Budapest is famous for many things—thermal baths, historic architecture, and stunning Danube views—but when the sun sets, the city’s legendary ruin bars steal the spotlight. These unique watering holes, hidden in abandoned buildings and courtyards, have become a must-experience part of Budapest’s nightlife.
Whether you’re looking for a lively party spot, a cozy artsy hideout, or a place to sip craft cocktails, this guide will take you through the best ruin bars in Budapest, ensuring you drink like a true local.
🏚️ What Are Ruin Bars?
Ruin bars (or "romkocsma" in Hungarian) emerged in the early 2000s in Budapest’s Jewish Quarter (District VII). After World War II, many buildings in this area were left abandoned and decaying. Instead of demolishing them, creative entrepreneurs saw an opportunity and transformed these derelict spaces into quirky, artsy bars, filling them with vintage furniture, graffiti-covered walls, mismatched décor, and an underground vibe.
Today, ruin bars define Budapest’s nightlife, attracting both locals and visitors who come for the affordable drinks, unique ambiance, and vibrant cultural scene.
🏆 The Best Ruin Bars in Budapest
1️⃣ Szimpla Kert – The Original & Most Famous Ruin Bar 🎭
📍 Location: Kazinczy Street
💰 Price Range: $$
⭐ Vibe: Eclectic, artsy, and always buzzing
If you only visit one ruin bar in Budapest, make it Szimpla Kert. Opened in 2002, it is the pioneer of the ruin bar movement and remains the most iconic and lively spot in the city.
🔹 Why Visit?
✔️ Multiple themed rooms filled with quirky décor—from bathtubs and old cars to neon-lit walls.
✔️ A huge open-air courtyard where you can enjoy drinks under fairy lights.
✔️ Live music, film screenings, and cultural events throughout the week.
✔️ Sunday Farmers' Market with local produce, homemade food, and fresh pastries.
🔹 Must-Try Drinks:
✔️ Hungarian Pálinka – A traditional fruit brandy with a strong kick.
✔️ Szimpla Lemonade – A refreshing homemade citrus drink.
🔹 Pro Tip: Get there early! By 9 PM, the place is packed, and the line can get long.
2️⃣ Instant-Fogas – The Largest Ruin Bar Complex 🕺
📍 Location: Akácfa Street
💰 Price Range: $$
⭐ Vibe: Massive, multi-room club with a party atmosphere
If you’re looking for a wild night out, Instant-Fogas is the place to be. This gigantic ruin bar-club hybrid is actually seven venues in one, featuring multiple dance floors, themed rooms, and different music genres.
🔹 Why Visit?
✔️ Party until sunrise—it stays open late every night.
✔️ Live DJs spinning everything from techno to hip-hop.
✔️ Outdoor terrace for a more chill atmosphere.
✔️ Themed bars inside, including one with a ceiling covered in flying owls!
🔹 Must-Try Drinks:
✔️ Jägerbomb Towers – A favorite among partygoers.
✔️ Local Hungarian Beers – Dreher or Soproni are great choices.
🔹 Pro Tip: Entry is free most nights, but some events might have a small cover charge.
3️⃣ Mazel Tov – The Chic & Stylish Ruin Bar 🍷
📍 Location: Akácfa Street
💰 Price Range: $$$
⭐ Vibe: Elegant, Middle Eastern-inspired, and romantic
Unlike the grungy, chaotic vibe of most ruin bars, Mazel Tov offers a more refined experience. It’s part ruin bar, part upscale restaurant, housed in a beautifully restored industrial courtyard filled with fairy lights and greenery.
🔹 Why Visit?
✔️ Laid-back atmosphere, perfect for a romantic night out.
✔️ Delicious Middle Eastern food, including hummus, falafel, and shakshuka.
✔️ Craft cocktails and premium wines served in a stylish setting.
🔹 Must-Try Drinks:
✔️ Pomegranate Gin Tonic – A fresh, fruity twist on a classic.
✔️ Hungarian Tokaji Wine – A sweet wine, perfect after a meal.
🔹 Pro Tip: Make a reservation—this place gets booked fast, especially for dinner.
4️⃣ Csendes Létterem – The Hidden Gem 🎨
📍 Location: Ferenczy István Street
💰 Price Range: $$
⭐ Vibe: Quirky, artistic, and relaxed
If you’re looking for a more intimate and off-the-beaten-path ruin bar, Csendes Létterem is your spot. Located just outside the Jewish Quarter, it’s filled with surreal, vintage décor, and has a relaxed, artsy atmosphere.
🔹 Why Visit?
✔️ Cozy and quieter than other ruin bars—perfect for deep conversations.
✔️ Unique, mismatched furniture and walls covered in drawings and poetry.
✔️ Great selection of local wines and Hungarian craft beers.
🔹 Must-Try Drinks:
✔️ Homemade Fruit Pálinka – A smoother, more aromatic version of the classic.
✔️ Fröccs (Hungarian Wine Spritzer) – Refreshing and light.
🔹 Pro Tip: This is a great spot to start your night before heading to louder ruin bars.
🎭 Other Notable Ruin Bars to Check Out
✔️ Élesztő Bar – The best spot for craft beer lovers, featuring over 20 Hungarian brews on tap.
✔️ Doboz – A trendy ruin bar-club with a giant red robot sculpture in the courtyard.
✔️ Kőleves Kert – A colorful, outdoor ruin bar that’s perfect for summer nights.
✔️ Ellátó Kert – A casual, budget-friendly ruin bar with Mexican food and chill vibes.
🎯 Final Thoughts: Which Ruin Bar is Right for You?
✔️ For the most famous and classic experience: Szimpla Kert
✔️ For a wild, all-night party: Instant-Fogas
✔️ For a chic, stylish ruin bar: Mazel Tov
✔️ For a hidden, artsy gem: Csendes Létterem
✔️ For craft beer lovers: Élesztő Bar
No matter which ruin bar you choose, you’ll experience one of Budapest’s most unique and unforgettable nightlife scenes.