10 most recommended bars in Budapest

Szimpla - Simply must

This bar is a must in Budapest. One of the largest ruin bars, it occupies a large courtyard and 2 indoor floors in a derelict building in district VII. The décor is very eclectic and seating includes bathtubs and an old Trabant car. You will find bands and DJ's who occasionally play, although due to its residential location the music is kept low. This is a cool, funky bar to chill out and relax with friends.

Opening: Mon-Sun: 12-03h
Address: Kazinczy u. 14.
Website: www.szimpla.hu

Szoda - Sizzling and bubbling like a soda

Szoda is on two levels, upstairs a busy bar with some intimate seating at the back, decorated with strange Manga art. Downstairs in the cellar is far more lively, with a dance floor and regular DJ's to party the night away. This place has a good fun party vibe.

Opening: Mon-Sun: 18-02h
Address: Wesselenyi u. 18.
Website: www.szoda.com

Mumus - The entertaining boogeyman

Another of Budapest's Ruin bars, located in an abandoned building in district VII. There is more to this bar than meets the eye. As you enter, the courtyard opens up and reveals a long bar, steel drums that double as lights and tables, beer crates for seats and a cute little comfy nook out the back. Upstairs you'll find a dance floor with a DJ playing alternative tracks and hidden behind the bar are comfortable sofas for a more chilled out night. Throughout the building freaky works of art lurk in every corner and even on the ceiling.

Opening: Mon-Sun: 17-02h
Address: Dob u. 18.
Website: www.mumus.eu

Corvinteto - Rooftop bar in the central

If you can survive the hike up 5 floors of stairs, you will be rewarded with an enormous roof top bar with views of the city. You can even see as far as the Liberty Statue on the Buda side. In the summer months the rooftop is heaving with people and goes till early in the morning. Downstairs is where you'll find the DJ's playing all kinds of music to an up for it crowd who want to party until dawn.

Opening: Mon-Sun: 18-02h
Address: Blaha Lujza tér 1-2.
Website: www.corvinteto.hu/en

Kuplung - The clutch of bars

This former bus garage is now a funky bar with graffiti style decoration. It has a covered terrace, a dance floor out the back and a DJ booth built into the body of a Trabant Car.

Opening: Mon-Sun: 18-05h
Address: Kiraly u. 46.
Website: www.kuplung.net

Instant - Quick and spontaneous

Hidden away in Budapest's old Broadway theatre district, Instants small entrance opens up into an outdoor bar with a large interior courtyard, two floors and a dance floor in the cellar. With various themed rooms, wacky objects and pieces of art this is one of the more unique places to visit. Usually attracts a young up for it crowd.
The website worth checkin'! ;)

Opening: Mon-Sun: 16-03h
Address: Nagymezo u. 38.
Website: www.instant.co.hu/en/

Jelen - Past, present and future

This spacious bohemian bar attracts a lively student crowd until late. A side bar plays mainly jazz music but can also attract DJ's and small concerts.

Opening: Sun-Mon: 16-02h Tue-Sat: 16-04h
Address: Blaha Lujza ter 1-2. (Behind Corvinteto)
Website: unknown (sorry!)

Tuzrakter - Fire-storage-space

This bar is one of Budapest's newest location but already exist since 2005. Since opening in 2008 it offers 5300 square meters of activities, both cultural and recreational. The main concept refers to squat houses, cultural center and of course a pub mixed with concerts and performances.

Opening: Mon-Sun: 16-05h
Address: Hegedu u. 3.
Website: www.tuzraktar.hu

Csiga - The low-key snail cafe

Tall ceilings and bright décor with a cool mezzanine level, Csiga appeals to the alternative set with it's funky cheap menu and relaxed ambience. It has more of a café vibe than a bar but can be enjoyed any hour of the day. A good place to chill out after frantic shopping at the market next door.

Opening: Mon-Sun: 11-01h
Address: Vasar u. 2.
Website: www.cafecsiga.org

Koleves - Stone soup

Stone Soup's name came from an old fable about a man who created a dinner for a whole town out of a handful of stones and a good idea. This outdoor bar trades on the same principles. Cheap drinks, cool umbrellas and free blankets to keep you warm on those cooler evenings make this an excellent choice to start your big night out in style.

Opening: Mon-Sun: 12-24h
Address: Kazinczy u. 35.
Website: www.koleves.com

So these are the bars of our selection. What's your favorite bar in Budapest?