The ruin pub phenomenon has taken over Budapest's nightlife a couple years ago to establish a far-reaching success formula. However, it's not only the rickety furnishing, the psychedelic interiors, and the hipster crowd that make these ramshackle properties popular, but the dilapidated edifices also boast a distinct charm. Here we present some of the best Budapest ruin pubs, so now all you need to do is to make up your mind and head out to explore these hidden (or semi-hidden) hangouts around town.
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Szimpla Kert
Szimpla Kert, located on the bustling Kazinczy Street in downtown Budapest, is the mother of all ruin pubs. Splashed with the awe-inspiring works of contemporary artists, the whole interior looks like as if it was assembled by using a vintage shop's merchandise. Szimpla is mostly filled with an international crowd, although Hungarians also frequent the place due to the diverse selection of local bands playing live on its grounds. Besides the wide assortment of alcoholic drinks, including local wines, Fröccs (wine spritzer), artisanal beers and pálinka varieties, the menu consists of bar bites, like a variety of burgers, wraps and grilled sandwiches. This guidebook-star ruin bar is the perfect place to get to know heaps of exciting people during an all-nigh fun.
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Anker't (Closed)
Anker’t is a cavernous garden in downtown Budapest, housed by the massive building of a former factory, where the internal spaces are characterized by a minimalist design, while the whole place is made up of spacious, connecting courtyards, equipped with an extensive counter, a roomy dance floor and multiple chilling zones for lounging. Those who want to grab a few bites should go for Anker't's aromatic grilled meals and they can wash it all off by a few pints of chilled beer served at the counter.
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Dürer Kert
Dürer Kert is a prominent party hotspot in Budapest, regularly hosting renowned international and local bands playing diverse music genres, and due to its vibrant atmosphere this cool hangout attracts urban dwellers like Mick Jagger attracts women, while the place's gravelly garden is suitable for world-changing talks over a few glasses of chilled beers. Anyone who wants to enjoy Dürer Kert's vibe should venture beyond Budapest's city center, and head out to District XIV, where this pulsating place is located.
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Ellátó Kert (Closed)
Found on the bustling Kazinczy Street in downtown Budapest's Jewish District, this ramshackle property is highly frequented by a hip crowd, flooding here to spend a relaxed evening or a fun-filled night amid eclectic settings. Ellátó Kert is particularly appealing during the summer months, when the open courtyard provides an ideal hideaway from the sizzling circumstances, while during winter, a temporary roof keeps the cold climate outside and guests warm inside. Try the place's hot and spicy Mexican dishes that satisfy any post-booze hunger.
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Fogas Ház
As a pioneer in the Budapest ruin-pub scene, Fogasház ('House of Teeth' in Hungarian) is a creative hub for various art forms and a popular meeting spot for contemporary artists. After a thorough renovation in 2010 the revamped spaces attract an even broader crowd, however the interior still boasts a dilapidated design. With its budget-friendly prices, multiple dance floors and adjoining hangouts, including Schatzi, and this party complex is a popular hotspot for those who are looking for an easy-peasy night out in town.
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Instant
As one of the trendiest spots in downtown Budapest with its psychedelic design, local and international revellers flock to Nagymező Street to enjoy live concerts and dance the night away amid booming music beats on Instant's thematic dance floors, where the party rocks through the early morning hours. The eccentric interior boasts such quirky pieces as a boar-shaped disco ball, glowing butterflies, alongside a herd of jumping rabbits, and so many more features are there to amaze.
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Grandio
Grandio is an urban jungle filled with sprawling plants and herds of enthusiastic partygoers, while the place also serves as a party hostel. Those who enter can expect madcap jamborees amid an expansive booze selection, where anyone can unleash their inner rock star. Guests who crave hearty meals can treat themselves with assorted grilled dishes.
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Kuplung (Closed)
Kuplung on Király Street is an underground shrine, housed by a renovated old courtyard, featuring a blend of urban art pieces and minimalist design that provides the place's underground vibe. Besides the regular parties, this alternative locale offers plenty drink discounts and broadcasting of sports events, to create a pleasant environment for a colorful mix of crowd.
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Kőleves Kert
Located on Kazinczy Street in downtown Budapest's District VII, Kőleves ('Stone Soup' in Hungarian) is a popular destination when it comes to dining and drinking. During the day guests flock here for the palatable lunch offer and the reasonably-priced midday menu (where one of the two available meals is always a vegetarian option), and during the warmer months Kőleves's tree-shaded garden – equipped with a sizeable bar – provides a romantic shelter amid the city's buzz.
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Mika Tivadar Mulató és Kert (Closed)
For the sake of versatility, the brains behind Mika Tivadar decided to establish their alcohol-cosuming, night-twisting, open-air institution along pub-hoppers' venerated lane, Kazinczy Street in central Budapest. Mika Tivadar Pub is a den of delicious drinks, arts, and culture, and unforgettable parties, while guests can gobble mouthwatering grill dishes, and have a memorable time out in the heart of the city.
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Csendes Társ
Set at the entrance of the tucked-away inner-city parkland of , Csendes Társ ('Silent Companion' in Hungarian) is a relaxed destination for caffeine aficionados during the day that turns into a candle-lit spot for romantic get-togethers in the evening. The place offers a varied range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic refreshments, including wines, beers, shots, and lemonades, that are best employed to chase down the unpretentious meals served here.
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Honorable mentions
It is also worth checking out Púder, a progressive hotspot for regular cultural events, characterized by an eclectic interior, while is an underground nest for regular benders and electronica fans set on the rooftop of the Corvin Department Store.
