During your Hungary tour, you might hear the term called the “ruin bar.” Such unique facilities are identified with nocturnal entertainment in the city and its cultural life. In this article you’ll learn what ruin bar is, where it originated from and why would you definitely should try it during your visit to Budapest.

Defining Ruin Bars

Ruin bars are those bars or pubs, which are artificially placed on the area that looks like ruins, or set up in abandoned buildings and other similar places. Due to their interiors they provide a counter culture experience which you will not get when going to a bar.

The Origins of Ruin Bars

The ruin bars concept originated in Budapest in the early 2000 it when a number of artists and business people recognized the potential of turning derelict structures in the old Jewish area of the city into new generation WET music venues. These structures had literally crumbled to the ground for lack of use over the years and were turned into artistic miscellaneous meeting points.

The first one was Szimpla Kert opened in 2002. Who knew it would turn into a standing feature and open the door for further ruin bars?

Distinctive Features

Ruin bars are known for their distinct features that make them stand out from traditional bars:

Eclectic Decor: Furnishings of ruin bar interiors comprise a mix of pieces from the past, bold hues and amusing artworks that make for a magical and rather relaxed setting.

Open-Air Courtyards: In most cases, bars found in ruins have open expanses for courtyards where visitors may catch a drink. Such outside spaces include live music concerts, screenings of film and videos, or even markets.

Alternative Music: It is important to note that ruin bars are famous for offering a great range of music. From the concerns of its denizens, get ready to listen to indie, electronic, jazz and much more. Generally, every ruin bar seems to have its own atmosphere and preferred songs to play.

Community Vibes: Ruin bars are therefore associated with high bond amongst the members of the society and people from all over the world. They afford the individuals to meet, socialize, and feel the tempo of this country specifically Budapest.

Why Visit a Ruin Bar?

There are several reasons why visiting a ruin bar in Budapest should be on your itinerary:

Unique Experience

Ruin bars are fun and will give you the opportunity to explore Budapest through its culture and art. Due to its unusual interior and lighting, interest in the art of graffiti and street art, music and environment that is no two bars the same.

Affordability

In addition to being different from any other bars, ruin bars also happen to be cheaper than your average bar. You can have many different kinds of drinks and cocktails and it wouldn’t be very expensive – perfect for those who travel, yet do not want to spend too much on drinks.

Local Culture

This is because when you visit a ruin bar, you end up getting an as real feeling feeling of the Budapest locals. All these bars host local artists, musicians, and other entrepreneurs offering a sneak peek into the city’s arts scene and counterculture.

Variety and Choice

Ruin bars can be found in many districts of Budapest and every bar has its own atmosphere. And depending on the type of the mood you are in, whether it be a relaxing beer at the bar, or dancing the night away, there is always a ruin bar for you. The best-known ruin bars are Szimpla Kert, Instant, and Fogas Ház.

Tips for Visiting Ruin Bars

Here are some tips to make the most of your ruin bar experience:

Arrive Early: If you want to have a preferred place, preferably, particularly during the weekends, you can start early as some ruin bars can blend up latter at night.

Try Local Drinks: While at a ruin bar do not let a chance to taste some of the Hungarian specialities such as pálinka or Unicum.

Respect the Space: Ruin bars are usually set in old buildings, so always remember that you are inside a special place – do not destroy it, but respect it.

Engage with the Community: Engage random strangers and tourists when patronizing ruin bars to feel or embrace that community feel.

In Conclusion

Ruin Bars are not only places to drink in Budapest; they are stages for those tendencies that are most close to our hearts and souls. Thanks to their peculiar character, untraditional interiors and atmosphere of togetherness, ruin bars are among the places that are now must-see when it comes to nightlife tourism. In that case, the next time you plan to visit Budapest don’t forget to include a visit to a ruin bar in your list.