The term you might have come across when planning on visiting Budapest, Hungary is the ‘Ruin Bars’. These special outlets have thus transformed into favorite places for tourists and holidaymakers in search of different style of entertainment during the night. In this article, we will guide you through the subject of ruin bars, describe their backgrounds, and offer you the list of the most frequently mentioned ruin bars in Budapest according to the Reddit.

What are Ruin Bars?

Ruin bars or also called “rukiny” are bars and nightlife located in abandoned buildings of the Jewish district of Budapest. To be more precise, those arenas are unpretentious, boho-inspired, and often adorned with peculiar objects.

The idea of ruin bars gained popularity in the beginning of the two thousands when a number of young artists and businessmen wanted to stop the destruction of old buildings and began reconstructing them. Of these they actually made these as sociable places where they blended characteristics of a cocktail bar, local pub, beer garden and arts center.

Origins of Ruin Bars

The first ruin bar appeared in Budapest in 2002 and it was Szimpla Kert. Originally it was designed as the temporary spot for people to spend their time in the community; however soon it gained the local as well as tourists attractions. The experience that Szimpla Kert had created an interesting concept motivated other people to open similar places, and now, one can find a great many ruin bars in Budapest.

My list of the best Ruin Bars in Budapest are as follows:

Many people turn to Reddit, the online community for information and advice from others who share the same interest, in this case traveling. Here are some of the highly recommended ruin bars in Budapest, as suggested by Reddit users:

1. Szimpla Kert

Again, Szimpla Kert is considered as a ruin bar and one of the most popular bars with such type of design. These are features such as the multiple levels of the bar, the different kind of people you are likely to find there and the very unique interior décor. Spend some time outdoors over a cup of coffee in the courtyard or indulge in the multitud of chambers inside.

2. Instant

Instant is consistently one of the fans’ favorite ruin bar celebrities for its lively parties and astounding music choice. It has a complex structure and containing several dance floors which make the atmosphere unique. The themed rooms are interesting in case you want a very different experience.

3. Fogasház

Fogasház has painted walls associated with street art and The living room atmosphere was more casual. It also provides live music option, night DJ and a good area for art shows among other events. It offers great view of the city, head to their rooftop terrace for that amazing scenery.

4. Mazel Tov

Mazel Tov is a good example of the ruin bar discerning format with a modern approach. Located in an ancient yard, it has a large space, serve Middle Eastern dishes and have a modern type of interior. Good for watching a movie with friends or any other standby night.

5. Ellátó Kert

Ellátó Kert is actually a ruin bar with a comparatively lesser area but with class and a proper ambiance to party along with good alcoholic beverages. Its shabby but utterly charming outdoor garden is a plus after a day strolling around the busy alleys of Budapest.

Tips for Visiting Ruin Bars

As a first-time visitor to Budapest’s ruin bars, keep the following tips in mind:

• Do not wear formal clothing, fancy shoes or extremely revealing clothing as nearly all ruin bars are laid back.
• Try the local Hungarian specialty: pálinka (which is similar to fruit brandy).
• There is always traffic in the park; the traffic increases during the weekends. It is advisable to be early.
• Great care should be taken while handling personal property and guarding your pockets well because these are some of the best sites to find pickpockets.
• Wander through the rooms in ruin bars and look for corners that can be hardly called typical.

In Conclusion

Serendipity-seeking individuals travelling to Budapest must find time to visit the city’s notorious ruin bars. These lively venues symbolically reveal the spirit of the creative artistically infused city and let one try some of the cultural highlight. No matter if you are a nightlife lover, art lover or just a sightseeing tourist, definitely visiting ruin bars will for sure give an extra spice to your Budapest trip!