10 Ruins Pubs of Budapest: Exploring the city’s quirky and unique drinking spots!

Budapest, the capital of Hungary is famous for its numerous pubs with charming architecture, that have been constructed from refurbished ruins of castles and charming old houses, creating watering holes that not only serve some of the best drinks in the world, but also are a slice of Hungarian culture and history!
 
Here are some of the top ruin pubs in Budapest that you need to visit during your next trip to Central Europe.

1. Szatyor Bar

Szatyor Bar, a bohemian-inspired place in Budapest, is a popular ruin bar that offers a colorful and folk-themed ambiance designed by fine local artists of the place. Lounge style setting and contemporary artistic decor attract a lot of Hungarian artists and poets as well, apart from the tourist visitors. Szatyor Bar also organizes some live gigs weekly that enhance the energy of the place. Some literary programs are also held at this bar.

Location:- Budapest, Bartók Béla út 36, 1111 Hungary
Opening Hours:- Sunday to Wednesday:- 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Thursday to Saturday:- 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Things to Try:- Sparkling Wine, Craft Beer, Plum Palinka

2. Csendes Létterem

Venturing into this laid-back ruin pub in Budapest is a dreamlike encounter, no doubt with mannequins, vintage curios, and a toy horse hanging over your head, conceptual art illustrations decorate the interior while hundreds-of-years-old crystal chandeliers and intricate columns add to the appeal of Csendes.

The vibrant atmosphere draws students, artists, and couples to drink, chill, and hang out, as this is more a bistro that changes into a bar at night than a pub essentially. It stands out among the ruin pubs of Budapest, which makes it worth a visit. In summer, watch the adjacent Csendes Társ turn into an exquisite open-air porch by the great city centre garden of Károlyi-Kert.

Location: Budapest, Ferenczy István u. 5, 1053 Hungary
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday: 2:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Friday: 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Saturday: 2:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Sunday: 3:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Things to Try: Hamburgers, Mulled Wine, Latte, Beer

3. Koleves Kert

Situated in downtown Budapest, Koleves Kert, or Stone Soup Garden, is one of the most popular outdoor ruin bars in the city. Described as a laid-back bar with wooden sheds, colorful tables, and overhanging tree canopies, this bar is a hidden treasure for tourists. Relax on the comfortable hammocks, and get some mouthwatering food, including freshly grilled dishes, for a lovely dinner. A lunch outing at this ruin bar can also be soothing as the mulberry trees and sweet-scented floral plants offer a cool shade in the garden setting.

Location:- Budapest, Kazinczy u. 37-41, 1075 Hungary
Opening Hours:- Sunday to Thursday:- 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Friday & Saturday:- 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Things to Try:- Draught Beer, Wine Spritzer, Tocsni

4. Élesztő

Élesztő isn't so much a ruin bar in Budapest for its looks, yet rather for its one of a kind atmosphere and delectable dishes. In spite of the fact that it's not the most famous, this is the spot to go for guzzling good quality craft beers, as its features a rotational menu choice ranging from 20 taps altogether.

Venture inside the intricate labyrinth spaces of Élesztő and find a great choice of the finest wines, flame-grilled meats, hot cocoa and Pálinka brandy. Exciting Sunday produce markets and local family celebrations also are held here.

Location: Élesztő, 1094 Budapest, Tűzoltó utca 22. 
Opening Hours: Monday: 3:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Tuesday to Wednesday: 3:00 PM - 2:00 AM
Thursday to Saturday: 3:00 PM - 3:00 AM
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Things to Try: Craft beer, Pulled pork sandwich

5. Instant-Fogas Complex

Fogas Ház is one of the behemoths of the city’s ruin pub scene, enhanced with a stylish, eclectic and run-down design and dance floors which will keep you grooving all night. A popular techno club, Lärm, a dingy wine bar with its own roof terrace, Liebling, and another ultra-popular ruin pub, Instant, are all the elements within this buzzing event venue complex, a major city hang-out for all kinds of thrill-seekers. The prices are fair, so partying till the wee hours is not uncommon.

Location: Fogas, HÁZ1073 Budapest, Akácfa utca 51. 
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday: 6:00 PM - 6:00 AM

6. Füge Udvar And Udvarrom

UdvarROM and Füge Udvar are some of the city’s most unique of the ruin pubs in Budapest, found side-by-side on Klauzál Street. Step inside the courtyard of a castle-like ruin, where wooden benches are strewn across and drinks are very affordable. You can play pub sports like billiards and foosball (table football) while rubbing shoulders with the locals. The ambience is chill, making for a low-cost and tipsy night out with your friends.

Location: Füge Udvar, 1072 Budapest, Klauzál utca 19.
Opening Hours: Monday - Sunday: 4:00 PM - 4:00 AM

7. Grandio

What makes Grandio stand apart from the crowd is that if you had one too many drinks, you can actually stay the night as the building also functions as a party hostel. Cool, huh? The garden is a rock-inspired mess of knick-knacks. This is a jungle of party animals, where one dances the night way, every night.

Location: Grandio, 1072 Budapest, Nagy Diófa utca 8.
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday: 2:00 PM - 12:00 AM

8. Durer Kert

One of the most party-centric ruin bars in the city of Budapest, Durer Kert is considered a major place where punk, metal and thrash music is celebrated every day. Located alongside the city park of Budapest, the ruin bar houses a small hall and a beautiful pebbled garden that offers a refreshing ambience to visitors. It also has several hammocks, canopies and a transformed Volan Bus. Hosting underground music events regularly, Durer Kert is perfect to enjoy a Hungarian meal with fizzy cocktails.

Opening Hours: Friday: 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Saturday: 7:30 PM to 1:00 AM
Things to Try: Hamburgers, Draught beer, Goulash
Location: Budapest, Öböl utca 1, 1117 Hungary

9. Púder Bárszínház És Galéria

This ruin pub in Budapest is on the buzzing Ráday Street. It might be just slightly on the pricier side, but it is an interesting visit and regularly hosts cultural events. The inner design is a treat for the eyes, adorned with colourful murals hanging from the roof up to the floor. Displays of local artists line the walls, as well.

Púder is quieter than other pubs, but it is worth visiting for a couple of drinks shared with your pals. The food is pretty great too, that is if you can manage to look away from the walls to check out the menu. 

Location: Budapest, Ráday u. 8, 1092 Hungary
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday:- 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM
Friday & Saturday:- 12:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Sunday:- 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM
Things to Try: Puder Burger, Potato Strudel, Pineapple and coconut cold soup

10. Szimpla Kert

As one of the earliest ruin pubs, Szimpla set up shop in the hip District VII and remains one of the most authentic players in the category. The interior resembles a broken-down garage, which doubles as an antique shop, as well as a gallery of the works of local artists. As Szimpla is featured in virtually every tourist guide, the crowd here has more tourists than locals, but Budapest citizens visit local bands playing live. Social events and Sunday farmers’ markets add to the appeal. 

Location: Budapest, Kazinczy u. 14, 1075 Hungary
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday:3:00 PM to 4:00 AM
Friday & Saturday: 12:00 PM to 4:00 AM
Sunday: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Things to Try: Craft Beer, Pizza, Palinka

Pack your bags and head here to experience the one-of-a-kind ruin pubs of Budapest!