Exploring Budapest: A Guide to the Underground Hotspots & A Ruin Bar Tour

Budapest is one of those wonderful cities that looks like it has it all laid out for you – a stunningly beautiful landscape, interesting history and culture, and unique culinary and entertainment options. The Hungary capital city is also known for its vibrant nightlife, in particular its ruin bars. Ruin bars are multi-leveled bars that were constructed in partially destroyed or abandoned building shells. The ruins are filled with quirky mix-and-match furniture, ranging from chic rattan chairs to graffitied walls.

A great way to explore this amazing nightlife scene is to start with a ruin bar tour. This guide will cover everything you should know about exploring Budapest’s underground hotspots on a ruin bar tour. We’ll also provide insights on what to expect when you’re out on the town with a tour.

What is a Ruin Bar Tour?

A ruin bar tour is an entertaining way to explore the underground hotspots of Budapest through an entertaining and informative guided tour. The tours generally visit several of the ruin bars, giving you an opportunity to take in the unique atmosphere of each place. A guide will bring you around the various spots, showing you their history and what makes each place unique. They will generally point out some of the more noteworthy cultural attractions and sights of the area, helping to paint a complete picture of what makes each spot truly special. Through the guided tour of these ruin bars, you’ll gain a deep understanding of this vibrant nightlife scene in Budapest.

What to Expect on a Ruin Bar Tour

A ruin bar tour of Budapest can generally last anywhere from two to five hours. The tour starts off with a guide who will take you around some of the area’s popular underground hotspots. During the tour, there will be interesting anecdotes and insights to get you familiar with each unique ruin bar. Your guide will also provide in-depth information on why these bars are so popular, as well as what to expect when visiting them.

Throughout the tour, there will be opportunities to explore the various areas and take photos (just remember to go at your own pace and respect other people’s space). Additionally, there will be some additional bar-hopping opportunities, where you can sample some of the local delicacies in each ruin bar.

Tips for Enjoying a Ruin Bar Tour

When embarking on a ruin bar tour of Budapest, there are a few tips that may help make your experience more enjoyable:

• Dress for the occasion: Many of the ruin bars have their own dress codes which you should adhere to. Generally speaking, most require casual attire; however, some may have stricter wardrobe requirements. Be sure to research in advance the dress codes at each particular establishment.
• Check online reviews: Taking a quick look at online reviews can help give you an idea of what to expect when visiting a certain ruin bar, as well as how experienced bar-goers have enjoyed their visits. Reviews are a great source of information when it comes to preparing for your tour.
• Bring cash: Many of the bars are cash-only or they may offer better-priced drinks or food items if you pay in cash.
• Don’t overdrink: It’s always important to drink responsibly, particularly when exploring different places in a new city. Overdrinking can lead to uncomfortable situations or even getting lost. Keep it light and enjoy the views and experiences as much as you can.

Popular Stops on a Ruin Bar Tour

When it comes to exploring Budapest’s underground hotspots, these are some of the popular stops on a ruin bar tour that you should keep an eye out for:

• Fogasház: Fogasház is one of Budapest’s oldest Ruin Bars and can be found near the Opera House in District VII. Featuring three levels of quirkiness and old-school furniture mixed with modern decor, this ruin bar is legendary amongst locals and travelers alike.
• The Institute for Problem Solutions: Another one of Kertész Street’s oldest venues, The Institute for Problem Solutions immediately draws you with its wall paintings, graffiti and unusual objects decorating its fascinating interior. This location features innovative noise-making tools such as old-school vinyl players, samplers, synthesizers and more.
• Kazinczy Street 25: This popular ruin bar features chandeliers made out of rusty beer kegs over graffiti wall decorations and vintage TVs – truly one-of-a-kind! The interior design is an example of upcycling done right; complete with vintage furniture interspersed amongst two indoor bars and two outdoor terraces.
• Anakin Open Air Dance Plaza: For those looking for a party late into the night (and early in the morning!), Anakin Open Air Dance Plaza is an ideal spot where guests can enjoy beautiful cocktails along with reggae and house music until 6am! The Bar also features two terraces where guests can take in scenic views.

Conclusion

Exploring Budapest’s underground hotspots on a ruin bar tour is an exciting and unique way to experience this vibrant city’s nightlife scene. Be sure to keep these tips in mind when you embark on your own tour, such as paying attention to dress codes, looking up reviews online, bringing cash and drinking responsibly. By following these tips and getting a guided tour through some of the area’s most popular spots, you can truly immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere that makes Budapest so special.

If the guide above has inspired you to explore Budapest’s underground hotspots with a ruin bar tour for yourself, why not visit Viator’s website, which provides access to some of the very best in ruin bar tours throughout the city? With exceptional guidance provided by expertly curated guides who know how to show off Budapest’s rich history and culture, you can be sure that your experience exploring Budapest on a ruin bar tour will leave you with a lifelong memory!