Ruin bars are all the rage in Budapest and have been around since the founding of Szimpla Kert, the mecca of all ruin bars, in 2002. These bars are built on the ruins of abandoned buildings, shops or premises in Budapest’s old 7th district (formerly Jewish quarter). The neighborhood had fallen into decline after World War II, so it was the perfect place to develop an underground bar. This place was off the beaten track, rough around the edges, and a place for artists, students, and alternative people.
However, in 2010 they became very popular, famous and mainstream. Although their settings haven’t changed.
From the outside, this bar looks like an ordinary building. There are no big signs pointing the way, no loud noises, and no lines of people waiting to get in. But once you walk in and enter the courtyard, you find yourself in the middle of a bustling hip, artsy and funky bar with people talking, dancing and enjoying the laid-back atmosphere. Large security guards along with posted signs encourage people to be quiet when leaving so as not to disturb their neighbors.
Each ruin bar has its own unique personality, but they all follow a few basic principles. Find an old, abandoned place, rent it, set up a bar, fill it with flea market furniture, have a few artists come in, leave their mark on the walls and ceilings, add some odd antiques, serve drinks, and watch the crowds flock.
Being at this bar makes you feel like you’re drinking at your local thrift store. None of the furniture matches. It’s all old and eclectic. I feel like I just ransacked my grandmother’s house. The ceilings are all designed differently, places have not been repaired or fixed, there are still holes in the walls and pipes visible everywhere.
Although the Ruin Bar movement has become mainstream, many bars have done a great job of maintaining their character and staying true to their roots despite being filled with more tourists.
Here is a list of the best ruin bars in Budapest.
simple garden
This was the original ruin bar. This trend began when it opened in 2001. One of the largest ruin bars and still one of the most popular. What was once an abandoned factory now has a large open courtyard and top floor filled with eclectic furniture, a cocktail bar, music and even an old, shabby Trabant (Communist party vehicle) where you can have a drink. Every room has a different theme. They also sell pizza, which makes the perfect snack to take home after a few drinks. Everyone here says it’s one of the coolest bars they’ve ever been to. If you only visit one bar, make it this one.
exorbitant
Grandio is a combination ruin bar and hostel. It’s famous for its tree-filled outdoor courtyard, but since it’s also a hostel, it’s mostly filled with travelers and bar-goers. This is a great place to start the night and meet other travellers. During the day, you’ll find locals relaxing in the gardens with a drink. It’s not as noisy as other bars, and because it’s smaller, it has a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere.
durer garden
In this former university building, this ruined bar and music venue lets you channel your inner college student while having a few beers while playing foosball, ping pong, darts and the French game of pétanque (which is fun). The courtyard garden is a great place to enjoy any live music held at this bar. The space is really big and there are a lot of activities. Plus, I love the artwork and paintings on the walls.
Instant Forgas Complex
The Instant-Fogas Complex is located throughout an apartment building and the city’s largest ruin bar. It has over 20 rooms, 18 different bars, several dance floors and two gardens. It’s one of those club-like ruin bars. At Instant, you can sit in what was once an individual apartment and relax on furniture that looks like you found it on the street. They knocked down many walls to connect the apartments and create space for DJs and dancing. Given its popularity and more “club-like” feel, drinks here are a bit more expensive than other ruin bars. If you want to dance the night away, this is the bar for you.
box
I’m not sure if this place fits the ruin bar culture. It was much fancier and trendier than other bars I’ve visited. It felt like I was in a ‘real’ bar. But I was taken there as part of a ruin bar tour, and I loved it nonetheless. As you enter the courtyard, you are greeted by a tree with a red-eyed robot attached to it. It looks like the Transformers are about to attack you. There are two main rooms. One is red and the other is blue. They play a lot of dance music, and the place gets packed by the end of the night. The only downside is that their opening hours are more limited compared to other bars.
mazel tov
This is one of Budapest’s newest ruin bars. Mazel Tov (located in the old Jewish quarter) is a community center and restaurant serving traditional Jewish cuisine daily. At night, parties are held in the courtyard entertaining guests with DJs and live entertainment. There is also a restaurant here. I wouldn’t call this a “ruin bar” in the traditional sense, but the atmosphere is great, the decor is nice, and the drinks are good. It’s fancier than all the others, so don’t expect anything “rough and tumble”.
Quiet Letterem Cafe & Bar
If you’re looking for a more laid-back vibe to balance out the party atmosphere of other ruin bars, but don’t want to sacrifice the cool vintage aesthetic, this is the bar for you. Located right in the heart of Budapest, it’s the perfect place to relax and have a drink or evening chat with friends. The bar also serves food and has Wi-Fi, so digital nomads are often seen hanging out here.
Budapest may be famous for its history and hot springs, but its heritage bars are some of the city’s most unique attractions. Even if you don’t drink, come and hang out at this ruin bar. Because it’s a funky way to see a popular and completely unique side of Budapest life (you can even take a self-guided tour of a few bars that includes skip-the-line entry). If you visit, you can meet a lot of locals! So don’t miss it.
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