Budapest's District VII, also known as the Jewish Quarter, has long been the heart of the city’s nightlife, offering stag groups a mix of edgy ruin pubs, classic bars, and modern cocktail lounges. The area between the Danube and the roads Erzsébet krt and József krt is compact enough to walk comfortably, with bars clustered together, making it easy to hop from one great spot to another. This area guarantees a mix of lively atmospheres, varied drinks, and friendly crowds, making it ideal for a group looking to soak up the best of Budapest’s nightlife in one evening.
Suggested Bar Crawl Itinerary
Below is an itinerary packed with the best bars and pubs in the area, perfect for a stag group wanting to make the most of Budapest's buzzing bar scene. Each stop on this crawl offers its own unique vibe, so by the end of the night, you’ll have experienced a taste of everything Budapest has to offer.
1. Szimpla Kert – Start with a Classic Ruin Bar
Address: Kazinczy utca 14
Begin your night at the iconic Szimpla Kert, one of Budapest’s most famous ruin pubs. Known for its quirky decor, Szimpla is a maze of rooms filled with mismatched furniture, funky lighting, and eclectic art installations, creating an atmosphere that’s fun, lively, and perfect for a stag group. Grab a round of beers to start, or try the house pálinka (Hungary’s favorite fruit brandy) to get everyone in the spirit. The bar is spacious, making it ideal for groups, and there’s always something interesting to see or explore.
2. Instant-Fogas Complex – Party Across Two Bars
Address: Akácfa utca 51
From Szimpla, head over to Instant-Fogas, a vast venue that combines two popular ruin bars, Instant and Fogas. With multiple rooms playing different styles of music, this complex is more like a mini club than a bar. Instant is known for its upbeat atmosphere and themed decor, including tree branches hanging from ceilings and colorful murals. Fogas offers a slightly more laid-back vibe with retro decor, so your group can explore different atmospheres without leaving the venue. Perfect for groups, Instant-Fogas Complex guarantees something for everyone in one wild stop.
3. Ellátó Kert & Taqueria – Laid-Back Garden Bar
Address: Kazinczy utca 48
When it’s time for a break and a bite, Ellátó Kert is the spot. This laid-back ruin garden bar serves Mexican street food, which is perfect for refueling midway through your crawl. The bar’s outdoor seating area, colorful decor, and casual vibe make it an ideal place to relax, grab some tacos or nachos, and enjoy a few beers. The crowd here is usually friendly and up for a chat, so your group will feel right at home.
4. Kőleves Kert – Chill Garden Vibes & Local Beers
Address: Kazinczy utca 37-39
Next, make your way to Kőleves Kert, an open-air garden bar known for its cozy atmosphere and great selection of local Hungarian beers. This is a more relaxed stop, giving the group a chance to sit back and take in the atmosphere. The garden is full of greenery and twinkling lights, creating a mellow vibe that’s perfect for unwinding a bit before diving back into the bustling bar scene. Try a Hungarian craft beer here or sample another local pálinka for a unique taste of Budapest.
5. Szimpla Háztáji – Rustic Wine Bar
Address: Kazinczy utca 7
For a change of pace, head to Szimpla Háztáji, located just a few steps from Szimpla Kert. This cozy, rustic bar offers a great selection of Hungarian wines and artisan beers. Szimpla Háztáji is quieter than the other bars, offering a chance to relax and enjoy some quality drinks in a more intimate setting. Ideal for stag groups looking for a brief change of scenery, this spot adds a touch of sophistication to your night.
6. Doblo Wine Bar – Wine Bar with Hungarian Flair
Address: Dob utca 20
This cozy, atmospheric wine bar is ideal for a more laid-back finish, offering an impressive selection of Hungarian wines, including local reds, whites, and sparkling wines. The warm, rustic interior and ambient lighting create a welcoming atmosphere where the group can sit back, reflect on the night, and enjoy a more refined setting.
Doblo’s friendly staff are happy to recommend wines based on your group’s tastes, and there’s also a selection of charcuterie and cheese boards if anyone wants a light snack to cap off the evening. It’s an intimate yet lively spot that rounds off the Budapest pub crawl with a taste of Hungarian wine culture and some quality downtime.
Pro Tips for a Smooth Night
Bring cash: Some of the bars may be cash-only, so having local currency on hand will keep things hassle-free.
Pace yourselves: Budapest’s drinks, especially the pálinka, can be strong. Taking it slow will ensure you make it to every spot on the list!
Group-friendly: These bars are well-suited for stag groups, with ample seating and lively crowds, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead if you’re bringing a big crew.
This itinerary provides a full spectrum of District VII's bars in a single night, making it perfect for a stag group out to have fun, explore, and enjoy some of the best drinks the city has to offer.
