Szimpla Kert ruin bar – one of Budapest’s coolest hangouts
Nestled at the core of Europe, Budapest presents a fusion of Western and Eastern European influences. This city’s diverse allure is epitomized by its ruin pub phenomenon, which kicked off in the early 2000s with Szimpla Kert, the pioneer ruin bar, located in the Jewish quarter. Two decades later, venues like Szimpla and For Sale Pub have become iconic elements of Budapest’s nightlife, set within dilapidated buildings adorned with eclectic furniture and decaying walls, offering a unique ambiance. Despite some locals’ desire to shed the remnants of the “Eastern Bloc” aesthetic, the nostalgic ambiance attracts numerous tourists to Hungary’s capital.
Szimpla stands as the most celebrated of these establishments, attracting a wide array of visitors eager to immerse in its distinctive setting. More than just a bar, Szimpla houses a labyrinth of offerings including art displays, musical performances, a bike rental service, markets for farmers and flea market enthusiasts, a “living library,” and pet-friendly weekend activities. Additionally, it serves brunch and lunch, enhancing its vibrant atmosphere.
Szimpla Kert ruin bar – what to expect while visiting
Szimpla Kertmozi, commonly known as Szimpla, ignited the ruin pub trend in Budapest. Established in 2002 and initially located just a few blocks from its now famous spot on Kazinczy utca, Szimpla pioneered this unique nightlife concept. It rapidly became a magnet for Gen Z tourists in Hungary’s capital, setting the template for numerous other ruin pubs that followed.
Before diving deeper into Szimpla Kert Budapest, let’s explore the concept of ruin pubs. In the early 2000s, shifts in property ownership laws led to many buildings in Budapest’s 7th district being abandoned and falling into disrepair. With limited funds for renovation, creative owners transformed these derelict spaces into bars using eclectic, often whimsically sourced furniture and decor from flea markets. These venues, characterized by their laid-back ambiance and a mix of retro furnishings accompanied by live music and draught beer, quickly became popular, establishing the ruin pub as a new cultural phenomenon in the city.
Szimpla Kert – why do people like it so much?
Szimpla transcends the typical definition of a ruin pub. Initially launched as a modest bar featuring a concealed ping-pong area and an open-air cinema in its courtyard, Szimpla Budapest has grown substantially. Today, it stands as the most frequented ruin pub in the city and has evolved into a vibrant hub for diverse cultural happenings, performances, and workshops in downtown Budapest. Over the years, its offerings have expanded to include a rich tapestry of events, from concerts and live music to various weekend activities. During these times, Szimpla shifts from its usual party atmosphere to a communal gathering place, fostering connections among local residents.
Szimpla Farmers’ Market
A must-visit for any traveler is the Szimpla Farmers’ Market. Every Sunday, Szimpla Kert transforms into a bustling market from 9 AM to 2 PM, offering a leisurely morning start for those eager to sample the freshest local fare. Visitors can savor a variety of freshly-baked bread and pastries, artisanal cheeses, homemade jams, and a selection of fresh fruits and vegetables. If you’re keen to immerse yourself in a typical Hungarian market experience, plan a Sunday morning visit to Szimpla. Additionally, while the courtyard teems with fresh produce, upstairs you’ll find a Sunday brunch buffet featuring dishes prepared with ingredients sourced directly from the market below.
Gay bars Budapest – explore Budapest’s vibrant gay nightlife!
Gay bars Budapest range is very diverse. The city offers a wide variety of entertainment for everyone! Let’s see the most exclusive selection of gay bars in Budapest!
LGBTQ+ Venues in Budapest, Hungary
Although the gay scene in Budapest might not be as overt as in some Western European capitals, Hungary’s capital still boasts a diverse array of bars, cafés, clubs, and other entertaining spots to explore. Let’s take a closer look at what LGBTQ+ friendly venues Budapest has to offer.
Why Not Café & Bar: a true gem by the Danube
Located along the Danube River, Why Not Café & Bar offers an unparalleled setting with its breathtaking views. Guests can enjoy the sight of Liberty Bridge, St. Gellért Thermal Bath on the Buda side, and Gellért Hill topped by the Liberty Statue, especially stunning at night.
By day, Why Not serves as a tranquil, gay-friendly café where visitors can indulge in specialty coffees, refreshing lemonades, tasty sandwiches and salads, or unwind with a draft beer or cocktail after exploring the city. Come evening, the venue livens up as an LGBTQ+ hotspot with a vibrant array of events including bingo, drag performances, karaoke, sports broadcasts, and live music, ensuring every night is an eventful one.
Known for its excellent service and nightly drink specials, Why Not is a must-visit. The bar’s interior, with its striking striped wallpaper and impressive artwork, adds to the allure. Visit their website for up-to-date event information and promotions.
t’s easily accessible via metro line 4 or tram 2 to Fővám tér, followed by a short one-minute walk. Why Not is also dog-friendly, so your furry companion is welcome to join.
Alterego – a staple in Budapest’s gay nightlife
Alterego stands out as a prominent gay bar in Budapest, attracting locals and tourists alike for over a decade. Particularly bustling on Fridays and Saturdays, it’s the go-to spot for a lively gay evening. Alterego rose to popularity swiftly after opening, largely due to its iconic midnight drag shows hosted by the sharp and witty Lady Dömper, who never misses a chance to deliver a clever quip. The show dazzles with lip-sync performances, stand-up routines, and dance numbers by renowned drag queens like Lady Dömper, Betty Blue, Mary Lou, and Giselle.
The venue boasts a vibrant dance floor, multiple bars, a karaoke room, and lounge areas for those needing a break from dancing. With daily happy hours, exquisite cocktails, and the latest hits playing into the early hours, Alterego guarantees a memorable night. For upcoming parties and events, visit their website.
Crush Budapest – a vibrant Hub in Budapest’s LGBTQ+ Scene
Previously known as Gaga Budapest, Crush is a dynamic new LGBTQ+ venue that opened its doors in February 2020. Functioning as a café by day, Crush transforms into a bustling LGBTQ+ center by night. The venue offers a diverse lineup of daily activities including lesbian evenings, karaoke parties, queer variety shows, drag performances, Latin discos, live DJ sessions, and pub quizzes, celebrating the vibrancy of the rainbow flag.
What sets Crush apart is its openness and transparency. Its clear glass windows are free from curtains or blinds, allowing passersby to glimpse the lively events unfolding on stage, inviting them to join in the fun and excitement.
As you can see, gay bars Budapest are a fantastic place to have fun – immerse yourself in this endlessly colorful world!