How to drink in Budapest when the pubs reopen

Would you come to our capital for the first time? Do you have a couple of weeks and want to get the broadest possible range of pub life here? These pubs in Budapest are definitely worth a visit to see the whole picture and have a memorable experience.

Szimpla Kert – The most iconic ruin bar. It has earned its reputation as the most emblematic ruin pub in Budapest. Always full of life, with an international but at the same time typical audience in the middle of the city, where something always happens, and there is always someone to talk to. There is a great selection of drinks and you always feel like you are at an exhibition, observing copious interesting things.

Élesztőház – The mother of Hungarian small-scale pubs – Like the previously mentioned Szimpla, it is a whole old building, but it does not strive for as much of a ruined vibe. Its central space is a two-room brasserie with plenty of extra independent sections: a wine bar, a sophisticated and varied street food counter, among others. Although the additional design is mostly in line with international trends, a unique atmosphere is present at the end.

Keret klub – This pub gets its underground feel from the fact that it is officially a social club, so you will need to register to enter. The reason for legal manoeuvring is to allow smoking inside. The familiar, rustic interior evokes the atmosphere of an age of prohibition, where the common cause brought out the friendliest side of people. But tobacco is not the only tempting item on their menu – there are cold beers, grilled sandwiches and plenty of board games.

Lámpás – Wonderful, musical hide with an enchanting atmosphere. A dark but atmospherically bright cellar maze from the VII. district, next to Gozsdu yard, which is one of the centres of nightlife, always full of people. A place for regular musical performances, from amateurs to professionals, with free stage performances. There’s a steamy atmosphere as if you’re part of a secret conspiracy.

Red Ruin Bar – In Budapest’s heart is a communism-themed bar with red lights and a sense of humour about the political past. The first thing to see is a mural of Karl Marx, Lenin, Stalin and Mao Zedong celebrating in birthday hats. The red light and the pop up art continues in the whole bar, down to the red brick basement. Red Ruin bar offers a wide range of craft beers, shots and even meals, and they have a small terrace too, of course with red tables.

360 Bar – Compared to the bohemian atmosphere of the recommendations so far, this is an exquisite option! Above Andrássy út, a part of the world heritage, there is a panoramic terrace pub on the tallest building of the street, which shows Budapest from a rare perspective. Not only unique but also comfortable, refreshing in its furnishings, also very suitable for groups, with a vibrant feel, music and kitchen.

Oportó Winery – It is one of the longest open pubs in the inner 11th district with special wines and furnished like a transport museum. It includes an old tram, with age-accurate seats, handrails, ticket punchers, black and white views, just right with a beer bench in the middle.

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Source: ruinbarsbudapest.com, offbeatbudapest.com, kocsmaturista.hu, welovebudapest.hu