The very best 12 nightlife spots in Budapest, Hungary
Welcome to Budapest, the city that never sleeps (except perhaps during their exceptionally enjoyable afternoon naps)! Brace yourself for a wild ride as we delve into the best nocturnal hotspots this dazzling city has to offer. From the hip ruin bars of the Jewish Quarter to the mind-blowing boat parties along the Danube, Budapest's nightlife is an unstoppable force. So grab your dancing shoes, loosen those inhibitions, and prepare to create everlasting memories as the sun sets and the party animals come alive in the Hungarian capital.
Save destination1. Szimpla Kert
Budapest, Kazinczy u. 14, 1075 Hungary
Welcome to Szimpla Kert, the ultimate quirky hangout spot in Budapest! Step into a world where misplaced objects have found a home, resulting in a charming mishmash of vintage furniture and random household items. Enjoy your drink while sitting on a 1950s bathtub or beneath a wire-meshed ceiling adorned with bicycles - just don't get too lost trying to find the toilets, they're hidden behind a secret bookcase! Prepare for an eccentric experience as you navigate through the labyrinthine halls of Szimpla Kert. Witness the bizarre juxtaposition of a dilapidated car transformed into a DJ booth, surrounded by walls plastered with fluorescent street art. Be captivated by the scent of mouthwatering Hungarian street food, but beware of the occasional rogue vegetable that might tumble from the ceiling garden above and into your goulash! Don't forget to bring your sense of adventure when experiencing Szimpla Kert's vibrant nightlife. Dive headfirst into the sea of revelers dancing to the tunes of local artists, while wondering if the sparkling disco ball made from disco shoes is causing any confusing fashion dilemmas. Just remember, at Szimpla Kert, the unexpected is expected, the bizarre is the norm, and a night here is guaranteed to leave you with fantastical tales to share – until you stumble across yet another random object hanging from the ceiling!
Learn more2. TéT
Tét, 9100 Hungary
Welcome to TéT, the delightful haven for tea enthusiasts situated in the heart of Budapest! Prepare to embark on a whimsically eccentric journey as you step into a wonderland that combines the eclectic charm of a Victorian parlor with the laid-back vibes of a hipster hangout. With a vast selection of teas that could make even a teapot blush, TéT invites you to sip your cares away while basking in the cozy ambience that feels like a warm hug from an eccentric British aunt. Whether you're a certified tea connoisseur or just a novice seeking respite from the coffee-saturated world, TéT promises an experience that will leave you steeped in blissful satisfaction.
Learn more3. For Sale Pub
Budapest, Vámház krt. 2, 1053 Hungary
Welcome to For Sale Pub, the quirkiest establishment in Budapest where you can enjoy a pint and hunt for treasures at the same time. Nestled in the heart of the city, this pub boasts a unique décor featuring walls adorned with an eclectic mix of vintage items, from bicycles to old radios and even mismatched chairs. It's like stepping into a time-traveling thrift shop, but with the added bonus of excellent drinks and lively music. Don't forget to try their famous "self-serve beer taps," where you can pour your own beer and pretend you're an amateur bartender – just be sure not to mix up your tipple with the ancient typewriter next to you!
Learn more4. Anker't
Budapest, Paulay Ede u. 33, 1061 Hungary
Welcome to Anker't, Budapest's quirky hangout spot located in the heart of the city. You'll find this gem hidden away from the bustling streets, reminiscent of your favorite pair of underwear that always disappears in the laundry. Anker't combines the rustic charm of an abandoned warehouse with the hipster appeal of a bearded man sipping fair-trade coffee from a Mason jar. Enter with an open mind and prepare to indulge in a smorgasbord of eclectic events – from art exhibitions to DJ sets – all under one roof, turning even the most mundane evening into a wild adventure.
Learn more5. Hoppácska
Budapest, Ráday u. 33b, 1092 Hungary
Nestled away in the heart of Budapest lies Hoppácska, a whimsical paradise that will have you scratching your head and grinning like a Cheshire cat. This hidden gem is packed to the brim with quirky artifacts and mind-boggling oddities that will leave you wondering if you've stumbled into a wacky time warp. Prepare to embark on a journey through rooms adorned with mismatched furniture, walls plastered with peculiar posters, and even a ceiling that seems to have been splattered with paint by a troupe of acrobatic monkeys.
Learn more6. Ruin Bar
Budapest, Kazinczy u., 1075 Hungary
Tucked away in the heart of Budapest lies the enchanting and slightly peculiar Ruin Bar, a haven for all those with a penchant for peculiar pleasures and whimsical wonders. Step into a realm where crumbling ruins have found new life as vibrant bars, as if they were saying, "Who needs a roof when drinks are pouring?" Sip on a delightful concoction while perched upon weathered furniture, a true testament that comfort and stability are overrated when it comes to a night out in Budapest.
Learn more7. Instant
Budapest, Akácfa u. 51, 1073 Hungary
Welcome to Instant, Budapest's wildest amalgamation of bars and clubs housed within a labyrinthine venue. Prepare to embark on a joyous adventure reminiscent of Alice's escapades in Wonderland, except here, the door leads you to an absolute party utopia. Brace yourself for a sensory overload as you step into a kaleidoscope of eccentricities, where neon lights, retro decor, and a vibrant crowd collide to create an atomic fusion of funky fun.
Learn more8. Mazel Tov
Budapest, Akácfa u. 47, 1072 Hungary
Welcome to Mazel Tov, the perfect place in Budapest for those seeking a harmonious blend of Middle Eastern vibe and Hungarian charm! Nestled in the heart of the Jewish Quarter, this vibrant ruin pub will make you want to shout "Mazel Tov!" from the rooftop. Get ready to sip inventive cocktails while grooving to infectious beats in this former glass factory turned hipster haven, where even the walls seem to be covered in funky graffiti art. Don't miss the opportunity to indulge in delectable dishes from a menu that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance.
Learn more9. Liebling
Budapest, Akácfa u. 51, 1073 Hungary
Welcome to Budapest, where you will find a charming little café called Liebling. Nestled in this culinary haven are flavors that dance on your palate like synchronized swimmers at an aquatic ball. Picture yourself sipping a steaming cup of java as you sink into a vintage armchair, only to be serenaded by the crackling sounds of the espresso machine, playing a symphony of caffeinated delight. Just be warned, their delectable pastries are known to cast a spell on unsuspecting tourists, leaving them yearning for more and contemplating a relocation to this enchanting city.
Learn more10. Kőleves Kert
Budapest, Kazinczy u. 37-41, 1075 Hungary
Welcome to Kőleves Kert, Budapest's quirky secret garden where dining dreams come true! This whimsical oasis tucked away in the heart of the city will transport you to a parallel universe where delicious Hungarian cuisine collides with a sprinkle of bohemian madness. Prepare to be utterly bewitched as you sip your pálinka amidst the vintage furniture, fairy lights, and the occasional sighting of a wandering gnome who may or may not offer you a Hungarian folk dance lesson.
Learn more11. Fogas Ház
Budapest, Akácfa u. 51, 1073 Hungary
Welcome to Budapest, the land of mesmerizing architecture and delightful surprises! Step into Fogas Ház, a quirky and vibrant establishment that effortlessly combines the charm of a ruin bar with the flair of an artistic wonderland. Prepare yourself for a sensory adventure as you venture through a maze-like venue, where peculiar nooks and crannies hide eccentric bars, hidden dance floors, and even a secret garden - a true paradise for the intrepid explorer seeking unconventional fun in the heart of the city.
Learn more12. Doboz
Budapest, Klauzál u. 10, 1072 Hungary
Tucked away in the heart of Budapest, lies the charming and slightly eccentric establishment known as Doboz. Step into this whimsical wonderland and prepare to have your senses tantalized and your taste buds tickled. With its quirky décor and vibrant atmosphere, it's like stumbling upon an enchanted forest, where cocktails flow and laughter echoes through the night.
Learn moreHow to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Budapest by plane is by flying into Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD). Many airlines fly directly to this airport from major cities around the world.
Car
One can drive to Budapest from neighboring countries like Austria, Slovakia, and Romania. The main highways into Budapest are the M1, M3, and M5. However, driving in Budapest city center can be difficult due to heavy traffic and limited parking.
Train
Travelers can reach Budapest by train from several European cities such as Zurich, Vienna, and Munich. The main railway station in Budapest is Keleti Station, which is well connected to the Budapest metro network.
Boat
Although Budapest is located on the river Danube, there are no regular boat services into the city. However, it is possible to arrive by river cruise boats that usually dock at the Vigadó tér or Jászai Mari tér ports, located on the Pest side of the city.
Bus
There are several bus companies that operate services to Budapest from neighboring countries such as Austria, Croatia, and Slovakia. The main bus station in Budapest is Népliget, which is easily accessible by metro.