CoolHunting: a guide to Budapest’s best bars

When visiting Budapest, the Hungarian capital, there are many activities tourists can choose from to enjoy their time spent here. One of these is experiencing the nightlife of Budapest and visiting one of the many bars that the city has to offer. From the famous ruin bars to establishments offering craft cocktails, everyone will find something that caters to their needs.

According to CoolHunting, drinking in Budapest is “to engage with the city’s fortunes”. For instance, the ruin pubs that have become one of the characteristic establishments of the city’s nightlife. They are a way to make use of the abandoned buildings primarily in the old Jewish Quarter of Budapest. Apart from these establishments that serve as “hybrid bar/café/performance venues”, lovers of craft cocktails, craft beer and unique wine varieties can also find places that will strike their fancy. CoolHunting assembled a list to help you choose, no matter what you are in the mood for.

Szimpla Kert

First, let us start with perhaps the most obvious choice. Szimpla Kert is considered the “original” ruin bar, but it did not lose any of its popularity over the years – it is still a favourite among young tourists, for example. The two-level establishment is located in an old factory building. You can find several bars on both levels, as well as a restaurant. Depending on the weather and your mood, you can choose to stay inside or enjoy the outdoor space that is just as special as it is indoors – unique, second-hand decoration provides the atmosphere. This space is wildly different in daylight, though – it can serve as the location of a farmers’ market, an art space, a cinema or even a recording studio. Nevertheless, it is worth visiting both during the day and at night.

Hotsy Totsy Bar & Barber

The idea might seem a bit absurd at first – go to the same place to drink where you get your hair cut or your beard trimmed. However, the reviews are very positive. The bartenders are very friendly and will do their best to create your favourite drink – there is no set menu, but they can make your own drink based on your personal preferences. The whole place has a unique atmosphere with its brick ceiling – it is worth checking out for the ambience, too.

Tasting Table

Tasting Table is the perfect place to get to know Hungary’s twenty wine regions a bit better – it is both a wine shop and tasting room. There is a wide variety of wines available here, including elegant but affordable choices. One thing is for sure: they are unique to Hungary. In the words of CoolHunting: