Best Cafés & Patisseries You Must Visit in Budapest
Getting a coffee or a drink in Budapest is necessary and there are some great places to choose from. The city is full of things to do and see, so that’s why you will need a break. The best thing you can do is to grab a cup of coffee/tea or get something sweet to eat. There won’t be any problems, because you can find a café at almost every corner of the city.
I’ve been to Budapest a few times and I really love this city. And I love coffee as much as I love Budapest, so I really enjoy in discovering cafés.
First of all, let me tell you something about Budapest’s café culture. In the late 19th century, a vibrant café culture boomed here, just as it did in Vienna and Paris. The kávéház was a local institution. By 1900, Budapest had more than 600 cafés. Local people didn’t want to pay to heat their homes during the day, so instead, they could come to a café to enjoy warmth and companionship.
Hungary also has a proud tradition of cakes and pastries – here are some favorites to look for:
- the classic Dobos torta is a sponge cake and buttercream concoction with layers of chocolate and vanilla, all topped with caramelized sugar
- Rákóczi turós is a dense cake of sweet cheese curds with jam on top
- Somlói galuska is pieces of moist sponge cake soaked in rum, mixed with whipped cream and drizzled with chocolate
- Krémes is a custard sandwiched between delicate wafers
- Flódni has layers of apple, nuts and poppy seeds
I’ve gathered our top 7 patisseries & cafés in Budapest you must visit.
Table of Contents
1. RUSZWURM CONFECTIONERY
On the Buda side of Budapest you will find Ruszwurm Confectionery (Ruszwurm Cukrászda in Hungarian), the oldest confectionery in the country. It is perfectly located, right by Fisherman’s Bastion & Matthias Church, that’s why it’s almost always full. It was found in 1827 and almost 200-years old cherrywooden counters will take you back in time immediately. Their cakes are delicious and not expensive (around 750-850 HUF). We’ve tried the “Ruszwurm” chocolate cake, the “Ruszwurm” cream cake and the one with sunflower seeds (top cake of 2021) and they were all amazing.
My advice is to spend the day on the Buda side with a visit at Fisherman’s Bastion, followed by a coffee break at Ruszwurm before heading to Buda Castle.
Location:
Castle District,
Szentháromság u. 7
2. CAT CAFÉ BUDAPEST
If you are a cat lover, this is the PURRRFECT place to visit. The café is located in the heart of Budapest, in the city centre next to the St. Stephen’s Basilica. There are 15 cats at the moment, ranging from rescue cats to maine coons. Once you get inside, you get the instructions and important rules on how to behave.
You can play and socialize with lovely cats while relaxing with a cup of coffee.
The place has many visitors, so that’s why you should book a table in advance if you don’t want to wait for a free table – you can book a table online here.
Location:
Revay Utca 3
A 2-min walk to Szent Istvan Basilica, near M1, M2 & M3 underground stations
3. GERBEAUD CAFÉ
Although it is not as famous as New York Café, this old, traditional coffee house also attracts many tourists. Café Gerbeaud is popular for its confectionery and delicious breakfasts. Café Gerbeaud has been a gastronomic delight since 1858 and is one of the oldest cafe’s in Europe. The outdoors and also the indoor is very charming and it has the perfect location – it is in the centre of Budapest and it is very close to everywhere, which is something I like.
Café Gerbeaud has specialized in gourmet chocolates, traditional Hungarian cakes and other fine pastries. If you are looking to try their cakes, the sampler plate is the perfect way.
Location:
Vörösmarty tér 7-8
Outside the M1 underground station
4. NEW YORK CAFÉ BUDAPEST
New York Café is claimed as the most beautiful café in the world. Obviously, I haven’t visited every single one café so I can’t judge, but I can tell you that this one is pretty stunning. Originally built in 1894 as part of the “New York Palace”, this fanciful, over-the-top explosion of Neo-Baroque and Neo-Renaissance epitomizes the “mix and match, but plenty of everything”. In the early 20th century, artists, writers and musicians came here to sip overprices coffee and bask in opulence.
The food is overprices and disappointing, so don’t bother eating a meal here, but do consider coffee and cake.
Location:
Erzsébet krt. 9-11
5. ZOO CAFÉ
This quirky café is home to tasty treats, delicious homemade lemonade and some of the fluffiest and most epic creatures. Grab yourself a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy in cuteness of friendly animals. Zoo Café offers a shared dining experience with animal pals, who will visit your table whilst you are into your morning coffee or afternoon cake.
Zoo Café is dedicated to the safe handling and safekeeping of every hand-raised creature under their protection. The zookeepers are super friendly and happy to share their knowledge and offer advice or answer any of your questions.
You have to book in advance, as this place is very busy.
Location:
Fejér György u. 3
You may also be interested in best breakfast places in Istanbul.
6. ESPRESSO EMBASSY
Espresso Embassy is a paradise on earth for specialty coffee fans in Budapest. The people running Embassy have been at the forefront of the specialty coffee revolution – the third coffee wave in Budapest. The place is minimalist-industrial, but it feels intimate and cozy. The inside of this cafe is cool with plenty of seating.
All of the drinks are made from coffee beans of the highest grade. Sourced carefully from roasteries both local and international. The delicious drinks are prepared by award-winning Baristas using the hi-tech machinery.
Location:
Arany János u. 15
7. MADAL
With three locations in the city, Madal is known as one of the best coffee shops in Budapest.All three cafés are located on the Pest side. Madal Cafe is a goos choice for quality espresso. You will find a wide selection of teas, espresso drinks and filtered coffee along with pastries including vegan and gluten free options.
Locations:
– Ferenciek tére 3
– Alkotmány u. 4
– Hollán Ernő u. 3
I hope this list of the 7 cafés and coffee shops in Budapest keeps you energized during your sightseeing. Let me know about your favourite coffee place in Budapest if you’ve been there already.
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KarlaTypes
April 9, 2022New York Cafe is my favourite! Love Budapest!
Jasmina
April 9, 2022Yes, it looks majestic! Same here – I always enjoy in Budapest!
Kathryn
April 10, 2022Budapest is on the short list and bakeries are always top of the list when traveling. Thank you so much for sharing!
Jasmina
April 10, 2022I am sure that you will love it! I am the same.. coffee places, bakeries and restaurant are very important to me when I travel!
Krista
April 9, 2022We’re hoping to plan a trip to Budapest this autumn, so this is really going to be helpful as we love visiting cafes. Thanks for the tips!
Jasmina
April 9, 2022Trip to Budapest is always a good idea. I’m sure that you’ll love their cafe culture!
Bejal
April 9, 2022What a fab line-up of cafes. I didn’t see the cat and zoo café when I went a few years back but they look super cool.
Jasmina
April 9, 2022They are super cool for animal lovers and I love to visit places like this too. I’m looking forward to discover new places the next time!
Terri
April 9, 2022I am starved after reading your article. These cafes look amazing.
Jasmina
April 9, 2022Budapest has such an amazing cafe culture.. makes me want to go back!
Elena Pappalardo
April 9, 2022Budapest is very high on my list and this cafe guide will definitely come in handy when I finally make it there! I’d love to try the oldest confectionary in the country!
Jasmina
April 9, 2022I bet you will love Budapest! Ruszwurm café is a must on the Buda side 🙂
Anita
April 9, 2022I love good coffee and I love cats. And yes, one of my favorite places in Budapest is New York Caffe. It’s just stunning. Thanks for sharing and bringing great ideas for my future trips to Budapest.
Jasmina
April 9, 2022Same here! I agree with you completely. I’m looking forward to discover new places on my future Budapest trips.
Melissa
April 9, 2022Such a great list! I’ve never been to a Cat Cafe, but would definitely want to try it!
Jasmina
April 9, 2022It’s a nice place to visit if you love cats. You get the instructions on how to behave around cats and then you can enjoy in their company 🙂
Erin
April 9, 2022Ohhh! I loved this article since I’m a HUGE coffee drinker. My first stop I think would be Madal, but I would want to try them all!! Great list!
Jasmina
April 9, 2022I’m a huge coffee drinker too! Madal would be a great choice in your case, you can’t miss. Thank you! 🙂
Lina
April 10, 2022I’ve been to Budapest twice already and it’s one of my favorite European cities, yet I haven’t seen a single place listed here from the inside. I guess I have to go back a third time, thanks for the tips 🙂
Jasmina
April 10, 2022Budapest is also one of my favorite European cities and it took me 3 visits to see all of this places. I guess I’ll have to go back too 🙂
Sharyn
April 10, 2022Some interesting cafes on your list. The cat cafe sounds like a lot of fun. We have one of those in Melbourne I visited.
Jasmina
April 10, 2022Thank you. Cat cafe was amazing and I loved the fact that the cats can retreat when they have enough of people.
Brittany
April 10, 2022New Youk Cafe is absolutely stunning! I’d love to just sit there with a coffee and marvel at the beautiful architecture! Espresso Embassy also looks like another place I’d love. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Jasmina
April 10, 2022I couldn’t agree more, New York Cafe looks really amazing and it is one of the prettiest cafes in my opinion. As someone who loves architecture like this, I’ve been really stunned. And there are many amazing places in town 🙂
Pam
April 10, 2022OMG – all of these look so elegant! I don’t know which one I would even choose! The Zoo Cafe would be an interesting experience though.
Jasmina
April 10, 2022Those elegant places are really amazing and worth the visit. You can choose between many places and you won’t be disappointed.
Sarah
April 10, 2022I’m honestly blown away! I had no idea these incredible cafes existed in Budapest. New York Cafe is absolutely STUNNING. Giving me more motivation to head to Budapest!!!
Jasmina
April 10, 2022I’m glad to hear that! Budapest is full of amazing cafes and other places. I bet that you’re gonna love Budapest if you decide to go there. In the next few days I will share more Budapest content and you will maybe get even more motivation! 🙂
Natalie
April 11, 2022I absolutely love Budapest and finding atmospheric cafes in my travels, so I must look out for these cafes next time I’m in Budapest! I’ve only been to New York Cafe, but the other ones on this list look worth visiting too (and much more affordable haha).
Jasmina
April 11, 2022Me too, it is one of my favourite cities in this part of Europe. The other ones are worth the visit but also New York Cafe is a must even though it’s not affordable. I prefer affordable places, but sometimes I have to reward myself with places like this 🙂
Lekha Chellani
April 11, 2022I was supposed to visit Eastern Europe in September , not sure if I’ll make it though. I am a big lover of pastries and desserts and if I travel to Budapest, I am going to try each and everyone you have recommended here. Great post, lovely pictures!
Jasmina
April 11, 2022I really hope that you will make it to Eastern Europe this year. If not so, you will visit this part of Europe later and I am sure that you will enjoy it! Thank you 🙂
Stephanie
April 16, 2022WOW, I had no idea there were so many cool cafes in Budapest! I need to return and check out that Zoo Cafe!
Jasmina
April 17, 2022Budapest has such a great cafe culture! Let me know if you find another great place to go!