This rich mosaic is exemplified by the emergence of the ruin pub culture in the early 2000s, with Szimpla Kert leading the charge in the Jewish district.
Two decades on, these establishments have become integral to Budapest’s nightlife, occupying dilapidated structures adorned with eclectic furniture and exuding a charm that’s distinctly their own. Despite some locals’ desire to move past the “Eastern Bloc” aesthetics, the nostalgic ambiance of these venues continues to captivate visitors to Hungary’s capital.
Szimpla Kert ruin bar – why does everyone love it so much?
Szimpla has emerged as the quintessential destination for those eager to immerse themselves in the ruin bar atmosphere. However, the establishment offers much more than the typical bar setting, featuring a labyrinthine layout that houses an array of activities beyond mere drinking. It hosts concerts and live music performances, operates an art gallery, provides bike rental services, and organizes a farmers’ market and flea market, along with weekend events that are pet-friendly. Additionally, Szimpla enriches its offerings with brunch and lunch options, ensuring a comprehensive experience. This compilation highlights the most intriguing aspects of Szimpla, illustrating why it’s more than just a bar but a cultural hub within Budapest. So Szimpla Kert is a ‘must to visit’ place if we travel to Budapest, and not just during the night hours.
Szimpla Kert – the beginning
Szimpla Kertmozi, commonly known as Szimpla, emerged as Hungary’s inaugural ruin pub, pioneering a new wave in Budapest’s nightlife scene. Launched in 2002, initially a few blocks from its present spot on Kazinczy Street, Szimpla paved the way for numerous other establishments of its kind, rapidly becoming a prime draw for Generation Z tourists in Budapest.
Before delving deeper into the specifics of Szimpla, it’s essential to understand the concept of ruin pubs. The turn of the millennium saw significant changes in property ownership laws, leaving many central buildings, especially in Budapest’s 7th district, deserted and deteriorating. With limited funds to fully renovate these dilapidated structures and storefronts, inventive owners capitalized on the opportunity to establish bars. They furnished these spaces with an assortment of affordable, second-hand items sourced from flea markets, creating the unique, sometimes surreal ambiance characteristic of ruin pubs. This casual, eclectic environment, adorned with a variety of vintage furniture, lighting, and decor, and complemented by live music and draft beer, garnered enough patronage to spark the phenomenon of ruin pubs.
Another nice pub: For Sale pub Hungary
The For Sale pub is a very special pub that everyone notices as soon as they walk through the door. There is no other place like it in Budapest, or perhaps in Hungary! The interior of the pub is adorned with thousands upon thousands of messages written on pages left by previous guests – for future generations. The owner of the bar has not removed the writing from the walls and ceiling, so the inside of the bar looks like a library turned upside down.
Like a library swept by a tornado: For Sale pub Hungary
Even if you’re not there to leave a message or something that you want to share with other „readers”, you can still enjoy reading the notes from others. These notes are more than just simple notes; they tell the story of the people who’ve visited over the years. When you first see the place, it feels like you’ve stepped into a scene from an old Western movie, complete with iconic swinging doors, a floor that could be from a film set, and straw scattered around. But once you go deeper inside, the Western theme gives way to walls covered in notes and a mix of old-fashioned styles. Beyond the notes and the decor, the thing that really catches your eye is how many peanuts there are. “A lot” doesn’t quite capture it; peanuts are everywhere, not just on the tables but also in large barrels on the floor. These peanuts come in their shells, and as guests crack them open, the shells join the straw on the ground.
A beautifully crafted chaos: For Sale pub Hungary
Book a table while you still can! It’s a good idea for tourists to book a table in advance at this bar because it’s quite popular, and you might end up waiting for a spot to open up. At the bar, let them know how many people you have and the type of table you’re looking for, and they’ll call you when it’s ready. They assign tables based on who came first. The bar has two floors: the entrance leads to a bar counter with mostly small tables on the first floor and a section for bigger groups towards the back. The second floor has tables that can seat 4-6 people. Once you’re seated, you can order whatever food and/ or drinks you would like to, but be prepared for a bit of a wait for the food, so it’s best not to come too hungry. Good news: if you’re just visiting the tavern for a drink, you can also stay at the bar.
The menu is amazing too – and the prices are not high!
Those who enter this infinitely special pub, or manage to book a table, will certainly not leave the tavern hungry and/or thirsty. The menu is extremely varied, with no shortage of traditional Hungarian dishes such as goulash, Jókai bean soup and many other delicacies.
Another advantage of the For Sale pub is its affordability, making it a great spot for visitors looking for a budget-friendly option. The prices are lower than many other places, allowing guests to enjoy their time without worrying about spending too much. This cost-effectiveness adds to its appeal, especially for tourists wanting to experience Budapest’s nightlife without breaking the bank.