Szimpla Kert

Szimpla Kert – Budapest, Hungary

Overview

Szimpla Kert is Budapest’s most famous “ruin bar,” a quirky nightlife institution set inside a once-abandoned building in the city’s Jewish Quarter. Opened in 2002, it pioneered the ruin bar movement, transforming crumbling courtyards and derelict spaces into vibrant hubs filled with mismatched furniture, eclectic art, and an anything-goes spirit. Today, Szimpla is more than a bar—it’s a cultural landmark blending nightlife, art, and community.

Why Go

• Experience Budapest’s original ruin bar in all its eccentric glory
• Multiple bars, live music, film screenings, and art exhibitions under one roof
• Sunday farmers’ market and rotating cultural programs make it lively by day as well as night

Menu & Format

• Drinks: Hungarian wines, craft beers, cocktails, and pálinka (fruit brandy)
• Food: Street-food–style bites from burgers to local snacks; pop-up kitchens during events
• Entertainment: Live bands, DJs, film nights, open-mic events, and art installations

What to Order

Start with a glass of Hungarian wine or a shot of pálinka for something traditional. Pair it with a casual street-food plate if you’re hungry. If cocktails are more your style, try one of their rotating seasonal specials.

Atmosphere & Vibe

Expect a maze of rooms, quirky décor (bathtubs turned into couches, bicycles on walls, graffiti everywhere), and a high-energy crowd. By night it’s buzzing with music and chatter; by day it’s an artsy, relaxed space where travelers and locals mingle. No two visits feel the same thanks to its ever-changing art and events.

Price Range

Drinks range from €3–€8, with cocktails slightly higher. Food is casual and affordable, usually around €5–€12. Entry is typically free, though some live music nights may have a small cover charge.

History

Szimpla Kert opened in 2002 in a decaying building on Kazinczy Street and quickly became a trendsetter, sparking Budapest’s entire ruin bar culture. The idea was simple: recycle abandoned spaces, fill them with second-hand furniture, and make them into creative, community-driven venues. Over two decades later, Szimpla remains the flagship ruin bar, attracting both backpackers and locals while preserving its offbeat roots.

Good to Know

• Location: Kazinczy u. 14, 1075 Budapest
• Hours: Open daily, usually from morning until late night (closing around 4 AM on weekends)
• Sunday Market: Farmers’ market every Sunday morning with local produce and artisanal foods
• Accessibility: Can get crowded at night; arrive earlier if you prefer a quieter vibe

Best For

• Nightlife seekers exploring Budapest’s iconic ruin bar culture
• Travelers who enjoy quirky, creative, and alternative venues
• Daytime visitors wanting a market, art, or cultural experience in a historic space

Writer’s Tip

Visit twice—once in the evening for the full party atmosphere, and again on Sunday morning for the farmers’ market. The contrast shows the dual personality that makes Szimpla Kert so unique.