Ruin bars or ruin pubs are bars that were former abandoned buildings and now are an integral part of Budapest's nightlife.[1][2] These establishments are generally found in Budapest's Jewish Quarter.[1]
The very first ruin bar claimed to be opened in 1999.[3] However, the rise of ruin bars started in the early 2000s, and Szimpla Kert is widely considered to be the first pioneer.[1] During that time, the inner part of VII District had many abandoned buildings especially in the historic Jewish Quarter.[2] The very first venue opened on Kertész utca in 2002.[2] In 2004, the concept increased in popularity when Ábel Zsendovits and his friends turned a condemned building complex on Kazinczy Street into a ruin bar.[2] It started as an experimental bar with affordable drinks and bohemian ambience.[2] It led to other ruin bars being opened, which had their own ambience and focus.[2]
Ruin bars provide a relaxed environment for enjoying drinks, food, and dancing.[1] They also often embrace the natural decay of their buildings, incorporating quirky furnishings and decor.[1] These venues are appreciated by patrons of all ages.[1] In addition to nighttime activities, ruin bars also serve as community hubs and live music venues during the day.[1] They have become a significant tourist attraction to Budapest.[2]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d e f g Mackintosh, Alex (2017-01-26). "A Brief History of Budapest's Ruin Bars". Culture Trip. Retrieved 2023-09-05.
- ^ a b c d e f g "History of Ruin Bars in Budapest". Budapestflow.com. 2017-04-05. Retrieved 2023-09-05.
- ^ Sadowy, K. (2023). Evolutionary Urban Development: Lessons from Central and Eastern Europe. Routledge Advances in Regional Economics, Science and Policy. Taylor & Francis. p. 87. ISBN 978-1-000-83894-7. Retrieved 2023-09-05.