Szimpla Kert Ruin Bar

Tucked away in the heart of Budapest’s vibrant Jewish Quarter, Szimpla Kert has become one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. What started as a bold experiment in a crumbling building is today a magnet for travelers and locals alike, drawn by its surreal décor, buzzing atmosphere, and ever-changing program of cultural events. From sipping cocktails in a courtyard filled with vintage oddities to browsing the famous Sunday flea market, this ruin bar offers an experience unlike any other in Hungary.

Whether you’re planning your first night out in Budapest or curious about the history of the ruin bar movement, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know: where to find Szimpla Kert, when to visit, what to eat and drink, and why it remains the most eclectic nightlife spot among all the bars in Budapest.

What is Szimpla Kert known for?

is more than just a pub—it’s a cultural institution and the birthplace of the ruin bar movement in Budapest. Opened in 2002, this venue transformed an abandoned factory and residential building into a vibrant gathering place filled with mismatched furniture, graffiti-covered walls, and quirky art installations. Located at Kazinczy utca 14, in the heart of Budapest’s historic Jewish Quarter, it quickly became a model for dozens of other ruin pubs that followed.

Over the years, Szimpla has been ranked among the best bars in Budapest, including being named the 3rd best bar in the world by Lonely Planet. What sets it apart is its eclectic atmosphere: by day, you can stroll through its labyrinthine rooms, photograph its surreal design, or enjoy coffee in the courtyard; by night, it morphs into a bustling hub of Hungarian nightlife, with live concerts, DJs, and an international crowd.

Why are they called ruin bars in Budapest?

The term ruin bar (romkocsma in Hungarian) describes a unique type of venue that emerged in the early 2000s. Many buildings in the Jewish Quarter were left in disrepair after World War II and decades of neglect during the Communist era. Instead of demolishing these crumbling structures, local entrepreneurs repurposed them into pubs. They embraced the decay, filling interiors with flea-market finds, recycled décor, and street art.

This creative reuse not only gave birth to Szimpla Kert, the first ruin bar in Budapest, but also sparked a trend that turned urban decay into one of Hungary’s most popular attractions. Today, ruin bars are essential stops on any guide to Budapest nightlife.

What is the history of Szimpla Kert?

The story of Szimpla Kert is a tale of ingenuity. A group of students first opened a modest bar in 2002, in a courtyard on Kertész utca. The concept was simple: cheap drinks, a relaxed vibe, and a space where anyone could come as they were. Its popularity soon forced the team to relocate to a larger venue.

In 2004, they moved to their now-iconic home to the current location. The building—once a stove factory and later flats—was slated for demolition. Instead, Szimpla’s founders transformed it into a maze of themed rooms and outdoor courtyards. They preserved its rough, dilapidated charm, layering it with surrealist artwork, vintage furniture, and interactive installations.

Since then, Szimpla has expanded beyond being just a beer bar. It now hosts live concerts, open-air film screenings, art exhibitions, workshops, and even a weekly farmers’ and flea market, proving it is as much a cultural hub as a nightlife hotspot.

Where is Szimpla Kert located in Budapest?

You’ll find Szimpla Kert right in the heart of Budapest’s nightlife district, at Kazinczy utca 14, in the city’s historic Jewish Quarter. This neighborhood, officially known as Erzsébetváros (District VII), is a lively area packed with cafés, art galleries, and alternative bars in Budapest. Its narrow streets are a hub for both locals and tourists looking to experience the eclectic side of the Hungarian capital.

The location is also practical: the ruin bar is only a short walk from landmarks like the Dohány Street Synagogue and Astoria metro station. With its central setting, Szimpla Kert is an easy stop whether you’re exploring the quarter by day or hopping between venues on a night out.

The Szimpla Kert Experience

What makes Szimpla Kert unique inside?

Stepping into Szimpla Kert ruin bar is like entering an urban playground of creativity. The design embraces imperfection: peeling walls, eccentric murals, and furniture that looks like it’s been rescued from flea markets. Instead of hiding the decay, Szimpla celebrates it, filling every corner with surprises. One room might be lit by colored fairy lights, another lined with old cinema seats, while the central courtyard glows with eclectic art pieces and mismatched tables.

The atmosphere is intentionally unpolished and full of contrasts—industrial one moment, whimsical the next. It’s this blend of old and new, ruin and reinvention, that makes Szimpla an icon of Budapest nightlife.

Drinks and food: from beer bar to cocktails

Szimpla has grown into a place where everyone finds something to enjoy. If you’re after simplicity, there’s no shortage of cold Hungarian beers on tap. For something more refined, the upstairs wine bar pours regional specialties, including robust reds from Villány and Tokaji dessert wines. Cocktail lovers are spoiled too: bartenders mix both classics and creative twists, often using seasonal ingredients.

To accompany the drinks, Szimpla’s menu covers a wide spectrum. Light bites like soups and tapas are popular for sharing, while burgers and warm dishes satisfy those who want a meal. On weekends, brunch is served upstairs, offering a hearty way to start the day—or recover from a long night out.

A different vibe by day and night

Part of Szimpla’s charm is how much it changes depending on when you visit:

• By day: The pace is slower, and the space feels more like a community hub than a bar. You might see people working on laptops, families visiting the Sunday flea market, or travelers photographing the colorful details. The relaxed energy makes it a good spot for coffee or a quiet drink.

• By night: The transformation is dramatic. From around 10 pm, the ruin bar turns into one of the most energetic bars in Budapest, with live music, DJs, and hundreds of visitors filling the maze-like rooms. Each space has a slightly different atmosphere, so you can move from a buzzing courtyard to a more laid-back lounge depending on your mood.

Safety and comfort inside

Although Szimpla is often crowded, especially on weekends, it remains one of the safest places to enjoy the city’s nightlife. Security staff are present, and the diverse crowd—locals, expats, and tourists—creates a welcoming environment. The only challenge can be navigating the crowds, so if you prefer a calmer experience, weekdays or late afternoons are ideal.

Why the experience matters

What makes Szimpla Kert stand out isn’t only its décor or drinks—it’s the sense of discovery. No two visits are the same, and the venue constantly evolves with new art, events, and the personal imprints left by visitors. It’s not just a ruin bar in Budapest but a living cultural space that captures the city’s creativity and resilience.

Events and Community at Szimpla Kert

What events take place at Szimpla Kert?

Beyond being one of the most famous bars in Budapest, Szimpla Kert has grown into a cultural venue where the program is just as important as the drinks. The building regularly transforms into a stage for creativity: one evening might feature a jazz ensemble or folk performance, while another could host a night of experimental electronic music. In warmer months, the inner courtyard is used as an open-air cinema, with screenings that range from Hungarian classics to independent international films.

Visual art is also part of the experience. Walls are often turned into gallery spaces for temporary exhibitions, and the upstairs rooms host readings, talks, and workshops that invite participation rather than just observation. Activist groups, students, and creatives use Szimpla as a gathering point, which adds a civic dimension to what might otherwise be “just a bar.”

The Sunday market and brunch

Sundays offer a completely different face of Szimpla. The bar opens early to welcome visitors to its well-known farmers’ and flea market, where small-scale Hungarian producers set up stalls. It’s an opportunity to taste and buy everything from handmade cheeses and fresh bread to local honey and seasonal fruit. For travelers, it’s one of the easiest ways to connect with authentic Hungarian food culture in a casual, friendly environment.

Handmade crafts and design pieces give the market a creative edge, making it feel more like a community festival than a shopping trip. Upstairs, the brunch service brings people together around long tables, with acoustic music in the background adding to the laid-back Sunday vibe. Seats for brunch can be booked in advance at brunch@szimpla.hu.

Monthly fairs and pop-up happenings

For music fans, the monthly record fair is a highlight. Collectors and casual browsers mingle in the courtyard, flipping through vinyl and cassettes while DJs play sets that keep the energy high. The event has become a meeting point for Budapest’s music community, and many travelers plan their visits to coincide with it.

The calendar is also dotted with other themed events: second-hand fashion markets, design pop-ups, charity evenings, and seasonal celebrations. These are not fixed programs but part of what makes Szimpla exciting—there’s always the possibility of stumbling upon something unexpected.

More than nightlife: a community hub

What makes Szimpla Kert stand out from other ruin bars in Budapest is its dual identity. At night, it’s a magnet for partygoers; by day, it’s a place where families shop, locals volunteer, and tourists discover Hungarian food and crafts. The venue is known for opening its doors to NGOs and cultural initiatives, offering space for projects that support sustainability, education, or social causes.

This commitment to the community has made Szimpla more than a tourist attraction. For residents of the Jewish Quarter, it plays the role of a cultural center as much as a nightlife hotspot. The mix of visitors—elderly neighbors buying vegetables, students helping at market stalls, and international travelers snapping photos—captures the eclectic spirit of both the bar and the district it belongs to.

Regular activities at Szimpla Kert

Szimpla Kert vs Other Ruin Bars in Budapest

Is Szimpla Kert only for tourists?

There’s no denying that Szimpla Kert ruin bar has become a tourist magnet. On weekend nights, much of the crowd is international, and the buzz can feel more like a festival than a pub. Yet dismissing it as “just for tourists” would be unfair. By day, you’ll see plenty of locals shopping at the market, attending workshops, or grabbing lunch in the courtyard. Szimpla has managed to remain a space where both residents and visitors feel welcome—a rare balance in the world of nightlife.

Which other ruin bars are worth visiting nearby?

Budapest’s Jewish Quarter is packed with alternative venues, each offering a slightly different flavor of the ruin bar concept. If you want to explore beyond Szimpla, here are some of the most popular options:

Each of these venues offers its own interpretation of what a ruin bar can be—from the raw and underground to the polished and design-focused.

Is Szimpla Kert worth visiting?

Absolutely. While it may not be the most hidden or underground spot anymore, Szimpla remains the original ruin bar in Budapest and still the most imaginative. The atmosphere is unmatched: part art gallery, part community hub, part all-night party. Even if you prefer quieter venues, experiencing Szimpla at least once gives you an authentic taste of the city’s eclectic nightlife and explains why ruin bars have become such a defining feature of Hungary’s capital.

The key is timing your visit. If you want the wild side, go late on a Friday or Saturday; if you prefer something calmer, stop by on a weekday afternoon or during a Sunday market. Either way, it’s an essential stop for anyone curious about bars in Budapest and the creative spirit of the Jewish Quarter.

To truly understand the neighborhood that gave birth to Szimpla and the entire ruin bar movement, nothing beats exploring the streets around it with a local guide. The Jewish Quarter is not only Budapest’s nightlife hub but also a district filled with history, culture, and hidden stories.

Join the Free Walking Tour of the Jewish Quarter by Go Zeppelin Tours and discover synagogues, street art, and the vibrant atmosphere that makes this area so unique—before or after your visit to Szimpla Kert.