Ruin Bars Budapest: Demolition Chic

Hungary / / By

Are you traveling to Budapest and looking for something truly unique, maybe with a cocktail in hand? Then you’ve probably been told to “Check out some Ruin Bars,” because they are the ultimate hotspots in Budapest. Here, you’ll find a mix of everything: alternative, fancy and hip. Rundown yet lovingly patched together. Old meets new.

But is this still art, or are Hungarians just too lazy to renovate their pubs properly? How would you feel about partying in former derelict buildings decorated with colorful graffiti and old furniture? Just as excited as I am? Then you’re going to love this post. I’ll tell you how it all started and which Budapest ruin bar is the best.

One thing I can promise you now: this night in Hungary will be unforgettable.

Ruin Bars Budapest: Born from Empty Pockets

The history of ruin bars in Budapest is as colorful as their walls.

The picture shows a lively scene in one of the famous Ruin Bars Budapest. The interior is decorated with a chaotic but charming assortment of graffiti, drawings, and various items on the walls, with colorful string lights adding to the vibrant atmosphere. In the foreground, two women sit at a table with a red tablecloth. The woman on the left holds a tortilla chip and smiles at her friend, while the woman on the right, slightly blurred, looks down and smiles. On their table are two glasses of orange drinks with ice, a beer glass, and a small black container with tortilla chips. The cozy and convivial atmosphere captures people enjoying their drinks and each other's company in a uniquely decorated ruin bar in Budapest.

Two girls enjoying their drinks in Csendes

In the early 2000s, many buildings in the Jewish Quarter were empty and decaying, as Budapest hadn’t escaped the impact of World War II unscathed.

But instead of tearing down the buildings, some creative minds decided to turn the empty houses into cheap bars. With little money but a lot of ingenuity, old furniture was collected and the walls were decorated with artwork.

This was the beginning of a completely new nightlife. Nowadays, these pubs attract both locals and tourists from all over the world.

Szimpla Kert: The Mother of All Ruin Bars Budapest

The image shows a lively scene in an open, urban space resembling one of Ruin Bars Budapest. The area is a courtyard surrounded by old, dilapidated brick walls, filled with greenery. Colorful, eclectic furniture, including high stools and tables, invites people to sit and enjoy their drinks. Several individuals are chatting at the tables, while others are seen in the background. Artistic and vibrant decorations, including colorful tarps overhead for shade and lamps above the bar for lighting, create a lively atmosphere. A staircase in the background leads to an elevated area, adding to the inviting, improvised feel of the space.

Szimpla Kert during the day

Let’s start with Szimpla Kert, the first and probably most famous ruin bar in Budapest. Szimpla Kert, which translates to “simple garden,” is an experience in itself. You wander through various rooms and courtyards, each with its own decoration and atmosphere. From old sofas to quirky lamps to colorful graffiti.

Szimpla Kert at night. You are on a gallery on the first floor and look down on plants, a disco ball and lots of colourful lights illuminate the entire building.

There is always something new to discover, and that’s no exaggeration. Even after multiple visits, I still stumble upon a new corner I haven’t seen before.

Once, I suddenly found myself among yogis while techno fans partied next door. No wonder Szimpla Kert is often described as one of the coolest bars in the world by many travel guides.

Info: Click here for Google Maps location: Szimpla Kert Bar

Anker’t: Minimalist Charm

Anker’t offers a different but equally interesting experience. Unlike the colorful chaos of Szimpla Kert, Anker’t opts for a more minimalist style.

Here you will find less decorative clutter, but a relaxed atmosphere and a crowd that is less alternative but just as cheerful.

Info: Click here for Google Maps location: Anker’t Bar

Lámpás Bar: Rock, Jazz, and Ruin Charm!

Lámpás Bar is another must-visit on your Budapest pub tour. This iconic pub is a real insider tip among the ruin bars here in Budapest. Hidden underground, opposite the tourist-heavy Gozsdu Udvar, Lámpás offers a completely different world. For just 5 euros, you can enjoy a beer and a spritzer (fröccs) here.

The picture shows a scene in the Lámpás Bar in Budapest. In the foreground you can see several spectators focussing on a stage. On the stage is a musician with a guitar and a microphone, who is speaking or singing. Next to him is another musician with a microphone. The stage has a simple design, with a dark blue background and a sign that reads "Open Mic Budapest". Various stickers and posters can be seen above the stage, creating a creative and relaxed atmosphere. The lighting is subdued, which contributes to the cosy and intimate atmosphere of the bar. The audience are in casual dress and appear relaxed and attentive, indicating a pleasant and friendly atmosphere. Overall, the image gives an impression of a lively and charming underground bar that is a favourite meeting place for music lovers and friends of alternative Budapest".

One of the best Lámpás singers Zubi and Ashref.

Lámpás is known for its daily live music performances, mostly rock, jazz, and blues.

Insider: For example, just search here ➡️ Open Mic Events.
and here for one of my favourite songs ➡️ Zubi and Ashref – Weight

The atmosphere is cozy and gritty at the same time. If it gets too crowded in the concert room, you can find quieter spots in the labyrinthine rear section.

Although Lámpás is a bit quieter in the summer, it remains a must for anyone wanting to experience Budapest’s ruin bars. So grab your friends and enjoy an unforgettable evening at Lámpás Bar. Cheers!

Info Click here for Google Maps location: Lámpás Bar

Ellátó Kert: Budapest’s Open-Air Fiesta

Ellátó Kert impresses with its colorful, Latin American flair. This ruin bar is a popular meeting spot for students, locals, and tourists. Here, you can sit outside and enjoy the lively atmosphere with a cool drink.

The prices are quite affordable too, perfect for a relaxed evening. Although the bar unfortunately went bankrupt during the pandemic, I had to mention it here. Don’t hold it against me, it was one of my favorites. Hopefully, it will reopen soon.

Csendes: A “Quiet” Hidden Gem

For those who prefer something a bit quieter, Csendes, which translates to “quiet,” is just the place. Here, you can sit back and admire the creative details on the ceiling.

The picture shows the colourful and eclectically furnished bar Csendes, which exudes the typical charm of a ruin bar in Budapest. The bar has a high ceiling on which various decorative objects such as bicycles, clocks and lamps are mounted. Two large, ornate columns in the centre of the room add to the historical atmosphere. The walls are covered with a colourful mix of posters, pictures, signs and old objects, giving the room a creative and slightly chaotic feel. The furniture consists of a variety of tables and chairs, all different and seemingly randomly arranged, which perfectly captures those typical look. In the centre of the picture you can see a group of people sitting at a table chatting. The lighting is subdued, with warm light sources creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere. A waiter or waitress can be seen in the background attending to the guests.

But beware. It’s only quiet and relaxed during the day. Once night falls, Hungarians know how to party hard here too. What can I say? Hungarians just love to celebrate.

Info: Click here for Google Maps location: Csendes Bar

Instant & Fogas: A Club Like No Other

Let’s come to the grand finale. The nirvana of every party tourist and the dreaded downfall of every Hungarian.

 

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Ein Beitrag geteilt von Kállai Attila (@pressivemusic)

Instant & Fogás is an indescribably large club consisting of several interconnected buildings.

With various music genres and a labyrinth of rooms, this club offers something for every musical taste. Locals and tourists mix here to party until the early morning hours. You rarely leave before the first rays of the sun.

Info: Click here for Google Maps location: Instant & Fogas Club

Ruin Bars Budapest: The Flair Makes the Difference

Ruin bars are a real phenomenon in Budapest. They combine the raw beauty of dilapidated buildings with the creative energy of the city. The result is unique places where you can relax, party, and meet the craziest people.

Who would have thought that such trendy spots could emerge from old demolition houses? Which bar convinced you? Let me know!

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