Ruinpubs, which are furnished with the eclectic remnants of the communist era are the mainstay of Budapest’s alternative nightlife scene. Szimpla was the one that started the whole trend. It might be in every guidebook, and you’ll probably hear more English than Hungarian, but it would be a shame to miss a chance to have a beer there.
The 10 year old pub is a great place to discover alternate usages of a large variety of random objects, from an old radio to half a bathtub. Getting lost in the maze of dimly lit rooms is definitely a memorable experience, even during the less crowded day period.