The Top 10 Ruin Bars In Budapest

Shabby-chic bars in dilapidated old ruins make for wonderfully atmospheric nights out

Budapest’s ruin bars were born at the turn of the new millennium from the gentrifying urban decay of the city’s 7^th District. These creative and cobbled-together spaces quite literally hijack ruins – abandoned warehouses, empty parking lots, historic buildings – and call them home.

Within the sprawling interiors and courtyards, you’ll find colourful kitsch fairy lights, mismatched vintage furniture and peeling paint, and, for those looking for a good time, lively crowds, international DJs and beer for pocket change. From the famous Szimpla Kert to the more low-key Csendes Létterem and Köleves Kert, an evening in ruins is certainly something to aspire to.

1. Szimpla Kert

The granddaddy of Budapest’s modern ruin bars, Szimpla Kert was one of the first to set up shop in the hip 7^th District, all the way back in the early 2000s. These days, its reputation precedes it and the crowd is often more international than local. But features like a large plant-filled patio, art installations, an open-air cinema and free concerts every week make it well worth a visit.

2. Anker't

A balmy garden by summer and a heated grotto in winter, trendy Anker’t falls on the less ruinous end of the spectrum with its chic minimalist – but still industrial – connected courtyard spaces within a former factory complex. Head to the thumping main space for the bar and dance floor, while the surreal beach-themed square is better suited to down-tempo chatting and snacking.

3. Fogasház

Behind a nondescript street sign printed “Fogsor Javítás”– marking the site of an old dental practice – sprawls this spacious nightlife complex. Visitors can choose from various integrated venues spread across two floors including electronic club LÄRM, with its stylish all-black interior; Liebling, a softly-lit wine bar and restaurant with a rooftop terrace; and garden bar Kert, a wonderland of sparkling fairy-lights, giant suspended statues and a roofed area vaulted and striped like an upside-down circus tent.

4. Mazel Tov

Unlike many of the ruin bars in Budapest’s 7^th District, the aptly named Mazel Tov actively engages with the neighbourhood’s Jewish history. One part arts centre, one part accomplished eatery (don’t miss the homemade hummus or impressive selection of flavoured lemonades), and one part nightly garden party, this is a stylish spot for informal gatherings.

5. Púder Bárszínház

A studio theatre, art gallery, and cultural space adjoined to a Michelin-starred restaurant, the cheerful interiors of the lovely Púder will have your eyes swimming. Painted from floor to ceiling in bright murals, and featuring regularly changing installations from local artists, it’s as showy as ruin bars in Budapest get. Speaking of making a show, grab one of the seats in the window if you’re after an audience.

6. Köleves Vendéglö

Occupying the grounds of a former kosher meat plant, Köleves Inn is a relaxed choice for visitors to the 7^th District. The leafy white gravel courtyard, popular with families during the day, features a substantial bar and is dotted with colourful hammocks and bright furniture. The restaurant inside serves a mixture of Jewish and Hungarian cuisine and, in keeping with the eclectic, offbeat interiors characteristic of ruin bars, bronze cheese graters mounted on the walls serve as lamps.

7. Csendes Létterem

Its chaotic walls might be printed with sprawling murals and covered in a surreal compilation of vintage objects, but Csendes (translating as “quiet”) lives up to its name. A laidback café that transforms into a civilised bar in the evening, Csendes Létterem dishes up hearty food, a long list of alcoholic beverages and a varied music and cultural programme.

8. Szatyor Bárés Galéria

For those who appreciate their coffees and cocktails with a side of culture, Szatyor Bár és Galéria is an edgy little ruin bar put together by the cretive genii behind Púder Bárszínház. With a drinks menu that swings giddily from Hungarian craft beers and sparkling wines to a very potent plum Pálinka, Szatyor is obviously proud of its heritage. It has also successfully channelled the eclectic grass-roots ruin bar feel, set as it is within the vibrant walls of an art gallery.

9. Rácskert

Fast establishing itself as the hipster favourite of the ruin bar fold, Rácskert is all vegan food, craft beer and local folk music. This lively little party spot is an enthusiastic champion of its Hungarian heritage. Not only does it keep the Eastern European musical tradition alive with regular visiting bands, it also screens important local football matches and hosts community-focused pub quizzes – an interesting experience for those who can just about manage a ‘Szia’!

10. Grandio Jungle Bar & Grill

Don’t be put off by the name: Grandio Jungle Bar & Grill is called so for its leafy, tree-shaded courtyard. There are no frills at this particular ruin bar. It’s furnished with tables and chairs lovingly rescued and restored from the junk pile, with a crowd as colourful and varied as its aesthetic. However, it’s popular with Budapest’s students, and a ping-pong table offers alternative entertainment to the Hungarian football matches played on the big screen.