Tall Stories 470: Szimpla Kert, Budapest

Podcast: The Urbanist (Monocle)
Date: August 4, 2025
Host: Andrew Tuck
Reporter: Geetan Jali Krishna

Episode Overview

This episode of Tall Stories takes listeners to Budapest's Jewish Quarter to explore Szimpla Kert, the city's pioneering "Ruin Bar." The episode examines how a derelict building scheduled for demolition was transformed into an urban icon that has shaped both nightlife and community life in the Hungarian capital. Through atmospheric storytelling, journalist Geetan Jali Krishna illuminates the power of celebrating decay and repurposing ruins as vibrant, communal spaces.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Finding Inspiration Amid Ruins

• [00:09] Host Introduction
  Andrew Tuck sets the tone, highlighting the global challenge of finding inspiration in urban ruins.

  “Attempting to find inspirations in ruins is a challenge that many cities have and will have to face over the years.” (Andrew Tuck, 00:09)

• [00:49] First Impressions of Szimpla Kert
  Krishna describes the curious, inviting chaos of Szimpla Kert, turning expectations of desolation upside down.

  • The venue retains its crumbling structures, with rusty grills, graffiti, and eclectic decor.
  • The atmosphere is defined by “twinkling fairy lights, dim little rooms, a courtyard full of creepers... a crazy assortment of lights... bathtubs and discarded road signs to old radios and boxy TVs.”
  • The combination of decay and creativity fosters a unique ambiance described as a "mad botanist's dream."

The Birth and Growth of Ruin Bars

• Story of Szimpla Kert’s inception in 2004:

  • Saved from demolition by entrepreneurs aiming to create a community space.
  • Instead of renovating, they embraced the ruins, decorating with discarded items and street art.
  • Initially attracted local students seeking affordable drinks and a space for debate.

  “[They] decided to save their money and celebrate the ruins.” (Geetan Jali Krishna, 01:39)

• The bar's unconventional approach became a template, spawning a new generation of ruin bars in Budapest’s Jewish district, each striving for “turn of the century decay” vibes.

Cultural Impact and Resilience

• “Budapest’s ruined pubs started to redefine its urban character and became the it places for tourists and locals alike to hang out.” (Geetan Jali Krishna, 02:43)
• Szimpla Kert has survived industry challenges—including the COVID-19 pandemic—by expanding its role beyond nightlife.
• By day, it serves as a bustling community hub:
  • Hosts movie screenings, gigs, art exhibitions, flea markets, and a farmers’ market with local produce.
  • Offers a haven for both tourists (evidenced by the "dozen languages being spoken") and locals seeking quiet nooks or lively action.

The Enduring Allure

• Every evening, the space seamlessly transitions back into a lively bar scene.

  “From 5pm on the farmers, the crafters and the families start to leave and the bar starts to fill up. Peep down from the window to the street below and you’ll see a long line of hopeful pub crawlers all waiting to be let in.” (Geetan Jali Krishna, 04:29)

• Despite an official capacity of 600, anecdotes claim up to 5,000 people have been present in a night, underlining its legendary appeal.

Reflections on Urban Renewal

• The story closes with a contemplation of why Szimpla Kert continues to succeed:

  “There’s really no one good answer to this, but one thing is for sure, Szimpla Kert’s popularity makes the new seem overrated, and the shiny, passe.” (Geetan Jali Krishna, 04:59)

Memorable Quotes

• On the unique charm of decay:

  “It’s a chaotic dream world inside a crumbling behemoth of a building. And somehow it’s making me thirsty. Unfortunately, I’m in the perfect, perfect place to get a drink.” (Geetan Jali Krishna, 01:16)

• On the Ruin Bar phenomenon:

  “Everyone simply loved Szimpla Kert, and it became the template for a new generation of ruined bars in the Hungarian capital's Jewish district.” (Geetan Jali Krishna, 02:27)

• On the passage of time and shifting urban value:

  “Szimpla Kert’s popularity makes the new seem overrated, and the shiny, passe.” (Geetan Jali Krishna, 04:59)

Key Timestamps

• 00:09 — Host introduction on the theme of ruins as inspiration (Andrew Tuck)
• 00:49 — Vivid walk-through of Szimpla Kert (Geetan Jali Krishna)
• 01:39 — Origins and unique philosophy of the Ruin Bar
• 02:43 — Impact on nightlife, local culture, and tourism
• 03:41 — Daytime community activities and diverse visitors
• 04:29 — Evening transformation and enduring popularity
• 04:59 — Reflection on the enduring appeal of “old” over “new”

Tone and Style

The episode blends atmospheric, sensory storytelling with urbanist insights—a balance of poetic description and pragmatic analysis. The language remains conversational, enthusiastic, and rooted in firsthand observation, inviting listeners to experience both the physical space and its intangible spirit.

For anyone fascinated by adaptive reuse, vibrant urban culture, or the magic of city life’s imperfections, this episode showcases how Szimpla Kert stands as a living lesson in resilience, community, and the enduring power of creative decay.