The City At Night
Budapest night is when the city really comes alive. And even more so at the weekends. This is when the inner city is buzzing and rocking as both Hungarians and tourists hit the cafes, bars and clubs. As a whole, Hungarians are a social lot. They are known for drinking long into the night and like to extend a good deal of hospitality to visitors. Around the downtown area of the city, you’ll have no trouble finding a bar as just about every taste is available. Here is a small list of parts of the city to check out:
Jewish Quarter
This is the absolute heart of the Budapest night scene with hundreds upon hundreds of bars. One particular type of bar that is native to Budapest is the ruin pub. These joints that are often situated in yet to be renovated apartment blocks. They are furnished with junk and often decorated with quirky art work. Szimpla is the original and most famous. But Kuplung, Fogasház and Instant are worth checking out.
VIII District
A slightly seedier part of the city that doesn’t get the love it deserves from either locals or tourists. Though run down and a little rough around the edges (but certainly not dangerous), it doesn’t have all the charms of the Jewish Quarter. But it does have a host of up and coming bars. These often have intimate atmospheres and friendly local crowds. More importantly many have lower prices thanks to freedom from gentrification. Be sure to check out Csiga Cafe, Élesztő, Gólya and Aurora.
Grand Boulevard
The Grand Boulevard is the ring road that encircles Pest’s downtown. The 24-hour trams 4 & 6 run along it. It’s home to a wide variety of slightly trashy shops and drinking establishments. That’s not to say it’s not worth visiting. The bars here tend to be smaller and simpler places that attract locals. They have cheaper drinks than their downtown neighbors. Be sure to check out the 4es-6os bars, Trap, Morrisons 2 bar and the Corvintető which sits just off the boulevard.
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