Budapest's Most Historic Coffee Houses
Source:
@Stuffed Cabbage Adventures
9 cafes in Budapest: Café Gerbeaud, Ruszwurm Confectionery, New York Café, and 6 more. Every place is verified on Google Maps, featured in a YouTube post by Stuffed Cabbage Adventures.
Café Gerbeaud
Cafe
4.2
Located in the heart of Budapest, Café Gerbeaud is an historically significant cafe founded in 1858 that once welcomed guests like Empress Elisabeth of Austria. It's renowned for its world-famous confectionery, including the signature Gerbeaud cake with apricot jam, ground walnuts, and chocolate. Though quite expensive to dine in, you can buy slices of cake for takeaway at a cheaper price.
Ruszwurm Confectionery
Cafe
4.3
Established in 1827, Ruszwurm is the oldest confectionery in Budapest and a must-visit when exploring the Buda Castle district. It's more of a confectionery than a traditional cafe, known for its excellent Hungarian local desserts, especially the 'Krémes' or cream cake. With its charming 'hole in the wall' ambiance and old-fashioned decor, it's a popular spot. To avoid crowds, it's advisable to visit early after its 10 AM opening.
New York Café
Cafe
4.1
Widely promoted as 'the most beautiful cafe in the world', this iconic Budapest coffee house is a must-visit for its stunning baroque-French palace-like interior. Once a popular haunt for intellectuals and the classy folk of Budapest, it's perfect for taking in the opulent architecture and enjoying a simple coffee. Be prepared for potentially average food and service due to its immense popularity, but the interior and live gypsy music make it a worthwhile experience.
Művész Coffee House (Artist Cafe)
Cafe
4.4
Located near the State Opera House, Művész Coffee House is a traditional cafe whose name, meaning 'artist,' refers to its famous literary and theatrical visitors from the early 20th century. Stepping inside is like a time machine, with antique decorations and a classic vibe that invites admiration. While it serves breakfast and lunch, its confectionery selection truly shines, offering high-quality desserts.
Centrál Grand Cafe & Bar
Restaurant
4.7
Opened in 1887, Centrál Grand Cafe & Bar is another historic cafe in Budapest, offering an elegant interior with many antique items that create a cozy atmosphere. The extensive food menu includes a dedicated brunch selection, with excellent shakshuka and French toast, alongside subtle live music. While the prices are on the higher side, the friendly service and overall ambiance make it a truly nice experience.
Café Hadik
Restaurant
4.4
While Café Hadik has a history dating back to the early 20th century, it has evolved into a more modern establishment with rustic vibes. It used to be a favorite hangout for famous Hungarian poets and writers like Frigyes Karinthy and Dezső Kosztolányi. The cafe offers gorgeous and tasty lunch items, although prices can be a bit on the higher end, and it is connected to the Szatyor Bar, offering a unique ruin bar ambiance.
Gerlóczy Kávéház
Restaurant
4.8
Nestled in a quiet square in inner Budapest, Gerlóczy Café offers a slightly more peaceful and intimate experience compared to some of the grander establishments. Its history dates back to the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, and it boasts an extensive brunch menu, a decent meal menu, and delicious daily-changing sweets. The prices are average for brunch but higher for the restaurant menu, and during warm weather, its front terrace offers a Parisian-like vibe.
Café Zsivágó
Cafe
4.5
Tucked away in a small side street, Café Zsivágó is a unique establishment in Budapest that evokes the feeling of stepping into your grandmother's house, thanks to its old furniture and decorative items. Its name references the Russian novel 'Doctor Zhivago', and you can find popular Eastern European snacks like the pirog on the menu. With reasonable prices, nice staff, and a late opening time, it offers a truly unique and intimate experience.
Pilvax Kávéház és Étterem
Hungarian restaurant
4.9
Pilvax Cafe & Restaurant is a historic location famous for the Hungarian youth of 1848, who gathered here to demand change against the Habsburg rule, sparking the March 15th Revolution. Today, it operates more as a restaurant and has lost the original cafe's vibe, but it remains a significant landmark in Hungarian history.
More featured places in Budapest
Budapest's Popular Ruins Bars
Mazel Tov, Szimpla Kert, Instant-Fogas Complex
Must-See Attractions and Experiences in Budapest
Fisherman's Bastion, Hungarian Parliament Building, Gellért Hill
Global Dining Destinations
Forni di Napoli, Shibuya, Reiskorn Budapest
Budapest's Top Dining and Entertainment Hotspots
Baltazár Grill Restaurant in the Buda Castle, W Budapest, KOLLÁZS - Brasserie & Bar
Budget-Friendly Budapest Experiences
Buda Castle, Fisherman's Bastion, Hungarian Parliament Building