Budapest Nightlife
Budapest is known as one of Europe's most lively towns for nightlife and is deservedly so. With restaurants, casinos and nightclubs, the city is buzzing until the early hours of the morning.
A good transport system ensures that most bars and clubs are easily accessible and visitors are advised that it is best to hit the town later rather than earlier, as most clubs do not warm up until midnight and then remain open until sunrise. Although the city's nightlife is gaining in international prestige, prices are still relatively cheap, ensuring that a night out in the city will not necessarily break the bank.
For those searching for clubs which are different from dark, crowded establishments Budapest's old Jewish quarter has many abandoned old courtyards which have been converted into open-air clubs. Two of the most popular are Szimpla kert and West Balkan. Further outdoor clubs can be found on the banks of the River Danube on the Buda side of the Petofi Bridge. Young, lively crowds tend to be found partying under the stars at Zold Pardon and the adjacent Cafe del Rio. The A38 boat, a converted barge, hosts many concerts and DJs.
Although the city is popular with rowdy stag dos, a number of bars throughout the city provide a more bohemian experience. Csiga and V. Bejaro attract a young and fashionable crowd looking for bars with bohemian atmospheres and jazz music. Many Hungarian locals head to Piaf, a stylish nightclub with a sophisticated crowd. A number of ex-pats can be found enjoying good music and Serbian cuisine in the bars around Liszt Ferenc and Raday utca Castro.
Away from the clubs and bars, a number of casinos can be found in Budapest that stay open well into the early hours of the morning. With the majority occupying historical buildings next to smart hotels, the city's casinos provide elaborate venues to while away the night. Formal dress is required in the majority of the dozen casinos, most of which are sited along the Dunakorzo. One of the most popular is the Tropicana Casino, which is easily recognisable due to its bright neon entrance and is open from 11pm till 6am. Varkert Casino has been described as one of the most beautiful; designed by one of Hungary's most famous architects in 1897, the building forms part of the World Heritage Site and is one of Europe's most elegant casinos.
A different night altogether can be found at the Moulin Rouge, which hosts revue and cabaret at night time, while serving as a coffee house and restaurant during the day.
With such a vast array of clubs, bars and casinos, it is not hard to see why Budapest's nightlife remains so popular with both locals and tourists from all over Europe.
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Nightlife
