The ultimate guide to Budapest nightlife
With a wild nightclub scene and some of the cheapest beer on the continent, Budapest Nightlife has rightfully earned its place as the party capital of Central Europe.
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But to those who know it best, the nightlife here has so much more to offer than a touristy pub crawl. In just a few hours, you can go from a lively rooftop hangout to a seedy underground music bar. Or, you might find yourself relaxing in a riverside pub, watching the world go by, before heading to an apocalyptic ruin pub, like for sale pub budapest. Take your pick – the night is yours in this city. Join us as we explore the ultimate guide to Budapest nightlife.
Kick the night off right
The party starts early in Budapest. Head out to the city center just before sunset to watch the night transform this magical city, a truly unforgettable experience.
1. Akvárium Klub
The steps of Akvárium are a colorful paradise in the middle of the city center. It’s the place to be on hot summer nights, when live music fills the air from the underground concert halls. Grab a drink or two from their extensive cocktail list – with two-for-one prices before 7pm (“1=2 specials” on the menu)—and move poolside to dip your toes in the emerald ‘aquarium’ above.
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When you need a bit of space away from the crowds, find a patch of green in lively Erzsébet tér just outside. The locals love to picnic here with a pack of hungarian beer from the corner shop before heading into the party streets of the 7th district.
2. Pontoon
The Danube is no ordinary river. Just after sunset, the magic happens. One by one, the lights of the Parliament, Castle Hill and the bridges switch on. Golden Hour, we call it, and it’s best experienced from the shores of Pontoon. This relaxed bar is located just to the right of the stunning Chain Bridge and comes packed with an intoxicating beachy vibe. Enjoy a slice of pizza, a cold glass of fröccs (Hungarian wine spritzer), and a lounge chair in the sand. Or if you’re feeling in the mood, hit the open-air dance floor to groove to the beats of a local DJ.
3. 360 Bar
If your plans for the night are a bit loftier, take the elevator up to 360 Bar. As one of the best rooftop bars in the city, there’s no better way to start your night out than with a panoramic, bird’s eye view of the picturesque 6th district. You’ll have your choice of cocktails and snacks to pass the evening away in style. And best of all, the view is achievable no matter the season – cozy up in a warm igloo when exploring Budapest in the winter.
Order a few more rounds
Want to keep it classy tonight? Check out the 5 best cocktail bars in Budapest to explore moody speakeasies and ultra-lux lounges. Now that we’ve got a couple drinks in our systems, let’s stumble down to the 7th district – Budapest’s classic party central. As the old Jewish Quarter, it’s long been home to creative artists and writers, and it shows in the hip, imaginative décor of many of the pubs and bars that line these streets.
1. FIRST Craft Beer Bar & BBQ
Hungarians like their beer cheap, and well, don’t we all. But for the craft beer connoisseurs, commercial lagers just won’t do. Thankfully, FIRST has arrived and they’re bringing the spirit and quality of the European craft beer craze to Budapest. Experience the beer revolution with a vast range of creative brews – we recommend the chocolate vanilla imperial stout! By the way, if you take your beer seriously, let us recommend a great beer-tasting opportunity in Budapest – click here for more info.
2. Hops Beer Bar
Don’t worry hopheads, the night is young. If you’re looking for craft beer with local prices – and culture – hop over to Hops, a hip dive bar on gritty Wesselényi utca. With a long list of on-tap beer and over 250 bottled beers from around the world, you could literally drink the night away with the locals.
3. Szimpla Kert
If it’s your first night out in Budapest, you szimply have to visit Szimpla Kert, Budapest’s most iconic ruin pub. Tucked away on the vibrant Kazinczy utca, you might walk past the dilapidated brick entrance. But take a quick peek inside, and you’ll understand why it’s the most photographed pub in the city. To start with, the place is huge. Formed out of an old tenant house, Szimpla is composed of an open-air courtyard and garden, three floors, a dance floor and eight – yes, eight – different bars. So go get your beer, your wine, your fancy cocktails and a shot or two… or three. Every inch is decorated with graffiti, funky junkyard items and Hungarian culture, setting the perfect scene for a memorable night.
Dance the night away
What time is it? Who cares! As your guides to the Budapest nightlife, we’ll take you to the hottest clubs this city has to offer – get ready to hit the dance floor in style.
1. Instant-Fogas
Pump up the energy in the largest ruin pub complex in the city. Instant and Fogasház used to be two separate ruin pubs before they merged together to form one massive ‘pub kingdom’ of seven dance floors, 18 bars and an open-air garden. Much like Szimpla, this former tenant house has real character – but with the music blasting and the lights turned low, you’ll be too busy dancing to notice the décor.
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Be aware that this is the most popular club with tourists. Expect crowds and a long wait to get in. If that’s not your thing, try our other recommendations for a nightcap, or stick to bar hopping.
2. Giero Pub
As we reach the end of our thrilling night out in Budapest, there’s no better way to bid goodnight than with a shot of Pálinka in Giero Pub. Located on sleepy Paulay Ede utca, it’s a nice retreat from the chaos of the party district– but don’t be fooled, this unassuming bar is home to the best Hungarian folk music around, and the owners know how to party. Underground and intimate, Giero Pub looks more like a retro living room than a pub, and Gizi néni (Aunt Gizi) behind the bar will treat you like family. Order a bottle of wine and in no time, you’ll be dancing with the Roma musicians to traditional gypsy music – but don’t forget to share a shot of pálinka with them!
Quick tips for the perfect night out in Budapest
Armed with these expert tips and your handy, ultimate guide to Budapest nightlife, you’re sure to have the best time in Central Europe’s party city.
- Stick to Wesselényi, Király, Kazcinzy and Dob streets (utca) in the 7th District for pub hopping.
- Best street food for a quick bite: Karaván, Digó pizza or Pizza Manufaktúra, Zing Burger and, a personal favorite, Bors sandwiches.
- Keep a few bills in your wallet. Many of the dive bars can’t or won’t accept card.
- Save money by sharing a bottle of wine by the river. Find a spot just below the Chain Bridge (Széchenyi Lánchíd) – or even better, on the gorgeous Liberty Bridge (Szabadság híd).
Q&A
- Does Budapest have a good nightlife?
- Thanks to its quality bars, cheap pubs, and wild nightclub scene, Budapest is famous for its exciting nightlife.
- What should I do in Budapest at night?
- Budapest has plenty of pubs, bars, and clubs for people who want to go have fun or party during their visit. The city is famous for its vivid nightlife and cheap alcohol, therefore it’s a popular travel destination for young tourists.
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