bar and it still remains iconic, it has been in many different locations before, but it settled down in the Jewish Quarter of Budapest’s 7th district in 2004. Some of the regular features of the place are farmer’s markets flea markets and also live music movie screenings are also often happening here as well. They not only serve cheap drinks, but their oven-baked pizzas have a very good price as well. It has the usual traits that are expected from ruin bars, the eclectic furniture that is probably obtained in one of the flea markets, some art on the walls and a garden. The unique thing about this place is that it has a Trabant in its garden that also serves as a table and chairs beside being a stylistic addition to the decoration.
Szimpla Kert, Budapest, Kazinczy u. 14, 1075; +36 20 261 8669
Rácskert
Just a few minutes’ walk you can come by Rácskert which is one of the most recent ruin pubs in the area. It is located in a ‘garden’, but it actually is a parking lot transformed into a pub. The place is more stylistically clean than Szimplakert, but there are some unique qualities to it as well, one of them are the lamps which are plumbing pipes illuminated from the inside. There is also a huge van that sells food from the Bosnian Serb owner’s homeland.
Rácskert, Budapest, Dob u. 40-42, 1072; +36 70 428 1517
Ellátó Kert & Taqueria
There’s a Mexican feel to Ellátó Kert & Taqueria, mainly because of the tacos and tortillas on the menu, but the colourful tables also help with the feeling.
Ellátó Kert & Taqueria, Budapest, Kazinczy u. 48, 1075; +36 20 527 3018
Instant and Fogas
Instant was one of the most popular ruin bars in Budapest, but its original location was demolished in 2017. The venue then teamed up with Fogas club and now they opened the largest ruin bar complex in Budapest in Akácfa street. The bars are open until 6 am each morning and you can easily switch bars if you are bored with one as there are several you can choose from all within an arm’s reach.
Instant and Fogas, Budapest, Akácfa u. 49-51; +36 30 123 4567
Anker’t
It is one of the most popular party places in Budapest. Anker’t is a large courtyard surrounded by bars, dance rooms and an area to snack at. The place is almost always full of people and they organize themed nights on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with a great DJ to make sure the party never stops.
Anker’t, Budapest, Paulay Ede u. 33, 1061; +36 30 360 3389
Rooftop bars
360 Bar
Budapest’s 360 Bar is one of the city’s best experiences. You probably know why. Yes, it provides a 360° view of the Budapest. It is located on Andrassy Avenue, and it is a popular spot throughout the year, but especially in the Summer. Besides many cocktails and snacks you can choose from, the friendly staff will also ensure you have the best experience.
360 Bar, Budapest, Andrássy út 39, 1061; +36 30 356 3047
