Among them are numerous Belgian bars, as well as establishments in Prague, Germany, and Romania, popular London venues, and a few places in Edinburgh.
From the luxurious bars of Budapest, on the outskirts of which lies a “treasure” for tourists, to the dimly lit romantic establishments from Bruges to Barcelona — a ranking of the best bars in Europe has been published. According to The Daily Mail, the list was compiled by the European Bar Guide.
In total, the ranking includes 100 of the best bars in Europe, ranging from unusual bars to historic pubs. Among them are many Belgian bars, as well as establishments in Prague, Germany, and Romania, popular London venues, and some places in Edinburgh.
First place — Szimpla Kert, Budapest.
First place was taken by a luxurious establishment in the capital of Hungary — Budapest. The original “ruin bar” Szimpla Kert is in itself the main tourist attraction in Budapest. With its huge atrium, quirky interiors and graffiti all around, it’s not your typical bar.
There you can see tropical plants, converted cars, and secluded corners that beckon you to explore.
Every Sunday, the establishment hosts a farmers’ market, accompanied by folk music, art exhibitions, and film screenings, where you can taste fresh produce and local delicacies.
Second place — Retsins Lucifernum, Bruges
This is the perfect option if you’re looking for something unusual. You’ll be greeted by a “butler” so you can explore the mansion with Gothic art, antiques, and then the bar and the garden courtyard on the ground floor.
Moreover, the establishment may have a limit on the number of guests at a time — 20, so you can enjoy the wild atmosphere in a cozy setting.
Third place — La Fleur en Papier Doré, Brussels.
The walls of the establishment are covered with photographs. Once, this was a gathering place for a group of surrealist artists, which gives it an artistic and cultural flavor. The bar’s guidebook states:
“This place is the fruit of the love of one man, Gerard van Bruenay, who ran such a wonderful pub that it became a meeting place for Magritte and the surrealist community.”
In the bar, you can enjoy live music and delicious beer.
Fourth place — Goupil Le Fol, Brussels
From the outside, the establishment looks quite simple, but immediately after entering, you’ll walk through a windowless tunnel, past a jukebox and other quirky interior items. Only then do you find yourself in a cozy jazz‑style bar.
Of course, the establishment offers Belgian beer, but its distinctive feature is fruit wines infused with black currants and cognac.
Fifth place — “Zlatna Ribica”, Sarajevo
This is a unique place that took fifth place. The establishment, designed in a colonial style and whose name translates as “Golden Fish,” is located in the popular tourist city of Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
It’s completely filled with antiques, gadgets, goldfish tanks, and whimsical lampshades.
You won’t stumble upon this bar while walking around the city center, and that’s perhaps the biggest mistake you can make in Sarajevo. In short: now this is rightfully one of my favorite places in the world. No visit to Sarajevo is complete without stopping here,” wrote one of the enthusiastic customers in a Google review.
Sixth place — Papa Joe’s Jazzlokal, Cologne
This is a jazz and blues venue, loved by both locals and tourists alike. The guide describes the bar as ” friendly, sociable and brilliant, from stage-like venues to the daily concerts that are displayed on the scoreboard in front of the bar.”
There you will see a cocktail machine, Roman ruins, and dolls at the entrance.
Seventh place — t’Brugse Beertje, Bruges
Another place in Bruges worth visiting is t’Brugse Beertje, which ranks seventh in the rating. It’s a cozy and intimate bar with high‑quality beer, as you’d expect in Belgium.
The name translates as “Little Bruges Bear,” but it can always be crowded there.
For connoisseurs, they offer a wide variety of different varieties here, so choosing just one will be quite challenging.
Eighth place — Marsella, Barcelona.
The eighth place is occupied by an establishment in Spain. To immerse yourself in a stylish historical atmosphere, head to the Marsella bar in Barcelona, which has a 200‑year history. Inside, you’ll see signs from the Franco era, antique decor, and an old dance floor.
It looks almost as if it has rotted over time, but with style. The peeling paint, faded grandeur, and untouched atmosphere give it an appealing quality.Advertisementad
The establishment is well known for its absinthe, but it also offers a variety of less strong drinks.
Ninth place — U Hrocha, Prague
The typical Czech restaurant U Hrocha in Prague ranks ninth on the list. It’s a traditional pub with reasonable prices.
“If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to find a chair on the windowsill to enjoy the beer and the atmosphere of this traditional Czech beer joint,” said one customer.
Most seats/tables are reserved for local residents, so you need to plan your visit in advance.
Tenth place — Le Pot Au Lait, Liège
This is another completely unique establishment with graffiti, plants, and taxidermy on the walls, which gives it a strange yet appealing atmosphere. One of the reviews read:
“If you like unusual, unique decor and colorful lighting, then this is the place for you. One of the most unique and fun bars I’ve ever been to.”
This is a huge establishment with plenty of outdoor seating, and you can order drinks yourself from their extensive menu.
Konstantin is an acclaimed travel writer, celebrated for transforming ordinary journeys into extraordinary narratives. With years of experience exploring diverse destinations across the globe, his work blends vivid storytelling, cultural insights, and practical advice to inspire wanderlust and guide readers toward unforgettable adventures.
As a key contributor to enjoythetrip.org website, Konstantin has built a loyal readership through their expertise in uncovering both iconic landmarks and off-the-beaten-path treasures. He specializes in providing travelers with honest, actionable tips, whether it’s finding the best resorts in Maldives, exploring cultural hubs like Paris, or diving into the natural wonders of Croatia.