Szimpla Kert, one of the most iconic places of Budapest

 

Located in the 7th district of the city, which is also known as the party district, Szimpla Kert is a one-of-a-kind place to see when you are in Budapest. The Hungarian capital is famous for its ruin pubs and various pubs in the city centre, but this one, Szimpla is probably the most famous one. Filled with great music, hundreds of people, nice atmosphere – this could be your next favourite place in Pest. 

A visit to Kazinczy street is worth some additional lines. We collected all the information you need to know about Szimpla.

Szimpla Kert is a romkocsma, which means "ruin pub" in Hungarian. The pub started as a place for people to find a cheap drink in a relaxed environment but has grown to become a tourist attraction and community centre over the years. The place is on everyone's itinerary.

The pub hosts community events like movie screenings, live music, an art gallery, the Kazinczy Living Library, the Szimpla Farmers' Market, and the Szimpla Bringa bicycle flea market – so it’s not only for pubbing but also for community gatherings.

Szimpla Kert is the first ruin pub to open in Budapest, Hungary. The place has started a movement in the Budapest nightlife history. The Szimpla Kert originally opened in 2002 in a location a few blocks away from its current location. The idea behind the pub was to provide a relaxing environment to socialize and have a drink, have fun with your friends and enjoy one of the most beautiful capitals in Europe, Budapest.

In 2004, in nr. 14 Kazinczy Street homes and a stove factory were set to be demolished. The four owners of the Szimpla Kert decided to save the area from demolition and move the pub to this location, so they have transformed it into the iconic pub of Budapest. The group of owners made this decision because the structure provided more space and the environment they were looking for. Although it was almost destroyed, the structure remained totally safe and steady. The new location opened as Szimpla Kertmozi (kertmozi translating to open-air cinema in Hungarian) because of the large courtyard on the premises that was used to watch underground and indie films.

What else is important about the pub?

The maximum capacity of the pub is 600 people, but it has been reported that the venue often sees 5000 people in a night, 80 percent of which are tourists. If you go there, be prepared for a big crowd.

During the summer and the Sziget Festival the line to enter the pub is often longer than normal. This summer, in 2022 will be especially busy, big concerts and the Sziget festival will take place within two weeks.

It's hard to put the atmosphere into words but we will try our best. Narrow hallways and spiral staircases take you through the indoor/outdoor complex where you'll find dozens of rooms varying in size and usually with their own theme. Basically the place is open, as it has an old common yard as an outdoor area, but at the same time it has a roof. When it comes to the decor, don't be surprised to see a bicycle hanging from the ceiling, a clawfoot tub being used as a loveseat, a robot dancing in a phone booth or a Trabant car smack in the middle of the garden. You'll find graffiti, funky art and pretty much everything that doesn't 'belong' in a pub. Everything is random, but everything has its place, it all makes perfect sense. Everything fits. 

Are you excited to go and try? We bet you are! See you in Szimpla!