Did you know that Budapest has the cheapest pint of beer in Europe? It is no wonder that Budapest has an amazing nightlife with ruin bars, sparties and of course, their own home-brewed drinks.
Ruin Bars of Budapest
You may be wondering what ruin bars are. They are basically establishments that serve alcohol in old, dilapidated buildings. Budapest certainly has its fair share of derelict buildings, but you will be amazed by what the bars have turned them into!
Szimpla Kert
The first and most popular ruin bar of Budapest, this renovated stove factory is not just a drinking establishment. During the day, it has many makeshift stalls with vendors selling their handicraft items. It is a good place to pick up souvenirs.
The mass of decorations from beer bottle caps, candlers, and buttons on the walls provide a mesh of color that also comes alive at night with neon lights. Insider Find: There is a beautiful mermaid door that you can try to find for the gram! Wine lovers should visit the bar in the day too!
Address: Budapest, Kazinczy u. 14, 1075 Hungary
Mazel Tov
This Jewish bar by night and restaurant by day serves up mean Israeli fusion food in a courtyard-like eatery. On the menu, you can order falafel and pita, skewers and hummus, with fresh lemonade to complement.
Do make a leisure visit when you have free time, as they are usually busy with many patrons and would take some time to serve!
Address: Budapest, Akácfa u. 47, 1072 Hungary
Phone: +36 70 626 4280
Csendes Vintage Bar & Café
Once a grand cafe in the Austrian-Hungarian era, this ruin bar is hidden in a backstreet near the National Museum. The decor like its name suggests, is in true vintage style with old mannequins, dolls, and even a bicycle. Furniture is mismatched but the food is authentically Hungarian.
Insider tip: This is a great bar to go to if you want to have non-alcoholic drinks next to your friends who drink. Bring cash as they don’t accept plastic!
Address: Budapest, Ferenczy István u. 5, 1053 Hungary
Phone: +36 30 727 2100
Sparties
Budapest is known as the City of Baths for a reason, and while the baths healing properties are well known, so are their spa-parties! Take a dip in the famous Széchenyi Thermal Baths or Lukacs Thermal Baths to indulge in true hedonistic pleasure.
Local Budapest Drinks
So now that you know where to drink, do you know what to drink? Here are alcoholic beverages made locally which are certifiably worth the sin.
Palinka
A strong brandy made of plums, apricots, and cherries, this drink was once medicine for royalty. As history goes, it was a brandy made of wine distillate and laced with rosemary to treat arthritis. It has since become a household drink with many locals making their own out of fruits. It is usually served in a classy tulip-shaped glass at bars and restaurants.
Froccs
Ányos Jedlik, the inventor of the world’s first electric motor created this drink with the poet Mihály Vörösmarty when experimenting with their soda. White or rose wine is usually added to soda water and the name Froccs came about through a poem that Mihaly wrote.
It is especially popular as a cool treat on a hot summer’s day.
Unicum
For a much heavier drink, even heavier than that of Palinka, locals turn to Unicum. Created for the Royal Hungarian family in the 18th century, it has a secret recipe which consists of blending over 40 herbs and spices in aged oak.
Originally a medication for indigestion, invented by József Zwack (an imperial doctor), the bitter drink with hints of eucalyptus is an acquired taste so do take your time to savor it.
Budapest has a vibrant nightlife scene just waiting to be explored, and it will thoroughly engage all the senses and tastes.
