Hungary’s capital is known for its bold bridges, incredible architecture and brilliant thermal baths. But when the sun goes down, Budapest comes to life with unique bars and thriving clubs. Want to chill out in a bar listening to live jazz music or rave all night long in a ruin pub to top DJs? Whatever your midnight mood, this city has it all.

Here’s just a handful of some of our favourite Budapest nightlife spots...

Szimpla Kert

The original Budapest ruin pub, this hip hangout is not to be missed. It’s probably the most famous one in the city, but if you blink, you might just miss it.

From the outside, this looks like your average city apartment but step through the door of this abandoned building and you’ll find a magical space that’s filled with disco balls, eclectic signs and a whole range of mismatched furniture.

Each room has a unique theme and plays a different genre of music, so pull up a chair, stool or old car seat and soak up this crazy atmosphere. In the main room, live bands and DJs will keep you entertained as you choose from the menu of more than 400 drinks!

Akvárium Klub

Right at the heart of the city, this bar-come-club is a great find if you don’t want to be too far from the action. During the day, it’s a laid-back drinking hole and at night, it hosts live concerts from a huge range of artists in its number of unique spaces.

If you’re visiting in summer, there’s an open-air terrace covered in twinkling lights, where you can watch the sun go down and sip a cooling cocktail.

Gozsdu Udvar

This quirky spot, also known as Gozsdu Courtyard, is bars, restaurants and clubs rolled into one. You’ll find it at the centre of the city’s Jewish Quarter, connecting the buzzing streets of Király utca and Dob utca.

You could spend your whole night here, simply hopping from one bar to the next and mingling with the locals. Begin with an apricot palinka at Spíler bistro-pub, grab a fresh Aperol at Spritz Bar, before singing along to classic tracks at the Blue Bird karaoke rooms.

Doboz

If you liked the look of Szimpla Kert’s ruin bar vibes, you’ll definitely like Doboz too. Plus, it’s only three streets away, so you can pop in after you’ve visited there.

Whether you’re indoors grooving on one of the dancefloors or out on the terrace by the 300-year-old tree, this stylish spot is sure to impress.

If dancing the night away is on the cards, you’re in luck here, as four nights a week it’s open until at least 5am!

A38

Ever partied on an old Ukrainian cargo ship? Well, now’s your chance! This unusual night-time venue has been a staple in Budapest for more than 15 years.

Head here for live music performances and weekly themed parties, all topped off with dazzling views of the Danube from the deck.