Szimpla Kert
Szimpla Kert is the original ruin bar and possibly the most important bar in Budapest. Opened in 2002 in a former stove factory on Kazinczy Street, District VII, it pioneered the concept of turning derelict buildings into bars. The space is a maze of rooms, courtyards, and levels, filled with mismatched furniture, bathtubs as seating, Trabant car-seats, and ever-changing art installations. Each room has a different character. The bar now hosts a Sunday farmers' market and regular cultural events. Despite massive tourism, the spirit of creative reuse and community remains.
What to Expect
The original ruin bar. A maze of rooms inside a former factory, each filled with eclectic art and furniture. The concept inspired hundreds of imitators worldwide but the original retains its magic.
The original ruin bar. Creative, chaotic, and essential.
Background eclectic: live shows on some nights, DJs on others
Casual.
Everyone visiting Budapest. This is essential.
Cash (HUF) and cards
Price Range
Beer HUF 700-1,000, cocktails HUF 1,200-2,000
≈ €2–5 / $2–5
Hours
Daily from noon to 4 AM
Insider Tip
Walk every room. The space keeps revealing itself. The farmers' market on Sundays is excellent. Go on a weekday to avoid the heaviest tourist crowds.
Address
Kazinczy utca 14
Other Venues in District VII
Instant-Fogas
A sprawling multi-room club complex spread across two connected buildings with different music on each floor. The largest nightlife venue in the district, open until dawn on weekends.
Doboz
A two-level ruin-style club with a courtyard garden and regular DJ sets leaning toward electronic and hip-hop. The upstairs balcony overlooks the main dance floor.
Anker't
A laid-back ruin garden bar in a former courtyard with string lights and outdoor seating. Popular for after-work drinks and lower-key nights compared to nearby clubs.
Kuplung
A former car repair shop turned ruin bar on Király utca with rotating street art on the walls. Live music and DJ nights keep the crowd going past midnight.
Mazel Tov
A restaurant-bar in a long greenhouse-style courtyard serving Middle Eastern food alongside cocktails. The atmosphere shifts from dinner spot to late-night lounge as the evening progresses.