The short version: ruin bars (romkocsma) are Budapest’s signature nightlife – bars built into the derelict buildings and courtyards of the old Jewish Quarter, filled with salvaged furniture, fairy lights and art. Szimpla Kert is the original. Go for the atmosphere, a Hungarian craft beer or a shot of pálinka, and often some street food.
At a glance
| Thing | Detail |
|---|---|
| Where | District VII, the old Jewish Quarter |
| The original | Szimpla Kert – a warren of rooms and courtyards |
| What to drink | Pálinka, Hungarian craft beer and wine, fröccs (spritzer) |
| Best for | Atmosphere, cheap drinks, live music, late nights |
How the ruin bars happened
After 1989, the once-grand buildings of Budapest’s Jewish Quarter (District VII) stood empty and crumbling. In 2002 a group opened a pop-up bar in one – and the ruin bar was born. The most famous, Szimpla Kert, is a labyrinth of rooms and open courtyards crammed with mismatched furniture, a bathtub sofa, a Trabant car turned into seating, plants, art and live music. Others followed across the quarter, each with its own character.
What to drink, and how to see them
Drink like a local: a shot of pálinka (fruit brandy) as a toast, Hungarian craft beer or wine, or a summer fröccs (wine spritzer). Many ruin bars also do decent street food. The easiest way to see several – and to understand the history of the quarter – is a guided ruin-bar and pálinka tour. Pair it with a food tour earlier in the day, and see what to eat in Budapest.
Frequently asked questions
What is a ruin bar?
A bar set up in a derelict building or courtyard in Budapest’s old Jewish Quarter, decorated with salvaged, mismatched furniture and art. They’re the city’s signature nightlife.
Which is the best ruin bar in Budapest?
Szimpla Kert is the original and most famous – a sprawling maze of rooms and courtyards. Many others cluster nearby in District VII, and a tour is the easiest way to sample several.
What do you drink in a ruin bar?
Pálinka (fruit brandy), Hungarian craft beer and wine, and in summer a fröccs (wine spritzer). Many ruin bars also serve street food.
See the ruin bars
Book a ruin-bar & pálinka tour, add a Budapest food tour, and plan from the Hungary hub.
