Szimpla Kert
Budapest's iconic ruin bar, Szimpla Kert, offers an unforgettable experience with its eclectic decor, multiple bars, and vibrant cultural events.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Szimpla Kert
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Budapest's iconic ruin bar, Szimpla Kert, offers an unforgettable experience with its eclectic decor, multiple bars, and vibrant cultural events.
"This isn't just a bar; it's an institution, the original and arguably the best of Budapest's famous ruin bars."
Visit Early or Mid-Week
To avoid crowds, consider visiting early in the day or on weekdays.
Explore All the Bars
Discover various bars offering cocktails, wines, and beers, each with its own theme.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Pub Food / Hungarian
Price
Mid-range
Address
Budapest, Kazinczy u. 14, 1075, Hungary
Website
szimpla.hu/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Ultimate Ruin Bar Experience
Immerse yourself in Szimpla Kert's eclectic wonderland of salvaged furniture, graffiti, and themed rooms.
A Bohemian Hub of Culture
More than just a bar, it hosts markets, live music, and film screenings, offering a unique cultural pulse.
Craft Cocktails and Unique Drinks
Discover expertly crafted cocktails and a vast selection of beers and wines in a one-of-a-kind setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit Early or Mid-Week
To avoid crowds, consider visiting early in the day or on weekdays.
Explore All the Bars
Discover various bars offering cocktails, wines, and beers, each with its own theme.
Embrace the Setting
Drink prices might be higher, but the unique atmosphere is worth the cost.
Leave Your Mark
Bring a pen to leave your own graffiti on the walls, like many others have done.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit Early or Mid-Week
To avoid crowds, consider visiting early in the day or on weekdays.
Explore All the Bars
Discover various bars offering cocktails, wines, and beers, each with its own theme.
Embrace the Setting
Drink prices might be higher, but the unique atmosphere is worth the cost.
Leave Your Mark
Bring a pen to leave your own graffiti on the walls, like many others have done.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Szimpla Kert is overwhelmingly praised as a unique and essential Budapest experience, celebrated for its wild, eclectic decor and vibrant atmosphere. Visitors love the sheer creativity of the space, the diverse drink options, and the lively energy, making it a must-visit destination. However, some find it overly touristy with higher prices and poor service during peak times, suggesting it might be best enjoyed during off-hours or for its unique ambiance rather than a traditional dining experience.
"If you're in Budapest, Szimpla Kert is an absolute must-visit. This isn't just a bar; it's an institution, the original and arguably the best of Budapest's famous ruin bars. Its incredibly unique atmosphere sets it apart, offering a sensory experience that's hard to replicate anywhere else.
The moment you step inside, you're enveloped in a quirky, eclectic wonderland of salvaged furniture, vibrant street art, and twinkling lights. It's the kind of place where every corner holds a new surprise, creating a backdrop that's perfect for both lively conversations with friends or letting loose on the dance floor. Whether you're looking to chill out or dance the night away, Szimpla Kert effortlessly accommodates both moods.
Beyond the unparalleled vibe, the quality of the cocktails is genuinely impressive. They're crafted with care, offering a great selection that complements the unconventional setting. It's easy to spend hours exploring the various nooks and crannies, soaking in the energy.
You might notice a line outside, especially during peak hours, but don't let that deter you! The queue moves surprisingly fast, so it's definitely worth the short wait. Szimpla Kert deserves a spot on your Budapest itinerary. It's more than just a night out; it's an experience."
Sofia Galli
"Unique quirky one of its kind bar.
It’s definitely worth a visit when in Budapest.
We went early evening on Friday before sundown.
It was not very crowded.
The drinks are not overpriced.
Didn’t try any food"
Varsha Degwekar
"Amazing open-air experience!
This place is absolutely fantastic – an open patio with multiple bars, each offering something unique. The atmosphere is vibrant yet relaxed, perfect for any occasion. The cocktails are simply outstanding – creative, perfectly balanced, and beautifully presented. A must-visit spot if you love great drinks and an amazing vibe!"
Roni Sarfati
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Szimpla Kert is Budapest's first and most famous 'ruin bar', set in an abandoned building with eclectic decor, multiple bars, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Yes, it's a popular tourist spot and can get very crowded, especially on weekends and evenings. Visiting early or on weekdays is recommended.
Szimpla Kert offers a wide range of drinks including cocktails, wines, and beers, with some unique options like gluten-free beer.
Yes, Szimpla Kert offers food items such as Bunny Chow, Lángos, burgers, and platters.
Szimpla Kert hosts various events like flea markets, farmers' markets, live music, and film screenings.
The atmosphere is described as unique, quirky, bohemian, vibrant, and laid-back, with distinct themes in each room.
Yes, its size and multiple rooms make it a good choice for groups looking for a lively night out.
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Budapest’s ruin bars – unconventional hangout spots and nightclubs set up in abandoned buildings – have become the highlights of Budapest nightlife. As the first ruin bar established in Budapest, Szimpla Kert should be a first port of call when exploring ruin bar culture. Moving around a few times before settling into its current home in the Jewish Quarter in 2004, Szimpla Kert now hosts a farmers’ market and flea market during the day and live music and film screenings at night.
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The mother of all ruin bars, the legendary nightspot that set the trend for transforming a neglected building in the Jewish Quarter into a warren-like bohemian locale characterised by mismatching, skip-found furniture, junk-shop decor and fairylights. It's now it’s a tourist hotspot with beer prices to match, but on the right night, with the right crowd, it can be magical. Szimpla Kert doubles up as a farmers’ market on Sunday, with a little live music thrown in.
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The father of all Budapest’s so-called “ruin bars”, Szimpla Kert opened in an abandoned residential block in 2002, and dozens of others followed. There’s myriad little rooms to uncover here, housing a variety of different bars serving everything from vanilla beer to blue-cheese burgers. Its fame means it’s crowded – but the mix of travellers and locals are, mercifully, more interested in chatting over glasses of Hungarian wine than snapping selfies.
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Nearly every discussion of ruin bars begins with the granddaddy of them all, Szimpla Kert (Hungarian for ‘Simple Garden’) on Kazinczy Street. Szimpla was the first to open and is still arguably the best and bawdiest of the bunch. Several rooms, including a large open-air garden with fairy lights, can accommodate hundreds of people, making it a good choice if you’re traveling in a group.
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Szimpla Kert is very well-known and popular, and a must-visit if you are in Budapest. Originally a factory, the place was converted into an open-air cinema and pub, which serves as a unique setting for concerts, theater shows and exhibitions. Seats are converted from various things like old car trunks, and the whole place radiates a slight hint of madness when you enter.
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An edgy crowd gathers at Szimpla Kert, a wacky ruin pub in the old Jewish Quarter. On entering, you’ll be overwhelmed by the maze of rooms, where you might find recycled computer monitors, towering piles of books, hookah pipes, or live music. Bars throughout pour beer and, of course, shots of pálinka.
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Szimpla is absolutely crazy – if you love nutty, eclectic décor, theme rooms and knick-knacks, somewhere between a Punchdrunk theatre show and an underground bar in Hackney, Szimpla will totally do it for you. While there are plenty of alcohol options on-site, it’s worth finding your way to the rather fabulous Mad Scientist brewery bar on the first floor, with a craft beer periodic table, giant lab equipment and neon lighting to make the experience extra-trippy. If you haven’t already gotten your beery mitts on the legendary Liquid Cocaine DIPA, this is your perfect opportunity, but if you fancy something a little less ambitious, they have a solid range of styles which can be enjoyed from chemistry equipment for a small fee.
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In these early days, the bars weren’t on any lists, blogs or guidebooks - they merely were, and were known to be fairly fun places to have a decent night out in Budapest.The main ruin bars that sprung up during these years were Szimpla Kert, Instant & Fogas Ház, Szatyor Bar, Mazel Tov, Csendes, and Udvar Rom. However, like with any pure thing, as the bars started to grow in popularity with college students, locals and visitors alike, the owners of the ruin bars began to add furnishings such as vintage furniture, cold-war era pornography and a host of eclectic interior design, giving them their current psychedelic appearance.
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Unconventional nightclubs and hangout spots cropping up in abandoned buildings - that’s what Szimpla Kert is. Known as the first ruin bar to be established in Budapest, Szimpla Kert has moved quite a few places, before settling down in the Jewish quarter in 2004, and now, houses a flea market and farmer’s market during the day, while nights are reserved for live film and music screenings. In Budapest, Szimpla Kert is renowned as one of the most popular ruin bars and can simply be recognized by its eclectic music and quirky furniture of an old Trabant car that has been transformed as an eye-catching centerpiece.
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The pioneer of ruin pubs in Budapest, Szimpla was one of the first to set up shop in District VII and still remains the most authentic of the genre – filled with old toys, bikes, a bathtub and all kinds of knickknacks. As Szimpla is one of the most famous party places in Europe, included in countless guidebooks, it usually attracts a mainly foreign crowd, although you can still run into locals when cool concerts take place. There are many nooks and crannies to find an intimate space, but plenty of events also pop up here like concerts, parties, cultural events and a framer’s market on Sundays.
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At the top of the list of the best ruin bars in the city is the Szimpla Kert, the most emblematic and the first in its style. Like all revolutionary things, the Szimpla Kert was born from a need, in this case, the need for a community space for artists on the streets of Budapest. The concept of taking an abandoned and forgotten building in history, the Kazinczy Utca, was rooted in Budapest in such a way that it became a unique experience for tourists from all over the world, and of course, this famous ruin bar in Budapest is the first stop for those who want to immerse themselves in this culture.
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Budapest is famous for its ‘ruin’ bars – cool, edgy, off-the-cuff places created from old, run-down, warren-like buildings, often with courtyards and gardens. Drinking in one of them is a bit like being a student again, roughing it for a bit of grungey glamour with the cool kids Szimpla Kert was one of the early ones, tapping into the city’s growing confidence and desire to create an alternative cultural life for its young people. It’s a bit out-there, a bit bonkers, but great fun as you wander about, wondering what’s around the next corner, in the next room, or even above your head.
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Converted from an old factory into a self-proclaimed ‘cultural reception space’, Szimpla has become one of Budapest’s most beloved spots. The quirky, informal interior is full of knick-knacks, looks like the inner mind of a mad-man and is a great place for a (free) gig and a pint. They’re on an incredible journey to make Hungary’s environment more ‘liveable and human-friendly’ by promoting sustainable living, providing space for non-profit organisations and nurturing creative talents in the form of music, theatre and cinema, which you can come weekly.
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If you’re going to Budapest, you’re going to a ruin bar–that’s not really up for debate. Szimpla Kert is by far the most popular, which means it’s the most crowded, but even I enjoy a night or two spent in a dimly lit bar with a thousand other people. By day, this place is a really cool, open air ruined building with booths selling cheeses and mulled wines, but by night it turns into a huge house party of sorts, with at least ten different bars located in different rooms, live music, and lots of people smoking hookah and stealing chairs from tables.
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Beyond the main market halls found in most districts, there are more and more groups starting farmer’s markets, and shopping at weekly farmer’s markets like the one at Szimpla Kert is how I wish I could spend every lazy Sunday morning. But even though the Central Market is Budapest’s largest market and one of the city’s top tourist attractions, every time I head across the Danube from my apartment in Buda to shop there, I am still thrilled by the experience and delighted by the bountiful selection spread out over the market’s three levels.
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The most popular ruin bar is Szimpla Kert, with an outdoor courtyard, live music and 8 themed rooms, including a Shisha Bar, a Wine Bar and a chillout zone; it’s easy to spend all night here and easier still to get lost!. For a more decadent affair, you absolutely must visit the New York Cafe (I traveled to Budapest just to go here) and enjoy a coffee and a cake in the world’s most beautiful cafe. I recommend you linger here, enjoy the live music and let this elegant and enchanting setting transport you to another world.
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The trend of revamping former factories and car parks into almost fully functioning watering holes, while allowing the character of the buildings to remain (by keeping the Communist-era junk and crumbling courtyards), started with SzimplaKert back in 2002. When it moved to its current home in the Jewish quarter in 2004, it became the epicenter of Budapest’s nightlife scene – a title it still deservedly holds today. Despite the club having reached mega-famous status, it’s weird and welcoming ethos remains the same.
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Szimpla Kert is a district full of ‘ruinspubs’, or in English ‘ruins bars’, which are very popular in the city of Budapest, hosting some of the best places to eat in Budapest. These bars are characterised by their authorised access, found within the old factories of the former Jewish district. At first sight these bars look slightly seedy, worn-out and old (fairly unattractive to the visitor) but once inside the atmosphere becomes incredibly authentic as there are various terraces and live music to enjoy.
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The peak of Budapest’s nightlife is its ruin bars, abandoned buildings transformed into hipster hangout-spots. Don’t miss out on photographing the largest and most iconic of them all: Szimpla Kert, which first opened its doors back in the early 2000s. Here, you can find everything you want: graffiti-covered walls, mismatched furniture and art installations, including bathtubs (!), a farmers’ market and flea market during the weekend, an open-air cinema, a huge outdoor garden, galleries and live music.
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The probably most famous location on Kazinczy Street is Szimpla Kert. It’s opening in 2002 is considered a milestone in the history of the alternative scene in Budapest, as a rundown factory building was converted into an oversized open-air ruin pub, where concerts, stage plays, and other cultural events like the Szimpla Farmers’ Market are hosted regularly. The unique Szimpla lifestyle is characterized by an informal and laid-back atmosphere that aims at making every single person feel welcome.
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In the grand tradition of giving respect where respect is due, let us first introduce you to Szimpla Kert (Simple Garden), the first ever ruin bar in Budapest and a pioneer which have set the barometer for all romcoksmas to come. Founded in 2002 and currently located in the trendy seventh district, the bar features rooms filled to the hilt with mis-matched and repurposed interiors, as well as random bric-a-brac, that gives the place its distinct, eclectic character too cool to pass up.
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Szimpla Kert is a romkocsma (in Hungarian), a ruin pub built inside an abandoned factory. Ruin bars are the symbol of Budapest, built inside abandoned buildings and spaces. The idea was initially born from the (more or less illegal) occupation of these premises by groups of young people who first decided to occupy them and then redevelop them with recycled objects and materials and various extravagances, thus creating places that over the years have become real must-haves in Budapest.
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The original and granddaddy of all the city’s ruin pubs, Szimpla was the first to set up in the 7th district back in the early 2000s and has gone from strength to strength since then. With this reputation comes a crowd, usually more tourists than locals, but with good reason. The decor and art installations alone make it worth a visit but you can also expect an open-air cinema, huge outdoor garden (complete with a seating area made from an old Trabant car), galleries and live music.
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There’s something way cool about taking an old factory and completely revamping it into a funky music locale, which is exactly what Szimpla Kert, the first and one of the most popular ruin bars of Budapest, managed to do. Now, the huge open-air cinema and pub lend themselves as the perfect place to put on the most primo theatre shows and concerts in the nightlife of Budapest. What I like most about Szimpla is its refusal to be boxed into providing just one genre of music.
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Szimpla Kert was the first and original ruin bar in Budapest, which is now also the most popular one. It has a large selection of drinks, great staff, various cultural events and live music, Sunday market with excellent food – all of this makes Szimpla a place that you just have to visit. The colourful furniture collected in various places gives charm to this place with a huge terrace and a garden, where there’s also an old Trabant car that is used as a table and chairs.
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Set in the shell of a crumbling Budapest factory, Szimpla Kert was one of the first ruin bars. While the name translates as “simple garden”, it feels more like a surreal souk: all artsy drinking nooks lined with bathtubs converted into sofas, scented with shisha — anything but a minimalist design. Szimpla might sell branded hoodies now that it’s famous, but it still makes a great evening out — and from 9am on Sundays, it hosts one of the city’s best farmers’ markets.
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The bar fully synonymous with the Hungarian ruin bar landscape, Szimpla Kert has pioneered the concept of repurposing abandoned buildings as cultural venues and clubs. Located in the historic Jewish Quarter, Szimpla Kert is a maze-like venue offering a wide variety of electronic music, contemporary art, and delicious beverages. Full of mismatched furniture like bathtubs and old car sets, quirky indie art, and creative lighting, the bar is a canonical hipster spot.
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This eccentric, around the clock pub is like entering into Alice and Wonderland. Every corner of this idiosyncratic and eccentric bar seems out of place yet at the same time fits perfectly well with the whole philosophy of Szimpla Kert. Ideally you should swing by during the day where you can order a cup of coffee and take photos without anyone in your photos or come during the early night before it gets too crowded to capture the true atmosphere of Szimpla Kert.
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Szimpla Kert, mainly described as the “playground for grown-ups”, feels as though you are walking into a mad artist’s dream bar. Funky treasure hunt with drinks and a live band in the back corner of the bar, you get to experience the best of what Budapest nightlife has to offer!. Szimpla, located in the heart of the party district, guarantees you an authentic experience that showcases eclectic art, walls filled with street signs, and graffiti on different floors.
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You may have noticed that many of the bars in Budapest have ‘kert’ within their names – which means ‘back yard’ in Hungarian. Back yard drinking has become a Budapest institution of late, with hundreds of stag dos taking to the quirky, mismatched furniture on the outdoor terraces, to sup their tipples. The formerly dilapidated courtyard of Szimpla Kert has hipster lighting and bric-a-brac strung from every nook and cranny, and is a must on any visit to the city.
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Yes, that's one of the kinds of bars you can find in plenty here, and the Szimpla Kert of Budapest is one such, being one of the oldest, most crowded, and best ruins bars in the city. Located in the vintage Jewish Quarter of Budapest, this bed can accommodate up to 600 people and offers a bohemian atmosphere and a laid-back vibe with a courtyard garden and a rooftop terrace. Once you enter the space, you will notice the darkness and the mingling neon lights.
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The biggest – and often regarded as the best – ruin bar in Budapest has to be Szimpla Kert. It’s famous for being one of the first ruin pubs in the city and for its eclectic set up which’ll see you wandering through eight or so different rooms, each with its own bar and theme. You’ll find Szimpla Kert tucked away in a huge warehouse in the Jewish Quarter and it’s easy to stroll straight past unless you keep your eyes peeled for its vintage-style street sign.
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Szimpla Kert was the very first one, springing up out of an old factory in 2001. It’s a multi-functional destination, with art exhibitions, musical performances, film screenings and markets all mainstays on its cultural calendar. Combining the best features of the city’s other ruin bars, including a giant courtyard, a warren of rooms dedicated to different themes and pursuits, and even an old communist Trabant car to sit in, it’s Szimpla the best.
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Szimpla Kert, in the 7th District’s old Jewish quarter, is the very first and most famous of all ruin bars. When it opened in 2002 it was housed in the dilapidated pre-war building of a disused factory on Kazinczy Street. Today, Porsche Travel Experience participants pass through a plastic curtain into darkened rooms with graffiti-covered walls of crumbling masonry, furnished with recycled pieces that are dotted around them in haphazard fashion.
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Szimpla Kert promises an unforgettable experience in Budapest’s vibrant nightlife scene. This iconic ruin bar, nestled in the heart of the city’s Jewish Quarter and the first of its kind in the city, is a haven for creativity and community. Housed in a dilapidated building, Szimpla Kert’s eclectic charm is its hallmark – and quite an experience that you can do for free, as the entrance isn’t paid (you only pay what you buy inside the bar).
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The iconic ruin bar is more than just an eccentric spot for tourists to spend the night drinking. Szimpla is the perfect place if you’re on the hunt for antique jewellery and trinkets as every weekend it is home to an unconventional flea market that hosts local sellers of various crafts and specialties. Some weekends you’ll even find locals selling pre-owned clothes, making for a much better souvenir than a shot glass or fridge magnet.
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So ruins are a thing, and if you’ve been to Budapest- you already know that. That said, while most people tend to visit these haunts at night, we urge those with creative visions to pop into them during the day because there’s potential to capture some really different shots that you can’t easily find on the web. TIP: Go there as soon as it opens (which is noon on most days) so you can have room to shoot without people in your shots.
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The opening of Szimpla Kert in 2002 was a milestone in the alternative life of Budapest. Converting an old factory into a huge open-air cinema and pub, they created a unique framework for hosting concerts, theatre shows and many different cultural events. Szimpla defines itself as a ’cultural reception space’, indicating the intention to embrace genres and performers off the mainstream, presenting them in an informal atmosphere.
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The most iconic is Szimpla Kert, and it was one of my favorites even though there were, of course, a lot of tourists there. Some other ruin bars I enjoyed were Ellato Kert which had a Mexican theme and served passable tacos and Anker’t, which had a lot of lovely outdoor space. If you want to party, head to Instant (I’m not much of a partier and stayed home in my pajamas with Netflix and some local Hungarian wine instead).
Szimpla Kert ruin bar - Budapest's best ruin bar
Szimpla Kert opened back in 2001 and was the very first ruin bar in Budapest. At first it was known as Szimpla Kertmozi ( kertmozi is the Hungarian meaning for ‘garden cinema’) and was an open air cinema, cafe and arts space. It relocated shortly afterwards to an old fireplace factory on Kazinczy Street that was due to be demolished, and has remained in the same location ever since, but now simply known as Szimpla Kert .
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Some of the top ruin bars are Szimpla Kert, Instant and Fogasház. There are tonnes of activities to consider in this city from museums (the most visited museum is the museum of fine art) and shops to restaurants and markets. There are heaps of malls throughout the city, such as WestEnd Shopping Centre in Budapest and Arena Mall, which makes Budapest a shopaholic’s dream and you’ll be guaranteed a jam-packed weekend.
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After an afternoon of playing (and now starting to flag) we jumped on the bus on route to Szimpla Kert (meaning Simple Garden) – the original ruin bar in the Jewish Quarter. Before leaving for Budapest I had read endless articles about whether you could take children to Ruin bars etc. We were there around 4.30pm and it was absolutely fine – they were both welcomed by the staff and it all felt very family friendly.
Probably the most famous of Budapest’s Ruin Pubs (bars that open in disused buildings that are usually decorated with an eclectic mix of second hand furniture), Szimpla Kert is something of a cult with both tourists and locals. Found in an old tenement house, customers that explore its labyrinth of corridors will find each room is adorned to a different theme. Helpfully, it also offers a good selection of drinks.
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Welcome to Szimpla Kert, the ultimate quirky hangout spot in Budapest!. Step into a world where misplaced objects have found a home, resulting in a charming mishmash of vintage furniture and random household items. Enjoy your drink while sitting on a 1950s bathtub or beneath a wire-meshed ceiling adorned with bicycles - just don't get too lost trying to find the toilets, they're hidden behind a secret bookcase!
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– Szimpla Kert (Kazinczy u. 14): Its name in Hungarian (simple garden) is already a statement of intent, as in renting this space the owners intended to create a relaxing atmosphere around beer and other beverages, as well as food. It’s considered to be the city’s first ruin bar and, apart from eating and drinking, people also come here to enjoy its cultural programme, which features concerts and exhibitions.
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This ruin bar in Budapest’s 7th district has the very bold claim of being the first of its kind in the city. Opening its doors way back in 2002 with an easygoing environment for people to drink and socialise, it later upped sticks and moved to its current location at 14 Kazinczy Street in 2004. The building, which is a former factory, was scheduled to be demolished, but the bar saved it from the scrapheap.
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Szimpla is considered the original ruin bar in Budapest and to this day is where people commonly flock to in order to find their first ruin bar experience. Located in the 7th district, Szimpla comprises various bars and rooms inside for you to explore, making it a fun and refreshing place to visit. On top of that, there's no entrance fee so there’s no excuse to miss out on Budapest's most iconic ruin bar.
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The pioneer, the discoverer, the flagship under whose flags all the emerging bars have gathered. Szimpla was opened in 2001 as a traditional café, but the real story started with the opening of the first Szimpla Kert in Kertész Street in 2002. The big break came in 2004 when the first, Szimpla Kert –the one we know today – opened making use of the dilapidated Héber stove factory in downtown Budapest.
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Step into this extraordinary 24/7 pub, where the ambiance resembles a journey into the whimsical world of Alice in Wonderland. Szimpla Kert’s peculiar charm permeates every corner, creating a harmonious blend that aligns seamlessly with its philosophy. For the best experience, consider visiting during the daytime, where you can savor a cup of coffee and take photos without any unwanted distractions.
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Szimpla Kert: A must-visit in the city's nightlife scene, Szimpla Kert is the pioneer of Budapest's ruin pub culture. As another one of my favorites, this eclectic venue boasts an organic bohemian ambiance, artistic decor, arbitrary furniture (broken bathtubs and disco balls to be specific) and a lively atmosphere. In recent years it has become popular among tourists, but has never lost its charm.
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As the original ruin bar that inspired the trend, Szimpla Kert is as much a landmark as it is a place to party. Once an abandoned factory, you’ll now find an open courtyard full of quirky furniture and a maze of themed rooms and cocktail bars. It’s an atmospheric place to drink, full of nooks and crannies to explore, with graffiti, street signs, fairy lights and an old communist Trabant car.
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The granddaddy of Budapest’s modern ruin bars, Szimpla Kert was one of the first to set up shop in the hip 7 th District, all the way back in the early 2000s. These days, its reputation precedes it and the crowd is often more international than local. But features like a large plant-filled patio, art installations, an open-air cinema and free concerts every week make it well worth a visit.
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For a scaled-up option with 272 rooms, the Continental Hotel Budapest is located in central Pest around the corner from the weird and wonderful bar Szimpla Kert. Its art deco-styled central lobby and mezzanine-level gallery café chime with the tinkle of well-mannered silverware, while its fitness centre and Araz restaurant are both top spec (00 36 1 815 1070, continentalhotelbudapest.com).
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Le Szimpla Kert est le premier Ruin Bar de Budapest, ouvert en 2002 dans un immeuble en ruine occupé autrefois par des appartements et une usine. C’est un lieu iconique de la nuit hongroise où vous pourrez découvrir une atmosphère underground unique, des concerts et la projection de films en plein air. On se prend au jeu de découvrir chaque salle, plus surprenante les unes que les autres.
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Szimpla Kert is busy at any time of day, and you'll even notice tour guides showing people around, it's that much of an attraction. But at night it really comes alive, as the lights all come on, and it's like having a drink inside a Christmas tree, with some of the oddest decorations you can imagine. There's live bands on at the weekend, but it never gets so loud that it's off putting.
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📍 Google Maps | Szimpla Kert Website | Hours: 3 pm to 4 am Mon-Fri, 12 pm to 4 am Sat, 9 am to 4 am Sun. Budapest is famous for its ruin bars – super hip drinking joints that originally sprouted up in abandoned buildings in Budapest’s Jewish Quarter. And the king of all ruin pubs is clear: Szimpla Kert is an impossibly funky and eclectic bar with a room for every taste in nightlife.
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The first place we will be visiting first is the Szimpla Kert, which is one of Budapest’s most famous ruin bars. It has a very interesting location since it is in the city center but it occupies an abandoned building and has a vaguely trendy and back-alley vibe about it. They walk inside, and eat amidst dimly lit crowded rooms and furniture that is all over the place, messy but fun.
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Known for its ruin bars, Budapest has turned former abandoned buildings into unique eating and drinking spots, becoming a defining feature of the city’s nightlife culture. They’re generally found in Budapest’s Jewish Quarter and Szimpla Kert is widely considered to be the first. Though it’s a pretty relaxed space, with tons of quirky seating options, it’s definitely very touristy.
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Szimpla Kert is a mythical ruin pub that most travelers already know before visiting Budapest. The pioneer of the ruin bars of Budapest, has been mentioned several times on the list of the best pubs in the world. The year was 2001 when Little Szimpla, the first ruin pub opened its doors in Budapest in a different place, and later in 2004 Szimpla Kert opened in the current place.
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It might sound like a cliché, but Szimpla bar and pub is really a place to experience during your visit to Budapest. As a pioneer amongst the world-famous Budapest ruin bars, Szimpla reflects the unique mixture of urban lifestyle: concerts, parties, rent-a-bike, exhibitions, movie nights and other cultural programmes are awaiting for you in an eclectic and humanistic environment.
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Anyone who lives in or has been to Hungary can tell you that Szimplakert is one of Budapest’s “must-see” bars. Widely known as ruin bars, places such as Szimplakert literally reside in the ruins of buildings that can be over 100 years old!. Located in the 7th District, otherwise referred to as the “Party District,” you’ll find this to be one of the most exciting places to be.
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The legendary Szimpla Kert is one of the oldest, most complex and famous ruin pubs in the city. This exceptional place has a program for every day of the week: concerts, parties, bicycle rental, exhibitions, local's club, backyard market and other cultural events. The regular audience consists mainly of foreigners, although due to the concerts, you will also meet several locals.
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It’s almost impossible to think of Budapest without its ruin bars, but in the long span of the city’s history, the likes of Szimpla and co are just a blip in its historic lifetime. But even in the last 15 years, Budapest’s ruin bars have evolved into an attraction that is perhaps as popular, if not more so, than the likes of Buda Castle and the Hungarian Parliament Building.
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The oldest ruin pub, Szimpla Kert is a must-visit on your trip to Budapest.This first pub is known as Szimpla, and it is a must see in your time in Budapest. The eclectic style is curated by the founders as well as many local artists. Although you can certainly knock back some palinka and dance the night away, we’d recommend coming to experience this pub on Sunday morning.
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The first ruin bar of Budapest will be the last on our list, but we surely can’t leave it out. Not only did it lay the foundations of a world-famous phenomenon, but it’s also still a major partaker of it. Using an old factory building as an open-air cinema and pub has created a new alternative for hosting concerts, theatre shows, film festivals, and other cultural events.
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Don’t miss Szimpla Kert, the original pioneer with its artistic maze-like interior, or the massive Instant-Fogas complex for all-night dancing. Mazel Tov offers Middle Eastern cuisine with Hungarian flair, while Doboz blends tech with tradition, and Kőleves Kert provides a peaceful garden setting. Each venue tells its own unique story of Budapest’s cultural renaissance.
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Budapest is famous for its ruin bars: the run down kitschy bars in abandoned buildings that are dotted throughout the city. Szimpla Kert is one its finest ruin bars and the quirky decor has to be seen and captured!. The sheer quantity of cool and quirky stuff here can keep you occupied for hours and there are lots of photo opportunities while you enjoy a few beers.
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Szimpla is far more than a typical restaurant — it's an entire experience. While Szimpla is technically classified one of Budapest's most popular ruin bars, its lively energy and delicious bites make it beyond worthy of being on this list. Keep in mind that Szimpla is huge, and there are several different areas and vibes to explore within the single establishment.
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Unlike the other buildings in my list, Szimpla Kert rocks a more modern take on design. The famous ruin bar of Budapest is unlike any other place I’ve enjoyed a glass of wine!. Spread over two floors and an outdoor terrace, various rooms with scribbled walls are a casual atmosphere for a few drinks and giggle over the bizarre collection of garage sale furnishings.
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Szimpla Kert was the first Ruin Bar in Budapest, opened in 2002 in a historic building formerly occupied by apartments and a factory. This is an iconic Hungarian night spot where you can experience a unique underground atmosphere, concerts and outdoor film screenings. It is well worth it to take the time to discover each room, one more surprising than another.
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Founded by a group of young entrepreneurs, it initially occupied a smaller house in the city’s Jewish Quarter. In 2004, it moved to its current location on Kazinczy Street, taking over an abandoned stove factory that was destined for demolition. The founders embraced the building’s dilapidated charm, filling it with mismatched furniture and quirky decorations.
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Get ready to dive headfirst into the maze-like mystery of Szimpla Kert, also known as the heart of Budapest’s nightlife. Picture this: a backlash against mainstream clubs, which instead offers a dizzying mix of indie art, electrifying live music, and a farmer’s market – yes, you heard that right – all under one convertible roof!. View this post on Instagram
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The ruin bars, most notably the original, Szimpla Kert, put the Jewish Quarter on the map as a hotspot in Budapest. Ruin Bars started popping up around 2001 with people looking for cheap places to drink. Abandoned buildings and ramshackle open spaces, of which there were many in Budapest’s Jewish Quarter, were (slightly) cleaned up and converted into pubs.
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Szimpla Kert is perhaps the most famous ruin pub in Budapest. Not many locals go there anymore as the place became a little too commercial. However, we still recommend it, as Szimpla Kert is atmospheric and unique. Next to Szimpla Kert there is the Street Food Karavan Budapest where you can order food and drinks whilst enjoying a lovely evening outdoors.
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Dotted with lots of mismatched items, colorful lights, and graffiti walls, Szimpla Kert is one of the most popular bars in Budapest. It’s the oldest ruin bar in the city, which pioneered the city’s affordable food and drinks spots with a buzzing nightlife. Szimpla Kert hosts a range of immersive activities, including record fairs, food, and flea markets.
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Nestled in the heart of the city in Kazinczy street of the Jewish Quarter, Szimpla Kert stands as the pioneer of the ruin pub concept. Its labyrinthine layout, filled with quirky decor and plants, makes it a must-visit. The pub offers a range of drinks and a welcoming vibe that encourages conversation and connection, making it a favourite among students.
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Szimpla Kert was the original ruin bar, opening in 2001 and starting this trend now sweeping Budapest. It’s one of the biggest ruin bars and still one of the most popular. Here you’ll find a large open courtyard, a top floor filled with eclectic furniture, cocktail bars, music, and even an old, stripped-down Trabant (a communist car) to have a drink in.
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The Szimpla Bar in Budapest is an experience no one visiting Budapest should miss. Housed in the ruins of a historic building in the heart of Pest, the bar consists of various sections, including a shisha lounge and a large courtyard where concerts are regularly held. What makes Szimpla (map) so special is the wondrous interior and unique atmosphere.
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Szimpla Kert is not just a regular bar, but rather a ruin bar that has become a symbol of Budapest’s nightlife. Its eclectic atmosphere, quirky decor, and diverse events make it a must-visit spot. While Szimpla Kert offers a variety of live performances, from acoustic sets to DJ nights, it’s the perfect place to soak up Budapest’s vibrant nightlife.
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The buildings in the Jewish Quarter were abandoned and had become dilapidated in the decades following WWII, so the ruin bars were born from the concept of recycled space. Each bar has its own unique flair and is decorated colorfully with antiques and thrift shop furniture. The grungy stickiness and smell of beer seems to somehow add to the charm.
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On your way to the main course, which is served at Getto Gulyas, you pass through Szimpla Kert – one of the famous ruin bars in Budapest. During the main course, you get to try out a lot of different dishes, like Chicken Breast Paprikash, Beef Stew, Venison Stew – all made in traditional Hungarian style, along with a glass of wine of your choice.
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Ruin bars are one of the most famous attractions of Budapest, and Szimpla Kert is the one that started it all. Located in a dilapidated former factory, this lauded nightlife hotspot houses room after room of wacky decor. You can find more than classic Hungarian beers on tap here–stop by the dedicated wine bar, cocktail bar, or craft beer counter.
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If you ask anyone for recommendations of the best food and drink spots in Budapest, they’re going to tell you to go to a ruin bar. Ruin bars are a big hit with the tourists, however the locals tend to avoid the larger ones. The biggest and most famous ruin bar is Szimpla Kert which is located inside an old, disused factory in the Jewish Quarter.
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Szimpla Kert Ruin PubsBudapest, HungaryBudapest is synonymous with ruin pubs, so no trip to the city is complete without a few visits. Explore the lot, but a great starting point is Szimpla Kert. It opens into the traditional scene, a deteriorated courtyard, small rooms on either side decorated with an assortment of quirky, vintage furnishings.
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Among the most famous ruin pubs in Budapest is the Szimpla Kert. Its popularity is due not only to the fact that it is the first ruin bar in the city, but also to its unique atmosphere and its unusual decoration. If you don’t want the very lively atmosphere that reigns there at night, you can visit it during the day or in the early evening.
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Also, this ruin bar is probably the most famous one and actually also the most extraordinary ruin pub in the city. Here is an absolute overload of odds and ends. Sure, you will be amazed by all the colorful details: With a drink in your hand, you can stroll through various rooms, all of them decorated in an exceptional and individual way.
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Start with a cocktail at KAA Mixology, a stylish, jungle-themed bar with a creative menu, then make your way to Budapest’s most iconic ruin bar, Szimpla Kert. Whether you go by day or night, this labyrinth of mismatched furniture, street art, and buzzing atmosphere is a must-see and a great way to experience Budapest’s vibrant nightlife.
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As the pioneer of Budapest’s ruin pub scene, Szimpla Kert holds a special place in the hearts of locals. What was once an abandoned factory has been transformed into a sprawling labyrinth of bars, lounges, and art installations. Step through its graffiti-covered entrance and you’ll find yourself in a wonderland of creativity and chaos.
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Ruin bars are one of the unique gems of Budapest and they must be included in any of the best photo spots in the Budapest list. These are formerly abandoned buildings where now you can enjoy unique and fun art and get some drinks. You can find so many different themes and quirky decor that make for an exciting photographing experience.
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You can meet many kind of people here: travelers and locals, young and old(er). There are lots of different areas and rooms inside with their own character. Everywhere you look are quirky, random, totally unexpected things: old computer monitors, huge bunnies, welding masks that light up, lots of graffitis and they even have live fish.
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The pioneer and best known of all ruin bars in Budapest, Szimpla Kert (simple garden) has been on the scene since 2002. Full of incredible art, ramshackle furniture and the best beer courtyard in town, it’s so uber cool you won’t know what to do with yourself. So just get a beer, sit back in the old skool Trabant and take it all in.
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Ruin bars have become synonymous with Budapest, both the city’s nightlife and its culture. Throughout the 2000s, these bars popped up around the city, though mainly in the Jewish Quarter, in abandoned and derelict buildings. They breathed new life into the Budapest’s ‘ruins’ and created fun, eclectic spaces to relax with a drink.
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Ruin bars are one of the unique gems of Budapest and it must be include in any of the best photo spots in Budapest list. These are formerly abandoned buildings where now you can enjoy unique and fun art and get some drinks. You can find so many different themes and quirky decor that make for an exciting photographing experience.
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Szimpla Kert was the first to start the trend and is still Budapest’s most popular place for a drink. However, note that it gets packed in the evenings with long lines outside. Therefore, I suggest visiting the place a bit earlier than 6 pm or crawling to other bars, such as Kuplung, Racskert, Ellato Kert & Taqueria, or Instant.
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Szimpla Kert is undoubtedly the most famous ruin bar in Budapest. Opened in 2002, it is located in an old stove factory and impresses with its large size and creative design, featuring two floors filled with colorful tapestries, graffiti, psychedelic lights, and hanging plants. One of its highlights is its numerous activities.
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Szimpla Kert consists of quirky ruin bars famous for culture and night phenomena in Budapest. The behavior of revamping former car parks and factories in almost operational watering holes while retaining the building character, like a crumping courtyard, started in 2002. Later, the culture turns into a nightlife scene.
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Another member of the Kazinczy street brigade, Szimpla has to be on everyone’s top 5 list of ruin pubs in Budapest. The interior is huge and crazy, full of completely random objects everywhere. They have a shisha area with a bathtub-come-sofa which you can sit in and there are teddy bears lined up all along the walls.
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An absolute icon of Budapest (and especially the bar scene) is Szimpla Kert. In the early 2000s, the 7th District of Budapest was literally in ruins and full of abandoned spaces that were crumbling. In 2004, Szimpla was the first ruin bar to open and soon others followed to bring the phenomenon that now exists today.
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Szimpla Kert is the original ruin bar in Budapest and offers a unique experience in a quirky setting. While not a traditional nightclub, it’s worth mentioning due to its popularity. This place features multiple bars, a courtyard, and various rooms where you can enjoy live music, art exhibitions, and themed parties.
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The Ruins Pubs are the other face of the medal of Budapest, a city always growing and renovating. The Eastern Capital has been able to pass through the eras and adapt to the current time, without losing the old fashioned facade. The Ruins Pubs are an attraction of Budapest, popular among tourists but also locals.
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There’s a wide selection of drinks, friendly staff, cultural events and live music; you’ll find pretty much everything you need for a night out. And there’s even a farmers market every Sunday with fresh, tasty food, to take away or just to taste there – the choice is yours. A bejegyzés megtekintése az Instagramon
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Located only 10 minutes' walk from Szimpla Kert, the spacious 133 m² Best Vacation Apartment In Budapest features public parking for those who travel by car. Being set in the 07. Erzsebetvaros district, the 1-bedroom apartment provides an opportunity to visit New York Palace, which is nearly 5 minutes' walk away.
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It’s one of the biggest ruin bars and still one of the most popular. Once an abandoned factory, now there’s a large open courtyard, a top floor filled with eclectic furniture, cocktail bars, music, and even an old, stripped-down Trabant (a communist car) to have a drink in. All the rooms have a different theme.
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At 20 years old, Szimpla is easily one of the most famous bars in Budapest and is exceedingly popular with tourists thanks to its inclusion in just about every guide book and website around. Just because it’s touristy doesn’t mean it’s not worth a visit. The décor at Szimpla Kert is the definition of eclectic.
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Starting our list off strong, Szimpla Kert is probably the highest rated on our best bars in Budapest list. In this instance it’s a good idea to follow the sheep because this vibrant bar is truly a winner for a variety of reasons. Firstly, Szimpla is the beating heart of art and culture in this district.
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It’s difficult to talk about the best bars in Budapest without mentioning Szimpla. It is a Hungarian icon, and arguably the most famous ruin pub in the city. With its mismatched furniture, graffiti-covered walls, and buzzing atmosphere, Szimpla is a must-visit for anyone exploring the city’s nightlife.
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Szimpla Kert is arguably the most famous ruin bar for stag parties to check out. It’s an exciting, unconventional place to kick off your night thanks to it’s eclectic interior, street art and maze like setup. With space for larger groups to mingle and check out a bit of Budapest culture, it’s perfect.
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Szimpla Kert pioneered the ruin bar concept, offering two floors of bars, lush greenery and an eclectic interior that promises a unique experience. As one of Budapest's most renowned bars, it attracts tourists and locals who flock here to enjoy live concerts and an unforgettable nighttime atmosphere.
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One of if not the biggest and best known of Budapest’s famed ‘ruin bars’. This huge crumbling edifice has a great atmosphere and attracts an amazing mix of people—even on a Monday night. It’s almost like a department store of bars with each little room offering different drinks and a different vibe.
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What is now an unmissable attraction was born almost by chance. In 2002, the owners wanted to launch a new concept of bar where you could do a bit of everything, from listening to live music to smoking a hookah with friends. To realise their dream, they rented a dilapidated building in the old town.
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This place is actually the most popular bar in Budapest and there are not only one but several ruined bars in the same building. Except for the nightclub that someone can find in this building, there are several themed bars and fast food restaurants that someone can visit and spend his evening.
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Rumour has it that these ruin bars started in the early 2000s, when a bunch of friends were looking for a cheap place to grab a beer. When they didn’t find what they were looking for, they decided to create their own spot. They set up shop in an abandoned building and started selling $2 beers.
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The best way to close the list is with the most iconic ruin pub in Budapest – Szimpla Kert. This all rage started with Szimpla Kert who managed to preserve its appeal and charm until the present day. The pub is placed in a former factory and features several rooms, each themed differently.
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It attracts a lot of people every day and it is one of the most popular ruin pubs among the tourists. The pub is placed in the really heart of Budapest and it is located in one of the old houses in the inner city. It is a good place to get together with friends and drink one or two drinks.
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The largest and most famous is Szimpla Kert, a sprawling space that is more than just a bar—it hosts mixed media events, pop-up art exhibitions, and on Sunday turns into a farmers’ market. We sadly were not able to stay up late enough for the nightlife, as we had to leave early on Sunday.
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This is mainly because of Szimpla, the most famous ruin bar in the city, which calls Kazinczy Street home. With Szimpla at its epicentre, Kazinczy has grown into one of several popular restaurant and bar streets in Budapest, giving you plenty of selection in terms of spots to choose from.
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Szimpla Kert, the city’s original and most firmly established ruin bar, really should be on your list of the activities in Budapest. Sited in a huge unfurnished cavern, it really does set the tone for your evening. The bar is full on most nights, making it a great place to meet people.
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To call Szimpla a bar would be a major understatement, because it's a legend. It was one of the first of the romkocsmas ("ruin bars"), which now play a major role in Budapest's nightlife, especially in the seventh district. Szimpla is actually made up of several bars spread…
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Every room is cluttered with things and painted in different colours. You’ll sit in bathtubs next to cement mixers and have plants growing across walls and protruding from brickwork. This is one of the best ruin bars in Budapest, but it’s also where you can grab something to eat.
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Szimpla Kert, the first ruin pub in Budapest, is a must-visit for any bar-hopper. It’s often considered the crown jewel of the ruin pub scene. The venue sprawls over several rooms, including a large courtyard, each filled with mismatched furniture, vintage items and quirky decor.
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Szimpla Kert is, without a doubt, the most well-known ruin bars in Budapest. It’s located in the middle of the old Jewish districts and attracts backpackers and tourists from all over Europe. Visiting this night club is a full experience and more than just a regular club night.
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For those with a taste for European nightlife, be sure to visit the Ruin Bars and Szimpla Kert in particular. The bars can be found in the Jewish Quarter in the ruins of abandoned buildings after the neighbourhood was left after the Second World War, hence their memorable name.
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No list of ruin bars in Budapest could be complete without the legendary Szimpla Kert. This multi-room, multi-floor extravaganza is an adventure for anybody looking for an unforgettable bar experience. Around every corner you’ll be met with a new piece of art or excitement.
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It was the establishment of Szimpla that brought new light to the city. The famous ruin pub was the first to use an old building to be a place of art and community. Soon, it was more than just an artist refuge as it became a gathering place for young people in the city.
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Ever since, a lot of ruin bars/pubs have come up, however the oldest and also the most popular one is Szimpla Kert. Walking into this sprawling maze of bars is an unforgettable experience. It’s vibrant, eclectic, and bustling with energy every single day of the year.
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Szimpla Kert is one of the most unique and vibrant places to visit in Budapest. Located in the heart of the city's party district, Kazinczy Street in Budapest's Jewish Quater, this iconic ruin bar has become a must-see attraction for tourists and locals alike.
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Yes I know, you’ve probably heard of this place before you come to Budapest. This is probably the first bar that came up on your search engine. And just bear in mind that just because I'm mentioning it as the first option, it doesn’t mean it's the best one.
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Dive into the heart of Budapest’s vibrant nightlife with a visit to one of the city’s ruin bars, the most famous being Szimpla Kert. This place is a bustling hub of creativity and eclectic charm. Almost every inch is adorned with quirky art and graffiti.
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Being the first established ruin bar in Budapest, they set the tone for the style of these bars. Large, furnished with old furniture and a few artistic pieces. Add some alcohol, and you have a recipe for success that has spread across the city.
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Szimpla Kert is regarded as one of the most visited bars in the whole city. Opened in 2002, it has an interesting history of development. In fact, young and creative guys, who bottled beer at festivals, decided to open their own establishment.
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The Jewish district is also home to several ‘ruin pubs’ (the most famous of them is called Szimpla Kert, which by the way, is totally worth checking out) and a fantastic outdoor street food market called Street Food Karavan on Kazinczy street.
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The most famous of the ruin bars in Budapest is Szimpla Kert on Kazinczy utca. Szimpla Kert is a fantastic place set over a few floors with a variety of bars inside. There are lots of side rooms with eclectic furniture, lighting, and decor.
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One of the most popular markets can be found in the famous Szimpla. Another, newer one is at Élesztő, one of the best craft beer bars in the city. Or visit Anker’t, another trendy ruin pub located in the heart of the Jewish District.
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The first ruin bar (romkocsma in Hungarian) to open was Szimpla Kert. It’s no longer the biggest – that title goes to Instant – but it’s still the best known. Lonely Planet even named it one of the one hundred best bars in the world.
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Actually it is not a club to dance rather a bar or pub but its flair is unique. In between the old walls of an unused house in the middle of Pest you can hardly find this place. Once you are in there you don’t want to leave anymore.
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Ruin bars are called so as they are nestled in the ruins of buildings abandoned after world war II. The characteristic of Szimpla Kert is an alternate usages of large variety of random items which does not match with anything else.
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Since the founding of the first bar of its kind in 2002, Szimpla Kert, ‘ruin’ bars, as they are locally referred to, are called so as they were opened in the remnants of derelict buildings, factories and stores of the Old District.
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The majority of ruin bars are concentrated in the historic Jewish Quarter of Budapest, particularly in District VII. Szimpla Kert, one of the pioneering ruin bars, is often considered the flagship and is located in this district.
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Szimpla Kert is amazing at night but a very popular place to go. But you can also go during the daytime and grab some food or drink. Plus it’s quieter to explore all the different rooms… you will see what I mean when you visit!
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You can’t talk about Budapest nightlife without the mention of Szimpla Kert. As the original ruin bar and one of the city’s most popular bars, period, Szimpla Kert has earned its way into the hearts of many a Budapest tourist.
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Romkocsma’s, also known as Ruin Bars, are super popular in Budapest. If you want a good night out with cheap drinks, ruin bars are the place to go. They’re cool and funky and like no other bar you’ll have ever been to before.
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Next, we walked to Szimpla Kert, the largest and most famous ruin pub. There, we tried raspberry pálinka, the (in)famous liquor of Hungary, and learned a bit about the history of the ruin bars for which Budapest is so famous.
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You will discover a bohemian atmosphere with a unique decoration made of recovered objects. It is a place to visit if you want to spend a nice evening in Budapest. This ruin bar of Budapest is rather big with different bars.
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You can’t say you’ve been to Budapest without visiting a Ruin Bar. In the early 2000s, old, dilapidated buildings in the Jewish Quarter were given new life. Szimpla Café opened up inside one of these abandoned structures.
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Ruin bars, like the popular Szimpla Kert, are the center of Budapest’s nightlife scene. These are basically abandoned buildings turned into bars where people go for cheap beer, quirky décor, and a laid-back evening.
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We visited Szimpla Kert, the first and most famous ruin bar in Budapest, and absolutely recommend checking this place out. Join a ruin bars pub crawl with a local guide and party with other international travelers:
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This is hands down the most popular bar in Budapest, and for good reason. Simple Kert is the biggest ruins bar in Budapest, and features quirky decorations, colorful art, and a super interesting under ground vibe.
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Located two doors down from Karavan, Szimpla Kert is the original romkocsma. Romkocsma means “ruin pub” in Hungarian. A ruin pub is basically a drinking establishment set up in an old abandoned building.
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Visit the first ruin bar, Szimpla Kert, or funky Csendes -- which features creepy vintage toys nailed to the walls -- or any of the dozens of ruin bars you can find throughout the Pest side of the city.
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Start with the granddaddy of them all, Szimpla Kert https://szimpla.hu/. It really is “typical” and it really is very nice. Kazinczy utca has a number of other, all worth at least looking in the door.
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In fact Lonely Planet voted Szimpla Kert the third best bar in the world in 2012. But from my experience a few weeks ago, Budapest has plenty of brilliant restaurants and cafes to write home about.
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Seriously, everything looks as if it were taken from five-hundred random yard sales, and this jarring decor only adds to the edgy ambience of the place. Quite an experience for a drink or two.
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Opened in 2002, Szimpla kert was the first ruin pub established in Budapest. Here you can enjoy a number of different drinks, cocktails and snacks, as well as, live music and cultural events.
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The ruin bars, Szimpla Kert being the most famous, seemed like a place where people went to get shit-faced. So I assumed this wasn’t my scene right away. I’m so glad I made myself go anyway.
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With its location next door to the most popular ruin bar in the city (Szimpla Kert) there’s no doubt you’ll end up here at some point. The only problem will be figuring out what to order!
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As the original and best-loved of the city’s ‘ruin bars’ – an eclectic band of drinking spots set up in derelict buildings – Szimpla Kert maintains much of its former factory feel
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Szimpla Kert was the pioneer of the ruin bar scene, moving several times before finding its permanent home in Budapest’s 7th district, in the heart of the Jewish Quarter, in 2004.
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Un des premiers bars "délabrés" de Budapest : Une ruine transformée en bar à la déco recup et à l'esprit alternatif. Avec un marché alimentaire le dimanche. Bah oui pourquoi pas ?
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Visit one of the Farmers’ Markets (Közös Piac, Szimpla Kert, or Belvárosi Piac) to get a taste of delicious Hungarian fruits, vegetables, pastries, artisan cheeses and jams.
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The oldest of all, Szimpla, became almost as famous as the Heros’s Square or the Castle. Let’s gather for you an ultimate guide of these fascinating places of our city.
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Szimpla Kert is considered to be the mother of all Budapest ruins bars. The place opened in the early 2000s inside a dilapidated building in the city's Jewish Quarter.
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Here I saw the famous Szimpla Kert ruin pub and its Sunday Farmer’s market. In a lot next door, Karavan, a food court of food trucks provided sausage and beer.
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Szimpla Kert was the first ruin bar and remains iconic, it moved around before settling into its home in the Jewish Quarter of Budapest’s 7th district in 2004.
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· Szimpla Kert - cult and main ruin pub city, which opened first in Budapest in 2002. In the evening, to get into the pub, be prepared to stand in a long line.
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The first and most famous of these bars, Szimpla Kert, opened its doors in 2002, quickly becoming a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike.
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Ruins pubs like those in Szimpla Kert, created in spaces in former abandoned buildings, are Bohemiian in style and offer casual food and drink.
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HOPS is a small craft beer dive bar around the corner from Szimpla Kert, with 11 excellent taps and a fridge full of geek-worthy craft beers.
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The most famous one is Szimpla Kert, located in Kazinczy Street, 14. You can also head to Nagymezo Street, located in the VI district.
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Visit the Famers' Market at the ruin pub Szimpla Kert (open only on Sunday’s), or simply enjoy a drink in this quirky bar
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This is not really a coffee place, it’s more of a beer bar, but I had to put it on this list, cos the decor is insane!
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