Ruin pubs or “romkoscma” (trying saying that after a few). These are bars set in wild derelict buildings, and the best place to party.
Goulash, lots of goulash.
Beer is dirt cheap and delicious.
They throw some serious shapes on the dancefloor.
They put paprika in EVERYTHING.
Their Turkish baths are mega. Hungarians are totally cool with bathing together.
There are hardly any places open to eat after hours, only falafel shops – no kebabs, no burgers and no chips.
The policy ‘the customer is always right’ does not apply in most bars.
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AQVA Lounge Bar at the MarriottWith a stunning view of the castle and The Danube, plus some of the best bar food in town, Aqua is terrace glamour in summer and old school bling in winter. Focusing on the Aqua Vitae, Palinka, (the national spirit) Read More |
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Bacardi Original Bar - BOBBOB, as it’s known by the locals, is a cool bar with epic views over the water and the Buda Castle. It’s a good time party bar that will keep you drinking and dancing until it’s time to get ready Read More |
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Boutiq' BarEnter Boutiq’ safe in the knowledge that these dudes know their sh*t. Their passion for fantastic cocktails, good banter and a little drink history is what got this ‘neo-speakeasy’ listed in both the Sunday Times and Drink International’s 50 Best Read More |
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Brody StudiosThe Brody Empire is as cool as it gets if you’re looking to eat, drink, sleep and play under one roof in Budapest. First up, it’s technically members only, but consider that a challenge. If you stay at Brody House Read More |
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DobloIn the heart of the Jewish district, this is a great little wine bar to cosy up in with a date, and a good place to bring any wine snobs that are kicking about. It’s seating only so book in Read More |
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Ellátó KertA tad tricky to find, Ellátó Kert is nestled within a square, in a square. Look out for the abattoir type plastic curtains and bizarre painted murals, and you’ve arrived. The seating area is mainly outside for the summer times, but Read More |
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Fogas HázFogas Ház translated literally means ‘Tooth house,’ and is named after the dental laboratory that this place once was in the fifties. The whole concept kinda gives BarChick the heebs but whatevs, look out for the sign with a cheesy Read More |
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Iguana Bar & GrillBudapest’s best tequila led bar, popular with local diplomatic types (the US Embassy’s just around the corner) and local party people alike. The walls are covered in Mexican film memorabilia and Texan number plates, with music staying true to theme. The Tex-Mex grill Read More |
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InnioWith huge vaulted ceilings, arches and floor-to-dome windows, Innio isn’t your typical dungeon-style wine bar. Settle in for the evening at the bar and get friendly with the sommeliers or sink into a sofa with a wine-loving mate. The service is Read More |
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InstantBarChick found the party people; the kids at this ruin bar go hard. Think, gritty, cheap and with more backpackers than Ko Pha Ngan, thanks to the hostel upstairs. Party hunters flock from all over Europe to play in here, Read More |
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KioskWith views of Elisabeth Bridge, the Buda Castle and Gellert Hill, Kiosk is a good place to settle in for an afternoon sesh. It’s big enough for all your mates thanks to its crumbling warehouse vibes and the menu will Read More |
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KolorOn the corner of Gozsdu courtyard, in Pest’s party center, Kolor is two floors of drinking fun! Upstairs it’s light and airy, with an outside section (covered and heated in winter) and lots of inside tables near the bar that Read More |
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LokálIn the entrance to Lokál lies a small skate shop, this is where the cool kids hang out; we’re talking skaters, grungers and fifties pin up girls, shabba. Walk up the grand spiral staircase and you’ll find the bar, numerous Read More |
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Mazel TovWhen you enter through the giant door, you’ll need a moment to adjust to Mazel Tov’s prettiness. It’s a large open space with a tiled bar and open kitchen running down the left hand side, with twinkling white tables occupied Read More |
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ÖtkertÖtkert’s a bar with a split personality. By day it’s a good place to swing by for coffee or a bite to eat, serving traditional goulash soup and hot cheese salads alongside a healthy dose of cocktails to help you Read More |
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Rumba CaféIt says Café, but really what it means is badass rum and cocktail bar. Better right? This basement in the 9th district is home to colourful, original décor and furniture, the smell of freshly squeezed limes and oodles of Cuban Read More |
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SpilerIf you’re looking for a slightly more polished affair than the disheveled ruin pubs offer, then get your pretty little backside down to Spiler. Owner and designer Roy Zsidai wanted to bring something fresh to District 7 when he created this Read More |
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Szimpler KertThis is Alice in Wonderland on acid; the enchanted garden and trippy lighting make BarChick never want to leave. The largest and probably most renowned of the ruin pubs, this place is wig out. Nothing makes sense, everything’s a mess, Read More |
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The CaledoniaRun by a Hungarian and a Scot, this Scottish haven is remarkable for its massive selection of international whiskies and knowledgeable staff. There’s a private whisky room and shop and a great beer selection too with wee crackers like the Read More |