Whether your tastes run to craft beers or cool cocktails, buzzing Budapest will keep you up till the early hours. Forget any images you may have in your mind of noisy parties; the best nightlife in Budapest can be found in bohemian ‘ruin’ pubs, cultured coffee houses, and sleek rooftop bars overlooking the city skyline.
Whatever your drink of choice, you’ll find it in Budapest, from full-bodied Hungarian wines and local craft beers to creative cocktails from the city’s top mixologists, making generous use of pálinka fruit brandies and herbal liqueurs. Don’t worry if you enjoy a little too much; you can always recover the next day in one of the city’s famous thermal baths.
The Best Rooftop Bars for a Drink with a View
The Budapest skyline is adorned with art nouveau masterpieces, monumental landmarks, colorful tiled rooftops, and rolling green hills, bisected by what is arguably Europe’s most famous river. It’s well worth appreciating the view from a high vantage point with a drink in hand.
The city boasts plenty of rooftop bars offering stunning views of the city, and most operate year-round. Here’s a list of the top rooftops in Budapest.
- 360 Bar: The most popular rooftop bar on Andrassy út, offering creative cocktails and a cosmopolitan crowd.
- High Note Sky Bar: A romantic spot just steps from St Stephen’s Basilica, known for its downtown views.
- Intermezzo Roof Terrace: Features a summer bar and a rooftop ice-skating rink in winter, with magical views toward the Hungarian Parliament.
- Leo Budapest: Buda’s first rooftop bar offers tropical vibes and superior river views.
- St Andrea: A sophisticated option with a vast selection of wines and fine city views.
Budapest’s Ruin Bars: The Place for Laid-Back Fun
Budapest is the birthplace of the ruin bar. These lively party spots are plentiful, especially in District VII, where you can bar hop all night if you have the energy. Here’s a selection of the best places to experience the ruin bar culture.
- Szimpla Kert: The most authentic ruin bar featuring wild decor, upcycled furniture, movie screenings, and live acoustic shows.
- Csendes: This hip hangout is adorned with mannequins, old toys, and vintage chandeliers.
- Fogas Ház: A stylish party complex with cool DJs keeping the dance floors filled till dawn.
Budapest’s Coolest Cocktail Bars Blend Local Spirits and International Trends
Budapest boasts a vibrant cocktail culture, with speakeasy vibes and innovative drinks. Here are some top spots to enjoy unique and tailored cocktails.
- Bar Pharma: Known for its creative cocktails served in an atmospheric setting with vintage medicine bottles.
- Black Swan: An elegant spot with a cosmopolitan vibe and delicious drinks.
- Boutiq’ Bar: A pioneer of Budapest’s craft cocktail movement, recognized for its exceptional creations.
- Hotsy Totsy: A secretive speakeasy with a nostalgic Prohibition-era ambiance.
- Warmup: Offers no drinks list; simply share your flavor preferences, and the mixologists will craft a custom cocktail.
Craft Beer Lovers Can Dive Deep in Budapest’s Brewpubs
A craft beer revolution has taken Budapest by storm in recent years. Small-batch pale ales and ales with various flavors have replaced the typical mass-produced lager. Explore local microbreweries such as Horizont, MONYO, and First. Here are some recommended places to enjoy craft beer.
- Hopaholic: A tiny bar with an impressive selection of ales from around the globe.
- First Craft Beer Bar: This brewery operates a pub and kitchen serving local favorites.
- Hops Beer Bar: Features a unique decor made of beer coasters and hop sacks.
- Élesztő: A playground for hop-heads, offering a rotating selection of 25 beers on tap, plus brewing courses.
Discover the Best Wine Bars Stocked with Local Vintages
Hungary is renowned for its wines, boasting 22 wine regions. Budapest’s wine bars proudly showcase local varieties, including kadarka, kékfrankos, furmint, and hárslevelű. Here are some must-visit wine bars.
- DiVino: Focuses on local labels, with one venue offering a stunning view of St Stephen’s Basilica.
- Doblo: Sample the finest Hungarian wines in a cozy, dimly lit setting.
- Kadarka: A colorful wine bar specializing in local wines.
- Palack: Offers over 100 wines to choose from, in a charming location by the river.
The Best Clubs in Budapest Offer Non-Stop Fun
While Budapest’s club scene isn’t as expansive as other major cities, there are still plenty of venues to dance the night away. Gozsdu Udvar is packed with partygoers every night. Here are some hotspots worth checking out:
- PONTOON: Dance on the Danube River with DJ parties hosted in summer.
- A38 Ship: A repurposed Ukrainian cargo vessel now serves as a live music venue and nightclub.
- Akvárium Klub: Located in a prime city spot, this hub hosts major parties and live performances.
- Budapest Park: An outdoor space perfect for summer festivities, complete with food trucks.
- Széchenyi Baths: This famous thermal bathhouse also hosts Saturday night “Sparties,” combining music and relaxation.
Budapest’s Coffee Houses: Enjoy a Calmer After-Dark Experience
If you’re in the mood for a quieter night, visit one of the city’s historic coffee houses, many of which are open until midnight. These cafes, steeped in history, were once popular with Hungary’s most prominent creatives and still attract many visitors today.
- New York Café: Known for its opulent decor and live Hungarian music.
- Gerbeaud Café: An elegant venue offering signature pastries alongside delicious coffee.
- Centrál: A historic cafe featuring a vintage ambiance with charming decor.
- Hadik: A cozy cafe at the foot of Gellért Hill, perfect for enjoying a relaxing drink.
