Everything you need to know about Szimpla bar in Budapest

Published: June 22 2023

Szimpla Kert is a famous ruin bar located in the heart of Budapest's party district. Established in 2001, Szimpla Kert attracts both locals and tourists alike, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and nightlife in one venue. Here's everything you need to know to experience the magic of Szimpla Kert for yourself.

In the early 2000s, Ábel Zsendovits and Gábor Kádár, the founders of Szimpla Kert, sought to create an open-minded space where people could gather, share ideas, and enjoy the company of others. The building, originally filled with abandoned homes and workshops, was transformed into a lively and eclectic meeting point with a mix of art, entertainment, and the occasional farmers' market - the birth of the ruin bar concept in Budapest.

The atmosphere at Szimpla Kert is a quirky mix of vintage furniture, communist-era relics, and contemporary street art, with a wide range of seating options, from old bathtubs to repurposed cinema seats, making it an experience like no other. With dimly lit corners, hidden passageways, live music and projector screens playing psychedelic videos, Szimpla Kert feels like a maze where new secrets are waiting to be discovered at every turn.

Spanning two levels, Szimpla Kert is more than just a bar. It is a versatile space hosting various events and activities, including art exhibitions, concerts, and film screenings. It also features a farmer's market on Sundays, where visitors can purchase local produce, artisanal products, and enjoy organic food and coffee. The venue is open 7 days a week, from 12 PM to 4 AM, offering ample study time for the nightly happenings.

At Szimpla Kert, you'll find a wide variety of drink options, from local Hungarian beers and wines to internationally inspired cocktails. The prices are affordable, and the selection caters to all tastes. The food menu includes local Hungarian dishes and international street food, so whether you're in the mood for a classic Hungarian goulash soup or a cheesy slice of pizza, you won't be disappointed.

The live music scene at Szimpla Kert is diverse, featuring local bands and international artists. The genres range from jazz, blues, and indie to electronic and world music. Additionally, Szimpla Kert often hosts themed events, parties, and cultural happenings, ensuring that every evening spent at Szimpla is a new and unforgettable experience.

Szimpla Kert is located at Kazinczy Utca 14, in Budapest's historic Jewish Quarter. The nearest metro station is Astoria, which is serviced by the red M2 line. From there, it's just a short 5-minute walk to reach Szimpla Kert. The bar is also easily accessible by tram (Lines 4 and 6), bus (Line 7), or by foot if you're already in the city center.

Now that you're equipped with all the essential information, experience the vibrant atmosphere and enchanting decor for yourself at Szimpla Kert, the bar that pioneered Budapest's ruin bar scene.