5 Fun Szimpla Kert Tips: Visiting the Original Ruin Bar in Budapest

Szimpla Kert

Did you know in Hungary’s capital the run-down warehouses, old factories, and even abandoned buildings are being transformed into the hippest places to go out? Nestled right in the heart of the Jewish Quarter is Szimpla Kert, the original ruin bar in Budapest. Come learn about what makes Szimpla Kert so special, the unique history of ruin bars in Budapest, and 5 fun tips for your visit. 

Hungary Travel Inspiration

History of Ruin Bars in Budapest Hungary

Ruin bars first jumped on the scene in the early 2000’s and quickly captivated their patrons. Yet before other nightlife establishments could take shape it all started with one building in the Jewish Quarter. Yes, it was Szimpla Kert that began the whole movement! 

To make a long story short, a group of people in Budapest basically saved a warehouse from getting demolished and turned it into the first bar of its kind. Then instead of remodeling the old building completely, they built around the rubbish and added quirky decor and furniture. 

These days the ruin bars in Budapest have become a fun way to view local art, take in live music, and have some drinks with friends. They’re truly a tourist destination in themselves with more and more popping up each year! 

Keep in mind a portion of the ruin bars in Budapest close down for winter as they’re set outdoors. Be sure to check which ones stay open through the colder months before you go! 

Szimpla Kert Ruin Bar

Szimpla Kert: The First Ruin Bar in Budapest

You can’t talk about the best nightlife in the city without bringing up Szimpla Kert! It’s the original ruin bar in Budapest and features incredible artistry in each room. There are soooo many to explore at Szimpla Kert Budapest, but our favorite rooms were the gardens upstairs, the open-air back area, and of course the bathtub room on the first level.

That’s right! You can have your beer in a bathtub at Szimpla Kert! Located in the heart of Budapest’s Jewish Quarter, you won’t find a more lively and fun atmosphere anywhere in the city. No matter where we were in Budapest we always found ourselves wandering over here for a quick beer at some point in the day.

Szimpla Kert Ruin Bar Budapest

5 Tips for Visiting Szimpla Kert Budapest

1. Go to Szimpla Kert Early

Szimpla Kert is in a popular area that you will be most likely pass serval times as you walk around Budapest. Don’t wait for the late-night party hour to make your first visit! Szimpla Kert is open daily from 3pm to 4am except for Saturday and Sunday when they open earlier. 

If you wait until the night to go it will be so crowded that you won’t be able to easily see all the rooms. That’s why we recommended stopping into Szimpla Kert for the first time during the afternoon so you can experience it without the crowds.

Szimpla Kert BudapestRuin Bar

2. Wander Around the Unique Rooms 

Szimpla Kert is not only famous for being the first ruin bar in Budapest Hungary, but also for how large and unique it is. It honestly feels like you’re wandering around some sort of strange house out of a dream!

When first strolling in you will go down a dark hallway which eventually opens up to the middle of the courtyard. Make sure to go through all the different rooms on the ground floor before heading the the upper level to see more. Just when we thought there were no more rooms at Szimpla Kert in Budapest we would find another around the corner.

From hot pink lights to full plants and jungle rooms, there is so much interesting art and design going on at Szimpla Kert. There is even a famous room with bathtubs in it! 

Szimpla Kert Pink Room

Ruin Bar Szimpla Kert

Ruin Bar Szimpla Kert Bathtub

3. Try Cherry Beer & Other Local Specialties

The menu at Szimpla Kert Budapest has something for everyone and every budget. We were actually surprised by how decent the prices were for it being the most popular ruin bar in Budapest.

We tried a bunch of beers at Szimpla Kert and our favorite was definitely the Meggy Sour Cherry Ale! Neither of us is usually a fan of fruity beers but this one really hits the spot. This is a staple at the ruin bars in Budapest so we highly recommend you try it. 

Don’t like sour cherry? Don’t worry! There are plenty of other good drinks and beers on tap. Also, if you’re in the mood you can order a fruit-flavored Palinka. This is a traditional Hungarian fruit spirit that will really get you in the mood to party.

We have never tried the food at Szimpla Kert in Budapest but it looks like they have some decent pubs snacks and meals to enjoy. Be sure to check out our food lovers guide below if you haven’t yet!

What to Eat in Budapest Hungary: One Day Delicious Food Guide

Szimpla Kert Menu

4. Party the Night Away at Szimpla Kert

A place like Szimpla Kert doesn’t stay open till 4am without having a wild and unique party scene. We found that each room has a great vibe with its own feel and music playing. Some nights they even have bands and DJs performing here.

There is a large main bar as soon as you walk into Szimpla Kert. However, what makes it one of the coolest places to visit are other bars scattered throughout the rooms to discover. 

The bars all have a different style and serve completely separate drinks from one other. This Budapest ruin bar has everything from cocktails to wine, and of course beer. It really seems like you’re in a dozen different ruin bars and not just one. 

As you can imagine, It can get a little crazy here on a Saturday night if you’re staying out until 4am. This sign below sums up late nights at Szimpla Kert Budapest… Just remember to take your shoes off before you get in the bathtub!

Szimpla Kert Budapest Party

5. Sunday Farmers Market at Szimpla Kert

In addition to the great music and drinks, Szimpla Kert has a weekly farmer’s market every Sunday morning. This is the one day they open at 9am, and it’s a completely unique experience compared to the late nights we just mentioned.

Local vendors come from all over the city to sell their own crafts at this popular ruin bar in Budapest. With items ranging from handmade jewelry to colorful clothing and souvenirs, this is a fun time to go to Szimpla Kert if you’re not into the party scene. 

Szimpla Kert Market

Is Szimpla Kert Worth Visiting?

Yes! The Szimpla Kert ruin bar is such a great place to visit on your trip to Budapest. It’s a great atmosphere where you can find cheap beer, live bands, and fun ambience in the city. 

While there are so many other great spots to check out in the capital of Hungary, we haven’t found one we love as much as Szimpla Kert! If you’re on the pest side of Budapest definitely be sure to stop into the original ruin bar.

Have any questions about Szimpla Kert or want to share more of the best bars in Budapest? Leave us a comment below!

Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake

Where in the world are we? Follow our daily adventures on Instagram @nothingfamiliar

Where To Stay In Budapest Hungary

Ultra Luxury – The Ritz-Carlton – What really can we say? The Ritz-Carlton is the premier luxury hotel throughout the world, and that’s no different in Budapest! Enjoy the most central location in the city with all the amenities you’d expect from the Ritz.

Fun Vacation – D8 Hotel – Just steps from the chain bridge, this hotel is located in the heart of the city. Unique interior design and a great breakfast to get your day started before you drop into Anker’t for a cold one!

Hostel Life – Wombats City Hostel – Located in the center of the city close to popular cafes, bars and quick walk form Szimpla Kert. Daily buffet breakfast, shared kitchen, and large common room. Private rooms are perfect for travel couples, and this 24/7 hostel has something for everyone!

For more places to stay in Budapest you can explore the latest prices here!

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Szimpla Kert Budapest

Hungary Travel Planning 

 Flights: We always find great flight deals using Skyscanner and Kayak. This way you can plan your trip around the cheapest and most direct routes.

 Accommodation: Compare multiple sites to get the best deal such as Booking.com and Agoda! Also,  Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget. 

Rental Car: We use Discover Cars to rent vehicles on our travels. In Hungary, there are many beautiful cities and small towns to explore. 

Tours: Check out Get Your Guide for hundreds of activities around the country. You can book a Széchenyi spa full day pass in Budapest, try a Hungarian wine tasting, or jump on a sightseeing river cruise

 Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without being covered! We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.

 Packing Lists: Find all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including our electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials

Hungry Travel

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Brigitte & Jake

We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!

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