Discovering Budapest’s Vibrant Nightlife Scene: A Guide to the Top 10 Discos
Budapest, the capital of ancient Central Europe, has transformed into a stylish and refined city that still boasts a lively underground scene. With numerous thermal baths, parks, historical buildings, and many attractions to discover, Budapest transforms into a vibrant nightlife destination in the evening. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 discos in Budapest, hoping to help you have an unforgettable night during your stay.
Budapest Discoteque Map
Before diving into our list of top discos, let’s take a look at a map of Budapest’s nightlife scene:
1 – Morrison’s 2
2 – Peaches and Cream Club
3 – A38
4 – Romkert
5 – Szimpla Kert
6 – Aether Club
7 – Liget Club & Bar
8 – Lock
9 – Istant-Fogas
10 – Otkert
1. Morrison’s 2: The Unique Ruin Bar Experience
Located within an old palace divided into multiple floors (with an outdoor courtyard), Morrison’s 2 is one of the best places to enjoy a night out with music and entertainment in Budapest. Being one of many ruin bars in the city, the atmosphere is very unique with small rooms decorated with unusual objects. Each room is dedicated to a different genre of music, from techno to commercial music, and even karaoke zones. Very alternative!
How to get there: Located near the Danube River, a few minutes walk from the Parliament (on Pest’s side) – Get directions
Hours open: All day, from 5:00 pm to 4:00 am
Entry fee: €5.00 per person
2. Peaches and Cream Club: Elegant and Modern
The Peaches and Cream Club is another very popular spot in Budapest’s nightlife scene. The atmosphere is elegant but also modern, while the music mainly focuses on commercial and R&B genres. Cocktails are a bit pricey, but the atmosphere is really pleasant, and the price of tables is reasonable.
How to get there: Located near the Parliament, just 13 minutes walking distance from Bathory utca – Get directions
Hours open: Only on Wednesday to Saturday, from 10:00 pm to 5:00 am
Entry fee: Free admission
3. A38: The Riverboat Club
Definitely an underground and original club, the A38 is not really a discotheque but rather a live music club with a unique proposition: it’s permanently moored on the Danube River in the form of a ship. On board are five bars, a restaurant serving high-quality food, and several rooms where different types of music are played.
How to get there: The ship is moored under the Petofi Bridge, in a zone not easily accessible by metro. The best solution is to take the Gellert station (line green) and walk along the Danube for 10 minutes in the opposite direction of the Citadel – Get directions
Hours open: Every day, from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm
Entry fee: Free admission
4. Romkert: The Outdoor Bar with a View
Ideal for summer evenings, thanks to its beautiful location right at the foot of Castle Hill and Gellért Hill, the Romkert is a popular spot among locals and tourists alike. The atmosphere is lively with good cocktails and an extensive music selection.
How to get there: Located on Buda’s side, right across from Liberty Bridge – Get directions
Hours open: Monday to Saturday, from 10:00 pm to 5:00 am
Entry fee: Free admission
5. Szimpla Kert: The Most Famous Ruin Bar
Another ruin bar, and arguably the most famous in Budapest (and one of the top 100 clubs in the world according to Lonely Planet), Szimpla Kert is an eccentric post-atomic-style bar with various rooms decorated with unusual objects on the walls.
How to get there: Approximately 2 km from Parliament, in Pest’s side; take the metro (line red) to Blaha Lujza tér station, then walk a few minutes – Get directions
Hours open: Every day, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Entry fee: Free admission
6. Aether Club: The Techno Haven
For techno fans, the Aether Club is the ideal destination: despite its relatively small space, the rooms are well-designed with the bar on one side and the dance floor on the other.
How to get there: Packed in just 20 minutes’ walk from Parliament; take Bajcsy Zsilinszky ut station on line yellow – Get directions
Hours open: Every day, from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am
Entry fee: Between €5.00 and €10.00 per person
7. Liget Club & Bar: The Local’s Favorite
If you are looking for an entertaining night without being at the most touristy spots, point out without hesitation to the Liget Club & Bar. Frequentated mainly by local residents, this club is very welcoming with several VIP zones.
How to get there: Take tram number 254M, which stops near the club – Get directions
Hours open: Only on Thursday to Saturday, from 7:00 pm to 5:00 am
Entry fee: Around €5.00 for people under 30 years old; over 30, it’s free admission
8. Lock: The Elegant Private Club
The beauty of Budapest’s nightlife lies in being able to spend a night at an alternative ruin bar and then follow up with an elegant private club. The Lock is just such a case: elegant lighting and refined furniture make it a beautiful place with a spacious dance floor.
How to get there: Located on Buda’s side, right next to the Danube River and Margherita Island – Get directions
Hours open: Only on Friday and Saturday, from 10:00 pm to 5:00 am
Entry fee: Around €10.00 per person
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9. Istant-Fogas: The Party Center
This is the largest party center in Budapest’s city center, with an extensive array of bars (18!), 6 dance floors, and 2 gardens. It’s a magical labyrinth of parties, offering endless hours of fun.
How to get there: Budapest, Akácfa utca 51 – Get directions
Hours open: Variable based on events; typically from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am
10. Otkert: The Cultural and Entertainment Space
Otkert is both a cultural and entertainment space at the same time that has not passed unnoticed. Since 2010, it’s one of Budapest’s most popular nightlife spots.
How to get there: Budapest, Zrínyi utca 4/A – Get directions
Hours open: Every Thursday to Saturday, from 11:00 pm to 5:00 am
Entry fee: Varies based on events
Conclusion
Budapest’s vibrant nightlife scene offers something for every taste and preference. Whether you’re looking for an alternative ruin bar or a sophisticated private club, there’s no shortage of options in this beautiful city.
Tips and Tricks
- Plan ahead: Before heading out to any disco, make sure to check the opening hours and entry fees.
- Dress accordingly: Dress according to the type of disco you’re visiting. Some clubs are more formal than others.
- Arrive early: Arrive at the club early to avoid long lines and to get a good spot on the dance floor.
- Drink responsibly: Drink in moderation and always drink with friends.
- Be prepared for crowds: Budapest’s nightlife scene can be very crowded, especially on weekends.
- Respect local customs: Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting ruin bars or private clubs.
Safety Tips
- Stay in groups: Always go out in groups of friends to stay safe.
- Keep an eye on your drinks: Always keep an eye on your drinks to avoid being spiked.
- Use reputable transportation: Use reputable taxis or ride-sharing services to get around the city.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts if you feel uncomfortable.
Getting Around Budapest
Budapest is a relatively small city, making it easy to get around on foot or by public transportation. Here are some tips for getting around:
- Use the metro: The metro is an efficient way to get around Budapest.
- Take buses and trams: Buses and trams are also a good option for shorter trips.
- Walk or bike: Walking and biking are great ways to explore the city’s many parks and attractions.
- Taxis and ride-sharing services: Use reputable taxis or ride-sharing services to get around the city.
Accommodation Options
Budapest has a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Here are some tips for finding the perfect place to stay:
- Book in advance: Book your accommodations in advance to ensure availability.
- Research neighborhoods: Research different neighborhoods to find the best area for your needs.
- Read reviews: Read reviews from other travelers to get an idea of what to expect.
- Consider budget and location: Consider your budget and location when choosing where to stay.
Food and Drink
Budapest is known for its delicious cuisine, from traditional Hungarian dishes like goulash and paprikás csirke to modern fusion restaurants. Here are some tips for finding the best food and drink in Budapest:
- Try traditional Hungarian cuisine: Try traditional Hungarian dishes like goulash and paprikás csirke.
- Explore local markets: Explore local markets like the Great Market Hall or the Naszod Market to find fresh produce and artisanal goods.
- Visit trendy bars and restaurants: Visit trendy bars and restaurants in areas like the Ruin Bars or the Jewish Quarter for a unique dining experience.
- Drink Hungarian wine: Try some of Hungary’s excellent wines, such as Tokaji or Eger.
Nightlife Events
Budapest hosts a wide range of nightlife events throughout the year, from music festivals to themed parties. Here are some tips for finding out what’s happening:
- Check event calendars: Check online event calendars like Eventbrite or Facebook Events to find out what’s happening.
- Follow local clubs and promoters: Follow local clubs and promoters on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest events.
- Ask locals: Ask locals for recommendations on the best nightlife events in Budapest.
- Plan ahead: Plan ahead by booking tickets or accommodations in advance, especially for popular events.
Conclusion
Budapest’s vibrant nightlife scene offers something for every taste and preference. Whether you’re looking for an alternative ruin bar or a sophisticated private club, there’s no shortage of options in this beautiful city. With our guide to the top 10 discos in Budapest, you’ll be well on your way to exploring the city’s nightlife scene like a local.
