1/7
Doboz
Decorated with giant statues of fantastical creatures constructed out of scrap wood, a somewhat artsy air fills the atmosphere at this scarlet-tinted club wedged amid the ruin pubs of Pest’s District VII party zone. Welcoming a slightly more sophisticated crowd beginning at 5pm six days a week, Doboz offers comfortable lounge seating and a grill bar – but it’s the two dance floors that draw groovers here, especially on weekend nights when DJs spin progressive music punctuated by amusing surprises.
2/7
Hello Baby Bár (Bezárt)
Dress to the nines to stand on the line that always streams into this posh party place, housed within a stylishly run-down urban palace on Andrássy Avenue just a few feet away from Pest’s Oktogon intersection. Once inside, revelers discover a huge covered courtyard containing a cosmopolitan scene of bantering beautiful people; inside the VIP area, assembled celebrants are even more glamorous as they sip special cocktails or indulge in bottle service. Creatively conceived theme nights are the norm.
3/7
Liget
Located a considerable distance from downtown amid District X’s Népliget parkland, Liget may not be the most convenient place to party the night away, but after guests arrive here they generally like what they see – a gigantic pleasure dome of dance where a young crowd gets down to the intense tracks of Hungary’s best DJs. Generally open only on Friday and Saturday nights, five different dance areas await with five varied styles of music blaring, ranging from extreme electronica to R&B to retro hits.
Address: 1101 Budapest, Népliget út 2.
WEB
4/7
Nomuri
Attracting distinguished clientele like fashion designers and youthful entrepreneurs, Nomuri is something of an experimental expanse for creative minds that is sometimes transformed into a nightclub, found within a building hosting a high-quality coffeehouse, artists’ studios, and office spaces. Dance parties don’t happen every night here, but when they do a lively spirit of intelligent hedonism spreads through this intimate environment, with notable musical guests including Anoraak on November 29.
NOMURI (closed)
Address: 1051 Budapest, 15 Sas Street
5/7
Ötkert
Found just a short stroll away from the Chain Bridge and the Basilica, this ever-crowded club presents guests with a full-service destination for all-day debauchery – open throughout the week, Ötkert boasts a high-quality restaurant serving great lunches and dinners, while the well-stocked bar pours exquisite cocktails and a nice selection of Hungarian wines. However, it’s the blasting beats that create long lines out front almost every night, particularly during “Hi5 Thursdays” and “Neon Fridays”.
6/7
Play
This somewhat clandestine nightspot is the primary reason why party people venture out of Pest to dance till daybreak in Buda. Hosting globally famous DJs like John Digweed, Paul Oakenfold, and Thomas Newson, Play can resemble a small festival on Friday and Saturday nights – a high-tech light and sound system surrounds gyrating pleasure seekers with waves of audio energy, with every other reveler looking like they’d just stepped onto the dance floor from the studio of a Hollywood stylist.
Address: 1113 Budapest, Daróczi út 2.
WEB
7/7
trafiq
The heart of downtown Pest beats with the rhythms of this perennially popular club that welcomes guests with an imaginative approach towards creating memorable dance events. Regular party series include “Set & Live” – pairing prominent DJs and musicians to share the stage – and “Budapest Calling” DJ contests on Thursday nights. With a retractable glass roof allowing fresh air to flood into the central dance-floor area, trafiq is indisputably one of the country’s coolest places to shake a leg.
Trafiq (closed)
Address: 1051 Budapest, 18 Hercegprímás Street
