I love love love to visit eclectic and interesting places. I’m also a maximalist who loves stuff, so long before I booked my trip to Budapest, I knew I had to visit the ruin bars.
You might have heard about Szimpla Kert, the city’s original and most famous ruin bar. Known for its mish-mash decor and buzzing atmosphere, Szimpla Kert has become a staple on most Budapest itineraries.
But with its growing popularity, you might be wondering: is Szimpla Kert still worth checking out, or has it become just another overcrowded tourist trap?
Well, I think it is. But let’s take a closer look at my experience so you can make up your own mind.
Article overview
History of Szimpla Kert
Szimpla Kert opened its doors in 2002. Founded by a group of young entrepreneurs, it initially occupied a smaller house in the city’s Jewish Quarter. In 2004, it moved to its current location on Kazinczy Street, taking over an abandoned stove factory that was destined for demolition.
The founders embraced the building’s dilapidated charm, filling it with mismatched furniture and quirky decorations. This unique approach gave birth to the “ruin bar” concept, which quickly caught on.
Szimpla Kert became a hub for artists, musicians, and locals, sparking a cultural renaissance in the once-neglected neighborhood. Its success inspired the creation of numerous other ruin bars, transforming Budapest’s nightlife scene.
Over the years, Szimpla Kert has expanded its offerings to include a farmers’ market and other events. And today it stands as one of the most popular attractions in Budapest.
How to get there
Getting to Szimpla Kert in Budapest is easy, as it’s located in the popular 7th district (Jewish Quarter). We walked there in about 15-20 minutes from St. Stephen’s Basilica and stopped at the great synagogue on the way.
You can also take the M2 (red) line to Astoria station. From there, it’s about a 5-minute walk. Or take the tram 47 or 49 to Astoria stop. Lines 5, 7, 8E, 110, 112, 133E, and 178 all stop near Astoria.
Taxis are readily available in Budapest. You can also use ride-sharing apps like Bolt or Fotaxi (partner with Uber). I prefer to use Bolt. In addition, Budapest has a bike-sharing system called MOL Bubi. There are docking stations near Szimpla Kert.
Remember that you can use public transportation for free with the Budapest Card.
Address: Kazinczy utca 14, 1075 Budapest.
Opening hours
Hours:
Mon-Fri: 3:00 pm – 4:00 am
Sat: 12:00 pm – 4:00 am
Sun: 9:00 am – 4:00 am
Farmers Market: Sunday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm.
Do I need a reservation? No, Szimpla Kert is first come first served. Which I love!
Join a guided tour!
🌟 If you’re booking one tour in Budapest, it should be this private walking tour. It includes many highlights such as the Hungarian Parliament, view from St. Stephen’s Basilica and Gresham Palace (one of my favorite buildings in Budapest). The tour ends in Szimpla Kert. Petra is an excellent guide, you’ll get a lot of tips for the rest of your stay.
Or maybe you want to focus on Budapest’s bar scene?
🍸 The Drunken History Bar Tour combines bar crawl with scandalous history. You’ll visit four local spots, including three famous ruin bars and taste Hungary’s best wine, beer, cocktails and liquors.
🍻 On this Craft Beer Tour you’ll get immersed in Budapest’s craft beer scene with a visit to three of the trendiest craft beer bars.
My experience at Szimpla Kert
I first visited Szimpla Kert in the afternoon while it was still light out to get the full effect of everything. The atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming, perfect for exploring the unique decor and architecture without the crowds.
I felt like I stepped into another world, where you can sit down with a drink in a bathtub and where large hare statues with coat hangers on their head are considered decor.
You could spend hours just taking everything in – the art, colorful lights, signs, plants hanging from the ceiling, old phones and tv’s. It kind of feels like a kid and a person high on shrooms decorated together. And I love it.
There are several themed rooms, I prefer the area on the left after the entrance as you can see below. I wandered around for a while before deciding on where to sit down.
On Sundays, the courtyard hosts a popular farmers’ market where local producers sell fresh produce, homemade jams, artisanal cheeses, and other local delicacies. This is a great opportunity to mingle with locals and sample some authentic Hungarian products.
During the day you’ll also find people working on laptops, sipping coffee or enjoying a casual meal.
When it was time for lunch we continued upstairs where the rooms were a little smaller with lots of plants in the central courtyard. It was even calmer up here so we could sit down and enjoy a street food type meal in piece and quiet. We only paid 5300 HUF (€13).
Pro tip >> One of my favorite places in the city for goulash, the popular Hungarian soup stew, is just around the corner from Szimpla Kert called Gettó Gulyás.
At night
Szimpla Kert offers a distinctly different experience depending on whether you visit during the day or at night. As the sun sets, Szimpla Kert comes alive with energy.
Each room offers a different vibe, from cozy nooks perfect for intimate conversations to larger spaces where groups gather. On some nights, after dark, movies are projected onto a large screen outside.
The courtyard becomes a focal point of activity, with people gathering to chat, drink, and soak in the unique ambiance. The upper levels offer a great vantage point to people-watch and take in the scene below.
Live music is a regular feature, with local and international acts performing on the main stage. The genres vary widely, from rock and indie to electronic and world music. In other areas, you might find DJs spinning tunes or even spontaneous jam sessions.
Throughout the night, you’ll encounter an eclectic mix of people from all over the world, creating opportunities for interesting conversations and cultural exchanges. The drink menu is extensive, featuring local wines, craft beers, and creative cocktails.
Things to know before visiting
The toilets are horrible. I walked in the door and straight out again. I don’t think I’ve had such a strong reaction to a toilet since I was on a local ferry in Asia. Haha.
The bouncers and bartenders have a reputation for not being the friendliest, but don’t let that kill your vibe. After dark you will also most likely be offered every drug you can think of. Please don’t do it, just say no and walk away.
⚠️ Recently, I have read about a few less-than-ideal happenings at Szimpla Kert. So at night, I recommend visiting with at least one other person and never leaving your drinks and belongings unattended.
Do the ruin bars take card? Yes, you can pay by card in most places. In fact, It seemed like the bartenders preferred not having to deal with cash. Just remember to choose to pay in HUF.
Are children allowed in ruin bars? Yes, during the day, when it is more like a quirky café, you can absolutely bring your children. After dark, however, I would go somewhere else.
Best time to visit Szimpla Kert
In my mind, the best time to visit Szimpla Kert is in the afternoon from Monday to Thursday, when it’s quiet and you can actually walk around and take in everything.
Space is limited, so you may need to get in line. On the weekend, including Thursday, expect lines from about 9:00 pm. After visiting during the day we wanted to check the atmosphere at night, but once we saw the line we turned around.
Spring and fall are the best times of year to visit Szimpla Kert when the outdoor garden is lush without it being too hot or cold.
What to wear
The vibe in Szimpla Kert is casual so wear jeans, t-shirts, casual dresses or skirts. Opt for sneakers, flats or boots. Avoid high heels as the floors are uneven. Ruin bars welcome creativity, so feel free to showcase your personal style.
Bring a jacket or sweater, as some areas might be cooler, especially in outdoor spaces. I visited in winter and kept my jacket on most of the time. A cross-body bag is useful for keeping your belongings secure.
Is Szimpla Kert worth visiting?
Yes, I definitely think Szimpla Kert is worth visiting, but I would choose one of the lesser-known ruin bars if you want to go out at night.
I love the stark contrast between these dilapidated places and the incredible grandeur of the city’s other buildings such as the New York Café.
Pros
✅ The eclectic decor and the large, repurposed building create a one-of-a-kind ambiance.
✅ As the original ruin bar, it’s an important part of Budapest’s history.
✅ From farmers’ markets to live music, there’s more than just drinking.
✅ It attracts a diverse crowd making it great for observing and meeting people.
✅ The quirky decor provides plenty of Instagram-worthy shots.
Cons
❌ Its popularity means it can get very busy, especially at night.
❌ Lots more tourists than locals, which might not appeal to those seeking an authentic local experience.
❌ I find the food and drinks to be more expensive compared to less famous bars in Budapest (a beer cost €3-4 here).
❌ The size and layout can be confusing or overwhelming for some.
🌟 Read next >> 17 hidden gems in Budapest you shouldn’t miss!
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