Budapest Cafés

Budapest is famous for its numerous cafés. Indeed there is a wide variety, where everyone can find a place according to one's personal taste. They have always been popular among people of all ages but nowadays we can witness a revival. Actually it is great to spend some free time between two university lectures, chat with friends or organize a short business meeting in a café. In wintertime it is very pleasant to sip a hot chocolate or try a coffee speciality in the warm and buzzling atmosphere. In summer most of the cafes have a terrace with cosy armchairs and parasols, from where you can watch the people passing by and indulge yourself with a huge cup of icecream. There is really an endless selection, so no list can be complete. Just to name a few, I have selected my personal favourites.

Cafes with history

Café Central best sums up its characteristics in its ars poetica: “Tradition and modernity. Respect for traditions, openness to new ideas. That is how Central Café could be described. We are proud of our forefathers and we are aware of the challenges of our age. We do not intend to evoke the past, but we intend to revive the kind of intellectuality that used to make this place one of the most popular intellectual centres of the capital.” It has a history of more than hundred years but was renewed a few years ago and they could achieve their goals. Nowadays it is a very popular place with tables reserved for regular guests, newspapers to read and really undertaking a social function.

Terraced cafés

Gerlóczy can be found on the Pest side, close to Vaci utca. It has a real mediterranean flair, due to the intimate, small square where it is located, and the French and Italian style gourmet food on the menu. The unusual wide selection of breakfast and high-tea dishes and the attentive staff make it a pleasant place. Angelika is on the Buda side at Battyhany square. You can have a great panorama on the Parliament, while sitting at the uniquely arranged terrace. The building itself belongs to the famous Baroque St. Anna Church and hosts guests since 1720's. The today's design is elegant and cosy, on the coffee list many refined specialities invite you to taste.

Luxurious cafés

One of the most famous cafés of Budapest is the New York, that is listed in each guidebook about Budapest. It has a great history, once it was very popular among writers, actors and intellectuals. Legend has it that once a famous Hungarian writer wanted to throw the key of the café in the Danube, so that they should never be closed. The café, that is now part of a 5 star hotel was thoroughly renovated, and in the meantime its atmosphere changed a bit. It attracts mainly tourists and the ambitious young publicum. The recetly opened Callas is next to the Opera house at the Andrássy Avenue. It's location already presumes the prestigious inner decoration and design. The glistening details reflect elegance and luxury. They have nice afternoon cakes made on the spot.

Modern cafés

The California Coffee Company at Erzsébet körút is an American style lounge cafe with modern design interior and free wifi connection. The café offers self-service and you can upgrade your coffee after paying at a separate bar. The huge cosy leather armchairs invite for relaxation and most of the guests sit for hours busy working on their laptops. The light rooms and electric plugs are ideal for eg. showing holiday photos to your friends. The hot chocolate and the Brownie are excellent.