10 Best Bars in Budapest
Budapest is one of the best cities in Europe for nightlife. Budapest is effortlessly cool, and has tons of unique bars. There are so many great optins it would be hard to ever list all of the best bars in Budapest, but this covers my top picks for Ruin bars, rooftops and other can’t miss bars if you’re visiting Budapest!
Jump To:
- Best Ruin Bars Budapest
- Best Rooftop Bars Budapest
- Other Bars to Visit in Budapest
- Best Bars in Budapest Map
Best Ruin Bars Budapest
Ruin bars, or romkocsma are the most unique aspect of Budapest’s nightlife, born in the early 2000s in Budapest’s Jewish quarter that was left mostly abandoned after WWII. After years of neglect local entrepreneurs saw an opportunity to breathe life back into these decaying structures.
Szimpla Kert, the first and most iconic ruin bar, opened in 2002 in an old factory, leading to a series of others bars popping up under the same concept. With mismatched furniture, eclectic art, and graffiti-covered walls, it Szimplia Kert the standard for the ruin bar aesthetic: a blend of urban decay and bohemian spirit. The concept exploded in popularity, leading to a network of quirky, maze-like spaces where every room has its own personality.
Ruin bars have evolved over time and now the Jewish Quarter is one of the most sought after neighborhoods in Budapest, boasting trendy restaurants, cafes, and expensive luxury apartments, but the unique vibrant spirit of the Ruin Bars is still retained in some of the original spots, altough they’ve become a but more tourist-focused than when they started!
Szimpla Kert
In my opinion, you cannot go to Budapest without visiting a Ruin Bars, particularly the first and most famous of the Ruin Bars, Szimpla Kert! This place will get exceptionally busy, so try to get there early or be prepared to wait in line! The labrynth of mismatched rooms with differnt art and bars spread across multiple floors of the old factory it inhabits make this the most unique bar I’ve ever visited.
Instant-Fogas Complex
For a look into the wilder side of Budapest’s nightlife nightclub Instant-Fogas Complex should be on your list. The complex spans over 1,200 square meters and encompasses seven distinct dance floors and 18 bars – it is the result of 2 of Budapest’s most popular ruin bars combining into one massive complex. Each area features different DJs offering different styles of music – EDM, Latin, hip hop, rock and more.
Entry is free and Instant-Fogas Complex is open daily from 6PM to 6AM, head there early if you just want to experience and view, but if you’re there to party don’t go earlier than 11PM.
Csendes Létterem – Vintage Bar & Café
For a more mellow vibe in a classic ruin bar atmosphere, Csendes Létterem – Vintage Bar & Café is a more low key experience, and perfect for a late afternoon/early evening drink. Their unique aesthetic is typical ruin bar vibes, they also have a nice outdoor terrace/garden if the weather is nice.
Lámpás Student Pub
Classic local spot for live music, cheap beer & food in a ruin bar environment. A bit more chilled than Instant or Szimplia. this has great dive bar vibes and tends to cater to a younger crowd. It closes at 12, so it’s often a pregame spot before heading to one of the later night spots nearby,
Best Rooftop Bars Budapest
High Note Skybar
Budapest has some great rooftop options, but this one was probably my favorite. Located on the rooftop of the Aria Hotel, High Note Skybar had great vibes, unreal sunset views. It also offers impressive Cathedral views. I’d try to make a reservation to reserve your spot!
St. Andrea Wine & Skybar
Another stunning rooftop in Budapest, St. Andrea Wine & Skybar is located right off of Budapest’s infamous Shopping Street. This upscale rooftop has views of the Cathedral and a bit of the ferris wheel. It also has great views of the Christmas Market if you’re visiting in December! I’d recommend a reservation to guarantee a table!
360 Bar
A lively rooftop that’s a better option than the other two above for more of a lively bar vibe, the other two are more sit at a table/laid back vibes. 360 bar also has fun glass igloos if you’re visitig in the winter and you stil want a rooftop bar experience.
Other Bars to Visit in Budapest
Gozsdu Courtyard
Gozsdu Courtyard is more of a series of bars and restaurants than one particular bar. Located in the popular, vibrant Jewish Quarter of Budapest it’s comprised of seven interconnected buildings and six courtyards and filled with bars, restaurants and shops. It’s one of my favorite areas of Budapest. Some of the best bars in this area are:
- Spiler
- Jardin Cocktail Bar
- Hops Beer Bar
PONTOON
A seasonal spot in Budapest that’s a can’t miss in warmer weather! This place offers epic sunset views over the Danube and Buda Castle. It’s actually on a large boat located right under the Chain Bridge, it’s more casual earlier in the day/evening and then becomes a lively late night spot with DJs
Akvárium Klub
Fun spot right next to Elizabeth Square Akvárium Klub consists of several different areas each offering different vibes. There are 2 concert halls – the main and small hall that host DJs/musicians. You need tickets for these. There’s also a small-ish night club, VOLT Lokál, an outdoor terrace bar, and a cool bistro underneath a glass bottom swimming pool. This place is super cool and conveniently located.
