Sometimes you build it better the second time around…

A Rebirth Among Ruins

Ruin bars are primarily found within the historic Jewish Quarter, also known as the inner part of District 7, as this neighborhood quickly deteriorated after the 1944-45 Nazi occupation of Budapest and the subsequent flight of residents to other locations.

District 7 was also my home for the month of January. I was right on the edge of 5 & 7 which was a great neighbourhood. Smothered with boutiques and restaurants and pubs. I loved every minute of it.

If you don’t know much about the history of the Nazi occupation in Budapest, it’s a tale unlike any other, the city itself, the Jewish District history and present day state, it’s definitely a history you should learn about it. BUT, I suggest that you learn about it from a Hungarian.

 unique and trendy phenomenon of “ruin bars”

What are Ruin Bars?

This ruin bar phenomenon in the craziest setting you’ve ever seen and it is sheer brilliance. If you really really really want to immerse yourself in the culture then you can’t go to Budapest and not experience a Ruin Bar…day or night…they have multiple personalities.

If you have read any of my other posts and know what Raki is (aka. Rakia, Rakiya, Raki depending on what country you are in), then you should know that the Hungarians have their own version of this Moonshine and they call it Palinka. 

Hungarian moonshine is called házipálinka (pálinka is a spirit or fruit brandy, házi means ‘homemade’). It is mostly made in rural areas where the ingredients, usually fruit, are readily available. So drinking Palinka in a Ruin Bar is a must-do experience.

A cultural icon in Budapest, ruin bars can be found throughout the city. The are basically the abandoned buildings that were destroyed during World War 2. Sometime in the 90s they were starting to be transformed into character filled underground bars and pubs.  Bringing these ruins back to life and forever known as the Ruin Bars of Budapest.

From the outside, these just look like run down or destroyed buildings with large courtyards but that’s just the cover. When you enter these amazing reinvented spaces it’s like stepping through the looking glass and you are transported into a super hip venue decorated with flea market finds, quirky antiques, art and graffiti. 

 unique and trendy phenomenon of “ruin bars”

Szimpla Kert

Probably the most well know of the Ruin Bars has been making its mark on the scene since the early 2000s. You walk through the small front door and you are presented with a dark space at the entrance. 

You can continue forward to the courtyard, go up the winding stairs to the right or enter a small room on the left. If you have ever read a “Choose your Own Adventure” book…this is exactly what this is. Every single room has its own personality and vibe. The courtyard is wide open air to the sky and this entire building is just one venue. Each room has its own bar and vibe, music.  

The coolest part is that there is something happening all the time. Obviously at night it’s part of the nighttime party scene, but if you come by during the day you can often find craft markets, flea markets, farmers markers, special events…

Ruin Bars are simply the most epic of ideas ever there was. If I was to ever have my own Restaurant/Bar, I would 100% recreate a Ruin Bar. 

 unique and trendy phenomenon of “ruin bars”

Go Underground

Nightlife is huge in Budapest, any given night of the week you can find some entertainment. From people gathering for connect, playing games, making art, playing music. Even if you aren’t a nighttime party person I would highly recommend you find some kind of open mic night and just indulge, just once. No one ever said, I regret having fun. Just saying!

_{Please note that I have not received these products for free or at a discounted price in exchange for my opinion.  There may be links that are affiliate links but at the time of posting this review, I have not received any monetary kickbacks.}