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Budapest is filled with söröz?s (beer bars), but the way to go is to head for one of the romkerts ("ruin gardens," which are housed in the courtyards of abandoned buildings). There you will meet a cross section of artists, professionals, students, and tourists enjoying a DJ or Hungarian microbrew. If wine is more your thing, don’t miss spending a few hours in a wine bar (more upscale than the divey borozós). Wine bars have lengthy wine lists comprising excellent Hungarian wines, and most servers speak reasonable enough English to recommend a wine and explain what you are getting.
Originally a Ukrainian stone-freighter, A38 is now a fantastic addition to the nightlife of Buda, permanently moored a 15-minute walk south of Liberty Bridge (just beyond Petőfi Bridge). It has a restaurant upstairs, an exhibition space, a bar, and a large dance floor downstairs. There's a different band on hand every night, from jazz to Latin, retro to electronic.
One of the most mixed of the gay clubs draws from the gay, lesbian, and heterosexual communities equally. No doubt the laid-back, friendly atmosphere contributes to its appeal. Friday and Saturday are the party nights, featuring a transvestite show after midnight.
Budapest’s most popular gay bar is regularly only open two nights a week, Friday and Saturday, but on those nights it’s where the party's at. While there are a few other gay bars in town, this one is the most inclusive and features two dance floors. The program changes according to seasons, trends, genres, and moods, so it's worth checking their website for updates---but you can always count on the Transvarieté drag show at midnight.
Instant-Fogas is an unrivaled clubbing hub in the party district. It's often packed by midevening, so if you want to dance, you're in the right space. The building complex includes seven individual venues, each with a distinct atmosphere and its own character and music style. Move from one vibe to the next, taking breaks in the connecting covered courtyard bar area. Things can get rowdy on weekends; try to avoid the notoriously aggressive bouncers.
