Szimpla Kert photo by Jorge Franganillo from Barcelona, Spain-Wikimedia Commons.

10 of the Coolest Bars in Budapest


 

There is a lot to love about Budapest from the conveyor belt of things to do for a start. To the blossoming restaurant scene that offers delicious food, to say the least.

However, the Hungarian capital has an underrated collection of museums but the city’s major pull remains its chaotic nightlife scene. Moreover, if you’re looking for a big night out you have to get yourself to Budapest.

The best bars in Budapest run the gauntlet of style and approach from the famous ruin bars to more refined cocktail joints and spots that draw a local crowd.

But everywhere has an underlying understanding that there is a reputation to uphold here. If ever there was a city that feels built for boozing Budapest is it.  So here are 10 of the coolest bars in Budapest.

1. Szimpla Kert

Budapest’s most famous bar life is closer to a squat however in the early 2000s a few young Hungarians set up a bar in this abandoned building in the Jewish Quarter and it kicks started the “ruin bar” trend as a result.

Today Szimpla Kert occupies an apartment block stripped back to the brick and it’s decorated with local art, graffiti, fairy lights, and a mish-mash of vintage furniture.

Interestingly you can even down your drinks in an old Trabant and there’s a range of bars downstairs and upstairs but if you come at the weekend expect a crowd.

Practical Information:
 Address: BUDAPEST, KAZINCZY U. 14, 1075 HUNGARY
Open: MON-THUR; 3 PM-4 AM/ FRI-SAT; 12 PM-4 AM/SUN; 9 AM-4 AM
Contact: +36 1 352 4198
Read more about the 10 prodigious ruin bars in Budapest here. 

2. Kisuzem

Kisuzem may not look like anything special but it is decorated with plants and sometimes questionable local art which its’s quirky through and through and it trickles right down to the vibe and clientele.

However, despite being in the heart of the Jewish quarter it retains a down-to-earth feel and hasn’t been corrupted by Budapest flocks of stag and hen parties.

In summer punters perch on the windows sills to smoke and when well-priced drinks mean it’s usually packed inside.  

Practical Information:
Address: Budapest, Kis Diófa u. 2, 1077 Hungary
Open: Mon-Sun: 12 pm – 3 am 
Contact: +36 1 781 6705

3. Gdansk

This tiny fur table on Bartok Bela Ut in the XI District is a blink and you will miss it kind of place. However, it is a Polish bookshop and bar that serves excellent beers, vodka shots, and if you’re lucky moreish pierogi dumplings.

The shabby chic appeal bohemian clientele and cozy atmosphere make for an exquisite laid-back night out. In addition, while you’re there it is recommended you try the Veszett Kutya shot which is a vodka with raspberry syrup and Tabasco.

Practical Information:
Address: Budapest, Bartók Béla út 46, 1111 Hungary
Open: Mon- Fri: 6- 11 pm, Sat & Sun: closed
Contact: +36 20 988 1873
Find out more about the 10 bustling places to experience nightlife in Budapest here.

4. Bar 360

360 bar photo by Drowzee42-Wikimedia Commons.

For drinks with a view take the lift next to the art deco shopping Centre on Andrassy Avenue up to the roof.

However, you can spot all the most famous sites from Bar 360 including the Hungarian parliament, Buda Castle, Gellert Hill, and St Stephen’s Basilica.

In winter heated igloos make for a cozy hangout for dates or groups. While there enjoying the view make sure you grab a cocktail, some Hungarian wine, or one of their tip-top bar snacks.  

Practical Information:
Address: Budapest, Andrássy út 39, 1061 Hungary
Open: Mon-Sun: 2 pm – 2 am 

5. Mazel Tov

Mazel Tov photo by Thaler Tamas-Wikimedia Commons.

Mazel Tov is stylish and already a staple of Budapest’s burgeoning nightlife scene. It is a giant courtyard cum cultural space lined with lush trees and plants draped in twinkling lights and topped with a glass roof.

Tucked away in the lively Jewish District known as the 7th District this cavernous space is insta friendly and most definitely worth the hype.

As well as being a great place for evening drinks the cocktail and palinka brandy list is impressive. In addition, booking is highly recommended even on weekdays.

Practical Information
Address: Budapest, Akacfa u. 47, 1072 Hungary
Contact: [70] 626 4280
Explore more about the 30 amazing things to do in Budapest here.

6. Instant- Fogas  

Instant is another star in the ruin bar phenomenon in Budapest however it was transformed from an abandoned residential building and it is more of a kitsch club.

The 23 rooms of the building are converted into funky bars, dance floors, and DJ cabins and there is a total of 4 floors with each enticing you into a different genre of music.

Moreover, the place is decorated with a mix of weird objects like a flying owl and pigs, and other quirky items.

With upbeat music and an electric vibe, Instant is one of the favorites for locals and it also has rooms with game consoles, pinball, and football tables.

Practical Information:
Address: Budapest, Akácfa u. 51, 1073 Hungary
Open: Mon-Sun: 6 pm- 6 am
Contact: +36 70 638 5040

7. Gozsdu Udvar

Gozsdu Udvar photo by Christo-Wikimedia Commons.

Goszdu Udvar is a courtyard passage between two important streets of Kiraly utca and Dob utca.

However, its walls contain multiple restaurants, bars, and ruin pub lines on both sides of the passage.

You can buy a drink from any of the bars and hang out in the courtyard which has an open-air festive atmosphere.

One can choose from Italian, Hungarian, Jewish, Spanish, or French restaurants offering a variety of dishes for all the pockets. Gozsdu Udvar gets pretty crowded over weekends with trinket sellers, live music bands, and party-goers crowding its courtyard.

Practical Information:
Address: Budapest, Gozsdu udvar, 1075 Hungary
Open 24 hours

8. Corvinteto

Located on the rooftop of an old supermarket Corvinteto is an unusual space for a ruin pub.

However, the highlight of Corvinteto is its open rooftop terrace from where you can soak in the panorama of Buda Castle and the buildings and roofs around Pest.

It is a great place to hang out with a drink and popcorn watching a movie on a large screen during summer.

As the evening progresses the place is transformed into a club with hordes of the local young crowd pouring in. Corvinteto is the best bar in Budapest for a drink around sunset.

Practical Information:
Address: Budapest, Blaha Lujza tér 1-2, 1085 Hungary
Contact: +36 20 244 7230

9. A 38

A 38 is not an ordinary club it is a club created on a barge docked on the banks of the Danube. It is located on the Buda side of the city and is easily accessible by night trams and river boats from Pest.

This coolest club in Budapest is known to hold live concerts of well-known Hungarian and upcoming International artists on regular basis.

A 38 is the best bar in Budapest to have drinks and party on till late in the night. However, besides the scheduled performances there are impromptu gigs on Tuesday where you can spot musicians mixings different genres of music.

Practical Information:
Located in: Egyetemváros – A38
Address: Budapest, Petőfi híd, 1117 Hungary
Open: Mon- Sat: 8 am – 11 pm, Sun: 8 am – 10 pm 
Contact: +36 1 464 3940

10. Szechenyi Thermal Bath 

Let the summer come and legendary thermal bath houses are transformed into the best bars in Budapest the places for magic bath parties.

This summer night spa party is popularly known as “Sparty” and during summer almost all Saturday’s bathhouses across Budapest host these parties.

Moreover, you can drink by the poolside or inside the pool and these frenzied pool parties attract clientele from all over the world.

In addition, Europeans are notorious to fly into Budapest for sparties so book your tickets in advance if you wish to be part of this amazing madness in water.  

Practical Information:
Located in: City Park
Address: Budapest, Állatkerti krt. 9-11, 1146 Hungary
Open: Mon- Fri: 7 am – 7 pm, Sat-Sun: 9 am – 8 pm 
Contact: +36 1 363 3210
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