Hungary’s capital offers a world-class nightlife, with cool ruin bars, wild nightclubs, and open-air hangouts that are hopping throughout the summer.
Budapest boasts a brilliant beer scene, with lagers and craft beers costing just 500-900 HUF (€1.25 – €2.50) in cheaper bars and €4 in Budapest’s famous ruin bars. But that’s not all – you’ll find plenty of cocktail bars, shot bars and tiki bars full of locals and travellers enjoying a boozy night out.
Here are our top picks for the best bars in Budapest!
Best Bars in Budapest
Szimpla Kert
Address: Kazinczy u. 14, 1075
Open: Mon – Fri 3 pm – 4 am; Sat 1 2pm – 4 am; Sun 9 am – 4 am
Voted the third best bar in the world by Lonely Planet’s 50 Bars to Blow Your Mind, Szimpla Kert is Budapest’s coolest bar by far. It was founded by students in 2002 who converted the ruins of a former factory and group of flats into an iconic ruin bar. And it feels as though you are walking into a mad artist’s fever dream.
Across its three floors, you’ll find 9 bars with more than 400 drinks on offer. Each is adorned with eclectic art, walls filled with street signs, and plenty of graffiti. Live bands, DJ sets, art exhibitions and even a Sunday market grace the venue, giving you a taste of the sheer variety of Budapest’s nightlife.
Since Szimpla Kert is situated right in the heart of Budapest’s party district, you’re guaranteed to get a bustling, sociable experience. This is the perfect place is perfect to try Hungary’s signature cherry beer (Meggy Sour Cherry Ale), sink some shots, and hit the dancefloor!
Rumpus Tiki Bar
Address: Király u. 19, 1075
Open: Sun – Thurs 6 pm – 2 am; Fri – Sat 6 pm – 3 am
If you’re in the mood for a character-packed cocktail bar in Budapest, Rumpus is a must. From stunning interior decorations to mai tais made in heaven and mist-oozing zombie cocktails, this hidden gem deserves every five-star rating it gets.
Its tropical allure is heightened by the mesmerising smoke effects accompanying each artfully presented cocktail, which, when paired with its Polynesian-themed decor, might make you forget that you’re within the borders of the ex-USSR rather than on some tropical island paradise.
Rumpus offers a thoughtfully laid-out menu offering cocktails for all tastes. Oh, and you can buy the smokey tiki mugs to take back with you as a memorable souvenir.
Hotsy Totsy
Address: Síp u. 24, 1075
Open: Sun – Wed 6 pm – 12 am; Thurs – Sat 5 pm – 2 am
Hotsy Totsy is an iconic prohibition-era speakeasy-style bar, adorned with moody lighting and vintage tunes from the 1940s and 1950s. Its signature personalised cocktails are showcased on the novel playing card deck menu, featuring a plethora of information about each drink, sorted into categories like fruity, sour, and dry.
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous and want to uncover the secret bar within the secret bar, feel free to enter the realm of the “Hudson” lounge, which offers a much more intimate and cosy experience.
For Sale Pub
Address: Vámház krt. 2, 1053
Open: Daily 12 pm – 1 am
If you’re a fan of laid-back vibes and hearty meals, look no further than For Sale Pub, where the charm is as unlimited as the complimentary peanuts.
Located right before the Market Hall (it’s hard to miss), For Sale Pub is a haven of live music and local beers, including the beloved ‘For Sale Pale Ale’ (try saying that after a few pints), alongside the huge portions of Hungarian goulash and more.
With their generous portions, immaculate interior, and lively atmosphere, you are encouraged to become part of the pub’s rich history by leaving your mark with a note stuck to the ceiling.
Pontoon
Address: Id. Antall József rkp. 1, 1051
Open: Daily 12 pm – 12 am
Set sail for the ultimate party experience in Budapest by stepping aboard Pontoon.
Situated right before the majestic views of the Buda Castle, Pontoon offers unforgettable summer nights filled with live music and unlimited techno parties! Best of all, entry is free as the free-flowing River Danube, meaning more money for drinks, snacks, and shots.
Pontoon is the ultimate hideaway boat that guarantees a distinct day and night experience in which you can indulge yourself in Gere wines, minty Hugo cocktails or pints of craft beer – depending on what you fancy.
Meet Fun Travellers on our Budapest Bar Crawl
Consistently rated among the best things to do in Budapest, our Budapest Bar Crawl guarantees a great night out.
Taste traditional drinks, visit Budapest’s coolest bars, and meet your lifelong friends from all over the world? Here’s what people are saying:
You and 15-20 other fun-loving travellers will visit at least four different locations, trying a tasty variety of traditional/classic drinks, and taking part in epic drinking games throughout the night.
