Budapest Nightlife
Ruin pubs in Budapest are having their heyday, as old abandoned buildings are given a second chance by being creatively transformed into quirky eclectic bars, having earned the city the nickname Party Capital of Europe. Head to Deák Ferenc tér or get off the tram anywhere along the Grand Boulevard, and take to the streets of the fifth and seventh districts, the city's most vibrant neighborhoods where parties and shots of pálinka never seem to come to an end.
Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock.comSzimpla Kert
Get a taste of Budapest's famous eclectic ruin pubs at the city's number-one venue of this kind: Szimpla has become a flagship bar in the city, with two floors furnished with mismatched second-hand items and a disused Trabant car, serving not only as a watering hole of young internationals but also a hangout place with events, music and markets where you are welcome to bring your family as well.
Oliver Huitson/Shutterstock.comPontoon
Located at the foot of the iconic Chain bridge, Pontoon is probably the most scenic outdoor bar in Budapest. Grab a chair and drink, enjoy the live music, and admire the sparkling night lights of Buda.
Thanantorn Kainet/Shutterstock.comSpoon
Spoon is an excellent choice if you want to enjoy drinks with splendid views across the Danube. It is a two-floor boat anchored by the Pest quay, with a buzzing lounge bar and an upscale restaurant serving fusion cuisine.
Artur Bogacki/Shutterstock.comGozsdu Court
Arguably Budapest's busiest pedestrian street, Gozsdu is filled with trendy bars, eateries and nightclubs, welcoming visitors from the afternoon until late in the night. The stylish decors and murals are worth even a simple stroll through this covered courtyard, which turns into a flea market every weekend.
sibiranna/Shutterstock.comInstant-Fogas
With 6 dance floors, 18 bars, plus two gardens, Instant-Fogas is an unmissable party haven of the nightlife district, hosting various music events and throwing some of the longest parties in town — and equipped with a map of the venue, in the likely case you get lost inside.
v.gi/Shutterstock.comA38
A38 is a floating venue for night-long entertainment, unmissable near Petőfi Bridge on the Buda side. A reconstructed Ukrainian ship equipped with several bars, a restaurant, and a concert hall that hosts hip artists several days a week and throws some of the most popular dance parties in the capital.
bbernard/Shutterstock.comKisüzem
If Szimpla Kert is too international for you, head to Kisüzem: this small but busy pub gets filled with locals every day of the week, enjoying the moderately priced, vast drink selection and relaxd atmosphere in Budapest's crazy party neighborhood.
Yurii Zymovin/Shutterstock.comMorrison's 2
Morrison's 2, Budapest's largest disko, offers a vibrant nightlife experience with multiple bars, four dance floors featuring techno and disco music, as well as karaoke sessions. The venue includes an all-year heated garden, providing guests with an inviting atmosphere to enjoy music and drinks regardless of the weather.
charles taylor/Shutterstock.comMacska
Macska is a small neighbourhood pub with a warm and eclectic interior, offering a unique beer selection along with vegan food, to be had on a cozy gallery stuffed with pillows and beanbags.
Supermop/Shutterstock.comGrandio Jungle Bar
Housed in one of Budapest's most popular party hostels serving booze around the clock, Grandio Jungle Bar is a place where you can hang out with other visitors and have some pre-drinks for an extended pub crawl in the party neighbourhood.
DisobeyArt/Shutterstock.com4es6os Wesselényi
You'll probably not leave Budapest without hopping on trams 4 and 6 several times as you make your way through the Grand Boulevard of the city. This popular and affordable chain has several easily recognizable venues along what is also the busiest tram line in the world. Sports broadcasts, table football, and a vibrating atmosphere every day of the week.
Fesus Robert/Shutterstock.com