Budapest’s Top Bars: Ruins and Rooftops Await

Every year, visitors from around the globe flock to Budapest, drawn in by the city's one-of-a-kind drinking spots.

The city is packed with standout bars, with the 6th district home to some of the best pubs, clubs, and lounges in Europe.

Whether you’re into ruin bars, chic bistros, or upscale rooftop lounges, Budapest has a bar for every taste.

To make your decision easier, we’ve curated the ultimate guide to Budapest’s best bars for you to explore.

Ruin Pubs

It's amusing that they're called 'ruin bars'—but for their creators, these places have led to great success.

The story began around 2001 when a group of young men, on the hunt for affordable drinks, unintentionally created some of Budapest’s most vibrant and stylish drinking spots—the now-famous ruin bars.

Szimpla Kert

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.

The venue hosts regular farmers' markets and flea markets, with live music performances and film screenings also being frequent attractions.

You can enjoy delicious wood-fired pizzas here, all at very affordable prices.

Szimpla Kert embodies the classic ruin bar aesthetic: mismatched, worn furniture, quirky artwork (often taken home by curious visitors), and a sunny garden perfect for summer afternoons.

Unlike other ruin pubs, Szimpla Kert features a vintage Trabant car in its garden, which serves as both a table and seating area.

Instead of exhaust fumes, the air is filled with cigarette smoke, evoking a nostalgic atmosphere that takes you back to the days of communist rule in Eastern Europe.

Szimpla Kert, Budapest, Kazinczy u. 14, 1075; +36 20 261 8669

Racskert

Just a short walk from Szimpla Kert, you'll find Racskert, a newer addition to the ruin pub scene in the area.

A spacious, rundown garden bar set in an abandoned parking lot – it’s a simple place, lacking the chaotic charm of Szimpla.

Water cisterns are repurposed as lamps, casting light over the area, while a mobile burger truck offers snacks inspired by the Bosnian Serb owner’s roots.

Racskert, Budapest, Dob u. 40-42, 1072; +36 70 428 1517

Ellato Kert & Taqueria

Ellato Kert & Taqueria has a vibrant Mexican vibe, with its expansive garden filled with colorful tables and, of course, tacos and tortillas on the menu.

Ellato Kert & Taqueria, Budapest, Kazinczy u. 48, 1075; +36 20 527 3018

Instant and Fogas

Once a favorite in Budapest’s ruin bar scene, the original Instant bar on Nagymező street was demolished in 2017 to make room for a new apartment complex.

The venue later partnered with Fogas club to create Budapest's largest ruin bar complex.

Now located on Akácfa utca, it stays open until 6 a.m. every day, always packed with partygoers and clubbers who move between its numerous bars and dance floors within the vast building.

Instant and Fogas, Budapest, Akácfa u. 49-51; +36 30 123 4567

Anker’t

Anker’t is one of the city’s most beloved party spots, featuring a spacious courtyard surrounded by bars, dance rooms, and a snack area.

Frequently bustling with revelers, the bar hosts themed nights on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, complete with a top DJ to keep the party going all night.

Anker’t, Budapest, Paulay Ede u. 33, 1061; +36 30 360 3389

Rooftop Bars

360 Bar

One of the best spots in Budapest for a stunning, panoramic 360-degree view of the city is the renowned 360 Bar.

Located along Andrassy Avenue, this spot is a favorite year-round, particularly during the summer season.

The menu features top-tier cocktails and tasty bar snacks, while a team of friendly staff is always ready to ensure you have a great time.

360 Bar, Budapest, Andrássy út 39, 1061; +36 30 356 3047

High Note SkyBar at the Aria Hotel

The Aria Hotel is home to one of Budapest's most breathtaking rooftop bars, offering an unforgettable experience.

Located in the heart of Budapest's 5th district, the High Note SkyBar offers stunning views of the nearby Basilica, making it an ideal place for photos.

High Note SkyBar at the Aria Hotel, Budapest, Hercegprímás u. 5, 1051; +36 1 445 4055

St. Andrea Wine and Skybar

This rooftop gem, located near Vörösmarty Square, is a fantastic place to enjoy drinks in both the summer and winter seasons.

With a variety of cocktails and rich Irish coffees on the menu, you may find yourself lingering longer than planned.

St. Andrea Wine and Skybar, Budapest, Deák Ferenc utca 5, 1052; +36 30 300 3930

High-End Bars

The Bar and Lobby Lounge at the Four Seasons

The bar at the Four Seasons is one of Budapest’s most exclusive spots, a must-visit for those seeking a luxurious experience.

This is where many celebrities stay when filming in Budapest, so you might just bump into stars like Jennifer Lawrence or Jude Law enjoying a cocktail.

The Bar & Lobby Lounge, Four Seasons Budapest, Széchenyi István tér 5, 1051; +36 1 268 6000

Kupola Bar at The Ritz-Carlton

A relatively recent addition to Budapest’s bar scene, this cocktail bar boasts a chic, five-star interior design.

The cocktail menu features classics like the Tom Collins and Moscow Mule, but if you're in the mood for something different, the bartender is happy to mix up whatever you desire.

The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest, Erzsébet tér 9-10, 1051; +36 1 429 5500

Blue Fox The Bar at the Kempinski

Blue Fox The Bar at the Kempinski stands out as one of Budapest's more unique high-end bar experiences.

A favorite among tourists, it serves up a variety of tasty cocktails and bar snacks, set against atmospheric lighting – an ideal spot to unwind with friends.

Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest, Budapest, Erzsébet tér 7, 1051; +36 1 429 3777

Mid-Range Bars

Boutiq’ Bar

Boutiq’ Bar has earned a spot among the world’s top 50 cocktail bars and is a must-visit when in Budapest.

This stylish bar offers a unique range of drinks and cocktails, set against a bold red interior that will make you feel daring enough to explore the menu.

Boutiq’ Bar, Budapest, Paulay Ede u. 5, 1061; +36 30 554 2323

Farm Gastrobar

This charming city retreat serves up delicious cocktails and tasty bar snacks, perfect for a relaxed yet flavorful experience.

With a charming courtyard, two bar areas, and seating spots offering both bespoke cocktails and affordable jugs, this place is a great hangout, whether it’s summer or winter.

Farm, Budapest, Ó u. 14, 1066; +36 30 622 7500

Brody Studios

Though more shabby than stylish, this former exclusive club still attracts some attention. You might even spot a celebrity or two when film productions are in town.

While most nights are fairly low-key, Friday and Saturday evenings can see a lively crowd gathering.

Make sure to check the website regularly, as this venue tends to close during the summer and other major tourist holidays.

Brody Studios, Budapest, Vörösmarty u. 38, 1064; +36 1 266 3707

On a Budget

Maláta Bisztró

Always bustling, this spot is particularly lively in the summer when the crowds spill onto the streets, giving it a vibrant party atmosphere.

Maláta Bisztró, Budapest, Mátyás Utca 11., 1097; +36 70 630 8107

Hauzol Café

Though it’s a simple bar, Hauzol Café has earned a loyal following among locals, expats, and especially students.

Drink prices here are very affordable, and the atmosphere is great, though the décor could use a little refresh.

Hauzol Café, Budapest, 1073, Erzsébet krt. 26, 1073; +36 30 653 2965

Cheers Pub

Located at the end of bustling Nagymező street, Cheers Pub is one of the most affordable drinking spots in Budapest, right in the heart of the city's nightlife district.

Cheers Pub, Budapest, Nagymező u. 35, 1065, +36 70 660 0812