Budapest Pubs in Ruins: The World Famous Romkocsmá
Budapest pubs in ruins, locally known as Romkocsmá, are not any decadent thing at all. They are quite the opposite and we’ll talk about it with no filter, Budapest style.
What is a ruin bar in Budapest?
Universally referred to as ruin bars, they are known all over the globe for providing a unique night scene experience, and actual type of party with a personality not found anywhere else on earth.
Why are they called ruin bars in Budapest?
These bars lie inside a building in ruins. Sometimes made purposefully, but originally they have another history.
The ruin pubs started as bars inside of the buildings that were left in ruins after World War II. Many decades passed and in the 2000 they started to get reinvented as nightlife attractions. With time they just became a thing in Budapest. Today they are bigger and wilder than ever and the city has more of these bars than ever before.
They are inside the Jewish quarter and nowadays they are the epicenter of the party nightlife. And the plan is just to go out and take a stroll in the streets and see what the night brings to you.
The Origins of Budapest Ruin Bars in the Jewish Quarter
Inside, the creativity is limitless, and in fact, that is a true hallmark of these places. Moreover, you can find fashion blends from every era of the 20th century, along with countless corners where you can get pleasantly lost.
The decoration is just as unexpected as it gets. Quirky is what describes it the better. Recycled furniture, eclectic art, outdoor patios out of the blue, rooms that led to other rooms that led to other rooms… An actual labyrinth of devilish/angelical fun. Moreover, add alcohol and Hungarian techno to the mix, and you might catch a glimpse of its full potential.
Pubcrawling Through Budapest Pubs in Ruins is just a must
This recommendation comes from experience. In fact, the format is perfect for experiencing many of these places in a short window of time.
These tours are magnets for people from all over Europe. As a result, you can join a group of super fun strangers who might end up becoming your best friends by the end of the night, or even help you find love. After all, pub crawling and ruin bars are simply a perfect match.
What to wear to ruins bars in Budapest?
Anything that matches the places. So: casual and creative (even outrageous). Actually, anything is okay. Just don’ t wear high heels. The floor surfaces are anything but even. A pair of jeans and basic shirt is a sure bet (as a man), and on the female side: snickers, something a little higher than casual. There are no strict dress codes here, just don’t push your look cause every year is getting a little bit more elegant… But far away from Madrid or Paris levels.
Are ruin bars safe in Budapest?
Yes. Completely. They can get really packed and the issues you might find can relate to drunken people. Just don’t engage, nor drink till blackout and you won’ t have any issue whatsoever. Better to look for a pub crawl near me and join with more people is less risk and more fun.
Names to put on your bucket list
Szimpla Kert is like a cathedral of this wonderful chaos. It’s the first ruin pub and one of the biggest ones. Multi-space, random decoration, like super random and rooms so weird we can’ t even describe them.
If it’s your first night in town, we recommend hitting this place. Just don’ t go on Sunday. On Sunday it changes the mood and it can be a farmer’s market, but that’s just part of the essence. It can be anything, it’s extra multi-shaped.
Instant Fogas and others
Instant Fogas is the labyrinth of the ruined bars that opens even in the spring festival in Budapest. Djs here have amazing music taste and with that soundtrack amazing things will happen. When you get inside, you can lose your friends and find them at the end of the night. Just leave some crumbs and, well, not really.
Dobos, Csendes Létterem, Mazel Tov are other names that you should remember. It won’ t be hard after you visit them.
They all have a special thing. Some of them have secret gardens and a chilled ambience. Others have VIP stylish crowds. And others are just like a place to take your first date to.
No matter which one you chose, you’ll end up knowing all of them afterwards. That’s their magic and that’s the way to know budapest best side. We have much more information in our Budapest party blog.