Budapest is Hungary's capital and the country's largest existing city with over one million inhabitants. Due to its geographical location, Budapest has temperate weather attracting tourists from all over the world to experience this historical & architecturally rich city.

People looking for a luxurious yet budget-savvy break with its inexpensive grand thermal spas and cheap Budapest hotels creates the ultimate treat for the holiday maker and back- packer alike. One fun and unusual pull for the social tourist are the famous Ruin Bars that populate previously abandoned buildings.

Photo wikimedia commons, Yelkrokoyade, adapted by Wandering Educators

Ruin bars (or Ruin Pubs) are considered to be the equivalent of night clubs in the West. The ruined structures of the pubs are redesigned using retro décor as bars and music venues creating the most unique places to party with incredible vibes and fun atmospheres.

Corvin Teto

Corvin Teto is a bar & nightclub randomly located on the rooftop of a supermarket. The original stairwell is splashed with old-skool graffiti but if you wish you can take the elevator and even be served drinks on your way up or down. Corvin Teto boasts the best views of Budapest of all the ruin pubs & at night it is wonderful to take a breather from dancing to sit and look out from the roof top as the entire city glimmers.

Szimpla Kert

Of the many ruin bars in Budapest, Szimpla Kert is the one that shouldn't be missed. Recognized as the original ruin bar, Szimpla Kert continues to be the largest and the most popular ruin bar in operation. This bar is filled with unconventional furniture styles and interesting cocktails including the Trabant, the groovy remnants of a communist car that you can sit and have a drink in.

Szimpla Kert

Gondozó kert

It’s said that the name of the pub ‘Gondozo Kert’ was coined as the venue used to be an old people's home, the name in Hungarian meaning ‘Caretakers Garden’. This smaller yet no less atmospheric pub is located in the 8th district in a bit of a rundown area but if you want to experience it like a local then this is the place to go.

Dürer kert

Seated right next to the City Park, Durer Kert is considered to be a place for a great night out. This venue boasts the city's best DJs, great drinks, live singing bands - and it is located in the former building of ELTE University. Its' main feature is its garden, however if you prefer indoor action then there are plenty of activities such as darts, table tennis and football to keep you and your friends entertained.

Instant

Hip, wacky and unusual, are the perfect words to describe the Instant bar, a former two story apartment block. Different themes adorn each room & strange giant ornamental hybrid animals hang from the ceiling. A large dance floor in the cellar will eventually persuade you to leave the bizarre décor behind and groove the night away until the early hours.

Experiencing Budapest is a must if you are travelling through Europe and don’t forget to try ‘Palinka’ -  the national Hungarian drink available in a number of fruity flavours when you visit the unique and unusual ‘Ruin’ bars.