30 of the best · Budapest, Hungary
Budapest was once a city of hundreds of coffee houses. Here are the grand survivors, from the gilded New York Café to Ruszwurm in the Castle District, and the best of the new specialty coffee scene.
Our 30 favourites, listed A–Z · Updated October 2026
Three of our favourites from this list, vetted by people who know and love Budapest.
Famous for its gilded hall
A dazzling café of gilt, marble and frescoes on the Grand Boulevard, opened in 1894 and often called the most beautiful café in the world.
Erzsébet körút 9-11Explore View on map
Since 1858
Budapest’s most famous confectionery, on Vörösmarty Square since 1858, with grand salons and classic Hungarian cakes.
Vörösmarty tér 7-8Explore View on map
A specialty pioneer
One of the pioneers of Budapest’s specialty coffee scene, near St Stephen’s Basilica, with excellent espresso and filter coffee.
Arany János utca 15Explore View on map
Coffee-house culture.
The back story
The stories behind the cakes in the glass cases of every Budapest cukrászda.
The back story
Around 1900, Budapest had hundreds of coffee houses where writers wrote, editors edited and everybody talked. Here is their story.
Gilded halls, literary cafés and cake shops with centuries of history.
Facing the Parliament
A classic café on Batthyány Square, with a terrace facing the Parliament across the river.
Batthyány tér 7Explore View on map
Frescoes and books
A café in the gilded ballroom of a former department store on Andrássy Avenue, under frescoes by Károly Lotz.
Andrássy út 39Explore View on map
Literary coffee house
A classic Budapest coffee house near the university, with high ceilings, marble tables and the atmosphere of the city’s literary cafés.
Károlyi utca 9Explore View on map
Since 1858
Budapest’s most famous confectionery, on Vörösmarty Square since 1858, with grand salons and classic Hungarian cakes.
Vörösmarty tér 7-8Explore View on map
A Parisian-style corner
A café-brasserie on a quiet square in the Inner City, good for breakfast and long lunches.
Gerlóczy utca 1Explore View on map
Literary café
A historic literary coffee house on Bartók Béla Avenue in Buda, revived with a new interior and kitchen.
Bartók Béla út 36Explore View on map
Classic cakes
A traditional patisserie near the Basilica.
Október 6. utca 17Explore View on map
Opposite the Opera
A classic coffee house on Andrássy Avenue, opposite the Opera House.
Andrássy út 29Explore View on map
Famous for its gilded hall
A dazzling café of gilt, marble and frescoes on the Grand Boulevard, opened in 1894 and often called the most beautiful café in the world.
Erzsébet körút 9-11Explore View on map
Since 1827
A tiny, much-loved confectionery in the Castle District, serving cakes since 1827 in a Biedermeier interior.
Szentháromság utca 7Explore View on map
Small coffee bars and cafés run by people who care about every cup.
All-day breakfast
A popular all-day breakfast and brunch café on Szervita tér.
Szervita tér 3Explore View on map
Neighbourhood café
A friendly specialty coffee café on Klauzál Street in the Jewish Quarter.
Klauzál utca 35Explore View on map
Brunch and coffee
A friendly coffee and brunch spot on Veres Pálné Street in the Inner City.
Veres Pálné utca 33Explore View on map
A specialty pioneer
One of the pioneers of Budapest’s specialty coffee scene, near St Stephen’s Basilica, with excellent espresso and filter coffee.
Arany János utca 15Explore View on map
Courtyard espresso bar
A small specialty espresso bar on Múzeum körút, with a hidden courtyard, filter brews and beans to take home.
Múzeum körút 5Explore View on map
Café of the Goethe-Institut
A relaxed café on Ráday utca with a garden and live jazz on some evenings.
Ráday utca 58Explore View on map
Book-lined café
A book-lined café and gallery on Bartók Béla Avenue in Buda, with good coffee, snacks and a creative crowd.
Bartók Béla út 29Explore View on map
Minimalist coffee bar
A minimalist specialty coffee bar on Károly körút, popular with Budapest’s coffee lovers.
Károly körút 22Explore View on map
Calm specialty café
A calm specialty coffee café with several branches, including one on Hollán Ernő Street and one on Ferenciek Square.
Hollán Ernő utca 3Explore View on map
Specialty coffee
An intimate specialty coffee bar on Veres Pálné Street, with carefully made espresso and creative coffee drinks.
Veres Pálné utca 17Explore View on map
English-language bookshop
An English-language bookshop and café in the Jewish Quarter, with a quiet garden at the back.
Nagy Diófa utca 30Explore View on map
Neighbourhood favourite
A bright neighbourhood coffee shop in Újlipótváros, popular for its specialty coffee and relaxed atmosphere.
Specialty espresso
A specialty coffee bar near St Stephen’s Basilica, from a team of Hungarian barista champions.
Czuczor utca 3Explore View on map
A cosy tea house
A cosy tea house on Jókai tér with teas from around the world.
Jókai tér 8Explore View on map
Prices: € budget, €€ moderate, €€€ expensive. The grand cafés often have queues at busy times; come early in the morning.
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