Every year, people from all over the world flock to Budapest, and the Hungarian capital's one-of-a-kind drinking spots are among the city's biggest draws.
Fantastic venues are scattered across the whole city, and the 6th district boasts some of the finest bars, pubs and clubs in Europe.
There is something here for everyone, from laid-back bars and bistros to high-end lounges and rooftop hangouts.
Partner links: booking through them supports the blog at no extra cost to you.
We have put together a detailed guide to the best bars in Budapest to help you make your pick...
Ruin Pubs
It is funny that they are called "ruin pubs", because for their founders these places usually turn out to be a runaway success.
The story began back in 2001, when a group of young people were on the hunt for cheap places to drink. Out of their thirst and their shallow pockets were born some of the liveliest and most stylish drinking spots in Budapest, the so-called ruin pubs.
Abandoned buildings and unused open-air lots were transformed into welcoming, pleasantly chaotic bars where you can still grab a large mug of beer for less than 2 dollars.
Szimpla Kert was the very first ruin pub and remains an icon. It moved around until it finally settled into its home in the Jewish quarter of Budapest's 7th district in 2004.
It regularly hosts a farmers' market and a flea market, along with live music and film screenings.
Delicious pizzas straight from a wood-fired oven are served at very reasonable prices.
Szimpla Kert has all the classic hallmarks of a ruin pub: deliberately mismatched furniture that has seen better days, artwork that some light-fingered patrons have a habit of taking home with them, and a garden where you can soak up the sun during the summer months.
Unlike other ruin pubs, Szimpla Kert has an old Trabant car parked in the garden that doubles as a table and chairs.
Cigarette smoke stands in for exhaust fumes, and the atmosphere is a throwback to the Communist bloc era.
Szimpla Kert, Budapest, Kazinczy u. 14, 1075; +36 20 261 8669
Racskert
Just a few minutes' walk away, you will find one of the newer ruin pubs in the area, Racskert.
A large, old garden bar set in an abandoned parking lot, it is a straightforward place without the artful clutter you get at Szimpla.
Lighting comes courtesy of water tanks repurposed into lamps, and a mobile burger van dishes out snacks from the owner's homeland, as he is a Bosnian Serb.
Racskert, Budapest, Dob u. 40-42, 1072; +36 70 428 1517
Ellato Kert & Taqueria
At Ellato Kert & Taqueria, a big garden filled with brightly painted tables, there is a distinctly Mexican vibe, no doubt helped along by the tacos and tortillas on the menu.
Ellato Kert & Taqueria, Budapest, Kazinczy u. 48, 1075; +36 20 527 3018
Instant and Fogas
Once one of the most popular ruin pubs in Budapest, the old Instant bar on Nagymező Street was bulldozed in 2017 to make room for a new residential building.
The venue then joined forces with the Fogas club to form the largest ruin pub complex in Budapest.
It now sits on Akácfa Street, stays open until 6 in the morning, and is always packed with partygoers and clubbers who can hop between the many bar and dance areas spread throughout the huge building.
Instant and Fogas, Budapest, Akácfa u. 49-51; +36 30 123 4567
Anker't
One of the most popular party venues in the city, Anker't is a large courtyard surrounded by bars, dance halls and a diner.
On Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the bar often fills up with revellers for themed nights where you can party the whole night through with a top-notch DJ.
Anker't, Budapest, Paulay Ede u. 33, 1061; +36 30 360 3389
Rooftop Bars
360 Bar
360 Bar in Budapest is one of the best spots to take in, you guessed it, a 360-degree view of the city.
You can reach it via Andrássy Avenue, and it is a popular place all year round, especially in the summer months.
The menu features some of the finest cocktails and bar snacks, and the friendly staff will make sure you have the best time possible.
360 Bar, Budapest, Andrássy út 39, 1061; +36 30 356 3047
High Note SkyBar at the Aria Hotel
The Aria Hotel is home to one of the most striking rooftop bars in the city.
Set right in the heart of the 5th district, High Note SkyBar offers a direct view of the neighbouring Basilica building and makes for a wonderful photo spot.
High Note SkyBar at the Aria Hotel, Budapest, Hercegprimás u. 5, 1051; +36 1 445 4055
St. Andrea Wine and Skybar
This rooftop bar, reached via Vörösmarty Square, is a great place for a drink in both summer and winter.
The menu is packed with cocktails, along with a tasty Irish coffee, and you are bound to linger here far longer than you had planned.
St. Andrea Wine and Skybar, Budapest, Deák Ferenc utca 5, 1052; +36 30 300 3930
High-End Bars
The Bar & Lobby Lounge at the Four Seasons Hotel
The bar at the Four Seasons Hotel is one of the most sought-after spots in this exclusive corner of Budapest.
Most celebrities stay at this hotel while filming in the city, so you might just spot Jennifer Lawrence or Jude Law sipping a cocktail at the bar.
The Bar & Lobby Lounge, Four Seasons Budapest, Budapest, Széchenyi István tér 5, 1051; +36 1 268 6000
Kupola Bar at The Ritz-Carlton
The interior of this cocktail bar, a relative newcomer to the Budapest bar scene, has been given a full five-star makeover.
The cocktails range from a Tom Collins to a Moscow Mule, and if you cannot find what you are after, the bartender can whip it up for you.
The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest, Erzsébet tér 9-10, 1051; +36 1 429 5500
Blue Fox The Bar
Blue Fox The Bar at the Kempinski is one of the largest high-end bar experiences in Budapest.
Popular with tourists, it offers up a selection of delicious cocktails and bar snacks, accompanied by moody lighting, and is a cool place to chill with friends.
Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest, Budapest, Erzsébet tér 7, 1051; +36 1 429 3777
Mid-Range Bars
Boutiq Bar
Boutiq Bar has been named one of the 50 best cocktail bars in the world, and it is absolutely worth a visit in Budapest.
This stunning bar offers an intriguing selection of drinks and cocktails, set against a devilishly red interior that will make you feel just mischievous enough to dive into the menu.
Boutiq Bar, Budapest, Paulay Ede u. 5, 1061; +36 30 554 2323
Farm Gastro Bar
This charming little urban hideaway serves up impressive cocktails and bar snacks.
A cosy courtyard with two bar counters and lounging areas, serving made-to-order cocktails and affordable pitchers, it is a fantastic place to hang out during both the summer and winter months.
Farm, Budapest, Ó u. 14, 1066; +36 30 622 7500
Brody Studios
This once-exclusive club, more shabby than chic, is widely seen as having passed its prime, but you might get lucky and spot a celebrity or two when film crews are in town.
While most nights here are pretty low-key, some Friday or Saturday evenings can pull in a real crowd.
Keep a close eye on the website, because during the summer months and other major tourist holidays the place is often closed.
Brody Studios, Budapest, Vörösmarty u. 38, 1064; +36 1 266 3707
Budget-Friendly
Maláta Bisztró
One of the quirkiest budget bars in the city, Maláta Bisztró always has a great atmosphere, and the drinks are ridiculously cheap, with many of them under 2 dollars.
It is busy all year round, but especially lively in the summer months, when the crowds spill out onto the street and create a proper party vibe.
Maláta Bisztró, Budapest, Mátyás Utca 11., 1097; +36 70 630 8107
Hauzol Café
Even though it is a fairly simple bar, Hauzol Café is hugely popular with locals, expats and students in particular.
Drink prices here are very reasonable, and the atmosphere is pretty good, even if the interior is looking a little dated.
Hauzol Café, Budapest, 1073, Erzsébet krt. 26, 1073; +36 30 653 2965
Cheers Pub
One of the cheapest bars in Budapest, Cheers Pub is located near the end of the popular Nagymező Street, one of the city's main hotspots.
At around 1.50 dollars a pint, you really cannot go wrong.
Cheers Pub, Budapest, Nagymező u. 35, 1065, +36 70 660 0812
