15 Best Budapest Nightlife Places
- things to dotravel tips
- January 2, 2024
Embark on a nocturnal adventure through Budapest’s vibrant nightlife scene as we unveil the top 15 must-visit venues in 2024. From iconic ruin bars to world-class jazz clubs and unique underground gems, our curated list promises an unforgettable journey through the Hungarian capital’s after-hours allure.
QUICK LINKS
1. Szimpla Kert
2. Akvárium Klub
3. Pontoon
4. Dürer Kert
5. Instant-Fogas
6. Sparty
7. 360 Bar
8. BlueBird Karaoke
9. Budapest Jazz Club
10. Telep-Art Galéria
11. Kisüzem
12. Hintaló
13. Vicky Barcelona
14. Lámpás
15. The Downtown (former 4bro)
Read more:
• Szimpla Kert guide
• Best ruin bars in Budapest
1. Szimpla Kert
In Budapest’s District VII, Szimpla Kert stands as the most renowned top ruin bar. Established in 2002 and moved to Kazinczy Street in 2004, Szimpla transformed a condemned site into a vibrant community space – and today, in 2024, it still remains as a cultural icon. Originally an open-air cinema, it now offers a unique blend of eclectic art, laid-back ambiance, and lively music.
Szimpla Kert’s allure comes from its quirky, colorful decor and diverse music. The ground floor houses multiple bars, serving Hungarian beers and other drinks, and the upper level continues this eclectic mix with additional bars, a plant-filled balcony, and a kitchen serving comfort foods.
Open seven days a week, Szimpla Kert is more than just a cool bar: it also hosts the Sunday Farmer’s Market, offering local, chemical-free products, and the Szimpla Brunch, featuring vendor goods. Additionally, it showcases live music and concerts free of charge.
Website: https://szimpla.hu
Contact: +36 1 352 4198
Location: Budapest, Kazinczy u. 14, 1075
2. Akvárium Klub
In the heart of Budapest, and under a glass-bottomed pool, Akvárium Klub stands as a bustling hub of culture and nightlife, attracting thousands of young people nightly. More than just a bar, it’s a cultural center hosting concerts and exhibitions, making it a popular meeting spot in the city center.
Akvárium has multiple spaces, a captivating atmosphere, and a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system. The club’s largest concert hall, NagyHall, can seat nearly 1,300 people and is one of Budapest’s most modern venues, hosting popular domestic and international acts. The KisHall, accommodating about 700 people, mirrors the larger venue and is ideal for stage productions, DJs, bands, and family events.
The club also features the VOLT Lokál, an intimate space known for its exclusive cocktails and sophisticated music programs, entertaining nearly 300 guests every weekend. Additionally, the 50-person Magenta Café offers bistro food and a popular terrace, perfect for enjoying the outdoors.
Website: https://akvariumklub.hu
Contact: +36 (30) 860 3368
Location: Budapest, Erzsébet tér 12, 1051
3. Pontoon (only during Summer)
If you’re looking for some fun time by the river during the 2024 summer, Pontoon, a vibrant venue in Budapest, offers an unforgettable experience. Initially located at the Pest bridgehead of the Lánchíd, it moved a short distance to the Hunyadi ship due to renovation works. The 2022 season saw improvements with expanded dance floors, chill zones, and a dedicated space for emerging bands, alongside a kitchen serving delicious Mexican street food by La Cabina.
Pontoon’s core focus is on creating a lively party atmosphere, now enhanced with a broader range of music genres including jazz, hip-hop, indie, electronic, rock, and world music, as well as acoustic concerts, Caribbean-Latin parties, and jam sessions. Situated at the north pillar of the Chain Bridge on the Pest side, Pontoon is an urban oasis blending cultural and community spaces with entertainment. It offers a unique setting with stunning views of the Chain Bridge, Gresham Palace, Danube, and MTA building.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/pontoonbudapest
Contact: +36 30 268 5017
Location: Budapest Vigadó 1/A kikötő, 1051
4. Dürer Kert
This special concert at St. Stephen’s Basilica, a prominent neo-classical church in Hungary, one of the nation’s tallest buildings and a key tourist attraction, features a combination of organ and string performances.
The concert is set to take place every Tuesday of December, starting at 8 pm. Each concert is designed to offer a rich musical experience, lasting around 70 minutes. The meeting point is at the entrance of the Basilica, at 7:30 PM.
One can expect the musical artistry of Hungarian musicians: Miklós Teleki, one of Hungary’s finest organists, Kolos Kováts, a distinguished concert singer and Kossuth Prize laureate, and Eleonóra Krusic, a renowned flutist with a history of playing alongside various international orchestras.
Website: https://www.durerkert.com
Contact: via website
Location: Budapest, Öböl utca 1, 1117
5. Instant-Fogas Complex
Instant-Fogas in Budapest is a colossal ruin pub complex, a must-visit for anyone exploring the city’s vibrant nightlife. This party hub, spanning 1200 square meters, combines seven distinct venues and 18 bars, offering an array of musical genres and experiences. The complex is renowned for drawing large crowds and hosting over 10,000 performers annually. Despite its rundown exterior, the interior bursts with a funky, eclectic charm, featuring unique decorations like dentist chairs, penguins, and aircraft parts.
Instant-Fogas boasts seven dance floors, each with its own vibe:
Instant: The main hall, known for its wide-ranging music and lively dance atmosphere.
Fogas: Dance music in a circus-like setting with colorful and eclectic furniture, and .
UNTERWELT: R&B and reggaeton, featuring video discos and international DJs.
Liebling: Known for live music, a relaxing atmosphere, and a terrace for summer nights.
Lärm: For techno enthusiasts with dark rooms, heavy bass, and underground DJs.
Roboto: A rock club with live concerts.
Frame: Latin and Cuban music.
Website: https://instant-fogas.com
Contact: +36 70 638 5040
Location: Budapest, Akácfa u. 51, 1073
6. Sparty - Széchenyi Bath Party
Discover Budapest’s unique nightlife with Sparty, a renowned party series held at Széchenyi Bath, the city’s largest thermal bath. Since 1994, Sparty has attracted over 50,000 attendees annually. Taking place every Saturday night from February to December, it transforms the bath into a lively dance venue featuring electronic dance music, captivating acrobatics, and stunning visuals—all within the soothing thermal waters.
For a hassle-free experience, consider purchasing tickets in advance or on-site. Tickets cover entry and provide access to personal lockers for your belongings. Conveniently reach Széchenyi Bath via metro line 1 to Széchenyi Gyógyfürdő or official taxi services. Remember to bring swimwear, towels, and flip-flops, while leaving valuables, food, drinks, and prohibited items at your accommodations.
Sparty at Széchenyi Bath opens its doors every Saturday night at 9:30 PM and continues until 2:00 AM. It’s a perfect way to kick off your weekend in Budapest and enjoy a night of entertainment in the thermal waters. Oh, and yes – in winter there’s Sparties too!
Website: https://spartybooking.com/
Contact: +36 30 395 8581
Location: Budapest, Állatkerti krt. 9-11, 1146
7. 360 Bar
360 Bar in Budapest is an extraordinary rooftop terrace, celebrated for its stunning 360° panorama of the city. Perched atop the tallest building on Andrássy Avenue, it offers unrivaled views of landmarks like St. Stephen’s Basilica, the Citadel, and the Parliament.
Visitors are especially encouraged to experience the bar around sunset, a time when the city is bathed in a magical glow (though reservations are recommended on sunny days). After sunset, the ambiance shifts as light garlands are turned on and entertainment ranges from live music to DJ sets. Embodying a free, urban spirit, 360 Bar maintains a relaxed atmosphere without a strict dress code.
360 Bar is also a hub for other events, like rooftop yoga, or brunch. And during winter, it transforms into an Igloo Garden, featuring large plastic bulbs that provide warm spaces.
Access to this rooftop haven is through a lift in the former Paris Department Store on Andrássy Avenue, with free entry from Monday to Wednesday.
Website: https://www.360bar.hu
Contact: +36 702 595 153
Location: Budapest, Andrássy út 39, 1061
8. BlueBird Karaoke
BlueBird, nestled in the bustling Gozsdu Udvar of Budapest, offers a unique transformation from a popular daytime brunch and coffee spot to a lively karaoke club at night. Under the shimmering lights of Gozsdu Udvar, Bluebird becomes a central hub for karaoke enthusiasts.
The place is designed to cater to all singing lovers, featuring a street-level area where guests can join in communal singing, often belting out songs at full volume.
In addition to its open karaoke space, Bluebird boasts more venues along Gozsdu Udvar, from which we should mention the BlueBird Rooms – with five private karaoke rooms. These soundproofed rooms are fitted with professional sound systems and can accommodate up to 25 guests each. Singers have an extensive selection of over 75,000 songs in 10 different languages, ensuring a diverse musical experience for all tastes.
Bluebird is open from Thursday to Sunday, from 6 pm to 4 am, making it a vibrant and accessible destination for both karaoke enthusiasts and night owls looking to enjoy a unique and fun-filled night in Budapest.
Website: https://bbrooms.hu
Contact: +36 70 403 3977
Location: Budapest, Gozsdu Court, Dob u. 16, 1072
9. Budapest Jazz Club
The Budapest Jazz Club, a vibrant hub of jazz life, welcomes music enthusiasts with its cozy concerts, a tranquil café, a concert hall equipped with state-of-the-art technology, and a modern bistro kitchen. It’s not just an evening destination; the club offers a unique jazz cafe experience starting from 11:30 in the morning. Concerts kick off at 8:00 p.m., and from Tuesday to Saturday, the highly popular Jam Session series starts after 10:00 p.m.
At the Budapest Jazz Club, you can expect a top-notch musical experience. Whether you’re a dedicated jazz fan or just exploring the genre, this club is the epicenter of Budapest’s jazz life. Alongside its special atmosphere, you’ll find a jazz café with a friendly vibe and a restaurant serving bistro dishes. And musically you should expect the best – the club hosts world-class jazz stars, as well as talented domestic and international jazz artists.
Website: https://www.bjc.hu
Contact: +36 1 798 7289
Location: Budapest, Hollán Ernő u. 7, 1136
10. Telep-Art Galéria
Situated in the heart of Budapest’s District 7, Telep is a dynamic fusion of café, bar, and art gallery. This vibrant space on Madách Imre tér caters to a diverse crowd, serving as a hub for urban creatives. During the day, it functions as a welcoming café, transitioning into a lively bar at night, where parties and concerts draw in a spirited crowd.
For some, due to its location close to Gozsdu Udvar, Telep’s ground floor is a great meet-up place to start the night. But for others, on the first floor, Telep’s independent gallery is where emerging artists showcase their works, therefore contributing to Budapest’s art scene.
Contact: +36 1 784 8911
Location: Budapest, Madách Imre út 8, 1075
11. Kisüzem
For those looking for an authentic taste of Budapest’s nightlife, Kisüzem is a must-visit spot: within the exposed brick walls and amongst ever-changing contemporary pieces, you’ll find budget-friendly Hungarian wines, craft beers, and live performances.
Established in Budapest’s ‘bar district’ at Klauzál square in 2011, by day it’s a classic coffeehouse offering freshly brewed coffee, internet access, and daily news. But, as night falls, Kisüzem becomes a hub for wines, palinkas, and live music, with Thursday nights featuring smooth jazz and diverse concerts. Definitely a must-visit for those wanting a central dining-drinks-live music spot.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Kisuzem
Contact: +36 1 781 6705
Location: Budapest, Kis Diófa u. 2, 1077
12. Hintaló
Hintaló, located just 5 minutes away from Blaha Lujza Square on Bacsó Béla Street in Budapest’s District 8, is a hidden gem known for its unique atmosphere. Here, rocking horses blend seamlessly with eclectic decorations, creating a vibe reminiscent of a Berlin bar while harmonizing perfectly with the local character of Józsefváros. Hintaló boasts an extensive selection of whisky, vodka, gin, and rum, offering popular spirits found in small pubs at affordable prices. The music at Hintaló adds to its stylish ambiance, making it a place that may quickly become a regular haunt for you.
This atmospheric bar, tucked away from the city center’s touristy areas, offers a cozy, low-lit interior with inviting nooks and crannies. Upstairs, it’s an ideal setting for intimate date nights. However, Hintaló’s allure extends beyond its ambiance. It’s a go-to destination for classic cocktails and local craft beers. If you appreciate amaros, gins, and rums, you’ll find a variety of them here.
Contact: 06 70 431 1401
Location: Budapest, 1084 15, Bacsó Béla u., 1084
13. Vicky Barcelona
Vicky Barcelona, located in the bustling Gozsdu Udvar facing Dob utca, brings a taste of Spain to Budapest’s old Jewish Quarter. This tapas bar is a standout in the tourist-heavy passage for its authentic Spanish atmosphere. But, much more than just a restaurant-bar, the dimly lit, cozy space comes alive each night with live Spanish music, and it turns into an impromptu dance floor as guests groove to the beat. To keep the party going, the bar offers a selection of cocktails and Spanish wines. So, while the culinary aspect may leave something to be desired, Vicky Barcelona excels in delivering a vibrant Spanish experience right in the heart of Budapest.
Website: https://www.vickybarcelonabp.com
Contact: Instagram or Messenger
Location: Budapest, Dob u. 16, 1072
14. Lámpás Student Pub
Lámpás, an underground haven in Budapest, stands out as a vibrant bar, known for its daily live music performances, primarily featuring rock, jazz, and blues.
Interestingly, this gritty and far from mainstream establishment is situated right opposite Gozsdu Udvar, the tourist-heavy passage brimming with high-end restaurants and wine bars. Lámpás offers a refreshing escape from the bustling tourist scene, where you can enjoy a beer and a spritzer (fröccs) for cheaper prices, creating a stark contrast from the pricier options nearby.
And if the concert room becomes too bustling, seek solace in the labyrinthine rear section, which provides a better environment for conversations.
Website: Facebook page
Contact: +36 30 722 7133
Location: Budapest, Dob u. 15, 1074
15. The Downtown
The Downtown, originally known as 4bro (and still known as 4bro Downtown), has made a name for itself over the years, despite a few name changes. The venue maintains a spacious and welcoming guest area, including a restaurant open from 3 pm on most weekdays and from 12 pm on Thursday to Sunday. And some say that their cocktail menu is good enough to draw you there. However, the real excitement begins later in the night, as partygoers flock to The Downtown for drinks and lively rhythms that continue until 5 am. The dance floors on both the ground level and basement host a variety of music events, ensuring the nightlife remains vibrant.
Website: https://thedowntown.hu/en
Contact: +36 70 953 5617
Location: Budapest, Király u. 13, 1075