Introduction
Today we look at the best bars in Budapest!
Ahhh Beautiful Budapest! Made famous by the song by George Ezra Budapest really does have it all. So why is this such a popular place for tourists to flock each year? Well I have a strong suspicion it has something to do with the Budapest Bars. And I am going to give you a rundown of the best bars in Budapest.
Budapest is famous for its outstanding Architecture and fairy tale like streets, along with the biggest Roman baths in Europe, but there is one thing that you have to see when you come to Budapest and that is the famous ruin bars!
I didn’t know much about the bars when I first booked my trip to Budapest but I was soon to realise that its something I had to see. Everyone was telling me “go to the ruin bars” but I didn’t know what they meant or what to expect so….like you, I did my research, and thank god I did!
I am going to focus on what I believe are the two BEST bars in Budapest. I will of course add some other suggestions to the list but unlike some of my previous blogs where I recommend a whole list of bars, the first two are in my opinion, the ultimate best bars in Budapest!! So lets start.
Pro Tip –
Budapest is BIG so the best way to get around fast is hiring a Lime scooter.
all you have to do is download the app and they are tons of fun!!
Szimpla Kert Ruin Bar
Kazinczy utca 14, Budapest 1075
So there are a few ruin bars in Budapest but really….this is the only one worth mentioning.
Szimpla Kert is in the 7th district and just outside the main shopping area of Budapest. Easy to find once you know where to look.
Szimpla Kert means simple garden and let me say from the off, this place is NUTS!!!
As you walk in you are greeted to what feels like an Aladdins cave. The stragngest music is playing and it sounds like something you would hear in Cantina in Star wars. You really are stepping into something that I cannot really explain and its like something you will have never experienced before.
In the entrance there are local craftsman selling gifts and trinkets and it feels like a strange flea market. Directly to your right is your first bar and this is a good place to grab a beer to accompany you through this curious building.
Its lit with fairy lights all over and different styled lamps and it really is something beautiful.
The building is laid out in a square with an upstairs and courtyard area. There are loads of little nooks and crannies where you can sneak in and sit and enjoy a drink.
Outside is a garden area that is not all it seems. Refurbished vehicle’s have been transformed into seating areas and it is like being is some kind of lost boys den.
There are several bars within the building, each one cleverly leading on to the next. Plenty of opportunities to drink and explore. At one point I found myself sitting in a bath tub drinking a stein surrounded by all sorts of knick-knacks including life size ceramic bunnies.
There is also a medical lab with the periodic table as décor .Very clinical but very affective! and loads of other secret hidden areas too.
Slimpla Kert is the oldest of the ruin bars, and by far the best. You can get yourself some street food too so you really could spend hours exploring what it has to offer.
There is also regular live music at no extra cost, and come night time, things really get going with a DJ and music. Bring a jacket, its a ruin bar after all so it may get chilly! But once you have downed a few drinks and the music starts you will soon warm up!
Drinks are crazy cheap in here and in Budapest in general so make the most of it in one of the best bars in Budapest!
Instant Fogasház
JEEEEZZZ I don’t even begin to know how to explain this to you. This is one of the best bars I have ever been to and by far the one of the best bars in Budapest.
This is not far from the ruin bars and if you’re not sure what you are looking for then look for the neon owl. This is when you will know you are in the right place.
Now there are a few bars on this street so I felt pretty overwhelmed at first but I was pleased to discover they are basically all the same place! They all connect on to each other! BONUS!
What makes this bar soooooooo cool is 1. It MASSSIVE 2. Its lots of bars connected together, its like the daddy to Szimpla Kerts.
You will walk into a courtyard that is covered from the elements and that’s where you will need to make you choice as to where to start.
To your right, you can go down the stairs and start in the rock room or to the left you can find the RnB room. Where ever you decide to start, you’re in for a treat!
Each room I went into was completely different from the last.
They had a billiards room where you can chill and play pool and several club rooms catering to all genres.
There is so many weird and wonderful things to see a long the way and if you get bored of one room, you can just hop into the next one.
My favourite surprise was when I discovered an actual take away shop in the middle of the club. I cant think of anything better than dancing to Snoop Dog with a slice of pizza in one hand and a beer in the other.
It really does have it all. Whatever mood you’re in, it provides. Whether its a chilled out drink with friends or moshing away to Metallica, you honestly cannot go wrong and really is up there with the best bars in Budapest!
St. Andrea Wine & Skybar
Budapest Apáczai Csere János utca 1. 4. Em. 39. 1052
I actually stumbled across this bar by accident and I am so glad I did.
Right in the heart of Budapest, after spending your day shopping in the centre of town, look up and you are likely to see St. Andrea wine and sky bar.
Whenever I visit a new city I always have to track down a roof top bar as there is no better way to see the views from the top of a building, sipping on a freshly mixed cocktail. My favourite time to come here was late afternoon, just as the sun starts to set. You cans see for miles around and because of the location being in the centre of Budapest its a great find. I really liked to come here after a full on day of site seeing and shopping to have a chance to reflect on the day and admire what the city has to offer from the Sky.
This is a classy joint, so drinks are not the cheapest in Budapest, but I mean, you’re in Budapest so no drink is going to break the bank! I recommend one of the many cocktails they have on offer or if you’re feeling flush, treat yourself to a refreshing glass of champagne. Snuggle under a blanket with drink in hand and enjoy all the beautiful sites this gothic city has to offer. For its location alone, this is makes the list of best bars in Budapest.
Froccsterasz
Now I am going to level with you here, this bar does have mixed reviews but I think that is more because people may have been unable to figure out the toilet situation rather than anything else. ‘Face palm’
I personally loved this bar. Its a great place to head to in the afternoon if you need to have a rest from all the walking around. Its big, trendy and has both heated outdoor and indoor seating. I enjoyed sitting outside as you can watch the world go by and admire the produce from the market opposite. Inside is also cool and very spacious.
They do a wide selection of food available throughout the day.
Come evening time they have live DJ’s and the place really does come alive! this place gets packed and people are spilling out into the street but in the best way! The atmosphere is buzzing and its a great place to meet friends or get your party on.
Its really centrally located, just past the Michael Jackson memorial tree (yes that is a thing!)
Now the toilet situation. Because of its location the toilet is only free for customers. This can be deceiving as when you go down the stairs to the toilets it does say it charges. Don’t be fooled! Just ask the bar staff for a token and they will be happy to provide you with one for free use. I don’t know anywhere that would charge their customers to pee so pay no attention to the other reviews that moan about it. Just ask and you will be fine! I wouldn’t put a place on my list of best bars in Budapest if you had to pay to use the toilets now would I.
Kelta
Budapest Ferenciek tere 5. 1053
And a Budapest pub crawl wouldn’t be a pub crawl if one of the best bars in Budapest wasn’t an Irish bar!
I have put this one on the list because its perfect for stage do’s/parties. Its an Irish bar after all! its a good location between the city centre and the ruin bars so a great place to stop on the way and a good place to get the night started. Its big and loud!!! They show sporting events on the tv and have loads of drink offers! The drinks are cheap and the atmosphere is fun.
This bar does what it says in the tin. It is exactly what you want and expect from a bar in Budapest and you are guaranteed to have a good time here! They also sell food too so its probably a good place to line your stomachs before heading out for the evening. Its a really welcoming place and was a good find for both the more chilled out nights and the start of a heavy one!
So there you have it! My recommendations of the best bars in Budapest. There are loads of bars in Budapest but it can be hard to find good ones. Hopefully this list will start you off and you will be able to discover more along the way!
Please do comment and let me know your recommendations too!
Check out my other posts under My Adventures
Thanks for reading!
Enjoy Budapest
Emma x
You made certain nice points there. I did a search on the matter and found a good number of persons will agree with your blog.
I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of your site. It’s
a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more pleasant for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire
out a developer to create your theme? Outstanding work!