Béla is usually packed, but there’s a new concert hall opening soon!

Béla: the beating heart of Buda

One of the newest and hippest places in Budapest, Béla is a must-visit ruin pub during your stay!

Ruin pubs in Budapest have become so authentic in recent years, that it’s almost mandatory to visit a few during your stay. If you’re looking for the right one for your taste, we have a handy selection of some of the best ruin pubs, just check our list here. That being said, have you ever heard of Béla? No, not one of the four, similarly named Hungarian kings but the ruin pub. Combining all the perks of a bar, a restaurant, a loft, and an arboretum, Béla never ceases to dazzle. Here’s a quick breakdown why this ruin pub is a must-visit while you’re in Budapest!

What’s a ruin pub?

A ruin pub is basically a bar that is a mix between a modern-style pub and the heritage of an old building, combining the two to preserve the building’s historic significance but also put something new into it. If you’re in for checking out the hip side of Budapest, visiting one is a must. Béla, or the building its located in, doesn’t have a decorated history, though: it used to function as a simple grocery store before its transformation in 2018. Its name, contrary to what most Hungarians would guess, isn’t coming from the identical male surname “Béla”. It’s actually a clever acronym: “Bár, Étterem, Lakás, Arborétum” (Bar, Eatery, Loft, Arboretum), referring to the four different features that describe this place.

Béla, as seen from Bartók Béla street is packed throughout the year

4 for the price of 1

Don’t expect four separate businesses within Béla: the bar, eatery, loft, and arboretum are all in one place. This magical venue can’t really be defined with a single word. Eerie, otherworldly, distinct, exotic: you could really run out of adjectives while trying to get a grasp on the intangible beauty of this establishment. Its interior is richly decorated with paintings, statuettes, colorful wallpapers, and, naturally, with plants beyond count. The “arboretum” identity of the bar is probably the strongest: it’s safe to say there’s hardly any other bar or pub in Budapest (or Hungary, for that matter) which is greener than Béla. You can either chill outside on the street, or stay indoors to get a more secluded spot. We actually recommend the first floor for those who don’t want to mingle with guests on the ever-packed ground floor.

The beautiful chaotic interior of Béla oozes an atmosphere like no other

Eating out

Once you’ve soaked in the eclectic interior, it’s worth checking out Béla’s kitchen as well. The menu is seasonal and changes regularly, but you can expect a mix of light snacks, shareable plates, and hearty meals made with local ingredients. Alongside Hungarian-inspired comfort food, Béla is also known for its wide selection of Middle Eastern dishes. Cheese and charcuterie boards are popular if you’re after something lighter with drinks, while daily specials often bring creative twists on international favorites. Since the offerings rotate, it’s best to ask the staff for recommendations or check the current menu online.

Pro tip: For more Hungarian food, visit the Central Market Hall.

Grabbing a bite or having a drink at Béla at night can easily be a mesmerizing experience

Drinks

The cocktail list at Béla is just as eclectic as its interior. Alongside the usual classics and long drinks, you’ll find a rotating selection of creative house specials with playful twists and surprising flavor combinations. The bar also puts emphasis on natural wines, quality rums, and local craft beers, so there’s always something new to discover whether you’re in the mood for a refreshing spritz, a bold cocktail, or a carefully chosen glass of wine. Since the drinks menu changes from time to time, it’s worth asking the bartenders for recommendations or checking the current list online.

Pro tip: If you want to enjoy delicious local Hungarian beers at home, visit tobacco and alcohol shops.

There’s more to come

At the time of writing this article, Béla was still partially under construction. The establishment is looking to expand even further, with a large concert hall being built in the basement. With a capacity of 50-60 people, Béla has the chance to slowly become a unique gem of the Budapest cultural scene. It’s not like there’s no competition, though: with places like For sale pub budapest, Instant-Fogas, Doboz, or Fröccsterasz, Béla still has (literally) room for improvement. n addition to the ruin pubs, you can find the best Irish pubs in Budapest and top sports bars in Budapest, each offering a unique atmosphere but with excellent vibes.

Getting there

The bar is situated in Bartók Béla Boulevard. This neighborhood is a bustling area of the Buda side: with many ruin pubs, cafés, and galleries, Bartók Béla Boulevard has been become a new hub for those looking for something not as touristy as Gozsdu Udvar on the Pest side. Getting there with public transport is pretty simple: you can either take a tram (line 47 or 49) which drops you right at the doorstep, or get off Metro line 4 at Gellér tér and walk 5 minutes till you reach Béla. Needless to say, Béla is close to most hubs, so arriving by scooter is a viable alternative as well. Be sure to book a table in advance on their website.

Want more of Buda?

Since Béla is on the Buda side, it doesn’t really take an effort to explore some of the hidden gems of this part of the capital. Why not try Gellért bath, for instance? This spa actually has the hottest thermal springs in town — check other interesting tidbits in our article here.

Budapest’s nightlife wouldn’t be complete without Szimpla Kert, where you can also dance.