It all starts with an abandoned building slated for demolition. A group of young people suggests renting it at a nominal fee to the city council to turn it into a bar. The council agrees while completing the necessary paperwork before tearing it down, and thus, we have our kertek, which means “gardens” in Hungarian, but are widely known in Europe as ruin pubs.
The transformation is stunning; you’ll find old Soviet-era buildings, open courtyards, and even industrial units uniquely decorated in Budapest. Imagine a bicycle embedded into a wall or televisions hanging decoratively from cables. You’ll see large film projectors and countless paintings, sculptures, and other objects repurposed into art. All of this quirky ambiance is surrounded by bars offering affordable prices.
These spaces are not just bars; they also serve as cultural and social hubs, showrooms, and whatever else the creators can dream up. Each ruin pub has its own unique vibe, and visiting them is a must if you want to enjoy real palinka, a traditional Hungarian fruit liquor, in the best setting:
– Szimpla Kert, Kazinczy utca 14: This is the most famous and oldest ruin bar, and arguably the most comprehensive. Here, you can drink their house-made beers, admire the eclectic decor, dine, and attend film festivals, DJ sessions, and concerts.
– Mika Tivadar Kert, Kazinczy utca 47: Part of a well-known triangle of ruin bars frequented by many, this bar has quickly become one of the busiest thanks to its concerts, parties, and hot dogs.
– Ellátó Kert, Kazinczy utca 48: Known for its Mexican vibe, it’s part of what locals call the Bermuda Triangle of Budapest—you might find it hard to leave once you enter! It’s popular with a mixed-age crowd, offering Mexican tacos, and has a ballroom and game room for pool, table tennis, and table football.
– Fogas Ház, Akácfa utca 51: With an outdoor patio, this bar offers crazy decor, concerts, parties, and more. By day, it functions as a cultural center with various activities and free cinema and theater shows, making it a place to enjoy both day and night.
– Corvin tető, Blaha Lujza tér 1-2: Located above a department store, this bar features a 600m² terrace with amazing views of city rooftops, neon signs, cranes, and the Buda Hills. It’s a notable spot on the music scene, hosting live performances in various styles.
– Koleves Kert, Kazinczy utca 41: This place gets busy in the afternoon with families, where kids can play on swings while parents relax and chat. In the evening, it becomes a popular spot for after-work drinks and is a favorite among college students due to its proximity to campus.
– Gradió, Nagy Diofa utca 8: Not just a bar, it’s also a hostel for travelers. The lush vegetation has turned the courtyard into something resembling a jungle, perfect for enjoying drinks at a long bar.
These ruin pubs are a unique and integral part of Budapest’s nightlife, offering something for everyone.