Best Bars in Budapest: Rooftop Views and Signature Cocktails

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is famous for its nightlife, with bars to suit every taste and mood. Whether you want to have a quiet drink with friends, a wild night of dancing or a sophisticated cocktail with a view, Budapest has it all. From quirky ruin bars hidden in old buildings to chic rooftop bars overlooking the city, Budapest’s bars combine history, creativity and modernity. Each bar has its own atmosphere, serving classic cocktails, local craft beers and even traditional Hungarian spirits. This guide to the best bars in Budapest will take you on a tour of the city’s best bars, highlighting the icons and recommending new spots to discover.

Ruin Bars in Budapest: The Heart of the Nightlife

Budapest’s ruin bars are legendary. These bars, often located in old, crumbling buildings and decorated with eclectic furniture and art, are an integral part of the city’s nightlife. The ruin bars are more than just a place to have a drink – they are an experience in themselves. Mixing history with modern culture, these places can’t be replicated anywhere else. Here are the best ruin bars in Budapest:

Szimpla Kert

• Location: 1094 Budapest, Kazinczy utca 14
• Hours: Sun-Thu: 12 PM - 12 AM, Fri-Sat: 12 PM - 2 AM
• Price: €2-€5 for beers, €6-€10 for cocktails

Szimpla Kert, the first ruin pub in Budapest, is a must-visit for any bar-hopper. It’s often considered the crown jewel of the ruin pub scene. The venue sprawls over several rooms, including a large courtyard, each filled with mismatched furniture, vintage items and quirky decor. The place is often buzzing with live music and cultural events. Szimpla also has a popular farmers’ market on Sundays where you can buy fresh, local produce and artisanal food products. It’s a great place to meet locals and travelers alike, have some traditional Hungarian food or just relax with a drink in hand. If you’re lucky you might even stumble upon a unique event like a film screening or cultural performance. Szimpla Kert combines history and modernity, offering a relaxed but lively space for all types of visitors.

Instant-Fogas

• Location: 1073 Budapest, Akácfa utca 51
• Hours: Daily, 12 PM - late
• Price: €3-€7 for drinks

Instant-Fogas is a huge ruin bar complex that combines several spaces into one. The bar hosts different types of music in various rooms, from techno and electronic beats to live bands. If you want a wild party experience, Instant-Fogas is the place to be. The late-night DJs and dance floors ensure the party goes on until the early hours of the morning. But if you’re looking for something a bit quieter, you can explore the intimate corners of the venue which offer a more relaxed vibe for chatting and sipping cocktails. Instant-Fogas is the perfect destination for those who want to experience Budapest’s nightlife in all its intensity and variety.

Csendes

• Location: 1075 Budapest, Károlyi utca 9
• Hours: Mon-Thu: 5 PM - 12 AM, Fri-Sat: 5 PM - 2 AM
• Price: €2-€6 for drinks

Located in Budapest’s Jewish Quarter and not far from the Hungarian National Museum, Csendes is a unique blend of calm and quirkiness. This bar is perfect for those looking for a quieter experience compared to the usually crowded ruin pubs. The vintage decor, with old-school radios, retro furniture and eclectic art, sets the tone for a relaxed and cozy evening. Csendes is known for its intimate and low-key atmosphere, making it a great spot for chatting over drinks. It’s less crowded than other ruin pubs so it’s perfect if you want a more peaceful night out without compromising on character.

Kőleves Kert

• Location: 1075 Budapest, Akácfa utca 47
• Hours: Daily, 12 PM - 12 AM
• Price: €2-€7 for drinks

Kőleves Kert is located in the heart of Budapest’s Jewish Quarter and offers a great combination of good food, great drinks and laid-back atmosphere. The bar serves Hungarian dishes, including local favorites like goulash, which go well with their selection of craft beers and Hungarian wines. The outdoor garden is perfect for a sunny afternoon drink or a relaxing evening with friends. Whether you want a delicious meal or just a cold beer, Kőleves Kert is the place for both.

Élesztő

• Location: 1092 Budapest, Kőfaragó utca 3
• Hours: Daily, 12 PM - 12 AM
• Price: €3-€6 for drinks

Élesztő is a haven for craft beer lovers. Known for its selection of Hungarian craft beers, this bar offers an ever-changing menu that showcases the best of the local beer scene. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, with locals often gathering to try new beers and chat about the latest news in the craft beer world. If you’re a beer enthusiast, Élesztő is a must-visit. The bar also hosts beer-tasting events and brewery tours, so you can learn more about Hungarian beer culture. You can also find information about Budapest’s walking tours here.

Rooftop Bars in Budapest

Budapest has a great cocktail scene. From classic cocktails to modern mixology, the city has plenty of cocktail bars to impress even the most demanding drinker. If you’re looking for a fancy night out, check out these top cocktail bars in Budapest.

KIOSK

• Location: 1052 Budapest, Március 15. tér 4
• Hours: Daily, 12 PM - 2 AM
• Price: €6-€10 for cocktails

KIOSK is an industrial-chic cocktail bar by the Danube River with a modern and sleek ambiance. The decor is minimalistic with clean lines and high ceilings, perfect for a memorable night out. Known for its expertly crafted cocktails and wide selection of local wines, KIOSK is a favorite among locals and tourists. The bartenders are creative mixologists, often experimenting with new flavors and combinations. Whether you like classic cocktails or something more experimental, KIOSK has something for everyone.

Blue Fox The Bar

• Location: 1061 Budapest, Akácfa utca 1-3, Aria Hotel
• Hours: Daily, 5 PM - 2 AM
• Price: €8-€15 for cocktails

For a sophisticated night out, Blue Fox The Bar, located in the luxurious Aria Hotel, near Vörösmarty tér (Vorosmarty square), is the perfect choice. This elegant cocktail bar offers a refined setting to enjoy a premium cocktail in style. With its impressive selection of spirits and innovative cocktail menu, Blue Fox is known for crafting drinks that are not only delicious but also beautiful. Whether you prefer a signature cocktail or a classic, the bartenders here know how to deliver.

Tuk Tuk Bar

• Location: 1072 Budapest, Dob utca 27
• Hours: Daily, 5 PM - 1 AM
• Price: €5-€9 for cocktails

Tuk Tuk Bar offers a twist on the traditional cocktail bar experience. Inspired by Southeast Asian flavors, the bar serves creative cocktails with exotic ingredients. The intimate setting and cozy atmosphere makes it the perfect spot for something different. Whether you want a refreshing tropical drink or something more complex, Tuk Tuk Bar promises a unique cocktail experience.

Spiler

• Location: 1052 Budapest, Ferenciek tere 2, near the Rumbach Street Synagogue
• Hours: Daily, 4 PM - 2 AM
• Price: €4-€9 for cocktails

Spiler Original has a great mix of relaxed atmosphere and good cocktails. The bar is known for its long cocktail list with classic and original drinks. With its vintage-style decor, Spiler is the perfect place to chill out with friends and have great drinks. The outdoor area is great for summer and enjoying cocktails.

Rooftop Bars with View

Budapest has some amazing views and what better way to enjoy them than from a rooftop bar? Whether you want a refreshing drink during the day or a cozy evening cocktail, the rooftop bars in Budapest have some of the best views of the city.

360 Bar

• Location: 1051 Budapest, Andrássy út 39
• Hours: Daily, 12 PM - 2 AM
• Price: €5-€10 for drinks

360 Bar is one of the most popular rooftop bars in Budapest with stunning panoramic views of the city. Located on a rooftop, it has an unbeatable view of the Danube River, Buda Castle and the Parliament. The bar offers a wide selection of cocktails, craft beers and wines, perfect to enjoy a drink while taking in the views.

St. Andrea Wine & Skybar

• Location: 1051 Budapest, Október huszonharmadika utca 4
• Hours: Daily, 12 PM - 12 AM
• Price: €7-€12 for drinks

St. Andrea Wine & Skybar is the perfect place for wine lovers. Located on a rooftop, the bar offers a great selection of Hungarian wines and amazing views of Budapest. The setting is sophisticated and elegant, perfect for a romantic evening or a relaxed get together with friends. The intimate atmosphere and top quality wines make this bar a must-visit for those who want to enjoy the best of Budapest from above.

Leo

• Location: 1051 Budapest, Hercegprímás utca 8, next to Széchenyi Chain Bridge
• Hours: Daily, 4 PM - 2 AM
• Price: €6-€11 for drinks

Leo has a luxurious rooftop experience for those who want to relax in style. The modern, minimalist decor and the views of Budapest’s skyline make it perfect for a special night out. Whether you watch the sunset or have a drink under the stars, Leo is a memorable experience that combines luxury with views. If you would like to experience an even more outstanding experience in the night watching stars, you can book a Danube cruise.

Local Bars

For a real local experience, go to these bars where you can soak up the atmosphere of Budapest’s drinking culture.

Kisüzem

• Location: 1075 Budapest, Akácfa utca 47
• Hours: Daily, 5 PM - 12 AM
• Price: €3-€5 for drinks

Kisüzem has a cozy atmosphere with Hungarian beers and cocktails. A local favorite, it’s perfect for a casual evening with friends.

Manyi - Kulturális Műhely

• Location: 1075 Budapest, Akácfa utca 47
• Hours: Tue-Sun, 6 PM - 1 AM
• Price: €3-€6 for drinks

More than a bar, Manyi is a cultural center where art, music and drinks come together. A great place to experience Budapest beyond the tourist bars. With vintage decor and relaxed atmosphere, Manyi is perfect for those who want to dive deeper. To enrich your experience, you can visit Margaret Island located within walking distance of the spot.

Fekete Kutya

• Location: 1072 Budapest, Rákóczi út 4
• Hours: Daily, 5 PM - 12 AM
• Price: €2-€5 for drinks

Fekete Kutya is a hidden gem in Budapest’s nightlife. Known for its craft beers and Hungarian spirits, it’s a laid-back place for those who want to experience the real local scene. Intimate atmosphere perfect for a quiet drink away from the crowds. Located next to the Kazinczy Street Synagogue, the bar can be easily found.

What to Drink in Budapest’s Bars

Budapest has many local drinks to try. Be sure to sample Pálinka, the traditional Hungarian fruit brandy, a local favorite. You can also try Hungarian wines, especially the sweet Tokaji wines or one of the many local craft beers. For a refreshing drink, take a Danube dinner cruise and sip your favorite cocktail or beer.

Experience Budapest’s Bar Scene Like a Local

To experience the real Budapest nightlife, get off the tourist trail and visit Kisüzem and Fekete Kutya. These bars will give you a taste of the city’s culture, a more local and relaxed atmosphere. You can also join a pub crawl or hop between bars to experience different moods. Above all, be open-minded and try something new.

Budapest’s bars have it all – from ruin pubs to rooftop bars, from craft beer bars to cocktail lounges. Whatever your taste, you’ll find the perfect place to enjoy the city’s nightlife.