Though I don’t usually take much away from Lonely Planet other than a cursory briefing on customs, and the idea of a bar they might consider one of the world’s best actually frightens rather than intrigues me, Szimpla was still of interest to us. It helped that our first walking tour guide, who had a distinct resemblance to Andy Samburg, seemed to genuinely like the place. Our second walking tour ended up there. It’s quite similar to some Wellington bars, but taken a step further in all directions. It feels like it could have been modelled on the future-set night clubs of movies decades old. To visit a Budapest ruin pub by day might break down this mystery and atmosphere. We had to leave quite early for food and head home for warmth, but I’d hope to visit again one day, by night.
