5 Ruin Pubs in Budapest you Should Definitely Visit
I love it when a city has something unique that you won’t find anywhere else. Examples that spring to mind are the narrow canals of Venice, the rolling hills of San Francisco and the hecticness of the old town (otherwise known as the ‘Souk’) in Marrakech.
When it comes to Budapest, there are many qualities you won’t find elsewhere. These include the numerous thermal baths and the breathtaking architecture along the banks of the Danube. Another feature is ‘ruin pubs’ – pubs with squat-type environments but that are far from squalor. Mostly found in District VII (the Jewish Quarter), here are five ruin pubs in Budapest to check out.
1 Szimpla Kert District VII, Kazinczy u. 14
Of all the ruin pubs in Budapest, Szimpla Kert is undoubtedly the most famous, and rightly so. I’ve never been in a pub like this anywhere in the world. Anywhere. You literally don’t know where to look. You’ve got bandy trees in the courtyard, ancient computers decorating small rooms and a big screen out the back projecting all sorts of captivating messages throughout the night. If you’ve only got time to visit one ruin pub when you’re in Budapest, make it this one.
For more info visit http://www.szimpla.hu
2 Koleves kert VII. Kazinczy u. 37-39
This venue is one of the most open of all of Budapest’s ruin pubs. Essentially one large open beer garden, it can get chilly in the evenings. But don’t fret – blankets can be obtained upon request. It’s that little different to the rest of the pubs in the area, which arguably gives it its own charm. If socialising in open car lots is your thing, this is the bar is for you.
For more info visit http://www.kolevesvendeglo.hu/
3 Instant VI. Nagymező u. 38
Photo credit: JaSchau
Located just off Budapest’s famous Andrasy Avene, Instant’s focal point is an open courtyard with a tree gaping through the non-existent ceiling towards the upper level. From here revellers look down at other revellers. But explore this bar, and you’ll find smaller rooms with different music playing and their own unique atmosphere. The ‘upside down’ room, complete with chairs stuck to the ceiling, is particularly intriguing.
For more info visit http://instant.co.hu/en
4 Fogas haz VII., Akácfa u. 51
Fogas Haz has a similar offering to many of the other ruin pubs in the city – there’s a large beer garden here, there are enough well-priced beers on offer, meaning a night out isn’t too expensive, while there’s also food on offer – pizzas and burgers are just some of the dishes on the menu. But what makes this pub that little bit different is what else it has to offer… art. This pub leave space for theatrical performances, contemporary art galleries, civil lectures and debates.
For more info visit http://www.fogashaz.hu
5 Ellato kert VII., Kazinczy u. 48
Of all the ruin pubs I’ve been to in the Hungarian capital, Ellato kert is my favourite. There’s just a nice atmosphere here. Drinks are cheap, service is fast, it’s in the thick of it in Budapest’s Jewish District and there’s a games room if you fancy a game of pool with a mate.
For more info visit https://www.facebook.com/ellato.kert
Book a trip to experience all the ruin pubs in Budapest.
No better guide than a local.
Written by Colm Hanratty
Colm first got the travel bug when he went to Australia in 1999 on a working holiday visa. Since then he hasn’t looked back.
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