The European Bar Guide's 2026 ranking has named Szimpla Kert the best bar in Europe. Budapest's oldest and perhaps best-known ruin bar has long been a favourite with both locals and visitors, so it's no stranger to international attention. The Kazinczy Street institution isn't the only Hungarian venue to make the top 100: Calgary Antik Drinkbar in Buda and Kaleidoszkóp Ház in Esztergom also earned spots on this year's list.
The European Bar Guide is an independent platform dedicated to discovering and ranking some of the continent's best pubs and bars. Venues are assessed based on factors such as atmosphere, social scene, local culture, selection and quality. This year's top 10 also features spots including Retsins Lucifernum and La Fleur en Papier Doré in Belgium, as well as Papa Joe's Jazz Lokal in Cologne. Two more Hungarian venues joined Szimpla Kert in the top 100: Calgary Antik Drinkbár on Frankel Leó út came in at No. 26, while Kaleidoszkóp Ház in Esztergom ranked No. 94.
(Cover photo: Szimpla Kert, Gretchen Kessler – We Love Budapest)
