Szimpla Kert is the first Ruin Bar in Budapest, opened in 2002 in a ruined building formerly occupied by flats and a factory.

Located in the city centre in the 7th district (Kazinczy u. 14), the Szimpla Kert ruin bar (sometimes just called ‘Szimpla’) was named the 3rd best bar in the world by Lonely Planet magazine.
It is an iconic Hungarian night spot where you can experience a unique underground atmosphere and eclectic crowds, have a drink and a meal, enjoy live concerts and open-air film screenings.

Szimpla kert is the most touristy ruin bar in Budapest, but it is undoubtedly the most original and unique. Relaxed during the day, lively at night, Szimpla Kert ruin pub is an experience to be discovered!

The History of Szimpla Kert ruin bar

Founded by students in 2002 in the inner courtyard of an old building, this bar
gradually took over the building. The ingenious founders have turned a run-down place into an unusual and alternative bar. Due to its growing success and the narrowness of the building, Szimpla Kert ruin bar moved in 2004 to Kazinczy Street in another old dilapidated building. Over the years the Szimpla has offered more and more cultural events (open-air film screenings, exhibitions,…), concerts, and workshops. It has thus become a cultural institution of the Hungarian capital without losing its unique atmosphere and conviviality.

On the ground floor and on two floors you will find 9 bars and over 400 drinks are offered.

On the ground floor

You’ll enjoy discovering each room, each one more surprising than the other, on different floors. The decoration of this ruin bar will surprise you with its mixture of old objects, sometimes diverted from their initial functions, by its tags on the walls, a joyful and unique disorder which gives it an undeniable charm.
The old Trabant car, cut in half, which sits in the middle of the courtyard and serves as a bench, is a must-see.
You will find two main bars, one on the right as you enter, and in the garden on the left. Both sell the usual alcoholic products, including beer and wine from local producers, spirits and cocktails. Also worth checking out is the shisha bar, where you can choose from fruity tobacco flavours.
There is no dance floor but the large central courtyard quickly becomes electric after 11pm.

At the entrance, be sure to check out the neighbouring Szimpla Design Shop, which is a pleasant jumble of modern, vintage and local brands.

Upstairs at Szimpla Kert ruin bar

A real labyrinthine section awaits you upstairs with many rooms, each with its own theme, unique decoration and atmosphere.

Eating at Szimpla Kert

You can also have a meal at Szimpla Kert with a menu that includes many burgers, tapas, soups and some main courses.
For those who like to eat, there is also a room with a shisha bar.

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The Sunday Market

The Szimpla Kert can be visited quietly during the day as well and hosts a ‘Farmers’ Market’ every Sunday from 09:00 to 14:00 with about 30 stands of Hungarian producers. This is an opportunity to discover local specialities with producers of cheese, sausages, breads and other delicacies to buy and eat on the spot. There are also handicrafts on offer that will make good souvenirs or gifts.

There is also a brunch every Sunday upstairs (per person approx. 15 euros). Reservations can be made via the e-mail address [email protected].
More information on the official website of Szimpla Kert ruin pub on this link.

Record fair

On the first Saturday of every month, the Szimpla turns over the vinyls and cassettes! During the day, the stands of collectors and knowledgeable sellers offer vinyls for all kinds of music. In the middle of the large courtyard the record player never stops.

From time to time a flea market is held during the day at Szimpla Kert, but unfortunately without any specific frequency or schedule.

When to visit the Szimpla Kert?

Due to the success of this iconic venue, however, expect a queue to enter from 9pm onwards from Thursday to Saturday. If you are only in Budapest for a weekend and want to spend the evening at the Szimpla Kert, arrive before 7pm to get seats and avoid the crowds at the entrance.

If you can, we advise you to visit the Szimpla Kert in the evening when it is less touristy and quieter, from Monday to Wednesday.

During the day you can visit this unusual place in Budapest at any time and have a drink.

Where to eat around Szimpla Kert?

  • At number 18 Kazinczy Street you will find the street food market called ‘Karavan’: in an open air courtyard many stalls are waiting for you: burgers, pizzas, Asian dishes, world cuisine, etc… You can then eat on large wooden tables.
    Karavan Street foodKazinczy utca 18, 1075, Pest. Open from 11h30 till 0h00. FB site
  • Bors Gastrobar: Opened in 2012, this small bar is an unusual institution among Hungarians for its original compositions of soups and sandwiches. It also offers a wide variety of stews, pastas and salads in its daily updated menu. A street food cuisine whose success is measured by the permanent queue!

Bors gastrobar: Kazinczy u. 10, 1075. Open every day from 11:30 to 21:00. FB site.

General information Szimpla kert ruin bar:

Address: Kazinczy u. 14th, 7th district, Pest – planwebsite.
Open hours: from 12:00 to 04:00 from Monday to Saturday, Sunday: 09:00 to 05:00. Free admission.
Please note: Szimpla Kert is closed on 24, 25, 26 and 31 December.

Do not miss our article on Budapest nightlife and the Best Ruins bars of Budapest on this link.