Szimpla Kert
Budapest's first ruin pub, set in a derelict old building in the Jewish Quarter. Graffiti walls, old bathtub seats and a bar made from a small car make it a must-visit for nightlife.
Szimpla Kert opened in 2002 at 14 Kazinczy Street, in an old apartment block in the Jewish Quarter that was facing demolition. It pioneered the “ruin pub” (romkocsma), a format unique to Budapest. The building keeps its dilapidated look and is packed with flea-market furniture, salvaged bathtubs and sawn-off East German Trabant cars used as booths. Graffiti and scraps of paper cover the walls. The staircase, the terrace and the courtyard each have their own bars and small rooms with different styles. At night there are classic film screenings, live bands and DJs. Entry is free. A beer costs about 1,200 to 1,800 forints and a cocktail around 2,500 forints. This is a little pricier than an average bar, but still cheaper than Western Europe. In the courtyard, food stalls sell burgers and lángos. Every Sunday from 09:00 to 14:00 the space becomes a farmers' market selling organic produce, cheese and honey. You can also come here for brunch. Nearby on Kazinczy and Dob Streets are other ruin pubs and restaurants, including Instant-Fogas, Mazel Tov (a courtyard restaurant) and Kőleves. The Great Synagogue on Dohány Street, Europe's largest synagogue, charges about 12,000 forints for entry. The Karaván street food court is also close by. You can explore the history of the Jewish Quarter first, then move on to the nightlife. Note: on Friday and Saturday nights the place is extremely crowded after 22:00, so keep an eye on your belongings. Indoor smoking areas are limited. Visitors over 30 will appreciate the building more by daytime or on a weekday evening. Getting there: the Astoria stop on M2, or Deák Ferenc tér on M1, M2 or M3, is an 8-minute walk away. Night buses run 24 hours.
Opening hours
Mon–Sat 15:00–04:00, Sun 09:00–04:00 (Sunday morning is a farmers' market)
Nearby sights
- Dohány Street Synagogue
- St. Stephen's Basilica
- Hungarian National Museum
- New York Café
- Hungarian State Opera House
- House of Terror
- Váci Street & Vörösmarty Square
- Great Market Hall