Our Guide to Budapest's Original & Best Ruin Bar, Szimpla Kert
One of Budapest’s best things to do, a visit to Szimpla Kert ruin bar is a must. Come for a beer, stay for a cocktail, enjoy some live tunes, maybe a boogie, eat a cheeky burger, and roll out at 4 am (quietly, of course).
This is our guide to Szimpla Kert Budapest’s most popular drinking place.
I (Mark) first visited Budapest in 2005. I spent five days in the city, enjoying what, according to my journal, was “my favourite city in Europe, and somewhere I could definitely live in the future. And the beer here is so cheap!”.
Although my memory is a little hazy from those days (blame the beer!) I recall returning home to Australia to tell my friends all about these crazy-cool bars set up in dilapidated buildings, with all these hidden rooms decorated with vintage furniture.
I distinctly remember the coolest of all - a place called Szimpla Kert.
There was just something about it that stood out, and it wasn’t just the cheap beer. Friendly, inviting, eclectic, dark, great music... Szimpla Kert had it all. It felt like a place to escape, and somewhere where you could just be yourself.
I spent almost every night there, drinking endless amounts of beer, making new friends with locals and travellers alike, and revelling in what felt like a hedonistic utopia.
…
Fast forward 14 years, and true to my journal entry all those years back, we’re living in Budapest, just a short walk from Szimpla Kert.
Oh, how things have changed. What was once a hidden gem known only to locals or intrepid travellers is now one of Budapest’s main attractions. A place to escape no longer, Szimpla Kert is the place to be seen.
It’s still friendly, inviting, eclectic, cheap, and still one of the best bars I’ve ever visited - where else could you sit in a bathtub, surrounded by walls covered in art? It’s just that now a visit here comes with a side of party bro’s, stag and hen-do’ and those in Budapest to enjoy the nightlife.
That doesn’t mean it’s any less cool - it’s just, different.
Come for a beer, stay for a cocktail, enjoy some live tunes, maybe a boogie, eat a cheeky burger, and roll out at 4 am (quietly, of course). And if you’re in Budapest on the weekend, visit what we think is the best part of Szimpla Kert, the Sunday farmers markets.
This is our guide to Szimpla Kert Budapest’s most popular drinking place.
ps. Want to explore more of Budapest? Read our in-depth guides here | Szechenyi Baths, Gellert Thermal Baths, New York Cafe, Budapest’s best brunch spots, and the best of Józsefváros, Budapest’s hipster 8th district
SZIMPLA KERT SNAPSHOT
Where: Kazinczy Utca, Budapest
How to get there: Astoria or Blaha Lujza metro/tram
Admission: Free
When to visit: May - October, 6pm onwards
Tips: Arrive early to avoid the crowds
A TRAVELLER’S GUIDE TO SZIMPLA KERT
WHAT IS A RUIN BAR?
Not a stupid question... so allow us to elaborate.
After World War 2 and the cold war years, many buildings in the old Jewish Quarter of Budapest had been left to rack and ruin. In the early noughties, a number of enterprising individuals began to transform these dilapidated buildings and courtyards into the perfect character-filled underground bars and pubs, or 'romkocsma' - earning them the title of ruin bars/pubs.
From the outside they could easily be confused with your average run-down building, inside they’re anything but average.
Step through the doorway and into the rabbit hole of flea market furniture, weird antiques, art and graffiti, where the young, hip, artsy folk of Budapest drink, mingle and enjoy the laid back atmosphere in the coolest of settings.
One even has an old Trabant you can sip your cocktails in if you’ve ever harboured dreams of doing such things.
Ruin bars are also very welcoming. Having been created by Budapest’s liberally minded youth, they’re accommodating to all, and many have social and environmental schemes aimed at tackling some of the cities issues.
While the ruin bars of yesteryear are maybe a little diluted now, they’re still one of the coolest places in the city to sink a beer.
READ | Our guide to Budapest’s best ruin bars
SZIMPLA KERT - THE ORIGINAL RUIN BAR
Back in the early 2000s, Szimpla Kert was born out of the need to create a community space for artists and entrepreneurs.
What they wanted was a place to drink cheap beer, discuss sport or politics, and create an environment where all are equal, no matter their colour or creed.
The concept was simple. Take a decaying, abandoned building on the historic Kazinczy Utca, with ample space to create a community-orientated function. Instead of renovating, they kept the building in its original state. Cheaper that way, and it provided a blank canvas to create whatever the hell they wanted. They added vintage furniture, found in the overflowing flea markets of Budapest, to unique spaces and rooms, each with its own style or theme.
Breaking from the mainstream wave, Szimpla Kert grew quickly off the back of this concept. The space was cool, the people cool, and the booze cheap.
The original ruin bar was born and it was something that had never been seen before. It started drawing people from all over the world, keen to engage in this nightlife phenomenon.
While other ruin bars have come and gone, failed ventures or demolished for yet another hotel, none have quite matched the effortless cool and liberal bliss that is Szimpla Kert.
SZIMPLA KERT NOW | WHAT TO EXPECT
The first thing you’ll notice when you step inside the glass doors of Szimpla Kert is darkness. It’s slightly disarming, no matter what time of day it is; as if you’ve stepped into another world.
Then you’ll notice the eclectic furniture - the art, the colourful neon lights, the disco balls, the 90’s tv’s, the plants hanging from the ceiling. It’s sensory overload, in the best possible way.
It kind of feels like if the Lost Boys from Peter Pan were to create a bar, this would be the result. There are 8 themed rooms throughout the complex, perfect to get wonderfully lost in.
DOWNSTAIRS
After the initial shock of entering Szimpla Kert, you’ll need a drink. Luckily, there are a few bars to choose from, no matter what hour of the day (or night) you arrive.
There are two main bars, one of right as you enter, and into the garden on the left. Both sell all your usual alcoholic staples, including beer, wine, spirits and cocktails. For beer lovers, there are a few craft beers available here, including two Hungarian breweries, Hübris and Fehér Nyúl.
Grab yourself a drink and go for a stroll throughout the maze-like complex.
We recommend starting on the bottom level and working your way up until ultimately finding your spot to chill.
On the left is the Shisha Bar, where you can choose from any of their fruity tobacco flavours. Next, there is the Wine Bar where we recommend you stop as Hungarian wine is absolutely brilliant (trust us). Ask the bartenders recommendations, or just go with your heart - either way it’ll be delicious.
On the right is a cavernous space with an old Trabant (soviet-era car) to sit in, so naturally, this is a popular spot to hang out.
Out the back is the garden area, which in summer is definitely the place to sit. Colourful and lush, there are plenty of places to sit down and enjoy a drink, with two bars close by for top-ups if needed.
You’ll notice a central stairway in the middle of the courtyard which leads you to the upstairs section of Szimpla Kert.
UPSTAIRS
Upstairs has over five large rooms, all with their own theme and vibe.
The first room is a glasshouse-type of environment, with heaps of art, colour and plants filling up the space. There’s a bar (closed during the day) serving the essentials, and also a photo booth to help you capture some memories.
Keep walking through and you’ll come to the central balcony area, which is basically how you get from one area to another upstairs.
On the right is a dark, cavernous space filled with super-eclectic art, little nooks, and more importantly, a place to escape the crowds. It’s also here the clawfoot bathtub - a place where once you’ve sat down, you’ll want to stay the rest of the night.
The next room is where the upstairs toilets are, as well as another bar serving beer (this was the former Mad Scientist beer bar). You probably won’t want to spend too much time here - grab your drink and move on.
The largest and maybe best room in the entire complex faces out onto Kazinzcy utca, and is like a great dining hall, complete with renaissance-esque art and antique lamps.
The final upstairs room is where you can buy food (more on that below), and feels like a high school cafeteria, with long bench tables
THE VIBE
Szimpla Kert is all about the vibe, and you should visit with this in mind. Come with an open mind, and expect to have your mind opened.
During the day, Szimpla Kert is more laid back, with fewer visitors, and streams of tour groups dropping in to see what the ‘ruin bar’ craze is all about. In short, you’re probably better off exploring all that Budapest has to offer than sitting in here unless it’s a quick pit stop before heading off again.
In the late afternoon, the place starts to come alive. As the light begins to fade, the space starts filling, the music starts building and the vibe gets turned up a notch.
Expect the crowd to be mostly tourists - this is one of Budapest’s main tourist attractions after all, so if you’re a traveller, you’ll have no trouble finding others to have a good time with.
Throughout the complex, the rooms begin to overflow around 9 pm, and the volume gets turned up high - yeah, there will be the obnoxiously loud stag-do guys doing their thing, but the benefit of so many rooms is you can escape them.
DJ’s and bands play every weekend (and most nights), either in the downstairs area (indoor or outdoor depending on the season) or in the upstairs front room. The music choice can be a little hit or miss - but fun can still be had.
FOOD AT SZIMPLA KERT
After a few hours of drinking, you’ll no doubt get hungry. Thankfully, there is food available at Szimpla Kert, although not a huge selection.
Upstairs is the kitchen, serving burgers and nachos, and even phallic-shaped bread. The kitchen opens from 7 pm.
If you’re after something more substantial, you can visit Street Food Karavan next door, which has a host of food trucks selling all the fast-food faves, such as burgers, pizzas and Hungarian street food.
If that’s not your vibe, Kazinczy Utca has a host of restaurants - a local fave is Bors Gastrobar, which does soups and sandwiches which, on face value don’t sound overly appetising, but trust us, they’re absolutely wonderful.
SZIMPLA KERT WEEKEND MARKET
Maybe it’s our age, or maybe we just love this community side of the District we live in here in Budapest, but the Sunday farmer markets are our favourite part of Szimpla Kert.
Each weekend, producers from all over descend on Szimpla Kert to sell their wares - mostly locally grown fruit, vegetables and flowers, breads, spreads and cheese (omg the goat’s cheese is to die for), honey etc., as well as some Hungarian street food stalls.
There are also handcrafted products for sale if you’re after a little gift for someone back home.
The vibe is second to none - the producers are all really lovely and helpful, and we really love spending a couple of hours grabbing some delicious treats for the week and getting amongst the community feel.
If you’re a traveller, we totally recommend buying some bread, local cheeses, and some Hungarian spreads, and heading to one of Budapest’s amazing parks (or along the Danube), and having a chilled picnic.
The Sunday Farmers Market runs from 9 am - 2 pm.
SZIMPLA KERT ESSENTIALS
WHERE IS SZIMPLA KERT, AND HOW TO GET THERE
Szimpla Kert is located on Kazinczy Utca 14 in the heart of Budapest’s Jewish Quarter (7th District).
Most accommodation options, such as Airbnb’s or Hostels, are located in the 7th district, so no doubt you’ll be staying close by.
If not, the closest Metro and tram stations are Astoria or Blaha Lujza Ter, and the closest bus stop is Urania, located on Rákóczi Utca.
SZIMPLA KERT OPENING HOURS
Szimpla Kert has differing opening hours depending on which day you visit. Whichever day you visit, it’s open late, till 4 am.
MONDAY - FRIDAY | 3pm - 4am
SATURDAY | 11am - 4am
SUNDAY | 9am - 4am
One thing to note is that not all bars open at the same time. If you arrive at 3 pm on a Monday, it’s likely only one or two bars downstairs will be open.
The speciality and upstairs bars generally open after 7 pm.
The Sunday Farmers Market runs from 9 am - 2 pm.
WHEN TO VISIT SZIMPLA KERT
For us, the best time to visit Szimpla Kert is from Monday - to Thursday, when it’s a little quieter and more enjoyable.
If you’re here on the weekends only, make sure you arrive around 6-7 pm to avoid the rush, grab yourself a seat/nook and settle in for a few hours.
From 9 pm onwards, it can be hard to get in, and there will be a lineup... so be prepared to wait. But it’s at this time that Szimpla comes alive, so you’ll want to get inside!
Spring to Autumn is the best time of year to visit Szimpla Kert, as the outdoor garden is looking lush, and the long summer nights make everything just that little bit better.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING SZIMPLA KERT
The toilets are absolutely horrific, so be warned. There’s not much you can do about it, except hold your breath and hope for the best.
Space is limited, so you may need to line up to enter (especially in the evening). From Thursday - Sunday, expect lines from about 9 pm onwards.
Don’t be a dickhead. Respect others around you, especially women.
Respect the neighbourhood when you leave. Szimpla Kert is located in a living, breathing neighbourhood (we live in it!), so just remember to keep the noise down and not litter, urinate, or puke (legit, we’ve seen a group of guys urinating on the synagogue before!).
Watch out for the street dealers, as they’ll try to sell you any ‘drug’ under the sun. Don’t do it. Whatever they’re selling is not what you’re after.
Bouncers and bartenders have been known to be a little grumpy. Help their job by being a lovely human... give them a smile, say hi, and maybe even leave a tip!
There is no dress code, so come as you are.
Some blogs suggest bringing cash, but we’ve never had an issue paying with our card. Cards are safer, anyways.
They don’t accept Euros (not surprising considering it is Hungary!), so use your card or Hungarian Forints
A pint of beer is way more expensive here than the rest of the city (1,200 - 1,400ft, €3 - €4), but it’s still cheap compared to western European standards.
RELATED | A TRAVELLERS GUIDE TO SZECHENYI BATHS
IS SZIMPLA KERT WORTH VISITING?
We’re not going to lie - Szimpla Kert has lost some of its shine from when Mark first visited. It’s well and truly discovered now, and people come from all over just to spend a few hours here. Because of this, the vibe is a little diluted.
That being said, Szimpla Kert is still worth a visit (or two) during your time in Budapest, and the vibe will be rocking no matter what as the night wears on.
It’s still as unique a bar as you’ll ever visit, and it still maintains an element of hipster cool that other ruin bars in Budapest lack completely.
This is the original, after all.
BUDAPEST TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
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Our Budapest City Guide is a curated travel guide, designed to be downloaded to your phone and used as your trusty companion when exploring the city. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find our personal recommendations on the best things to see, eat and drink, places to stay,and things to know, gathered over the two years we spent living in Budapest.
You’ll also find example itineraries to help you make the most of your time there, and plenty of inspiration to guide your travels.
BUY NOW | Purchase the pocket guide here
WHERE TO STAY IN BUDAPEST
Below, we’ve provided our top recommendations on where to stay the Jewish Quarter of Budapest to suit each budget.
After living in the city for over two years, we know exactly which hotel is best, based on price, location, and above all, comfort!
HOSTELS & BUDGET ACCOMMODATION
There are a huge array of hostels located in the Jewish Quarter, and these are our top four:
HOSTEL ONE | Consistently rated as one of the best hostels in the city. It’s known for being all about community and socialising, but not just in the party sense. Book here
MAVERICK CITY LODGE | A cross between budget hotel and up market hostel, Maverick City Lodge is position right in the middle of all the good things - Szimpla Kert is 1 min away, Dohany Synagogue 2 mins, and the best food is on your doorstep. Perfect for couples on a budget. Book here
WOMBAT’S CITY HOSTEL | Location is important, and Wombat’s is right in the heart of the city. One of the nicest hostels in Budapest, perfect for exploring or partying. Book here
THE HIVE PARTY HOSTEL | If it’s a party you’re after, The Hive is the place to be. Modern rooms & amenities are also a plus, as is the location, right in the middle of the party area. Book here
Alternatively, search for your perfect Budapest hostel here
MID-RANGE ACCOMMODATION
HOTEL MEMORIES | Stylish hotel located directly opposite Dohany St Synagogue. Also has a lounge with free drinks and snacks. Book here
STORIES BOUTIQUE HOTEL | Chic and super stylish 4* hotel in the perfect location. Breakfast is included in most room prices. Book here
LEONARDO BOUTIQUE HOTEL | Clean, modern 4* hotel located right in the heart of the city, close to all the major attractions. The breakfast here is a winner. Book here
LUXURY ACCOMMODATION
ANANTARA NEW YORK PALACE | It’s luxurious, stylish, spacious and a huge splurge, but worth it for a once-in-a-lifetime stay in exceptional luxury. Book here
HOTEL CORINTHIA | One of Budapest’s most exceptional hotels, inside a stunning1800s building. If elegance is what you’re after, look no further. Book here
QUEEN’S COURT RESIDENCE | Classic Budapest hotel with older finishings and a historic look. Perfect location, too. Book here
Alternatively, search and book your perfect accommodation here
WHAT’S THE CURRENCY IN BUDAPEST
Hungary’s an EU member state, so you’d be forgiven for assuming that they use the Euro as their currency.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the case - Hungary continues to use the Hungarian Forint, so you’ll need to keep this in mind when you visit.
For reference, 100 Hungarian Forints is generally equal to about £0.25, or €0.30 - you can check the most up to date exchange rate here.
CASH OR CARD IN BUDAPEST?
After spending 6 weeks living in Vienna, we got very used to always carrying cash - it’s like that city only works in notes and coins! So after moving to Budapest, we expected much the same.
Fortunately, you are able to use your card/Apple Pay and almost every single store, restaurant, bar etc. To save on fees, always select to pay in Hungarian Forint on the machine, as this will save you unnecessary exchange fees.
If you need to get cash out, we suggest only doing this at recognised banks, including OTP, K & H, Erste, Budapest Bank, MKB, Raffheisen etc. These banks don’t charge absurd withdrawal fees or poor exchange rates, designed to thieve from unsuspecting tourists, unlike the ever-popular EuroNet machines you’ll see all around the city.
Quite simply, never, ever use a EuroNet machine in Europe - they’re a scam.
HOW TO GET AROUND BUDAPEST
A lot of the best places to visit in Budapest are located within a short distance from each other in the expansive, and outrageously beautiful inner-city districts - therefore we highly recommend walking while visiting the city.
Alternatively, if you’re short on time, or looking to explore as much of the city as possible, we recommend purchasing a Budapest Card, which provides access to the city’s public transport, discounts on top attractions (including the thermal baths) and free access to 19 of the city’s best museums.
Depending on the length of your stay, the card is available for between 1-5 days. It’s super easy and useful!
Alternatively, there are a heap of e-scooter options, such as Lime and Bird, which are located throughout the city, as well as Bike Sharing from Mol Bubi.
Finally, the city has an extensive and efficient public transport network, which services all of Budapest’s attractions. Tickets are cheap (HUF 350 per ride, HUF 3,000 for 10 ticket packs - or free with the Budapest Card), so we suggest buying a pack of 10 tickets when you arrive, and then using them when needed.
BOOK | Get free public transport with the Budapest Card
TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN HUNGARY
If you can't afford travel insurance, you really can't afford to travel. As the current global situation has taught many people, things can go wrong anywhere in the world - and insurance is often the only way of mitigating any issues with minimal expense or stress for you.
For all travellers | HeyMondo - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel + medical insurance, an app with 24-hour medical support, and no out of pocket fees. *Get 5% off your policy by booking through our link here.
For digital nomads | SafetyWing - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel & medical, and policies can be purchased while already abroad.
Car Insurance | Insurance4CarHire - a great annual car insurance policy
*In normal times, we recommend using World Nomads travel insurance, but unfortunately they're not currently covering COVID-19 related claims right now.
PLANNING A TRIP TO BUDAPEST SOON?
BUDAPEST TRAVEL GUIDES | 25+ amazing things to do in Budapest, The best Ruin Bars in Budapest, Explore the best of Budapest’s Jewish Quarter, Józsefváros, Budapest’s hipster 8th district, the best brunch in Budapest, and Where to stay in Budapest
BUDAPEST ATTRACTIONS | A guide to Szechenyi Baths, the majestic Fisherman’s Bastion, Gellert Thermal Baths, New York Cafe, Szimpla Kert Ruin Bar, How to visit Dohany St Synagogue, A guide to St. Stephen’s Cathedral
BALATON BLISS | What to see and do on Lake Balaton, and our 3-day guide Balaton
EXPLORE MISKOLC | Enjoy our short city break guide to Miskolc, explore the enchanting forest town of Lillafüred, or discover the Miskolctapolca Cave Baths
AIRBNB GUIDE | Our essential guide to getting the best out of Airbnb
TRAVEL INSURANCE | Don’t leave home without travel insurance (seriously, don’t!). Discover the best deals with World Nomads or get 5% off with HeyMondo here
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Wondering what gear we use to get all of our photos around the world? Click here to view our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT. Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO-FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
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