What is it? Quirky ruin bars are Budapest’s most famous nightlife phenomenon. The trend of revamping former factories and car parks into (almost) fully functioning watering holes while allowing the character of the buildings to remain (by keeping the Communist-era junk and crumbling courtyards) started with Szimpla Kert back in 2002. When it moved to its current home in the Jewish quarter in 2004, it became the epicentre of Budapest’s nightlife scene – a title it still deservedly holds today.
Why go? Despite the club having reached mega-famous status (you can now buy branded clothing inside), its weird and welcoming ethos remains the same. Come for the reputation, stay to have a drink in an open-top East German Trabant car or converted bathtub, listen to some seriously heavy electronic beats, or just soak up the surreal atmosphere.