The Most Beautiful Cafés in Budapest
Budapest is famous for its beautiful and unique cafés. Some look like grand palaces with gold decorations and chandeliers, like the New York Café.
Others are small and cozy, like Ruszwurm near Buda Castle. Many cafés in Budapest serve traditional Hungarian cakes such as Dobos and Eszterházy tortes, along with rich coffee or hot chocolate.
Some cafés are modern, with quiet corners for reading or studying, like Magvető Café. Others, like Cirkusz, are lively and perfect for breakfast. Whether you want to relax, meet friends, or enjoy delicious desserts, Budapest has a café for you.
The city’s café culture is full of history, style, and warm hospitality. Visiting these cafés is a lovely way to experience the heart of Budapest.
The Most Beautiful Cafés in Budapest (2025)
1. New York Café
Location: Erzsébet krt. 9-11, 1073 Budapest
The Most Famous Cafe in Budapest. When I walked in I Experienced like I had entered a palace. The ceiling was painted with golden designs. Giant chandeliers hung above me. The marble columns looked strong and grand.
Soft classical music played in the background. The waiters wore black suits and served people with great care. Everything felt elegant and special.
I ordered a hot chocolate and a slice of Dobos cake. The hot chocolate was thick and rich almost like drinking melted chocolate. The Dobos cake had many thin layers of sponge and chocolate cream topped with caramel.
Even though it was expensive it was worth it. I sat there for an hour just looking around at the amazing decoration.
Tip: Go in the evening when the lights are warm and golden. It feels even more magical.
2. Café Gerbeaud
Location: Vörösmarty tér 7-8, 1051 Budapest
Café Gerbeaud is one of the oldest cafés in Budapest. It opened in the 1800s! The Open air looks simple but the inside is full of style. There are shiny chandeliers soft carpets and big mirrors.
The café is famous for its cakes and Custom-made chocolates. I tried the Gerbeaud slice a layered cake with jam ground walnuts and chocolate. It was sweet and full of flavor.
I also drank a café latte. It came with a small cookie and looked beautiful with heart-shaped foam on top. The café was full of tourists and locals Loving a quiet moment.
Tip: If you like sweets try the traditional Hungarian desserts here.
3. Művész Kávéház (Artist’s Café)
Location: Andrássy út 29, 1061 Budapest
Best Cafés in Budapest. űvész means “artist” in Hungarian and this café is just across from the Opera House. It’s the Flawless place to go before or after a show.
The café has big windows, wooden chairs and soft lighting. The walls are filled with old pictures of artists and singers. It feels like a place where great ideas were born.
I ordered a cappuccino and a creamy cake called Eszterházy torte. The cake had a nutty flavor and layers of cream. The cappuccino was smooth and had cinnamon on top.
People were reading books or Talking softly. It felt like stepping into a slower calmer world.
Tip: Sit by the window and enjoy the view of the Opera House.
4. Ruszwurm Confectionery
Location: Szentháromság u. 7, 1014 Budapest
Ruszwurm is a small old café located in the Buda Castle area. It opened in 1827 and still looks almost the same.
It feels like a cozy old house. The wooden furniture and lace Draperies give it a homey touch. The staff is kind and speaks softly.
I ordered a slice of the famous Ruszwurm cream cake. It was light, fluffy and not too sweet. I also had a glass of hot tea with lemon.
After my snack, I walked around the castle area. The view of Budapest from the hill was stunning.
Tip: Visit this café while exploring Buda Castle. It’s a peaceful break.
5. Magvető Café
Location: Dohány u. 13, 1074 Budapest
Magvető is a café and bookshop in one. When I walked in, I saw bookshelves everywhere. People were reading, writing or just enjoying coffee.
There was soft music and a quiet atmosphere. The café is popular with students and artists. It felt like a creative space.
I ordered a chai latte and a homemade brownie. The chai was warm and spicy. The brownie was rich and chocolaty.
They also have book events and poetry nights. It’s a place where you can relax and think.
Tip: If you like reading bring a book and spend a few hours here.
6. Szamos Gourmet Ház
Location: Váci u. 1, 1052 Budapest
Szamos is not just a café but also a chocolate and marzipan shop. The place is Classy and filled with the smell of sweets.
The display counters are full of cakes chocolates and colorful desserts. I tried a marzipan heart and a fruit tart. Both were delicious.
I also had an espresso, which was strong and came with a tiny chocolate on the side.
Upstairs, there’s a marzipan museum with fun Setup including a marzipan version of the Hungarian Parliament!
Tip: This is a fun place to visit if you like sweet treats and interesting displays.
7. Fekete Café
Location: Múzeum krt. 5, 1088 Budapest
Fekete means “black” in Hungarian. It’s a modern café hidden in a small courtyard near the National Museum.
The café is small but stylish. It has a Simple design with wooden tables and green plants. The Atrium outside is calm and quiet.
I ordered a filter coffee and a slice of banana bread. The coffee was smooth and full of flavor. The banana bread was fresh and soft.
Many young people and tourists come here. It’s great for relaxing between Exploring.
Tip: Sit in the courtyard for a peaceful coffee break.
8. Cirkusz Café
Location: Dob u. 23, 1074 Budapest
Cirkusz means “circus” in Hungarian, but don’t worry this café is not loud or crazy. It’s fun colorful and has great breakfast food.
The café was busy and the smell of coffee and eggs Hung in the air. The staff wore red and white uniforms and everyone seemed happy.
I ordered eggs Benedict and fresh orange juice. The eggs were soft and tasty. The juice was sweet and cold.
It felt like a lively and fun place to start the day.
Tip: Come early as this place gets crowded especially on weekends.
9. Flow Specialty Coffee Bar & Bistro
Location: Andrássy út 66, 1062 Budapest
Flow is a modern café that also serves vegan food. The place is bright with clean lines and soft colors. Plants hang from the ceiling and sit on windowsills.
I ordered an oat milk latte and a slice of vegan carrot cake. Both were tasty and looked pretty. The cake was moist and had nuts inside.
There were many students working on laptops. It felt modern and welcoming.
Tip: If you’re vegan or want to try healthy food this café is perfect.
10. Hadik Café
Location: Bartók Béla út 36, 1111 Budapest
Hadik Café has a special history. Long ago famous Hungarian writers and poets met here. It’s a beautiful mix of old and new.
The café has wooden tables, bookshelves and paintings. The lights are soft and the atmosphere is quiet.
I ordered a hot tea and a plum cake. The cake was soft with a sweet and sour taste. It reminded me of something my grandmother would make.
This café is great for thinking reading or writing.
Tip: Read about the poets who used to come here. You’ll feel part of history.
Conclusion
Budapest’s cafés are more than just places to drink coffee they are full of history, charm and beauty. From elegant, palace-like spots to quiet artistic corners each café offers a special experience.
Whether you’re enjoying a slice of cake reading a book, or simply relaxing with friends the city’s cafés make every moment feel warm.
FAQs
Q1: What is the most famous café in Budapest?
A: The New York Café is the most famous. It is known as “The Most Beautiful Café in the World” because of its grand design and royal style.
Q2: Are the cafés in Budapest expensive?
A: Some are expensive, especially the historic ones like New York Café and Café Gerbeaud. But there are many affordable and cozy options too.
Q3: What desserts should I try in Budapest cafés?
A: Try Dobos cake, Eszterházy torte, and the famous Ruszwurm cream cake. These are traditional Hungarian desserts.
Q4: Can I find vegan or modern cafés in Budapest?
A: Yes! Places like Flow Café offer vegan options, modern design, and healthy choices.
Q5: Do Budapest cafés offer Wi-Fi?
A: Most cafés provide free Wi-Fi, especially the modern and student-friendly ones.