September 2, 2026, 2:41 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
From legendary scene bars to cozy pubs and jazz venues: The “European Bar Guide” has named its 100 favorite bars in Europe for 2026. A historic cult location takes the top spot, a neighboring country of Germany dominates the top 10, and Germany itself makes it into the top group with a special bar.
To truly understand a city, one should not only visit its landmarks. Its bars reveal just as much about local life. Here, locals, regulars, and travelers meet, stories are born, and sometimes even entire city legends.
The “European Bar Guide” is dedicated to these places, selecting its personal favorites in Europe each year. Instead of design furniture and luxury concepts, the focus is on atmosphere, bar culture, and local flair. According to the authors, around 1,600 bars they personally visited were evaluated for the current list. The key is not how chic a place is, but how authentic.
Budapest’s Famous Ruin Bar Takes First Place
The top spot is secured by Szimpla Kert, arguably the most famous ruin bar in Europe. It was founded in 2002 by a group of young Budapest residents in an abandoned, dilapidated building that was once a factory. The idea: to create a place where art, culture, and nightlife come together, rather than demolishing or extensively renovating the building. The improvised meeting point evolved into the city’s first ruin bar in Budapest’s nightlife district.
Amid old industrial elements, vintage finds, repurposed cars, and eclectic decorations, the bar feels more like a walk-in installation than a traditional venue. It also hosts concerts, film screenings, exhibitions, and a popular farmers market on Sundays.
Belgium Dominates the Top 10
Five of the top 10 bars are in Belgium. Instead of sleek cocktail lounges, there are often places that have maintained their unique character over decades. They exemplify what the ranking creators are looking for: bars that cannot be easily replicated.
In second place in the overall ranking is Retsins Lucifernum in Bruges, a mix of greenhouse, Gothic museum, and bar, accommodating only about 20 guests. Following are two Brussels classics: La Fleur en Papier Doré, once a meeting place for artist René Magritte, and Goupil Le Fol, a winding labyrinth of candlelight, chansons, and vintage finds.
This Belgian City Is the Best Alternative to Bruges
This German Street Is Among the Coolest in the World
Cologne’s Iconic Pub Among Europe’s Best Bars
Every evening, live jazz, free entry, and peanuts whose shells can be tossed on the floor: With this concept, Papa Joe’s Jazzlokal in Cologne’s old town has been delighting guests from around the world since the 1970s. Thousands of concerts have already taken place here, with a scoreboard at the entrance counting each performance–so far over 17,500.
Amid old instruments, quirky collectibles, and a cocktail machine that mixes drinks at the push of a button, the atmosphere is often as entertaining as the stage. The “European Bar Guide” calls Papa Joe’s one of the best jazz bars in the world, praising its captivating atmosphere.
The 10 Best Bars According to the “European Bar Guide”
- Szimpla Kert, Budapest (Hungary)
- Retsins Lucifernum, Bruges (Belgium)
- La Fleur en Papier Doré, Brussels (Belgium)
- Goupil Le Fol, Brussels (Belgium)
- Zlatna Ribica, Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
- Papa Joe’s Jazzlokal, Cologne (Germany)
- t’Brugse Beertje, Bruges (Belgium)
- Bar Marsella, Barcelona (Spain)
- U Hrocha, Prague (Czech Republic)
- Le Pot Au Lait, Liège (Belgium)