Though there are too many amazing places to go to in Budapest, we have selected a few which you simply must visit. From atmospheric ruin bars in cellars to high-up roof-bars the nightlife of Hungary’s capital is waiting here just for you.
Coolest and famous bars in Budapest
Budapest is the heart of so-called ruin bars. The concept is simple. Instead of a fancy or modern interior, the bar is in a dilapidating old building, usually with vintage and antique design. The most famous of them all is the Szimpla Kert bar which attracts both locals and foreigners with its laid-back atmosphere and art/photography exhibitions. Even if you’re visiting just for a few days, Szimpla Kert is worth your time.
Another Ruin bar worth your time is the Púder Bar. Its location in the Fashion district of Pest might not be the most convenient but its post-communist ruin aesthetic is definitely worth checking out. Just like in the previous bar, here you’ll find art exhibitions and even gigs of local bands.
A unique take on the ruin bar formula is the A38. Just like the previous ones, its main gimmick is resurrecting an old communist space. This time it’s a ship. The former Ukrainian stone-carrier sits on the Danube river and hosts anything from cocktails and soft drinks to an amazing atmosphere and DJs from all over the world with music ranging from jazz to electro progressive. There’s simply nothing like it.
The last place worth mentioning is the Nappali Café & Bar. “Nappali” translates to “living room” and conveys the overall atmosphere. Where the above three places were busy and energetic, this one is mellow. It’s the perfect space for sitting down with a few friends and having a pleasant conversation together with good drinks.
Looking for bars in Budapest center?
If you’re not staying in Budapest for long, you’ll be mostly wandering about the center. And knowing where to go for a drink is essential to any urban experience. The first one to mention is the 360 Bar. It is situated on a roof from which you will have a lovely view of the rest of the city. Whether during sunset or as the nightlife below roars you can sip one of the many delicious drinks on offer and relax. If you’re intrigued, check their Facebook page for events and make a reservation.
The second place to be on a lookout for is Rácskert. It’s a hip, vibrant bar where you will get a reasonably priced beer together with local bands singing sweet tunes. It stands in a place of a former car park and so its atmosphere is decidedly informal with a nice open space ideal for a summer drink.
The last bar is for the adventurous. Boutiq’Bar channels the heavy red velvet of “speakeasy” bars that were hiding from the law during the US prohibition era. But that’s not all there is to it. This bar has many experimental and positively odd drinks on offer which will come in containers of all shapes and sizes from science lab beakers to honey pots. If you love a good cocktail bar, you mustn’t sit this one out.
Looking for cheap bars in Budapest?
When in a new city, it’s easy to get billed a ridiculous amount of money for as little as a cup of coffee, especially in cities that have become as popular as Budapest. To avoid these tourist traps, try and check out some of these places. Lámpás, situated opposite the Gozsdu Udvar tourist area, is a cellar space teeming with a young international clientele and affordable drinks. Its music scene is focused mostly on rock, jazz, and blues.
The second bar is the Grinzingi Borozó which is situated right in the heart of the Belváros district. It has no wild selling point in its wooden interior design nor its menu. It is an unapologetically simple wine tavern with a wide selection of good drinks.
The last bar, Úri Muri, is in the well-known party district but has become a second home for students of the nearby University of Theatre and Film Arts rather than of tourists. It hosts cheap drinks, great people, and many local artists who play their music in the lower level of the bar.
