Budapest Nightlife Guide: TOP 30 Bars & Clubs
An in-depth guide to Budapest’s most thrilling nightlife destinations featuring the best ruin bars, rooftop patios, speakeasies, date spots, cocktail lounges, and wild nightclubs—carefully curated for an unforgettable night out. Get ready to party at iconic spots like Szimpla Kert, Instant-Fogas, Füge Udvar, Leo Rooftop, Hotsy Totsy, Boutiq’Bar, White Raven Skybar, Morrison’s 2, Pontoon, Raqpart, and the massive Danube Boat Party—plus don’t miss the Budapest Pub Crawl, your ticket to discovering the city’s wildest after-dark adventures.
- Why: Europe's most legendary nightlife scene!
- When: All-year-round
- Last Call: Bars close at 4am, clubs close around 6am
- Best Budapest Cocktails: Hotsy Totsy
- Best Budapest Bar: Budapest Pub Crawl (Friday night)
- Best Budapest Nightclub: Instant-Fogas (Saturday night)
- Best Budapest Late Eats: Melissa Bisztro
- Best Budapest Exprience: Sip & Sail: Processo Cruise ($27 USD)
- Best Budapest Attraction: Széchenyi Spa ($36 USD)
- Accommodation: You'll find the cheapest hotels on Booking.com
- Book Now: Budapest Pub Crawl just $40 USD (10% OFF)
Buy Tickets for Budapest
Budapest’s nightlife is raw, electric, and unforgettable. The best districts to experience Budapest after dark are District VII - Jewish Quarter, District V - Inner City, and District VI - Theresa Town, with honorable mentions going to the District I - Castle District and its rooftops. This ultimate nightlife guide explores the best ruin bars, cocktail lounges, rooftop patios, bath parties, river cruises, pub crawls, music festivals, local street food spots, and more—so whether you're traveling solo or with friends, Budapest guarantees an epic night out.
Budapest Map Download
Attractions • Restaurants • Rooftops
Bars • Nightclubs • Walking Routes
and Bonus Tips.
Best Places for Nightlife in Budapest
1. Szimpla Kert
Most famous and 1st ruin bar in Budapest. It's like walking into an open-air museum with open courtyards, tons of bars, and multiple levels. A must-visit!
2. Danube Boat Party
Europe's biggest boat party with two decks of incredible fun, multiple DJ's and open bar. Basically, two hours of epic fun, just $30 USD!
3. Blue Bird Karaoke
Best karaoke bar in Budapest where you can easily mingle with an international crowd and sing to the hottest songs. A beer? Just $4 USD!
4. Budapest Pub Crawl
New in Budapest? Join the Budapest Pub Crawl to visit 3 hot bars and the largest nightclub for just $26 USD. This is one of Europe's largest pub crawl and a must-see!
5. Ruin Brew
Often the starting point of the pub crawl with fun social games, a giant bar and an overall welcoming atmosphere.
6. La Siesta
Famous for its intense fireshows on the bar, make sure to check it out! Also part of the Budapest Pub Crawl. Do try their delicious Hofbräu Münchner beer for just $3 USD!
District VII, the Jewish Quarter, is Budapest’s nightlife epicenter. Kick things off at Szimpla Kert, the city’s most iconic ruin bar, packed with mismatched furniture, broken neon, disco balls, and hidden rooms. Right next door, Karavan serves up goulash and lángos from colorful food trucks. Just a short walk away, Gozsdu Court is packed with buzzing bars and restaurants—don’t miss Blue Bird Karaoke for late-night singing or the Budapest Pub Crawl, which starts at Ruin Brew and ends at Instant-Fogas, a massive party complex with 18 bars and 7 dance floors. For something more laid-back, check out Füge Udvar for arcade games and ping pong, Klub Vittula for cheap beers, or Humbák Borkápolna—the infamous “church bar.” Cocktail lovers should hit Seven or the hidden Hotsy Totsy, while night owls can find a second wind at Gozsdu Játékterem, a 24/7 arcade bar. And of course, no night is complete without a round of pálinka or a bold Unicum shot.
7. Kazincy Kocsma
A popular karaoke bar across the street of Szimpla Kert and is often the second last stop on the Budapest Pub Crawl.Do expect free shots during the pub crawl!
8. Instant-Fogas
Most insane ruin bar in Budapest and the final stop on the Budapest Pub Crawl. 3 floors with 7 nightclubs and 18 bars. You could truly get lost here and may need a map. Beers start at $3 USD and cocktails $6 USD. Instant-Fogas is an absolute must-visit!
9. Füge Udvar
My favorite ruin bar in Budapest for its more laid back vibe and primarily more Hungarian locals. Also here expect multiple floor and lots of bars. A beer will start at just $2 USD. Do try the unicum shots here!
10. Aether Club
Best techno club in central Budapest, located wiithin the Gozsdu court. Entrance is $11 USD and is open on weekends until 6 a.m.
11. Seven
One of the better cocktail bars with excellent mixologist. Do try their Indigeno cocktail for just $10 USD and don't leave without trying their perfect whiskey sour.
12. Jardin Cocktail Bar
Cozy cocktail bar located within the Gozsdu court. This place isn't very big but a great spot for a first stop for a few drinks on a fun night out with friends.
Danube Boat Party in Budapest
District V, the Inner City, delivers epic nightlife with stunning Danube views. Start with the Sip & Sail Prosecco Cruise for unlimited drinks and a golden-hour Parliament view, or go big on the Danube Boat Party—Europe’s wildest booze cruise. On land, Morrison’s 2 offers seven dance floors, cheap drinks, and even a hostel upstairs. For riverside energy, Pontoon brings techno beats and upstairs views, while Raqpart attracts young crowds that spill into the street. Liz & Chain Rooftop is perfect for romantic views, and For Sale Pub charms with post-it walls and free peanuts. Don’t miss Toldi Klub for spontaneous folk dancing or Fröccsterasz for outdoor beers and palinka shots in Elizabeth Square.
13. Hotsy Totsy
My favorite cocktail bar in Budapest located on a side street and could be hard to find. Great place to bring a date and enjoy the speakeasy vibe will sipping on whiskey sours. Their menu is a deck of cards.
14. Humbak Borkapolna
Most bizarre bar in Budapest with creepy paintings, a confession booth, church benches and a dive bar vibe. Definitely worth a visit on a night out in the Jewish quarter.
15. Klub Vittula
Most low-key undeground dive ruin bar in Budapest which even smells moldy but in-turn has beers starting at 600 Ft. roughly $1 USD, cheapest beers in the Jewish quarter.
16. Boutiq Bar
Famous cocktail bar in District VI - Theresa town. Widely recognized with multiple accolades and awards. Try the Space Zombie cocktail for 4950 Ft., roughly $14 USD.
17. 360 Rooftop
Located in Theresa Town, a lively rooftop spot serving local bites plus classic cocktails with great views of Budapest. Expect a DJ between 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends.
18. Hoff House
Another fun dive bar in Theresa Town and a great place to mingle with the Hungarian locals and enjoy live music on weekends.
District VI, also known as Theresa Town, is just north of the Jewish Quarter and home to some of the city’s best cocktail and rooftop bars. Start at Boutiq’Bar, a multi-award-winning speakeasy known for its theatrics and dangerously strong Space Zombie cocktail, served in an Easter Island statue and featuring absinthe. If you’re lucky, you'll end your night here with a Unicum shot, just like the locals do. For elevated views, 360 Rooftop Bar lives up to its name with stunning panoramas and a vibrant party vibe. Hoff House is a chill spot with a slightly older crowd and often features live music—perfect for mingling with locals in a relaxed setting.
19. Sparty
Biggest outdoor pool party in Europe located within the Széchenyi spa every Saturday night! Tickets start at $70 USD online (click below for tickets), or $76 USD at the door. Beers start at $6 USD, cocktails $17 USD. Don't forget to bring a towl, swim gear, and flip-flops.
20. Sip & Sail: Prosecco Cruise
Sip on unlimited amounts of prosecco, aperol spritz and mimosa's during a 75-minute cruise on the Danube river as you cruise past sights like the Parliament Building, Buda Castle, and the Chain Bridge for just $27 USD.
21. Liz & Chain Rooftop
Stylish rooftop bar located atop the Marriott Hotel in Budapest, offering panoramic views of the Danube River. Beers start at 1900 Ft. ($5 USD), wine 3500 Ft. ($10 USD)
22. For Sale Pub
One of the most unique bars in Budapest. Famous for its walls and ceilings covered with handwritten post-it notes. Nicknamed "a sea of paper". A beer just $4 USD.
23. Toldi Klub
Local Hungarian club. I popped in here at 3 a.m. on Saturay night and had a blast watching Hungarian folk dance. A great place to mingle as well.
24. Fröccsterasz
Vibrant open-air bar located in Budapest’s Erzsébet Square, known for its lively atmosphere and wide selection of fröccs—a popular Hungarian spritzer. A great place to mingle during the summer.
Sparty in Budapest - Europe's biggest outdoor pool party!
District I, the Castle District, offers a more romantic, scenic escape from the wild party zones. Leo Rooftop, perched on the 8th floor of Hotel Clark, boasts jaw-dropping views of the Danube River, Buda Castle, and the Chain Bridge, making it one of the top selfie spots in the city. The cocktails are as stylish as the setting, and it’s a prime date night location. A short stroll away, White Raven Skybar delivers an even more luxurious vibe, perched atop the Hilton Budapest with panoramic views and high-end drinks starting at $15 USD. Don’t miss an early evening walk to Fisherman’s Bastion for fairytale photos before heading to the rooftops for drinks.
25. Raqpart
Raqpart is a trendy riverside bar nestled right beneath the iconic Chain Bridge in Budapest, offering stunning views of the Danube and Buda Castle. It is so popular that the party often pours out into the streets.
26. Pontoon
Located next to Raqpart and is known for a more mature crowd, especially on techno nights. Expect a laid-back vibe, craft drinks and great views of the Széchenyi Chain Bridge.
27. Morrison’s 2
Often the final stop after the Danube Boat Party, a massive nightclub pub with 7 dance floors, a karaoke room and a ton of bars. Beers start at 700 Ft. ($2 USD). Just make sure not to book a hostel room upstairs, you'll be awake all night long, unless that is your thing.
28. Ötkert
One of Budapest's most popular ruin bars located in the Inner City and known for its 2 large dance floors playing top 40 songs and reggaeton. Entrance is $10 USD.
29. Leo Rooftop
Leo Rooftop is a sleek and upscale rooftop bar situated on the 8th floor of Hotel Clark Budapest, with excellent views of the Danube River, Chain Bridge, and Buda Castle. A luxurious yet laid-back setting perfect for sunset drinks or a romantic evening. Beers 1450 Ft. ($4 USD)
30. White Raven Skybar
Luxurious rooftop bar perched atop the Hilton Budapest in the historic Castle District, offering unmatched views of the Parliament, Danube River, and Fisherman’s Bastion. Cocktails start at $15 USD.
Budapest also knows how to throw a festival. The Sziget Festival draws half a million people to Óbuda Island every August for a week of world-class performances across genres like rock, pop, electronic, and global music. For something more niche, the O.Z.O.R.A. Festival is Hungary’s largest psychedelic trance event, blending music, art, and spirituality into one unforgettable gathering each July. Meanwhile, wine lovers should check out the Budapest Wine & Champagne Festival at Liberty Square every August—a six-day celebration of Hungary’s best wineries paired with mouthwatering food stalls.
Twentysix restaurant in Budapest
When it comes to fuel between bar-hopping, Budapest has you covered. Late-night kebab and gyro joints line the streets of the Jewish Quarter, serving food well into the early morning. For authentic Hungarian cuisine, head to Frici Papa for hearty meat stews or Kisharang Etkezde for hortobágyi palacsinta, savory paprika-spiced meat crepes. For brunch, Twentysix offers a lush, jungle-style setting, while VakVarjú pairs whimsical decor with traditional goulash. And if you're pinching pennies, Lidl is your go-to for affordable groceries.
Getting around Budapest is incredibly easy. The city boasts one of the oldest tram systems in the world, dating back to 1887, making for both a convenient and scenic ride. For short distances or late-night bar hops, Mobi rental bikes are an excellent choice and incredibly budget-friendly.
Meeting local Hungarians at Füge Udvar in Budapest
In conclusion, Budapest is gritty, unexpected, and absolutely exhilarating. It’s a city that thrives after dark—whether you're soaking in thermal spas at Sparty, clinking beers on a rooftop, or chasing techno in underground bars. With endless ruin pubs, late-night food, world-class festivals, and budget-friendly drinks, it’s one of Europe’s ultimate nightlife capitals. Whether you're a solo traveler or out with friends, Budapest guarantees you won't go home without a story.
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