The Best Ruin Bars of Budapest in 2019: 9 Places Not to Miss

Updated: 1/5/2019 | January 5th, 2019

1/5/2019 | January 5th, 2019

One of the upsides to being an independent writer is that I’m my own boss. There are no deadlines, no one to pester me, and no outside burdens. I get to write about what I want when I want — the good, the bad, and the ugly. However, since the stories on this blog are based on what I see and do, I have no one to say things like, “Matt! There’s a cool new trend in this city. Here’s a plane ticket; go check it out and report back right away!”

And I never wished for that more than when I went in Budapest.

Because no one ever mentioned the “ruin bars” to me. It wasn’t until my second visit that I got to know what these bars were. Now, I visit them whenever I visit the city.

Ruin bars are all the rage in Budapest and have been around since the founding of Szimpla Kert, the mecca of all ruin bars. These bars are built in Budapest’s old District VII neighborhood (the old Jewish quarter) in the ruins of abandoned buildings, stores, or lots. This neighborhood was left to decay after World War II, so it was a perfect place to develop an underground bar scene. (Not so underground anymore, though.)

From outside, these bars look like normal homes. They don’t have large signs pointing the way, you don’t hear any loud noise, and there’s no line of people waiting to get in. But once you walk in and enter the inner courtyard, you find yourself in the middle of a hip, artsy, and funky bar bustling with crowds talking, dancing, and enjoying the laid-back atmosphere. Large bouncers inside, along with posted signs, ensure that people are quiet on their way out, so as to not disturb the neighbors.

Each of these ruin bars has its own personality, but they all follow a few basic principles: find an old abandoned place, rent it out (maybe?), set up a bar, fill it with flea market furniture, have a few artists come in to leave their mark on the walls and ceiling, add in some weird antiques, serve alcohol, and watch people flock in. Since all these bars are in abandoned buildings, they open, close, and move frequently depending on whether the neighbors find out, the patrons get too loud, or an investor comes and buys the property to renovate it.

When you’re in these bars, you feel like you’re drinking at your local thrift store. None of the furniture matches. It’s all old. It’s eclectic. It feels like they just ransacked your grandmother’s house. The ceilings are all designed differently. For example, Instant has a room where the furniture is on the ceiling, and Fogasház has bikes hanging from its ceiling. The places haven’t been repaired or fixed up, and there are still holes in the walls and visible pipes everywhere.

But it all adds to the “underground” feeling each ruin bar has. If these places hadn’t been pointed out to me, I never would have found them.

Though the ruin bar movement has become mainstream and less underground than it was when it started (or even a few years ago), many of the bars have done a good job of keeping their character and staying true to their roots – even as they fill up with more tourists.

Here is a list of the best ruin bars of Budapest:

Szimpla Kert

This was the original ruin bar. It opened in 2001 and starting this trend. It’s one of the biggest ruin bars and still one of the most popular. Once an abandoned factory, here you’ll find a large open courtyard, a top floor filled with eclectic furniture, cocktail bars, music, and even an old, stripped-down Trabant (a communist car) to have a drink in. All the rooms have a different theme. They also sell pizza, which, after a few drinks, makes for the perfect walking-home snack.

This was the original ruin bar. It opened in 2001 and starting this trend. It’s one of the biggest ruin bars and still one of the most popular. Once an abandoned factory, here you’ll find a large open courtyard, a top floor filled with eclectic furniture, cocktail bars, music, and even an old, stripped-down Trabant (a communist car) to have a drink in. All the rooms have a different theme. They also sell pizza, which, after a few drinks, makes for the perfect walking-home snack.

Kazinczy u. 14, +36 20 261 8669, szimpla.hu. Open 12pm-4am on weekdays, 9am-4am on Saturdays, and 9am-5am on Sundays.

Instant

Instant is located in an entire apartment building and the biggest ruin bar in the city. There are over twenty rooms here. It’s one of the more club-like ruin bars. In Instant, you can sit in what were once individual apartments and relax on furniture that looks like it was found on the street. They’ve knocked down many of the walls to connect the apartments and make space for the DJs and dancing. Given its popularity and the fact that it’s more “clubby,” drinks here are a little more expensive than in other ruin bars. But the vibe is still good.

Instant is located in an entire apartment building and the biggest ruin bar in the city. There are over twenty rooms here. It’s one of the more club-like ruin bars. In Instant, you can sit in what were once individual apartments and relax on furniture that looks like it was found on the street. They’ve knocked down many of the walls to connect the apartments and make space for the DJs and dancing. Given its popularity and the fact that it’s more “clubby,” drinks here are a little more expensive than in other ruin bars. But the vibe is still good.

Akácfa u. 49-51, +36 70 638 5040, instant.co.hu/en. Open daily from 10pm-6am.

Fogasház

Fogasház is smaller, lower-key, and less touristy than popular Instant and Szimpla Kert. The “House of Teeth” got its name from an old dentist’s office sign they found when they were building the bar. This bar has bicycles and glasses hanging from the ceiling and is artsier than the other ruin bars. Small tables dot the inner courtyard, and you don’t have loud music drowning out the conversation. They often host art exhibits here. They also have a ping-pong table. It’s a hipster’s paradise here.

Fogasház is smaller, lower-key, and less touristy than popular Instant and Szimpla Kert. The “House of Teeth” got its name from an old dentist’s office sign they found when they were building the bar. This bar has bicycles and glasses hanging from the ceiling and is artsier than the other ruin bars. Small tables dot the inner courtyard, and you don’t have loud music drowning out the conversation. They often host art exhibits here. They also have a ping-pong table. It’s a hipster’s paradise here.

Akácfa u. 49-51, +36 1 783 8820. Open daily from 4pm-6am.

Doboz

I’m not entirely sure if this place fits into the ruin bar culture. It was much fancier and trendier than the other bars I visited. It was like being in a “real” bar. However, I was taken there as part of a ruin bar tour, and, regardless, I love this place. You walk into the courtyard and are greeted by a tree with a red-eyed robot attached to it. It looks like a Transformer is about to attack you. There are two main rooms: one red, the other blue. They play a lot of dance music, and this place fills up toward the end of the night.

I’m not entirely sure if this place fits into the ruin bar culture. It was much fancier and trendier than the other bars I visited. It was like being in a “real” bar. However, I was taken there as part of a ruin bar tour, and, regardless, I love this place. You walk into the courtyard and are greeted by a tree with a red-eyed robot attached to it. It looks like a Transformer is about to attack you. There are two main rooms: one red, the other blue. They play a lot of dance music, and this place fills up toward the end of the night.

Klauzál u. 10, +36 20 449 4801, doboz.co.hu/en. Open Tu (5pm-2am), W-Th (5pm-5am), F-Su (5pm-6am), and closed on Mondays.

Corvin Teto

Located on top of a supermarket, Corvin Teto is popular due to its huge rooftop terrace, where you can get an expansive view of the hills of Buda and the buildings of Pest. This is another dance-heavy ruin bar, specializing in electronic music. I’d come up here for a drink during sunset and then move on elsewhere.

Located on top of a supermarket, Corvin Teto is popular due to its huge rooftop terrace, where you can get an expansive view of the hills of Buda and the buildings of Pest. This is another dance-heavy ruin bar, specializing in electronic music. I’d come up here for a drink during sunset and then move on elsewhere.

Blaha Lujza tér 1-2, +36 20 244 7230, corvinclub.hu. Open Thursday to Saturday from 9pm-6am.

Grandio

Grandio is a ruin bar and hostel in one. It’s famous for its outdoor, tree-filled courtyard but is mostly filled with travelers and people on bar crawls due to the fact that it’s also a hostel. This is a good place to start your night and meet other travelers. However, during the day you can find locals relaxing here with a drink in the garden.

Grandio is a ruin bar and hostel in one. It’s famous for its outdoor, tree-filled courtyard but is mostly filled with travelers and people on bar crawls due to the fact that it’s also a hostel. This is a good place to start your night and meet other travelers. However, during the day you can find locals relaxing here with a drink in the garden.

Nagy Diófa u. 8, +36 70 670 0390, grandio.insta-hostel.com.

Dürer Kert

A former university building, this ruin bar lets you tap into your inner college student as you drink few beers while playing foosball, Ping-Pong, darts, and a French game called pétanque (it’s fun). The courtyard garden is a good spot to enjoy all the live music that happens in this bar.

A former university building, this ruin bar lets you tap into your inner college student as you drink few beers while playing foosball, Ping-Pong, darts, and a French game called pétanque (it’s fun). The courtyard garden is a good spot to enjoy all the live music that happens in this bar.

Ajtósi Dürer sor 19-21, +36 1 789 4444, durerkert.com/hu. Open M-Sa (5pm-5am), Su (5pm-12am).

Mazel Tov

This is one of Budapest’s newest ruin bars. Mazel Tov (located in the old Jewish quarter) is a community center and restaurant serving traditional Jewish cuisine by day. At night, the courtyard is a party with DJs and live entertainment entertaining guests.

This is one of Budapest’s newest ruin bars. Mazel Tov (located in the old Jewish quarter) is a community center and restaurant serving traditional Jewish cuisine by day. At night, the courtyard is a party with DJs and live entertainment entertaining guests.

Akácfa u. 47, +36 70 626 4280, mazeltov.hu. Open M-Tu (12pm-1am), W-F (12pm-2am), Sa-Su (10am-2am).

Anker’t

Located in a former factory in downtown Budapest, this minimalist space is made up of large, connecting courtyards, a gigantic dance floor to get your party on, and plenty of couches to lounge on if dancing isn’t your thing. There’s a lot of funky art hanging on the walls and the place is pretty big. The bar also serves some decent food too.

Located in a former factory in downtown Budapest, this minimalist space is made up of large, connecting courtyards, a gigantic dance floor to get your party on, and plenty of couches to lounge on if dancing isn’t your thing. There’s a lot of funky art hanging on the walls and the place is pretty big. The bar also serves some decent food too.

Paulay Ede u. 33, +36 30 360 3389. Open M-W (2pm-12am), Th (2pm-1am), F-Sa (2pm-4am), Su (2pm-12am).

***Budapest may sell itself on history and thermal baths, but the ruin bars are by far the most unique thing about this city. Even if you don’t drink, come spend time at these ruin bars because they are such a funky way to see a popular and totally unique aspect of life in Budapest. You’ll meet a lot of locals when you visit! Don’t miss them.

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Book Your Trip to Budapest: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay elsewhere, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time. My favorite places to stay in Budapest are:

• Retox – A big party hostel located next to Budapest’s biggest nightlife areas. This one is for serious partiers!
• Carpe Noctum – The staff here will end up feeling like family, and there are organized trips out on the town every night.
• Wombats – Another party spot, but Wombats is clean and comfortable, and one of my all-time favorites.
• Hostel One – Great rooms, great staff, and plenty of common space to socialize. The staff will even cook for you!
• Big Fish – New hostel located right on the main boulevard of Budapest. New beds, a huge kitchen, and a cozy common room!

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• World Nomads (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
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Budapest may sell itself on history and thermal baths, but the ruin bars are by far the most unique thing about this city. Even if you don’t drink, come spend time at these ruin bars because they are such a funky way to see a popular and totally unique aspect of life in Budapest. You’ll meet a lot of locals when you visit! Don’t miss them.

Photo credits: 1, Jorge Franganillo, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

The Best Neighborhoods in Bangkok: Where to Stay On Your Visit in 2019

Posted: 2/25/2019 | February 25th, 2019

If you’ve read this site for more than five minutes, you probably know I love Bangkok. It’s one of my favorite cities in the world. It doesn’t necessarily have tons of “tourist attractions,” but its energy is contagious and the people are the best.

A city of eight million people spread out over 50 districts, Bangkok is HUGE.

Most visitors stick to just a few neighborhoods: Sukhumvit, Khao San, or Silom/Sathorn.

These three neighborhoods are really the tourist hot spots of the city.

But obviously, Bangkok is more than these three places, and there are some other really amazing, cool, and interesting neighborhoods.

Here’s my opinion on the best ones to stay in. No matter which of these you choose, you can’t go wrong.

Thong Lor/Ekamai

This sophisticated neighborhood is named after Thonglor Street, which has lots of upscale bars, clubs, restaurants, and boutiques. It’s a hip, artists’ area where all the most fashionable people hang out. This is probably the best area of town to eat, drink, and be merry. You find amazing restaurants, tons of jazz bars, beer gardens, cool clubs, and, thanks to a decent-sized Japanese population, wonderful sushi, ramen, and izakaya joints.

Best Places to Stay in Thong Lor/Ekamai

• BUDGET: Hostel at Thonglor – This is one of Bangkok’s newer hostels. It’s a European-style hostel with snug bunk beds and privacy curtains. There is a female-only floor too. Breakfast is included, and there is free shower gel and shampoo.
• MID-RANGE: PlayHaus Thonglor – PlayHaus is one of the quirkiest hotels in the area, with individually designed Moulin Rouge–inspired rooms that feel like you’re living in an old theater. The rooms are small but the beds are comfy. The showers have strong water pressure, and the TV comes with Netflix.
• LUXURY: Metropole Bangkok – The Metropole Bangkok is five-star hotel on a three star price. Each room has luxury bedding, deep bathtubs, and air conditioning. Some even have a nice balcony. There is a fitness room and a fair-sized outdoor swimming pool, as well as a sauna and cold onsen (Japanese bath).

Sathorn / Silom

I’m going to combine these two areas into one mega area becaus, for a traveler, there’s little difference! Sathorn is Bangkok’s busy central business district with businesspeople bustling about and tall skyscrapers dominating the skyline. The neighborhood runs from Lumpini Park to the Chao Phraya River, and is full of elegant hotels and rooftop “sky bars” with amazing city views. The area south of Sathorn road is the old backpacker area and is full of cheap guesthouses and cool expat bars. Most of the area is tame at night once everyone goes home after work!

Silom is the area just north of Sathorn and has everything from the wild nightlife of Patpong to classy, upscale restaurants It’s pretty tame by day but, at night, this area is the biggest party / red light / LGBTQ district in the city so you get a wide variety of people and vices here!

Best Places to Stay in Sathorn

• BUDGET: Jellybean EZY Hostel – Jellybean is located close to Lumpini Park and is just a two-minute walk to the MRT Lumpini station. There’s nothing exceptional about this hostel, but it’s clean and affordable, and the staff will allow you to store your luggage there for up to two months for free. There are female-only dorms too.
• MID-RANGE: House of Phraya Jasaen – This hotel is built inside a collection of seven old antique shop houses, and the rooms were remodeled to keep the building’s character. It’s a comfortable place to stay. The small spa has good rates for Thai massages and foot rubs, and the Koffie House makes a great iced coffee. There are options to book single rooms with a shared bathroom if you want privacy but are still on a budget.
• LUXURY: Astera Sathorn – Astera Sathorn has a large outdoor swimming pool, buffet dining, a sauna and spa area, a full fitness center, limousine service, and a concierge that will plan out every last detail of your day. The staff really goes out of their way to make you feel comfortable and to answer your questions about the area. The rooms are large and well equipped, including mini-fridges stocked with snacks, and a tea and coffee maker. Some rooms come with balconies looking out onto the city.

Best Places to Stay in Silom

• BUDGET: Lub d Silom – Lub d Silom is a very popular spot for backpackers looking to stay somewhere other than Khao San Road. The hostel is kept in good condition, the rooms are spacious and have electronic key locks, the staff speaks fluent English, and there are plenty of group activities. It’s a more European-style hostel than traditional Asian guesthouse.
• MID-RANGE: Prince Theatre Heritage Stay – This theatre-themed hotel has been around for 100 years, first as a casino and then a cinema. Now it’s a boutique hotel located right along Chareon Krung’s riverside street food area. The interior is all cinema-inspired, with a collection of private rooms, suites, lofts, family rooms, and shared dorms. The rooms and en suite bathrooms are clean, and the dorms are pods with plenty of privacy. The Boxoffice Bar & Cinema sells tasty cocktails and Thai food, and every evening there is a screening of a classic movie!
• LUXURY: Amara Bangkok Hotel – It’s worth it to upgrade when you stay here: if you cam get a Club Cabana Room, you’ll have access to two private jacuzzis directly from your room. Even if you don’t upgrade, the rooms are spacious and come with luxury bedding, tea/coffee facilities, and rainfall showers. You have to take a swim in the rooftop infinity pool looking directly over the city! The AkaAza sky bar also offers a great view of the skyline in the evenings. The lobby snack bar has cheap snacks, beer, and drinks that you can take back to your room with you.

Ari

There’s not much going on in this area of town for the “tourist.” It’s a residential area far from the main sites. But there are many nice new coffee shops, outdoor cafés, and restaurants here. Many young Thais love this tree-lined neighborhood north of Victory Monument. Ari is not the most central, but public transit in Bangkok is cheap and easy to navigate. If you stay here, be sure to check out the nearby Chatuchak Weekend Market, an awe-inspiring place with more than 8,000 vendors. There’s also a great night market for foodies all up and down the main road.

Best Places to Stay in Ari

• BUDGET: The Yard Hostel – This ecological hostel is small. The rooms are made from old shipping containers, and the walls are insulated with recycled paper. They don’t sell plastic bottles of water, but they offer clean water bottle refills. There’s a big backyard with BBQs where people often cook together, and you can use the hostel’s bicycles free of charge! The beds are comfy, with privacy curtains in the dorms.
• MID-RANGE: LAF Hotel Aree – LAF Hotel is a pod hotel with cheap private pods (there are dorm pods too). Although the pods are small, their design makes the most of limited space, and they don’t feel cramped. There’s a bar on-site that sells nitro coffee and craft beer, and sometimes has live music.
• LUXURY: Craftsman – The Craftsman is clean, modern, and quiet. The floor-to-ceiling windows in the bedroom offer lots of light, and the bathrooms come with walk-in showers and deep bathtubs. There’s a small but nice swimming pool area outside and a well-equipped fitness center. This clean design of the hotel doesn’t give it a lot of personality, but it’s perfect for when you want some downtime. The full suites come with a kitchen area.

Sukhumvit

Sukhumvit is is a huge road that stretches across Bangkok but, when people refer to it as an “area”, they mean the downtown part, which is ground zero for nightlife, restaurants, expats, and tourists. The nightlife includes modern clubs as well as a famous party street (Soi 11) and a not-so-family-friendly area on Soi 4 (the red-light district). You’ll find a ton of wonderful restaurants, food markets, malls, hotels, and nightlife here. The Skytrain (BTS), which runs right down the street, makes it super easy and convenient to get around too. I like the area around Soi 2, Soi 11, and Soi 23. A little further down, then you get to Thong Lor. After that, you’re getting into a residential district that is a bit out of the way if you’re just visiting for a few days.

Best Places to Stay in Sukhumvit

• BUDGET: Fun Wan Party Hostel – Fun Wan is one of the best party hostels in Sukhumvit. It has a lot of common space, a full bar, organized nightly dinners, drink specials on buckets and beers, and party games to get everyone socializing. The dorms are small, but the beds are excellent and come with individual outlets and reading lights.
• MID-RANGE: Grand President Hotel – The Grand President Hotel is a large hotel with three different towers, each with its own rooftop pool and restaurant. It’s in the lively Sukhumvit 11 area, near tons of dining and nightlife options. There are nicely furnished studios and suites with marble flooring and contemporary decor, and some rooms come with a kitchenette for cooking.
• LUXURY: Aloft Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 – I consider this to be the best value luxury hotel in the city. It may not 5 stars but for the price, you can’t beat it. Not only are the rooms amazing, there is so much going on here. The xyz(SM) bar is a really social place to grab a drink, and there’s a re:mix(SM) lounge complete with pool table and beanbag chairs. At the 24/7 shop you can pick up snacks and sweets. The fitness center is huge, but the real win is the rooftop pool with loungers and cabanas.

Siam

Siam is a family-friendly area that is sort of the heart of Bangkok. The attractions here include Siam Ocean World, Madame Tussaud’s, and Kidzania. There’s a myriad of options for travelers who like to shop ‘til they drop: air-conditioned malls, fancy boutiques, and department stores galore. Siam Square itself is ringed with designer shops, record stores, cinemas, a bookstores. There’s not a lot of sightseeing to do here (it’s a lot of malls), and it’s a bit too crowded and busy for my tastes, but a lot of people do love it and you’ll find a lot of hotels nearby too.

Best Places to Stay in Siam

• BUDGET: New Siam Guesthouse III – This place isn’t great, but it offers some of the cheapest private rooms in the Khoa San/Rambuttri area. The rooms come with water, a desk, A/C, and hot water. Most of the rooms in the area with those kinds of amenities cost over 1,000 baht!
• MID-RANGE: At One Inn Hualampong – The rooms are small at One Inn Hualampong but they’re clean and tidy, with hardwood furnishings, decent beds, and air conditioning. Some of the single rooms have shared bathrooms. The people at the 24-hour front desk will help you with whatever you need, including arranging tours. You can take breakfast in your room or hang out in the lounge area instead.
• LUXURY: LiT BANGKOK Hotel – I love this hotel’s design. It’s modern but not cold, with tall ceilings and open spaces. The rooms are large, and most come with deep bathtubs (and rainfall showers). There’s an outdoor pool with a lounge area where you can order snacks, plus a fitness center with a steam room. The hotel is right across from the MBK Shopping Centre too. The breakfast buffet is excellent!

Pratunam

Pratunam is another good pick for shoppers. The Pratunam Market is open 24/7, and you can essentially replace your entire wardrobe here at wholesale prices. The small alleys and side streets are absolutely packed! If you stay in this neighborhood, don’t miss the Baiyoke Tower — at 340 meters tall, it offers the best view of Bangkok I’ve seen.

Best Places to Stay in Pratunam

• BUDGET: Good Day Hostel – Good Day Hostel is a laidback hostel right in the middle of the city’s busiest shopping area. The dorm rooms are clean and orderly, and the beds have privacy curtains, individual reading lights, and individual outlets. There’s a free 24-hour snack bar, and the tiny Canary Café has a small but delicious menu — try the Nutella crêpes for breakfast.
• MID-RANGE: The Quarter Bangkok Ratchathewi – The Quarter calls itself a “poshtel,” which means you get all the comforts of home but with a hostel’s sociable atmosphere. It’s also a co-working space for up to 20 people. The rooms are European-style and clean, with good beds and en suite bathrooms. Some have balconies, and there’s a rooftop terrace to hang out on with hammocks for lounging. You also get a free breakfast each morning.
• LUXURY: K Maison Boutique Hotel – This is one of Bangkok’s more affordable luxury boutique hotels, with marble and oriental designs throughout the building. It’s a smaller hotel, so the staff are extra attentive and they make a lot of effort to keep you happy. Each room comes with a firm king-sized bed and a complimentary minibar. The restaurant, Kay’s, doesn’t have a lot of traditional Thai food, but its breakfast selection of French toasts, smoothies, and egg dishes are amazing. It’s a very quiet place. Stay here if you need a break from Bangkok’s busy-ness, and get a massage at the spa while you’re at it.

Chinatown

Chinatown is one of the best areas in the city. It’s cheap, there are a million markets around, and there’s a growing cocktail bar scene on Soi Nana (the non-sex street one). You’ll want to check out Yaowarat Oad and its many street food vendors — just follow the crowds. It’s also fun to wander among the lilies, birds of paradise, and orchids at Pak Klong Talad, the flower market at the north end of Chinatown. It’s a really amazing, vibrant area of the city.

Best Places to Stay in Chinatown

• BUDGET: @Hua Lamphong Hostel – This hostel is pretty straightforward, with six-bed mixed-gender dorms, huge lockers, and en-suite bathrooms. It’s in a perfect location for travelers, as Bangkok’s train station is right across the street.
• MID-RANGE: W22 by Burasari – The rooms here are plain but comfortable, with wood furnishings and decent beds, and the walls are well soundproofed (this is important when you’re trying to get a good rest in Chinatown!). There is a rooftop bar, a laundry room, and a common area with a pool table. It’s also next to Soi Nana, where some of the best bars and clubs are.
• LUXURY: Shanghai Mansion Bangkok – This hotel is eccentric. Dragons, red chandeliers, woven tapestries, and a pool filled with fish in the atrium are just some of the things you’ll notice immediately. The jazz bar on the main floor is a fun place to hang out, although drinks are pricier here. You also get complimentary dim sum high tea and a 20-minute massage at the spa.

Banglamphu

Banglamphu is full of historical temples and monuments and a stone’s throw from the grand Palace, the boat to Wat Arun, and Wat Saket and its Golden Mount with a staircase leading to one of the best views over Bangkok. The center center of this area is Khao San Road, the super famous as a backpacker paradise chock-full of excellent hostels, bars, clubs, and shops. Nearby you’ll also find Soi Rambuttri. Though the once quiet counterpart to Khao San, it’s now become fairy busy too. If you want to stay in the area but want some peace and quiet, stay closer to the river or north of Khao San!

Best Places to Stay in Banglamphu

• BUDGET: Mad Monkey Hostel – A backpacker institution near Khao San Road, Mad Monkey Hostel is one of the more European-style hostels in the city with comfy beds, curtains, and your own outlets and lamps! All the rooms have air-conditioning units. They also have a tour desk that has really competitive prices.
• MID-RANGE: D&D Inn – D&D Inn is an institution on Khao San Road (it’s been around forever!) and perfect for those with last-minute travel plans as there are always rooms available and reception is open 24 hours. There’s a bar and a pool on the rooftop that gets packed with travelers. They upgraded the facilities and rooms in recent years and they don’t look half bad and the rooms are cleaned often. Some rooms even have a fridge and a hairdryer. The water pressure here is great. It’s pricey though.
• LUXURY: Nouvo City Hotel – The rooms at Nouvo City Hotel are bright and spacious, with a work area, rainfall showers, a minibar, bathrobes, slippers, satellite TV, and 24-hour room service. There are two pools: one on the third floor, and a more casual rooftop pool and Jacuzzi with loungers and cabanas overlooking the city. The pad thai at the Sara Restaurant has received an award from the Thai government (seriously), so make sure you try some before you leave!

***

There you have it. I highly suggest you visit Bangkok, as you can’t really understand the town’s charms until you’ve been there.

Hopefully this glimpse into Bangkok’s best neighborhoods will help you with your planning. Pick one area to stay, but explore them all. While these are my favorites, you may find something even better — let me know!

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Book Your Trip to Bangkok: Logistical Tips and Tricks

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Check out my detailed guide to planning a visit to Bangkok with suggested itineraries and information on places to stay, things to do, where to eat, and how to get around. Just click here to get the guide and continue planning today!

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines, because they search websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay elsewhere, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use it all the time.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• World Nomads (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money — and I think they will help you too!

Photo credits: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Why You Shouldn’t Overlook the American South

Posted: 2/18/2019 | February 18th, 2019

I love the South. Over the years, it has become one of my favorite parts of the United States. Before I went traveling, I always had this perception that the southern states were backward. They were filled with racists, yokels, and obese, gun-loving, Jesus freaks. It was a perception born out of a quarter-century of living in New England and consuming mass media and stereotypes about a people and place I really didn’t know anything about.

Then, at the start of my grand trip in 2006, I drove across the United States. As I made my way through the South, I fell in love with the region. I loved the food, the people, the scenery, the architecture. My perception of the South was wrong.

Yes, it has a lingering history of racism, poverty, and is more conservative than I personally am, but no place is perfect — and no place is like the stereotypes you see. Driving through the South was the first instance in which I really confronted the stereotypes about people and places I grew up with.

I repeated the road trip in 2015 and fell deeper in love with the region. And I oddly found Mississippi to be a complete hidden gem. As a Northerner, I did not expect that.

I realized that the Southern states — which encompass a massive section of the country — are not as culturally and politically monolithic as they once were. Every state is different, each offering the attentive traveler an eclectic mix of incredible food, foot-stomping music, and heart-warming hospitality.

Today, I want to introduce you to Caroline Eubanks. She’s a friend and fellow travel writer whose work primarily focuses on the American South. Caroline has called the South home for her entire life, and in her new guidebook, This Is My South, she shatters all the stereotypes about the Southern United States while sharing her expert tips and suggestions to help you make the most of your next visit.

In this interview, we discuss all things Southern, why this book needed to be written, and why you shouldn’t overlook this region of the country!

Nomadic Matt: Tell everyone a bit about yourself! How did you get into what it is you do?
Caroline Eubanks: I’m Caroline Eubanks, a native of Atlanta, Georgia. I went to college in Charleston, South Carolina and it was there I really fell in love with the American South, especially driving back and forth from my hometown past small towns on country roads. I started working for a newspaper when I lived there and started reading travel blogs (including Matt’s!) so I was inspired to create my own. I leveraged guest posts into paid work and one job led to another. I’ve since been published by BBC Travel, Lonely Planet, Thrillist, Roads & Kingdoms, and Fodor’s. I also started my own blog, Caroline in the City, in 2009, and later This Is My South in 2012. This is basically the only job I’ve ever had and the only one I wanted!

How did you start writing about the Southern USA?
I grew up taking road trips around the region with my family, whether that was to the Outer Banks or the Panhandle of Florida. After graduating from college, I went on a working holiday in Australia where I worked with a lot of people from all over the world. I would try to explain to them where I came from but most of the time they were only familiar with places like Miami and New York. And most travelers went to a few well-known destinations but nothing in between. So I started my website, This Is My South, to tell people about the lesser-known destinations that I love from my corner of the world. I also started focusing on the region in my freelance writing since the market wasn’t quite so saturated.

Why do you think the south gets such a bad wrap?
A lot of it comes from the news. Of course, bad things happen here, but it’s a large region so that’s bound to happen. It becomes polarizing with elections but there are lots of different opinions, not just the ones that are the loudest.

I also think people assume that the movies and television shows about it are accurate. Gone with the Wind and Deliverance are not accurate representations at all. These remain what people most associate the region with, but there are large cities like Atlanta, Charlotte, and Nashville as well as the small towns. You wouldn’t assume every Australian is like Crocodile Dundee or that every person from New Jersey was Tony Soprano, right?

What about the stereotypes about the South?
When I lived in Australia, I went to an expat July 4 party and I was talking to a guy from Ohio. When I said I was from Georgia, he joked that he was surprised to see I had all my teeth. When my parents were traveling in New York, someone asked about their crops. I realized how little people know about this part of the world. I started thinking about these perceptions of the South from both Americans and the world as a whole.

I wouldn’t say that some of the stereotypes aren’t true. There are obviously political divides, but I think there’s a lot more to the South than what you read in the news. The people are overall welcoming and friendly. The region is home to some of the nation’s top universities like Duke and Emory. There are young people creating murals in their small towns (like Kristin!) to drive tourism as well as immigrants from everywhere to Korea to India to Syria bringing their cuisines to meld with traditional regional dishes. And I think there’s something just about everyone can come together on, especially in the South, like food.

What are some of your favorite things about the south?
I always say the food, which is certainly one element. You’ll find both comfort food like fried chicken and collard greens and “healthy” food as well as the cuisines of dozens of cultures. For example, there’s a large Korean community near where I live in Atlanta so I can have authentic Korean barbecue before relaxing at a Korean spa. I love how food is a way that people show their affection.

I also love the general attitude and friendliness. People tend to know their neighbors and offer help when needed. And the music is unmatched by anywhere else in the country. Every genre can be found here. You don’t have to go to a stadium to see impressive artists since there’s usually someone playing at the local dive bar or coffee shop.

Why did you write this book?
I wanted to show people the South that I know and love. I had thought about the idea of writing a guidebook but it actually came to life when I was contacted by a publisher after six years of running my website. They saw my work and wanted to create a guidebook in a similar format. Ever since I started writing, I’ve wanted to write a guidebook, so it was definitely a dream come true.

It was important to me that I have the flexibility to include the places I had fallen in love with in my travels, not just the popular ones. I have a section on the must-eat dishes from every state, quirky roadside attractions, unique accommodations like historic hotels and treehouses, and tours. I tried to emphasize responsible travel and small businesses, so you won’t find those double decker bus tours or your big chain hotels.

I also wanted to include elements that I find lacking in other books, namely the history and odd pieces of trivia. For example, I have sections on the title of “Kentucky Colonel” and the legal loopholes that allow for casinos on and near the Mississippi River.

What do you hope travelers will walk away knowing from your book?
That it’s more than one story. I hope that travelers will be inspired to visit some of the places they’ve heard about as well as ones not previously on their radar. I hope they’ll challenge some of their preconceived notions about the region and give it a chance. I hope they’ll come back for more since there’s no way to see it all at once. And, of course, I hope that travelers will visit the places I write about and tell others about them!

What makes the south special?
So many things. There is unmatched biodiversity including the barrier islands on the North Carolina coast to the swamps of Louisiana to the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. The Appalachian Trail runs through much of the region, starting in Georgia at Springer Mountain. It’s a region where connecting with nature is a part of everyday life.

Food is also affordable and you can find it in unique places. Similar to the bodega eats in New York, the South sells surprisingly good food at gas stations, including fried chicken, Cajun meats, and Delta hot tamales. Dining is a major part of visiting the region as it’s home to many different styles of cuisine that have influenced American food. You can find “Southern food” in both award-winning restaurants and mom-and-pop casual spots, so there’s something for everyone.

The region is also important when it comes to history. It’s where European travelers first arrived in America, specifically South Carolina and Virginia, and where they were met with Native American tribes. Much of the Civil Rights Movement took place here like the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, and the Woolworth’s counter in Greensboro. A number of notable politicians, including presidents Jimmy Carter and Woodrow Wilson, hailed from these states.

There’s also a lot to offer music lovers since nearly every type of American music has roots in the blues of Mississippi. Icons like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash were influenced by these musicians and infused their styles into their own music. In addition to rock and blues, the mountains of the South were where bluegrass and “old time” music started, eventually becoming modern country music. And, of course, Atlanta is known for its music industry, especially when it comes to hip hop and R&B. Artists like TLC, Usher, Goodie Mob, and Outkast rose to fame there.

What are some budget travel tips for the area?
The South is generally a fairly cheap place to travel. The main expenditures are transportation and accommodation. Flights into major airports like Atlanta, Charlotte, Orlando, and New Orleans will be cheaper than smaller ones. The same goes for car rentals. Once in the South, it is possible to get around without a car by taking Amtrak and Megabus, but by car is certainly the preferred method of travel.

Certain cities will be more expensive for accommodations, especially Charleston. But you can look for alternative options like small bed and breakfasts, campgrounds with cabins, hostels, and Airbnb rentals. Keep in mind that rentals are limited in cities like New Orleans because of how it affects the local housing market. New Orleans is also great because you can stay at a trendy boutique hotel for under $100 per night.

Meals are cheap at most places unless you’re visiting a fine dining restaurant. If you’re looking for a meal on the go, visit a grocery store to save money. Most have deli counters and prepared foods. Lunch is a good time of day to try the more expensive restaurants, especially those award-winners that can be tough to get a reservation at.

What are some of your favorite off the beaten path destinations?
You don’t have to go far from the well-known destinations like Charleston, New Orleans, and Nashville to see places not in most of the guidebooks. One of the places I always say is a favorite of mine is the Mississippi Delta, which is a number of towns that follow the river south of Memphis. This part of the country is highly important when it comes to music. It was here that artists like BB King and Robert Johnson found their sound and where the blues was developed. There are some funky accommodations like the Shack Up Inn, a collection of sharecropper cabins transformed into guest suites.

I was also surprised by Northwest Arkansas. This region is known for mountain biking, with trails connecting the towns, but also has an incredible craft brewery scene. Crystal Bridges Museum of Art has one of the best collections in the nation, if not the world, focusing on American works like those by Andy Warhol and Frank Lloyd Wright. Eureka Springs is a funky mountain town that looks straight out of a postcard from the 1800s.

I’ve also found some off-the-beaten-path areas within well-known destinations. In my hometown of Atlanta, I always recommend that visitors check out Buford Highway, the city’s international dining corridor. When I lived in Charleston, I spent most of my time downtown, but on subsequent visits, I end up in the Park Circle area of North Charleston, an underrated part of the city. Just outside of Nashville is Franklin, a town with deep ties to the Civil War. It’s just off the Natchez Trace Parkway and hosts musicians nearly every night of the week at Puckett’s Grocery. They also host Pilgrimage, an annual music festival that has hosted the likes of Justin Timberlake and Jack White.

In every small town in between, there are quirky museums and landmarks you might miss if you limit your trip to the “big” destinations, like a museum devoted to ventriloquism in Kentucky and a memorial to the victims of the Trail of Tears in Alabama. You never know what you might find!

***

Caroline Eubanks is a travel writer and the author of This Is My South: The Essential Travel Guide to the Southern States. She writes about all things Southern at ThisisMySouth.com. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the largest inventory. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hotel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• World Nomads (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!