A Traveller's Guide to the Best Budapest Ruin Bars
A cultural icon in Budapest, exciting ruin bars can be found throughout the city. In this guide, we showcase the best ruin bars in Budapest, from the original, Szimpla Kert, to the hidden, local gems.
Q: What do abandoned buildings and some of the coolest nightlife in the whole of Europe have in common?
A: Budapest.
Confused? Allow us to elaborate.
After World War 2 and the cold war years, many buildings in the old Jewish Quarter of Budapest had been left to rack and ruin. In the early noughties, a number of enterprising individuals began to transform these dilapidated buildings and courtyards into the perfect character-filled underground bars and pubs - earning them the title of ruin bars.
From the outside they could easily be confused with your average run-down building, inside they’re anything but average. Step through the doorway and into the rabbit hole of flea market furniture, weird antiques, art and graffiti, where the young, hip, artsy folk of Budapest drink, mingle and enjoy the laid back atmosphere in the coolest of settings.
One even has an old Trabant you can sip your cocktails in, if you’ve ever harboured dreams of doing such things.
The appeal of these bars lies within their DNA; they’re underground, hard to find, unique yet insanely hip. You’ve just gotta know where to find them.
If you’re (ruin) bar hopping your way around Budapest, here are the places you need to go.
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BUDAPEST RUIN BARS SNAPSHOT
BEST RUIN BAR |Szimpla Kert
UNDERRATED RUIN BAR | Csendes
BEST CRAFT BEER RUIN BAR | Élesztő
CHEAPEST RUIN BAR | Udvar Rom
A LOCAL FAVOURITE | A Grund
BEST BEER GARDEN | Kőleves Kert
BEST PARTY RUIN BAR | Instant/Fogas
WHAT ARE RUIN BARS?
Not a stupid question... so allow us to elaborate.
After World War 2 and the cold war years, many buildings in the old Jewish Quarter of Budapest had been left to rack and ruin. In the early noughties, a number of enterprising individuals began to transform these dilapidated buildings and courtyards into the perfect character-filled underground bars and pubs, or 'romkocsma' - earning them the title of ruin bars/pubs.
From the outside they could easily be confused with your average run-down building, inside they’re anything but average.
Step through the doorway and into the rabbit hole of flea market furniture, weird antiques, art and graffiti, where the young, hip, artsy folk of Budapest drink, mingle and enjoy the laid back atmosphere in the coolest of settings.
One even has an old Trabant you can sip your cocktails in if you’ve ever harboured dreams of doing such things.
Ruin bars are also very welcoming. Having been created by Budapest’s liberally minded youth, they’re accommodating to all, and many have social and environmental schemes aimed at tackling some of the cities issues.
While the ruin bars of yesteryear are maybe a little diluted now, they’re still one of the coolest places in the city to sink a beer.
BEST RUINS BARS IN PEST
SZIMPLA KERT
The pioneer and best known of all ruin bars in Budapest, Szimpla Kert (simple garden) has been on the scene since 2002.
Full of incredible art, ramshackle furniture and the best beer courtyard in town, it’s so uber cool you won’t know what to do with yourself. So just get a beer, sit back in the old skool Trabant and take it all in.
The first thing you’ll notice when you step inside the glass doors of Szimpla Kert is darkness. It’s slightly disarming, no matter what time of day it is; as if you’ve stepped into another world.
Then you’ll notice the eclectic furniture - the art, the colourful neon lights, the disco balls, the 90’s tv’s, the plants hanging from the ceiling. It’s sensory overload, in the best possible way.
It kind of feels like if the Lost Boys from Peter Pan were to create a bar, this would be the result. There are 8 themed rooms throughout the complex, perfect to get wonderfully lost in.
Each weekend, producers from all over descend on Szimpla Kert to sell their wares at the Weekend Farmers Market - mostly locally grown fruit, vegetables and flowers, breads, spreads and cheese (omg the goat’s cheese is to die for), honey etc., as well as some Hungarian street food stalls.
There are also handcrafted products for sale if you’re after a little gift for someone back home.
THE DETAILS
Where | Budapest, Kazinczy u. 14
Opening Hours | Mon - Fri: 3pm - 4am, Sat: 11am - 4am, Sun: 9am - 4am, Sunday Farmers Market: 9 am - 2 pm.
Cost | Free
Best for | The original, at best ruin bar
Related | Our complete guide to Szimpla Kert
INSTANT & FOGAS
After taking over an entire apartment building, Instant/Fogas is Budapest’s largest ruin bar, and Europe’s largest party complex, with 7 different floors, 18 bars, and 2 gardens (yeah, it’s big!).
Formally two separate ruin bars, Instant and Fogasház joined forces to create the ultimate party place in Budapest. This is the place you come after pre-drinks at Szimpla Kert, a place to settle in and party the night away. Or, you can start and end your night here - it’s your choice!
What were once individual apartments have morphed into themed rooms with theatrical decor in typical ruin bar style, where Djs pump out tunes for dancefloor enthusiasts. If that’s not your vibe, you can chill in the gardens instead.
Within the complex, there are seven separate dance floors (or ‘clubs’), featuring music for just about every taste (no country music though, soz!):
Instant | Ruin bar with dancefloor and billiards room
Unterwelt | The Rn’B club in the complex, hosting international DJ’s playing the latest tunes, remixes
Liebling | The chill area, featuring a rooftop to enjoy a more relaxed drink
Larm | Techno and electro parties featuring some of Budapest’s best DJ’s
Robot | Rock and Roll anthems in this cavernous space
Frame | Latin beats and broken beats, Instant’s latest bar
Fogas | Electro tunes and an awesome garden
Like most of the popular ruin bars in Budapest, drinks at Instant/Fogas is a little more on the expensive side, but still cheaper than most of western Europe. Fortunately though, entry is free. Another cool thing is that drinks are served in refundable eco cups with a token (300 HUF). When you’re done with your cup, just drop it back to the bar in the garden, next to the cloakroom, and get your money back.
Overall, there’s probably no better place to get an all in one party in Budapest, and while it might feel a little touristy in here, you’re almost guaranteed an awesome night out.
THE DETAILS
Where | Akácfa utca 51, District VII
Opening hours | Mon – Sun: 6pm – 6am
Best for | Partying, all types of music
Tips | Stay away from the street dealers, be quiet when you leave
Entry | free of charge
CSENDES LÉTTEREM - VINTAGE BAR & CAFE
Csendes is hands down one of our favourite ruin bars in Budapest, although it’s not quite your traditional ruin bar.
Csendes roughly translates to ’quiet’ in English, and it’s a more sedate affair here. What we love most about Csendes is its relaxed vibe - it’s not a party place by any stretch of the imagination, more a place to come with your friends and enjoy a bottle of wine and chat about the latest gossip.
Located off Museum Boulevard in the heart of downtown Budapest, it’s often missed by tourists looking to visit Szimpla Kert or Instant, and for that reason it has a more local feel.
The furnishings are where it feels most like a ruin bar, where no two chairs are the same, and with walls covered in all types of weird and wonderful objects, such as a bike, mannequins, barbie dolls, and some extravagant art. Because of this it should feel a little claustrophobic, but it doesn’t - it feels welcoming and homely.
In summer, there’s also an outdoor seating area at the entrance to Károlyi-Kert, Budapest’s most beautiful park. With fairy lights above, it’s the perfect place to spend those long summer nights in the quiet surroundings of downtown Pest.
The usual selection of drinks is available, including craft beers and a range of Hungarian wines. The cocktails aren’t the greatest, so we recommend sticking to the beer and wine selection - it’s also more affordable that way.
They also have limited food options, but we’d suggest grabbing food elsewhere, such as pizza from nearby Manu+ (the best pizza in Budapest BTW!).
THE DETAILS
Where | Budapest, Ferenczy István u. 5
Opening hours | Daily: 10 am - 12 am/ 2 am
Best for | The best vibes
KOLOVES KERT
As the city awakens after a long winter, what we and most in-the-know locals look forward to most is Kőleves Kert (Kőleves Garden) reopening.
A leafy, laidback garden treasure located on Kazinczy Street, right in the heart of the ‘party district’, Kőleves is a place where anyone is welcome, no matter colour or creed, and it’s this diverse background, and some of the most delightfully friendly staff, that make Kőleves Kert stand out amongst Budapest ruin bars.
The layout is typically Budapest - wide open spaces, pops of colour amongst the ramshackle, a rounded wooden shed that’s also the bar, and a circus-wagon that operates as the kitchen. There are also hammocks for those long, lazy summer afternoons.
Drinks at Kőleves Kert are your standard offerings - beers on tap, as well as craft selections, a wide range of Hungarian wines (the Rosé is always a treat), and a wide selection of affordable cocktails, including the ubiquitous fröccs (Hungarian wine spritzer), and our go-to, Aperol Spritz. All are very reasonably priced - expect to pay around HUF 900 - HUF 2,500.
During the week, it’s worth visiting at lunchtime, as there are weekly lunch specials supplied by next do Kőleves Vendeglo, our favourite restaurant in Budapest. These specials are usually around HUF 1,500 - HUF2,000 and include an entree or dessert, a main, and a lemonnade.
In the evenings, there’s a limited menu serving delicious food from next door.
If we could, we’d teleport to a late summer afternoon spent at Kőleves Kert right now - it really is the best ruin bar in Budapest.
THE DETAILS
Where | Budapest, Kazinczy Ut 41
Opening hours | Mon - Sun: 11:30 am - 11 pm
Best for | Garden vibes, friendly staff
Tips | Arrive just after 6 pm to secure a table
ÉLESZTO
Élesztő (Yeast in Hungarian) does not feel like your typical ruin bar.
For a start, it’s not filled with flea market furniture and antiques, rather a modern industrial design and concept set in a former Glassworks, and has a much more relaxed feel to it than its more raucous brothers in the 7th District such as Szimpla Kert.
Secondly, it feels like a locals haunt, filled with everyone from the local hipsters through to young families.
And thirdly, it’s less about the ruin bar and more about the beer. Specifically, Hungarian craft beer. Élesztő serves an ever-changing menu of 25 beers on tap, ranging from the standard lagers through to heavy IPA’s, stout and weiss - if you’re a beer lover, there’s something for you here.
One thing to add is that the Hungarian craft beer scene is good. Really good. Mad Scientist is as good a beer as any, and Budapest brewers Monyo and Hubris are exceptional. Don’t expect to pay too much either; the selection of beers are reasonably priced - maybe due to its location away from the hustle of the party district.
If beer isn’t your thing, don’t stress - there’s a wine bar to the left and a spirit bar at the back. There is also cosy cellar bar area where the hipsters gather.
Set in a lovely, leafy courtyard with exposed brick and industrial finishes, there’s also a grill which serves meaty classics for those needing something to balance the beer.
Élesztő might be one of Budapest’s best ‘new’ ruin bars, and its location amongst away from the throngs of tourists makes it a favourite.
THE DETAILS
Where | Budapest, Tűzoltó u. 22
Opening hours | Daily: 3pm - late
Best for | Craft beer
Tips | Reservations are suggested for weekends
A GRUND
Another one of our favourite off the beaten track Budapest ruin bars, A Grund is typical modern-style ruin bars; more large open spaces than ramshackle nooks and antique furniture.
Situated in the ever-evolving Corvin Complex in the 8th District, A Grund is super popular with locals who flock here to escape the 7th District crowds.
Expansive is an understatement - there’s a huge open-air beer garden, enclosed bar built around a gorgeous mulberry tree, and various side rooms which offer a more secluded place to drink. There’s also a children’s playground (talk about inclusive!), and a grill serving up all the pub-style classics (including veggie options!).
On the drinks side, it’s pretty standard - typical Hungarian and international beers, an array of Hungarian wines, and usual cocktails, however, the happy hour, between 6 pm and 8 pm, which includes 2 for 1 Soproni, and 50% reductions on Jager, Jim Beam, Ballantines and Russian Standard bring the masses.
Beyond the food and drink, there are large screens sport, mostly football (especially good during World Cup or Euro football leagues), and you can even play laser tag here - so if you’re after something a little more fun than just drinking, A Grund is a great option.
If you’re after something a little more sedate, the wine night on Thursday evenings (18:00) in summer is exceptional. Presenting the best of Hungarian wines in a more informal way, you can sample and learn about the incredibly under appreciated industry from some of the best wine connoisseurs.
THE DETAILS
Where | Nagytemplom ut. 30, Budapest
Opening hours | Mon - Tues: 8am - 12am, Wed: 8am - 1am, Fri - Sat: 8am - 4am, Sunday: 10am - 12am
Best for | Happy hour, a local feel
Reservations | Reservations can be made at foglalas@agrund.hu
Read more | Explore the best of Budapest’s hip 8th District
DÜRER KERT
One of the original underground bars and cultural icons of Budapest, Dürer Kert has recently moved from the leafy surrounds of City Park to the banks of the Danube in Buda, thanks in part to the peril of most of Budapest, developers and their ever-growing desire to turn the city into a hotel. Yet the shift hasn’t diminished this cultural icon - it’s perhaps even enhanced it.
Now, set amongst an industrial backdrop, Dürer Kert makes more sense than ever.
It hosts large events with local and international acts, both indoors and out, while also providing a leafy garden oasis for those long summer nights. That’s the beauty of Dürer - there’s something for everyone here.
Dürer is all about the music, from heavy metal bands through to long, techno-filled nights - so if you’re keen on listening to some tunes (check the schedule here), this is the best Budapest ruin bar. For most of the summer, each night here has a festival-like feel to it.
For drinks, there’s the usual selection of beer, wine and spirits on offer, as well as summer favourites such as cider and fröccs, while in the food department, it’s burgers only (meat + veg options!).
Beyond the music, there are foosball and table tennis tables available for the competitive ones.
The only downside to Dürer Kert is its relative distance from the main tourist hubs - this is also a positive, as it weeds a lot of undesirable tourists, making the garden feel local, relaxed and friendly. To get to Zichy Géza bus station (the nearest station), take trolleybus #74 or 75 or nightbus #979.
THE DETAILS
Where | Öböl utca 1
Opening hours | Mon - Thu: 16:00 - 02:00, Fri: 16:00 - 04:00, Sat - Sun: 12:00 - 04:00
Best for | Music, heavy metal, culture
Photo courtesy of Durer Kert
MAZEL TOV
Mazel Tov isn’t your usual Budapest ruin bar, so if run-down buildings with flea market furniture and graffiti-laden walls aren’t your thing, Mazel Tov probably will be.
Architecturally designed, uber-modern with a minimalistic warehouse feel, Mazel Tov is a chic modern take on a ruin pub and feels like it was pulled out of New York and plonked into Budapest’s Jewish Quarter.
Hyped as one of the best restaurants in Budapest, the food is good, not great, and quite over-priced - there are far better restaurants in the Jewish District, including the incredible Dobrumba. The staff too can be a little rude.
The setting, however, is next level and makes a booking at Mazel Tov an essential thing to do in Budapest.
Restaurant by day, garden party area by evening, Mazel Tov has djs and bands playing every night. If your idea of a night out is an uber-trendy experience without the grunge then this is the place for you.
Reservations are essential here - Mazel Tov is probably Budapest’s busiest establishment.
THE DETAILS
Where | Budapest, Akácfa u. 47
Opening hours | Wed - Sun: 12 pm - 12 am, Mon - Tues: 5 pm - 12 am
Best for | Middle Eastern cuisine, ambience
Tips | Book well in advance
FUGE UDVAR
Part ruin bar, part ruin club, Fuge Udvar, located deep in Budapest’s party district, is a lively bar with something for everyone.
Simplistic in design, similar to nearby Udvar Rom, the centrepiece of Fuge Udvar is the huge fig tree (Fuge is fig in Hungarian, hence the name), in which the bar and pub were built around. There’s ample seating around this area, which makes it the most appealing place in the complex to sit and drink.
Again, the drinks list is unimpressive, the stock standard beer, wine and spirits on offer, at super affordable prices. There is, however, 2 for 1 drink discounts every day until 8 pm.
At night, the ruin bar transforms into a party paradise in a similar mould to Instant/Fogas, with DJs playing all types of music styles, from pop, retro, reggae-ton and RnB.
Where Fuge Udvar differs from most Budapest ruin bars is its game room, where you’ll find pinball, table tennis, billiards, snooker, darts and air hockey - it’s this room that elevates Fuge from your run of the mill ruin bar to one of the more fun in the city.
Overall, there are a million better bars and ruin bars in the near vicinity of Fuge Udvar, so we’d suggest trying them (listed above) before making your way here.
THE DETAILS
Where | Budapest, Klauzál u. 19
Opening hours | 4pm - 4am daily
Best for | The games
UDVAR ROM
Udvar Rom isn’t anything special, but that’s actually its appeal.
It’s literally a crumbling building that’s home to some wooden tables and benches, a nondescript bar serving cheap alcohol, and a mostly local clientele. It’s an old school, unpretentious ruin bar perfect for a laid back beverage - and that’s why people love it.
Udvar Rom is perhaps best for the Gen Z’s reading this post (we feel old just writing that), as it’s filled with students and travellers - beers, great if you’re looking to make new friends in the city.
Overall, the drinks list is basic, filled with all the cheapest options possible - beer on tap, wine, spirits, served and ridiculously cheap prices.
As for food, basic burgers are served, otherwise, nearby Wesselenyi Utca is filled with street food options.
THE DETAILS
Where | Klauzál utca. 21, District VII
Opening hours | 4pm - 4am daily
Best for | Cheap alcohol
POTKULCS
Hidden in amongst the crumbling neo-renaissance buildings of the 6th district is Potkulcs, an unpretentious bar frequented by in-the-know locals
The entrance is through a nondescript gate in an otherwise dilapidated wall and opens to a large, leafy courtyard where, in the summer, is the place to be to enjoy a drink amongst a cooler clime.
The interior is typically Budapest - crumbling with a distinctly retro feel, like you’ve transported to your grandmother’s lounge room. A lazy, long winter’s night spent here is glorious; it’s a great place to escape the chill and relax on the expansive tables or hidden nooks.
The alcohol at Potkulcs is cheap (there’s a theme emerging, isn’t there!), with all the usuals sold. However we’d steer clear of the food options - they’re not great, and there are a heap of decent restaurants located on nearby Grand Boulevard.
This no-frills Budapest ruin bar is exactly what it’s meant to be - a communal space to meet and spend time with friends while enjoying cheap alcohol. It’s worth noting that when we visited, it was cash only.
THE DETAILS
Where | Budapest, Csengery u. 65/b
Opening hours | 5 pm - 12 am daily
Best for | A traditional ruin bar
Tip | Bring cash
BEST RUINS BARS IN BUDA
SZATYOR BAR, BARTOK BELA
Less traditional ruin bar, more reimagined ruin bar, Szatyor might just be our favourite bar in Budapest.
Set on the uber-trendy Bartok Bela in District 11, Szatyor Bar is bright and airy, filled with random, colourful antique furniture (there’s even an F1 car hanging from the ceiling!). Interestingly, the colourful interior was created by 18 young artists, painting the walls in themes of folk tales and hints to Hungarian culture.
The vibe here isn’t ramshackle or rundown, more elevated and fashionable - it’s this mix of old and new that sets it apart from other ruin bars in the city.
As you’d expect with an upmarket ruin bar, Szatyor serves trendy craft beers, a range of exceptional wines, and the standard spirits. There’s also a range of literary cocktails, a nod to the buildings past as one of the meeting points of Hungarian writers and poets.
Food is served in conjunction with the adjoining Hadik, and is a step above other ruin bars in the city - expect a mostly traditional Hungarian menu with some pretty incredible burgers.
Split over two levels, there’s ample space for groups - but be warned, this isn’t your party ruin bar, so take it easy!
THE DETAILS
Where | Budapest, 36, Bartok Bela ut.
Opening hours | Daly: 12 pm - 1am
Best for | A reimagined ruin bar
Tips | Book in advance, especially on weekends
MAJOMHOZ GARDEN
Buda is lacking when it comes to ruin bars - the craze that began in the Jewish Quarter expanded mostly throughout inner-Pest, however in the leafy hills of Varosmajor lies Majomhoz, a huge garden bar that gives those in Pest a run for their money.
Much like the rest of Buda, the garden is more upscale than its cross-river counterpart - the food is better, the cocktails better, and beers more craft than mass-produced. The garden is huge and leafy, the tables large with a sense of conviviality, fairy lights twinkling above happy patrons.
It’s this sense of comfort that makes Majomhoz super popular with Budapest’s bohemian millennials.
Beyond the main bars, which serve exceptional cocktails and craft beers, there’s a DiVino Wine Bar truck, serving the best of Hungary’s wonderful wine. There are also food trucks selling a mix of gourmet burgers, tacos and pizza. And there’s a range of live music to set the scene.
Overall, if we were to suggest a ruin bar-cum-garden in Budapest, this would be right up there with the best. To get to Majomhoz, take the 4-6 tram to Szell Kalman Ter and walk up towards Varosmajor park.
Note - it’s only open in the summer months, so check here for opening dates etc.
THE DETAILS
Where | Budapest, Maros utca 56
Opening hours | Sun - Wed: 4 pm - 12 am, Thurs - Sat: 4 pm - 2 am
Best for | High-quality food & drinks in a beautiful garden setting
Tips | Take the 4-6 tram to Szell Kalman Ter
NEMDEBÁR
There isn't any bar with this atmosphere in Buda, so Nemdebár has built quite a cult following with those who reside in Buda.
Similar to Csendes in downtown Pest, Nemdebár is a dark, dense bar filled with retro and unique furnishings, a vinyl-covered dj booth, and Buda hipsters.
Most nights djs spin the best of house, electronica and techno, so the vibe is always happening.
The drinks on offer are limited - draught beers, wine and spirits, but it kinda fits the vibe of this place - it’s not pretentious, it just is what it is - a small, cool ruin bar that offers a fun place for locals to hang.
If you’re hungry, head to nearby Pingrumba or Bistro 101 for some of the best food in Budapest.
Located on Szell Kalman Ter, it’s easily accessible via metro or the 4-6 tram.
THE DETAILS
Where | Budapest, Széll Kálmán tér 5
Opening hours | Mon - Fri: 12 pm - 12/1 am, Fri: 12 pm - 2 am, Sat - Sun: 4pm - beyond midnight
Best for | Ruin bar vibes in Buda
BUDAPEST TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
WHERE TO STAY IN BUDAPEST
Below, we’ve provided our top recommendations on where to stay in Budapest to suit each budget. Alternatively, search and book your perfect accommodation here.
THE SPLURGE | Anantara New York Palace
This Luxury Collection Hotel is situated above New York Palace and is one of Budapest’s finest establishments.
It’s luxurious, stylish, spacious and a huge splurge, but worth it for a once-in-a-lifetime stay in exceptional luxury.
BOOK | Anantaria New York Palace
MID-RANGE | Hotel Memories
Right in the heart of downtown Budapest, Hotel Memories is a stylish, modern stay with the lively 7th district right at your fingertips.
Just a minute’s walk from the Dohany Street Synagogue, 10-minutes from the river, and 8 minutes from St Stephen’s Basilica, it’s conveniently located for sightseeing.
BOOK | Hotel Memories
HOSTEL | Hostel One Budapest
Consistently rated as one of the best hostels in the city, Hostel One is right in the heart of the 7th district (aka where all the nightlife is). It’s known for being all about community and socialising, but not just in the party sense.
Guests are provided with free homemade dinners each night, and the staff go out of their way to organise activities, sightseeing, etc.
BOOK | Hostel One Budapest
BOOK | Search and book Budapest accommodation here
OUR BUDAPEST POCKET GUIDE
Our Budapest City Guide is a curated travel guide, designed to be downloaded to your phone and used as your trusty companion when exploring the city.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find our personal recommendations on the best things to see, eat and drink, places to stay,and things to know, gathered over the two years we spent living in Budapest.
BUY NOW | Our Budapest City Guide
THE BUDAPEST CARD
The Budapest Card is Hungary’s official city tourism pass.
They’re valid for 72 hours (perfect for a city break!) and give you free public transport, plus free and/or discounted entry to the city’s main highlights, like most of the galleries and museums, for example.
We highly recommend buying the Budapest Card if you plan to do plenty of sightseeing while you’re in town.
WHAT’S THE CURRENCY IN BUDAPEST
Hungary’s an EU member state, so you’d be forgiven for assuming that they use the Euro as their currency.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the case - Hungary continues to use the Hungarian Forint, so you’ll need to keep this in mind when you visit.
For reference, 100 Hungarian Forints is generally equal to about £0.25, or €0.30 - you can check the most up to date exchange rate here.
CASH OR CARD IN BUDAPEST?
After spending 6 weeks living in Vienna, we got very used to always carrying cash - it’s like that city only works in notes and coins! So after moving to Budapest, we expected much the same.
Fortunately, you are able to use your card/Apple Pay and almost every single store, restaurant, bar etc. To save on fees, always select to pay in Hungarian Forint on the machine, as this will save you unnecessary exchange fees.
If you need to get cash out, we suggest only doing this at recognised banks, including OTP, K & H, Erste, Budapest Bank, MKB, Raffheisen etc. These banks don’t charge absurd withdrawal fees or poor exchange rates, designed to thieve from unsuspecting tourists, unlike the ever-popular EuroNet machines you’ll see all around the city.
Quite simply, never, ever use a EuroNet machine in Europe - they’re a scam.
HOW TO GET AROUND BUDAPEST
A lot of the best places to visit in Budapest are located within a short distance from each other in the expansive, and outrageously beautiful inner-city districts - therefore we highly recommend walking while visiting the city.
Alternatively, if you’re short on time, or looking to explore as much of the city as possible, we recommend purchasing a Budapest Card, which provides access to the city’s public transport, discounts on top attractions (including the thermal baths) and free access to 19 of the city’s best museums.
Depending on the length of your stay, the card is available for between 1-5 days. It’s super easy and useful!
Alternatively, there are a heap of e-scooter options, such as Lime and Bird, which are located throughout the city, as well as Bike Sharing from Mol Bubi.
Finally, the city has an extensive and efficient public transport network, which services all of Budapest’s attractions. Tickets are cheap (HUF 350 per ride, HUF 3,000 for 10 ticket packs - or free with the Budapest Card), so we suggest buying a pack of 10 tickets when you arrive, and then using them when needed.
BOOK | Get free public transport with the Budapest Card
TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN BUDAPEST
Overwhelmingly, we’ve found the country to be extremely safe and friendly, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t issues with petty theft or personal safety at times.
You absolutely need to have travel insurance that ensures you and your belongings are protected here.
Here are our recommendations, based on 8+ years of full-time travel:
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* The Common Wanderer readers 5% off your policy by booking through our link here
FOR DIGITAL NOMADS | SafetyWing - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel & medical, and policies can be purchased while already abroad.
CAR INSURANCE | Insurance4CarHire - a great annual car insurance policy
PLANNING A TRIP TO BUDAPEST SOON?
BUDAPEST TRAVEL GUIDES | 25+ amazing things to do in Budapest, The best Ruin Bars in Budapest, Explore the best of Budapest’s Jewish Quarter, Józsefváros, Budapest’s hipster 8th district, the best brunch in Budapest, and Where to stay in Budapest
BUDAPEST ATTRACTIONS | A guide to Szechenyi Baths, the majestic Fisherman’s Bastion, Gellert Thermal Baths, New York Cafe, Szimpla Kert Ruin Bar, How to visit Dohany St Synagogue, A guide to St. Stephen’s Cathedral
BALATON BLISS | What to see and do on Lake Balaton, and our 3-day guide Balaton
EXPLORE MISKOLC | Enjoy our short city break guide to Miskolc, explore the enchanting forest town of Lillafüred, or discover the Miskolctapolca Cave Baths
AIRBNB GUIDE | Our essential guide to getting the best out of Airbnb
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Wondering what gear we use to get all of our photos around the world? Click here to view our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT. Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO-FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
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That, and you're officially a legend.
