The urban decay that was gentrifying in the 7th District of Budapest created Budapest’s ruin bars at the beginning of the second millennium. These creative and spontaneous venues literally take up the rubble of old structures as well as abandoned warehouses and parking areas.
There is colourful lighting, antique furniture, and peeling paint for those who want to enjoy a great time with raucous crowds, international DJs, and beer for pennies in the vast indoors and courtyards. A night in the ruin is definitely something you should strive for with a range of options from the popular Szimpla Kert and the more refined Csendes letterem.
- Szimpla Kert
Szimpla Kert, the ancestor of the modern ruin bars located in Budapest was one of the first establishments to open their doors in the fashionable 7th District back in the early 2000s. Today, its fame precedes it and the clientele often includes more foreigners than locals. However, it’s definitely worth a visit due to amenities such as a large outdoor space that is surrounded by artwork, plants and an outdoor theater and concerts that are free every week making it one of the best ruin bars Budapest has to offer.
- Anker’t
The minimalist, chic interconnected courtyards in a former factory complex trendy, Anker’t is located at the lower part of the spectrum. It serves as a garden in summer, or a heated water grotto during the winter. For the dance floor and bar go to the lively main space. The quirky beach-themed square is more suited to casual conversation and light meals.
- Fogasház
The vast complex of entertainment is concealed under an obscure street marker that reads “Fogsor Javitas,” which indicates the location of a former dental practice. The club is electronic LRM, has a stylish all-black interior; Liebling is an elegantly lit wine bar and restaurant that has an outdoor terrace; and the garden bar Kert which is a dazzling world with sparkling fairy lights and gigantic suspended statues, as well as the roofed area which is striped and vaulted like an upside-down circus tent are only a few of the facilities that are available to guests spread over two floors.
- Mazel Tov
Contrary to many of the ruin bars that are in Budapest’s 7th District, the appropriately named Mazel Tov takes an active focus on the city’s Jewish history. It’s a trendy spot to host casual gatherings. Part art gallery, Part restaurant with a discerning menu (don’t forget homemade hummus made from scratch or the amazing assortment of lemonades that are flavoured) as well as an evening garden celebration.
5.Púder Bárszínház
The eye will be drawn to Puder’s vibrant interiors, which include a theatre for studios and an art gallery, and a cultural center that are all connected to a Michelin-starred restaurant. It’s as extravagant like Budapest’s ruin bars are and has vibrant murals that cover the entire interior and often changing artworks of local artists. If you’re planning to stage an event, if you would like to have an audience, choose any of the chairs next to the windows.
6.Csendes Létterem
Despite the massive paintings and an odd collection of antiques lining the interior walls Csendes (which means “silent”) does live up to the name. Csendes Létterem is a relaxed café that turns into a chic bar at night. It has delicious meals, a large selection of alcohol-based beverages, as well as an eclectic musical and cultural program.
