Editorial
Budapest invented the ruin pub — bars built into abandoned buildings in the city's old Jewish Quarter, kept deliberately decrepit. The 10 below mix the iconic ruin pubs (Szimpla, Ellátó kert) with the serious cocktail bars (Boutiq, Divino) that have emerged in the past decade. Most are walkable from each other in the 7th district.
Budapest drinks differently from any other European capital. The ruin pubs are working museums of urban decay — start at Szimpla Kert. Then pivot to the modern cocktail rooms (Boutiq, Doblo) for technique. Hungarian wine is exceptional and underrated; Divino covers it. Most ruin pubs run until 4 AM; cocktail bars typically close by 2.
European Editor — based in London. Twelve years across Soho, Marais and Mitte. Strong opinions about ice.