Budapest’s best ruin bars
Budapest’s ‘ruin bars’ – quirky pubs and clubs that have taken over the city’s abandoned spaces – shouldn’t be missed. Here are four of the best to start you off…
1. Szimpla Kert
2. Lokál
Lokál is slightly smaller than some of its fellows, and also slightly quieter, being more of a locals’ pub than Instant or Szimpla – the bar staff will be a lot friendlier and chattier if you at least attempt a köszönöm (thank you) in Hungarian. There’s an incredibly mixed crowd, from ageing locals who have lived through a communist Hungary to wide-eyed young backpackers.
3. Instant
4. Fogasház
Bright primary colours light up the courtyard of Fogasház, which is a lovely spot for wiling away the evening. This is one of the quieter ruin bars in the city – both in volume of crowds and music. Fogasház has a relaxed vibe, with small tables allowing intimate conversation, and bicycles adopted to decorate the walls.
