Where to Find the Best Ruin Bars and Street Food in Budapest

Budapest is the capital city of Hungary, and it has become increasingly popular over the last few years due to its unique culture, vibrant nightlife, and delicious food. The city’s ruin bars, in particular, are an attraction that tourists often come for, as they provide an interesting and often surreal experience that is hard to find elsewhere. And it just so happens that Budapest is one of the best places in the world to enjoy these and many other types of street food.

So if you’re planning a trip to Budapest, this article will teach you what you need to know about finding the best ruin bars and street food in the Hungarian capital. We’ll first look at the ruin bars before delving into street food and finally providing some tips on how to make the most of your experience.

What Are Ruin Bars?

A ruin bar (or “romkocsma”) is a type of bar which is typically established in an abandoned or disused building. Found throughout Budapest, ruin bars often occupy entire complexes, with some even experiencing their own mini-revivals, complete with music venues and artist studios.

Setting foot inside one of these unique bars is like walking into a parallel world. The dilapidated interiors have been transformed into hip hangouts that feature an eclectic mix of DIY art, graffiti-covered walls, furniture from rummage sales, and other bits and pieces from all over the world. Prices are cheaper than at most other bars, and there’s always a great atmosphere as well as occasional live music.

More than just a place to sit back and enjoy a pint with friends, ruin bars symbolize Budapest’s transformation from a city of despair during communism to a thriving cultural center in the 21st century. Despite their somewhat otherworldly feel, there’s no denying that for many these establishments are an integral part of the city.

Where to Find Ruin Bars

Many Budapest guides will tell you where to get the best ruin bars, but often the recommendations aren’t tailored to travelers’ specific interests. To truly explore the thriving and diverse ruin bar scene, it’s important to identify which bars and clubs suit your taste best.

For starters, you can check out what fellow travelers on TripAdvisor recommend or consult one of many amazing websites offering detailed reviews, including:

• Party With a Past
• Budapest Lux Guide
• High on Life Guide

These resources will help you narrow down your search so that you can pick from among the trendiest ruin bars in town. Some popular venues to consider include:

• Instant: An iconic ruin bar in District VII that can become very busy on weekend nights.
• Ellátó Kert: An outdoor oasis that’s tucked away in an old hospital and features a variety of events.
• Bors Gasztrobar: One of the larger ruin pubs located in District VII, this place was once a factory.
• Anker’t: Located within District VII, this place used to store hay and now serves delicious cocktails.

Street Food Favorites

Budapest is also home to a wide variety of street foods that are usually very affordable but full of flavor. Here’s just a selection of some of Budapest’s street food delights:

• Lángos: One of Hungary’s most popular snacks, these deep-fried flatbreads are often served with garlic sauce.
• Főzelék: This Hungarian side dish is made from vegetables that are cooked in a thick sauce.
• Gundel Palacsinta: A sweet crepe filled with walnuts, raisins, and topped with chocolate sauce.
• Kürtőskalács: Dough twisted around a hollow cylinder and grilled over charcoal before being coated with sugar.

If you’re looking for something healthier, there are also an increasing number of vegan and vegetarian options available, such as falafel wraps or raw salads. You can find these dishes at many stands in central Budapest or try one of the city’s several vegan cafes.

Making the Most of Your Experience

Visiting Budapest’s ruin bars and trying out its delicious street foods are two ways of experiencing the city like a local. And while there’s no time like the present to enjoy all that this amazing city has to offer, there is one unique way to see the best of both worlds: by taking part in a Budapest ruin bar and street food walking tour! During this fun tour, travelers will explore fascinating alleyways and courtyards alongside experienced local guides who will introduce them to some amazing ruin bars, as well as give insight into local culture and history. Sample some local delicacies like lángos and kürtőskalács while listening to stories that you won’t find in any guidebook! Book your tour today here, and make your stay in Budapest truly unforgettable.