Nightlife in Budapest: : 19 Things to Do at Night in Budapest

The capital city of Hungary, Budapest, is a land of wonders and beauty. Every year, thousands of visitors travel through the nooks and corners of Budapest to get a touch of its culture, heritage, and enigma of the city. The vibrant cultural sense of the city gets even doubled due to its happening nightlife. Budapest has everything from trendy cocktail bars to ruin bars, clubs to theaters, night spa parties, and live concerts.

Whether you are a partygoer or a cocktail lover, explore the 20 best options to enjoy the perfect nightlife in Budapest. 

Cocktail Bars

1. 360 Bar

Enjoy the unparallel and uninterrupted view of the Budapest skyline at the 360 Bar on the rooftop of the Andrássy Palace, a historic building in the heart of Budapest. You can find the best Mediterranean flavors, changing as per the season. If you are lucky can also enjoy live programs on special occasions on the rooftop. Some nights there is jazz, while others play the best DJ sessions in the entire city. If you are visiting 360 Bar and not grabbing a glass of the most famous 360 Sour, made with gin, lemon, raspberry, and egg white, you will miss an entire experience. The bar has a wide selection of cocktails, wines, and spirits, including some of the best old-school cocktails like Negroni, Clover Club, Coconut Sour, Espresso Martini, and more. In soft drinks, you can taste some Fentimas Ginger Beer or the Schweppes Tonik. As an accompaniment, there is Nacho Bowl, Caesar Salad, and the famous 360 Salad with grilled herb prawns and pesto mayonnaise. 

Address: Andrássy út 39, 1061 Budapest, Hungary
Phone: +36 70 600 2333

2. High Note Sky Bar 

Opened in 2013, the High Note Sky Bar is located on the rooftop of the Aria Hotel Budapest, a five-star luxury hotel. The highlight of this rooftop bar is the skyline offering panoramic views of the city's landmarks, such as the Danube River, the Parliament Building, and Buda Castle. The exhaustive cocktail menu of the bar is an absolute delight, which includes special music-inspired drinks like Hungarian Conquerors with celery palinka, Metallica with Herring cherry liquor, and the all-rounder Vivaldi -Four Seasons. The bar menu is equally tempting. You can start with some bar snacks and order the High Note Skybar classic like the Caesar salad or some starters. There is spicy fried chicken, rib-eye steak, and grilled salmon with the perfect dessert Cheesecake.

Address: Hercegprímás u. 5, 1051 Budapest, Hungary
Phone: +36 30 883 1422

3. Intermezzo Roof Terrace

Located on the rooftop of Hotel President, Intermezzo Roof Terrace is an open-air place is the best spot to enjoy a few drinks and a tasty meal with friends. Start with the bartender's unique, like the Bad Teacher with cinnamon syrup or the Raspberry Mule with vodka and raspberry. There is Negroni, Daiquiri, White Russian, Espresso Martini, Pina Colada and Bloody Mary in cocktails. Plenty of options in wine, spirits, and champagne are also available. 

Address: Budapest Marriott Hotel, Apáczai Csere János u. 4, 1052 Budapest, Hungary

Phone: +36 1 235 6000

 4. Leo Budapest

Located on the top floor of Hotel Clark, the famous Leo Budapest offers a 360-degree view of the city beside the Danube River. There is a special section for drinks with different zodiac names, like Aries with Plantation 3 Star rum, Gemini with Glenmorangie, Scorpio with Bulleit bourbon, and many more. Do not miss the bartender's choice, which includes Grogfather, made of cognac, spiced rum, peanut butter, nutmeg, and citrus. A wide range of beer is available, like Soproni, Craft beer, Heineken, Strongbow Gold, and Twisted Highness. You can try the Matua Sauvignon Blanc, Sauska Rose, Homola Syrah, and more in wine. 

Address: Deák Ferenc u. 22, 1052 Budapest, Hungary

Phone: +36 30 920 5809

5. St Andrea

Located on the renovated Eiffel Palace, St Andrea gives the best view of the night sky of Budapest. They use high-quality ingredients, modern culinary techniques, and Budapest's best wines on one table. You can have the Prestige Cuvee Extra Brut, Blanc De Blancs, Vintage Brut, Betsek Harslevelu, or Sauvignon Blanc in wine. You can choose drinks from Vodka, Gin, Whiskey, Rum, Tequila, Vermouth, and Liqueur. If you are not into alcohol and wine, many refreshers are available, like homemade iced tea, St. Andrea Asvanyviz, Fever Tree Ginger beer, and others. 

Address: Deák Ferenc u. 5, 1052 Budapest, Hungary

Phone: +36 30 381 6888

6. Boutiq' Bar

If you're a cocktail enthusiast visiting Budapest, you won't want to miss Boutiq' Bar. Earlier named the Mini Bra, this bar is one of the favorite spots for teenagers and youth in the capital. It has also gained a place in the world's 50 Best Bars list. Established in 2008, this bar was founded by owner Zoltan Nagy. The dim lighting and the tightly packed seating area of the bar give you a perfect look at the excellent Budapest nightlife in the city. 

Address: Paulay Ede u. 5, 1061 Budapest, Hungary

Phone: +36 70 670 0115

7. Warm Up

If you want to avoid the crowd and are searching for a small place to serve you the best drinks, visit the WarmUp craft cocktail bar in Budapest. It is located on Kazinczy Street in the heart of Budapest's Jewish Quarter.  You can custom-make your drinks in front of experienced bartenders for a new experience. There is a small outdoor terrace where you can enjoy your drink in good weather. They offer happy hour specials on certain days of the week. In drinks, you can enjoy the Dark n Stormy rum or try the Unicum Riserva, a heart-winning local liquor. In addition to drinks, the bar also offers a selection of small bites and snacks. 

Address: Dohány u. 38, 1074 Budapest, Hungary

Phone: +36 70 624 4444

8. Bar Pharma

Enter the bar where taste conquers, and knowledge about taste conquers. This bar has a distinctive theme inspired by the world of medicine and pharmacy, making it a popular destination for those seeking a different drinking experience. Visually it looks more like a pharmacy, but once you get to the counter, you will understand what kind of a pharmacy this is. The bartenders know much about herbs, spices, spirits, and mixology techniques to make your experience worthwhile. The fun part is that even a periodic table shows all the alcohol in this uniquely designed Bar Pharma. You can find an extensive collection of rum, whiskey, spirits, craft beer, and bottled wines. Try their popular negroni or rum and enjoy the nightlife of Budapest in Bar Pharma. 

Address: Kertész u. 43, 1073 Budapest, Hungary
Phone: +36 30 708 0077

9. Black Swan Bar

Located in the heart of Budapest, the Black Swan Bar is an upscale cocktail bar offering the best cocktail selections and high-end spirits from all over the globe. Apart from the eclectic decor representing absolute regality, the bar's history equally shows the royalty, which brings the essence of the 1920s to the bar. The bar is also known for its impressive collection of vinyl records, which provide the perfect soundtrack for an evening of relaxation and conversation. One of the most popular events at the bar is their Vinyl Night, where patrons can bring their records to play on the bar's sound system.  In cocktails, try the Echo with cucumber, bergamot, and Uborka. The other must-haves from the signature cocktails section include Eureka, Temptation, Liquid Gold, Kadarka, The Mirage, Chin Chin, and Talisman.   

Address: Széchenyi István tér 7-8, 1051 Budapest, Hungary

Phone: +36 30 585 0139

Ruin Bars

10. Szimpla Kert

Have you ever heard of the concept of a ruin bar? 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. Eight themed rooms throughout the ruin complex and two main bars - the Shisha Bar and the Wine Bar- are selling the best of all time. You can find DJs and bands playing every weekend. Tourist start overcrowding the place from 9:00 PM onwards. 

Address: Kazinczy u. 14, 1075 Budapest, Hungary

Phone: +36 1 352 4198

11. Fogaz Haz

Apart from being known as a ruin bar in the heart of Budapest, Fogas Haz is a complete place for a creative mind to walk around the path, experiencing art, music, food, wine, alcohol, and Budapest culture. It has an extensive cocktail terrace, a connected courtyard, and surrounding greenery, perfect for long summer months. Here you can also mind multiple dance floors, more than 10 bars, cafes, and sleepless streets around the year. The bars have a wide range of cocktails, craft beer, local liquor, and bottled wine to make your evening better and more happening. 

Address: Akácfa u. 51, 1073 Budapest, Hungary

Phone: +36 20 343 1440

12. Mazel Tov

Mazel Tov of Budapest is also based on Budapest's ruin bar concept. Located in the heart of the city's Jewish Quarter, Mazel Tov presents a feast of flavors with the best creativity you can imagine. This urban and dog-friendly space is creatively curated, keeping contact with the natural surrounding with many herbs, shrubs, and plants, giving it a garden party looks all year round. 
You can try their Forgotten Classic section in cocktails and choose from Hemmingway Daiquiri with Maraschino, Russian Spring Punch with Vodka, or the Parisian Sidecar with Elderflower. The Mazel Tov signatures are equally alluring, like the Jewish Punch, Big in Budapest, Maravi Breezer, and Rasberry Mule. They also serve mocktails like Ginger Mania and First Born with apple, cranberry, and cinnamon.

Address: Akácfa u. 47, 1073 Budapest, Hungary

Phone: +36 70 600 2580

You can learn more about Ruin bars in Budapest here.

Nightclubs in Budapest 

13. Pontoon

One of Budapest's most popular nightlife spots, this club is located at the front of the Danube River, giving fantastic views and the best vibes. This club is not only visited by visitors but also a regular palace for locals alike for its happening atmosphere. In addition to great music and DJ, you can enjoy a wide range of drinks, including cocktails, craft beer, and wine here. You can enjoy a live DJ and disco on most weekends and experience live concerts under the night sky. The night starts quite last here and also lasts quite late.   

Address: 1052 Budapest, Vigadó tér, Hungary

Phone: +36 30 398 8825

14. A38 Ship

A38 Ship is a unique club on a converted Ukrainian stone-carrier ship docked on the Danube River in Budapest. The interior of the A38 Ship is modern and sleek, with a main concert hall that can hold up to 700 people. The bar is divided into three levels. The upper deck terrace area is for the musical nights, the deck below is for the food lovers, and the bottom one is for the ultimate entertainment lovers, reserved for dance and concerts. This entertainment hub was opened in 2003 and is also voted the Best Bar in the world on online polls.

Address: Petőfi híd, Budai hídfő, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
Phone: +36 1 464 3940

Things to Do in Budapest at Night

15. Visit Gozsdu Passage

Make the best of Budapest when you are exploring the Gozsdu Passage. Located in the heart of Budapest's Jewish Quarter, this place is easily accessible by public transportation. Once you enter the neighborhood, you can see colorful buildings, historic buildings, and beautifully crafted indoor spaces. Apart from the engaging streets of Gozsdu Passage, you can enjoy many other things here, like the bars and pubs. Enjoy the Spiler Bistro Pub or a fine glass of wine at the Divino Wine Bar. You can also find a handful of Italian, Spanish, and Hungarian eateries in the area to crash in for the night in Budapest.

16. Roam Around Budapest District VII

Are you aiming to explore something hip and bohemian in the heart of Budapest? Then, visit Budapest District VII, the young heart of Budapest filled with colors. It acts as a melting pot of cultures where you can find architectural excellence, bars and clubs, and also galleries of all sorts. If you have got a hungry tummy in the middle of a clear Budapest night, then there are multiple corners you can choose from. One is the always favorite, Dorado Cafe for coffee and bakery goods, Fuego for rotisserie chicken joint with the best potatoes.  The Hotsy Totsy cocktail bar is also for enjoying a few sips at Budapest District VII.

17. Go To Night Spa Parties at Budapest Baths

Have you ever heard of night spa parties? Well, that's a very happening party when you are in Budapest. Night spa parties are special events held at some of Budapest's most famous thermal baths, including the Széchenyi, Rudas, and Gellért Baths. Most of the bath parties include a lot of entertainment, music, dancing, and partying while you are also relaxing in the thermal baths. Some of them also organize special DJ nights as well. If you want to enjoy the same, you can visit the Szecheyi Baths, one of the world's best and largest spa baths with 15 indoor baths and three massive pools. There are many others available in Budapest as well. One point to remember when you enjoy a night spa party is to book in advance to avoid the future hassle, stay hydrated with mindful consumption of alcohol, and wear comfortable clothing and shoes. 

18. Walk down the Vaci Street 

Explore one of the world's best and most entertaining pedestrian streets at Vaci Street. From offering shopping, dining, and entertainment, Vaci Street offers something to all. The best part of Vaci Street is that it stretches all along the Danube River, and you can check out all the small shops on the riverside and carry on your mini-shopping expedition. Vaci Street is not just about shopping. You can also explore the architectural excellence of the place from its historic buildings, like the Thonet house. Roaming around in the night sky, you can check out the Fountain of Fishmonger Girls, Hermes Fountain, and the famous Nude Boy statue at the junction of Kigyo Utca. For refreshments, take a table at the Hard Rock Cafe, Baalbek Lebanese Restaurant, or the Belgium Waffle Bar for the best waffles in the city.

19. Go on a Musical Cruise

Budapest is a city with a rich musical heritage, and a musical cruise is a perfect way to experience this musical culture.  This cruise offers stunning views of the city landmarks and presents the best music performances along the Danube River. These cruises are available year-round and feature various kinds of music in different cruises, like Hungarian music, jazz, pop, and rock. Some popular routes include the Danube Bend, which takes you through picturesque towns and villages outside of Budapest, passing by the Chain Bridge, Elisabeth Bridge, and the Hungarian Parliament, And the Margit Island route, which allows you to see the city's iconic thermal baths from the water. The musical cruises are available around the year.

Enjoying the glorious nightlife experience in Budapest with your loved ones is never too much. Once in a lifetime, visit this Hungarian nightlife and get immersed in the happiness of exploration.