I was beyond excited by the idea of visiting Budapest’s famous ruin pubs.
It seemed like they’d be similar to what can be found in Sydney’s Inner West (my local area) where old warehouse buildings have been transformed into trendy brewpubs, attracting nearby residents and tourists to an area where there was once nothing but decaying industrial sites.
Once I was in Hungary, I found the ruin pubs in Budapest to be even more unique. Though they served the standard variety of drinks, the reclaimed buildings in the city’s old Jewish Quarter were adorned with wacky decor, created with what seemed like a combination of craft supplies and vehicle parts, and carried a vibe that the patrons were honouring the history of the place by filling it with a new, young energy.
Although my visit was fairly short, I knew that Budapest had some of the most vibrant nightlife in Europe, so I managed to find time to visit a few of Budapest’s ruin pubs during my stay. These venues truly are the best places to experience an evening in the city! Here’s a guide to visiting some of the most popular ruin pubs in Budapest.
Quick summary:
Budapest’s ruin pubs are unique bars in old buildings, primarily in the Jewish Quarter, known for their quirky décor and lively atmosphere. These cultural landmarks offer a distinctive way to experience the city at night. This guide includes some key places to visit.
Recommended tours:
🍻 Budapest Ruin Pubs Tour – A guided nightlife experience that takes you through some of the city’s most iconic ruin pubs, with local insights and a fun group atmosphere.
Places to stay in Budapest:
🛏️ Wombats City Hostel Budapest – A budget-friendly option just a few blocks from the heart of the ruin pub scene, perfect for younger travellers or backpackers.
🏨 Eurostars Danube Budapest – A stylish, mid-range hotel in the Jewish Quarter, ideal for a more comfortable and centrally located stay.
What are Budapest’s ruin pubs?
The term ‘ruin pubs’ suggests a drinking establishment in a state of disrepair, but these dive bars actually serve an important role in Budapest’s backstory.
In the early 2000s, a group of enterprising locals saw derelict courtyards and neglected buildings in Budapest’s historic Jewish Quarter, and decided that some purpose could be given to that unused space. They took advantage of the affordable rent and began revitalising the abandoned structures, which were soon transformed into makeshift bars and gathering places. This proved to be a hit with both locals and travellers.
What sets ruin pubs apart from a regular bar is their rustic charm that leans into the imperfections of a once-abandoned space. Inside one of these venues, you’ll find walls adorned with graffiti, ceilings draped with strings of fairy lights, and furniture salvaged from flea markets. Every corner seems to tell a story, from the vintage bicycles hanging from the ceiling to the retro televisions blinking in the corner.
The ruin bars in Budapest now draw visitors from all around the world. Each establishment offers travellers a glimpse into the creative soul of the city, which is why it’s worth putting aside an evening during your trip to enjoy the Budapest nightlife and explore these spaces, discovering the magic of the bars in the Jewish Quarter after dark.
Budapest Ruin Pubs Tour
🍻 If you’re wondering where to go out in Budapest and would like to experience the nightlife along with some other travellers, I’d recommend hopping on a Budapest Ruin Pubs Evening Walking Tour.
This tour will allow you to blend into the local crowd and hear about the history of the venues from a guide who can give you insights into Hungarian nightlife culture. As an added bonus, you’ll hit up street art spots and try some local street food.
What are the best ruin pubs in Budapest?
Here are a few of the top ruin pubs to visit in Budapest, though this is far from an exhaustive list.
Szimpla Kert
As the pioneer of Budapest’s ruin pub scene, Szimpla Kert holds a special place in the hearts of locals. What was once an abandoned factory has been transformed into a sprawling labyrinth of bars, lounges, and art installations. Step through its graffiti-covered entrance and you’ll find yourself in a wonderland of creativity and chaos. In its maze-like interior, every room tells a different story, from the cozy nooks adorned with vintage furniture to the vibrant courtyard filled with live music and street performers.
Instant-Fogas
In 2017, two ruin pubs (Instant and Fogas Ház) merged to create one mega venue with a variety of bars and themed rooms for every mood and taste. Housed in a former apartment building, this sprawling complex boasts multiple floors, each with its own theme and vibe. From the psychedelic decor of the main dance floor to the chill-out lounges tucked away in hidden corners. You can dance the night away to the beats of world-class DJs, catch a live band performance, or simply mingle with fellow revelers in one of the many eclectic spaces.
Csendes
Tucked away in a weathered building, Csendes transports visitors to a realm where vintage charm meets contemporary cool. The dimly lit interiors are adorned with cosy mismatched furniture and flickering candles, which exudes an inviting ambiance perfect for laid-back gatherings and intimate conversations. Outdoors, rustic wooden tables and fairy lights create a lively atmosphere for patrons looking for a quiet oasis in the city.
Kőleves Kert
Housed within the walls of a former monastery in the heart of the city, Kőleves Kert is home to a popular courtyard. Adorned with lush greenery and rustic wooden furniture, it provides a serene oasis amidst the urban bustle. The canopy of trees and twinkling lights creates a laidback atmosphere for patrons to gather to indulge in a beverage on a sunny afternoon or pleasant evening.
Élesztő
Élesztő is a great venue to experience the Hungarian craft beer scene. The dimly lit space, nestled within the historic walls of a dilapidated building, features an atmosphere that feels a little more industrial than the other Budapest ruin pubs and is both edgy and inviting. Patrons can savor an extensive selection of local craft beers as well as local wines and spirits.
Where to stay in Budapest (Jewish Quarter):
We stayed in a hostel next to the Jewish Quarter that unfortunately no longer exists, but there are tons of places for budget travellers to stay in the area.
🛏️ Budget option: If you’re looking for low cost accommodation, Wombats City Hostel Budapest is located just a few blocks away from the most popular ruin pubs, and would be a short stumble home after you’ve had a few bevvies in the evening.
🏨 Mid-range option: If I were to head back to Budapest now (as a more mature 30+ year old), I’d go a tad more comfortable and choose something like the Eurostars Danube Budapest for a mid-range hotel option in the Jewish Quarter.
FAQ: Visiting Budapest’s Ruin Pubs
What exactly is a ruin pub in Budapest?
Ruin pubs are quirky bars built inside old, abandoned buildings—mostly in the Jewish Quarter—that have been transformed with eclectic décor, mismatched furniture, and creative installations. They’re now a staple of Budapest’s nightlife scene.
Do you need reservations for ruin pubs?
Most ruin pubs operate on a walk-in basis, especially the larger ones like Szimpla Kert and Instant-Fogas. Some smaller venues may take bookings for groups, but it’s rarely necessary for casual drinks.
How late are Budapest’s ruin pubs open?
Many of the major ruin pubs stay open until the early hours of the morning—often between 3:00–6:00 am. Weekends are generally the busiest and liveliest.
Are ruin pubs safe to visit?
Yes, ruin pubs are generally safe. As with any busy nightlife area, keep an eye on your belongings and be aware of your surroundings, especially late at night and in crowded rooms.
What should I wear to a ruin pub?
There’s no formal dress code—casual attire is perfectly fine. Most people wear comfortable clothes suitable for dancing or wandering through the various themed rooms and courtyards.
Do ruin pubs accept card payments?
Almost all major ruin pubs accept credit and debit cards, though it may be handy to carry a small amount of cash just in case—especially for smaller venues or outdoor kiosks.
Which ruin pub is best for first-time visitors?
Szimpla Kert is the most iconic and is a great introduction to Budapest’s ruin pub culture. Instant-Fogas is ideal if you want a full nightlife experience with multiple dance floors and music styles.
When is the best time to visit ruin pubs?
The atmosphere starts to pick up from around 8:00–9:00 pm, but peak nightlife is usually after 11:00 pm. If you want to explore the décor or take photos without crowds, arrive earlier in the evening.
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