First off, it should be noted that Budapest isn’t a city where you are likely to be disappointed when it comes to a night out. There are a plethora of bars, dance cafés, pubs and clubs to choose from, catering to all tastes, and the vast majority of these manage to maintain an effortlessly original feel whilst steering clear of pretentiousness and tacky, westernized imitations. Find yourself some accommodation in Budapest and get ready for some huge nightlife!
However, the last thing you want is to be overcome with choice. That is why we have taken the time to compile a list of the war-torn city’s best nightclubs, just for you…
One: Dokk
Dokk Club is one of three Dokk establishments, and pretty much epitomises that pre-conceived idea of cosmic-sized, exotic-girl filled Eastern European clubs. On its busiest night it can hold up to 2000 people. It is located by the riverside of the trendy Dream Island, along with a score of other similarly gargantuan discothèques. It stays open until late and often plays host to internationally renowned DJs, and for this reason the entrance fee rarely dips below €25. Gets particularly sweaty in the summer months.
Two: Studio
This is another of Budapest’s mammoth nightclubs, and one for which there are, no doubt, many travellers who could vouch for its well-earned reputation. Complete with four floors, caged strippers and even midgets swinging from the ceiling, this place is anything but conventional. So come here if you like naked ladies, and pounding pounding techno music.
Three: Trafiq
In recent months, this venue has absolutely blitzed Budapest’s clubbing scene. Not only does it provide partygoers with a superb selection of electro dance-floor smashers until 4am every weekend, but it also more than adequately delivers on the culinary and cocktail-mixing front. However, arrive early if you want to avoid the mile-long queues.
Four: A83
Old, creeking Ukranian stone-carrier ship turned avant-garde, all-hours party barge; this unique club is heralded by many as Budapest’s best, and was recently voted number one in Lonely Planet’s 100 best bars/clubs of the world contest. The venue showcases the country’s most prolific DJs and live acts and is reasonably priced. This is one not to be missed.
Five: Rio
Best visited in the summer, this café-by-day, club-by-night cocktail hangout boasts an open-air bar and dance-floor, cheap as chips cocktails and a carnival-style themed set-up to make you smile. If you get hungry, you need only make your way to the venue’s very own burger joint and it’s free entry. Another must.
Alternatively, you can check out one of the many ‘kerteks’ (beer garden), and at least one of the city’s famed and hugely popular ‘Ruin Pubs’, which are set up in tenement buildings and old, derelict warehouses with thrown-out furniture. Wherever you go, the chances are that you won’t be let down. Jó utat!
