Budapest is a dream destination for coffee lovers. With its rich coffeehouse tradition dating back to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the city offers a mix of grand historic cafés, modern specialty coffee shops, and cozy hidden gems. Whether you’re looking for a strong espresso, a creamy cappuccino, or a unique Hungarian twist on coffee, Budapest has something to satisfy every caffeine craving.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the best cafés in Budapest, from elegant old-world establishments to trendy third-wave coffee spots that serve some of the finest brews in Europe.
🏛️ Historic Cafés: Step Back in Time with a Cup of Coffee
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Budapest’s cafés were intellectual hubs where writers, poets, and artists gathered to discuss politics, art, and philosophy over endless cups of coffee. Many of these historic cafés have been restored to their former glory, offering visitors a chance to experience their opulent interiors and timeless elegance.
1️⃣ New York Café – The Most Beautiful Café in the World
📍 Location: Erzsébet krt. 9-11
💰 Price Range: $$$$
⭐ Why You’ll Love It: Luxurious décor, live piano music, and a royal coffee experience
Nicknamed “The Most Beautiful Café in the World,” New York Café is a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience Budapest’s coffee culture in its most glamorous form. With its golden chandeliers, frescoed ceilings, and marble columns, this café feels like stepping into a palace.
🔹 Best Coffee to Try:
✔️ New York Café Special Coffee – A rich espresso with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream.
✔️ Viennese Coffee – A classic Austrian-style coffee topped with whipped cream.
🍽️ Pro Tip: Be prepared for long wait times, but the experience is worth it—especially if you order a side of their famous Dobos Torte!
2️⃣ Café Gerbeaud – A Taste of Old Budapest
📍 Location: Vörösmarty tér 7
💰 Price Range: $$$
⭐ Why You’ll Love It: A legendary café with world-famous pastries
Founded in 1858, Gerbeaud is one of Budapest’s most iconic cafés, known for its elegant atmosphere and traditional Hungarian desserts. The interior features chandeliers, wooden paneling, and marble tables, transporting you to the golden age of Budapest’s café culture.
🔹 Best Coffee to Try:
✔️ Gerbeaud Cappuccino – A perfectly balanced cappuccino with a velvety milk froth.
✔️ Espresso & Dessert Pairing – Try it with Gerbeaud’s famous cakes, like the Gerbeaud Slice (walnut and apricot jam layered pastry).
🍽️ Pro Tip: Sit outside on the terrace in warmer months and enjoy people-watching in Vörösmarty Square.
3️⃣ Ruszwurm – The Oldest Café in Budapest
📍 Location: Szentháromság u. 7 (Castle District)
💰 Price Range: $$
⭐ Why You’ll Love It: A cozy, historic café with a family-run feel
Dating back to 1827, Ruszwurm is Budapest’s oldest operating café, located in the heart of the Castle District. It’s small, charming, and perfect for a relaxing coffee break after exploring Buda Castle.
🔹 Best Coffee to Try:
✔️ Classic Hungarian Espresso – Strong, smooth, and full of flavor.
✔️ Ruszwurm Coffee – Served with a side of their famous cream cake (Krémes).
🍽️ Pro Tip: Arrive early to grab a table—this small café fills up quickly!
☕ Specialty Coffee & Third-Wave Cafés: A Modern Take on Coffee Culture
Budapest’s third-wave coffee scene has exploded in recent years, with local roasters, minimalist cafés, and expert baristas crafting the perfect cup of coffee. These modern coffee spots focus on high-quality beans, innovative brewing methods, and exceptional flavors.
4️⃣ Espresso Embassy – The Best Coffee in Budapest?
📍 Location: Arany János u. 15
💰 Price Range: $$
⭐ Why You’ll Love It: Passionate baristas, ethically sourced coffee, and minimalist vibes
If you’re a serious coffee enthusiast, Espresso Embassy is a must-visit. They serve single-origin coffee, expertly brewed with precision and care.
🔹 Best Coffee to Try:
✔️ Flat White – A creamy, well-balanced coffee that’s a customer favorite.
✔️ V60 Pour-Over – A lighter, more aromatic coffee for true coffee connoisseurs.
🍽️ Pro Tip: Try their house-made pastries, which pair perfectly with their espresso!
5️⃣ My Little Melbourne – The Aussie-Style Coffee Experience
📍 Location: Madách Imre út 3
💰 Price Range: $$
⭐ Why You’ll Love It: Australian-inspired coffee culture with world-class espresso
Named after Melbourne’s legendary coffee scene, this café specializes in smooth, well-balanced espresso drinks and expertly brewed filter coffee. The atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming, making it a great spot to relax and enjoy high-quality coffee.
🔹 Best Coffee to Try:
✔️ Magic Coffee – A Melbourne specialty, similar to a cortado but with a stronger coffee kick.
✔️ Cold Brew – Perfect for hot summer days in Budapest.
🍽️ Pro Tip: If you’re into latte art, this is one of the best places to see it in action!
6️⃣ Kontakt Coffee – No Sugar, No Nonsense, Just Pure Coffee
📍 Location: Károly krt. 22
💰 Price Range: $$
⭐ Why You’ll Love It: A minimalist café for true coffee purists
Kontakt Coffee follows a strict "no sugar, no milk" policy, believing that high-quality coffee doesn’t need additives. They focus on light-roasted, single-origin beans with a bright, fruity flavor profile.
🔹 Best Coffee to Try:
✔️ Espresso Tonic – A refreshing, slightly bitter drink for adventurous coffee lovers.
✔️ AeroPress Brew – A smooth, rich coffee with no bitterness.
🍽️ Pro Tip: If you love coffee without distractions, this place is a must-visit.
🎯 Final Thoughts: Which Café Should You Visit First?
✔️ For an elegant, historic experience: New York Café
✔️ For a classic Hungarian coffee & cake: Gerbeaud or Ruszwurm
✔️ For the best specialty coffee: Espresso Embassy
✔️ For a trendy, laid-back vibe: My Little Melbourne
✔️ For coffee purists: Kontakt Coffee
Whether you prefer grand, old-world cafés or modern third-wave coffee shops, Budapest has the perfect place for every coffee lover.