Budapest has become one of the best cities for coffee lovers and a place of ultimate restaurant decor. That’s why it’s no surprise we’re seeing so many pretty photos on Instagram. During my multiple visits to Budapest I’ve always tried to experience something new and interesting. My last trip to Budapest was very relaxing. I managed to enjoy coffee moments with friends more than usual while on a trip. That’s why I decided to share with you my list of coffee shops in Budapest that you cannot miss.
Before we begin the story about coffee shops, let me tell you something about Bela Bartok street, since there are two coffee shops in this street that are on my list of coffee shops in Budapest that you cannot miss.
Bartók Béla was a famous Hungarian composer. Bela Bartok street is close to the street where we stayed in Budapest. On my previous visits to Budapest I was spending more time in the Pest side, so this area was kind of a revelation. Everything was new and interesting to me.
Bela Bartok street is stretching from the Gellért Hotel (the building of the hotel looks stunning!) to Kelenföld train station.
This area has become a hub of cool cafes, trendy bars and restaurants, as well as small, private art galleries. While I was walking this street one evening, I saw three exhibitions being prepared in three different galleries. Here you won’t see the hordes of tourists, but what you will see are locals who are into local arts and gastronomy scene.
I seriously loved this part of Buda. Béla Bartok is a pretty quiet, residential part of Budapest with some classic cafes, some modern ones, lovely galleries and beautiful buildings. It feels like you’re outside the city center, but in fact, you’re only a short walk away from the center of Budapest. When you cross the Liberty bridge you’ll find yourself in the center of the city.
How to get to Bela Bartok street and which coffee shops to visit?
From Deák Ferenc Tér in the center, take a tram 47 or 49. It will take you 10 minutes to reach Gárdonyi Tér. This is the easiest way to get to Bela Bartok area from the center of Budapest. I really enjoyed these yellow tram rides here. If you forget to buy your tram ticket, you can buy it directly from the tram driver.
There are two places on my list of coffee shops in Budapest that you cannot miss that are located in Bela Bartok Street. The first one is Bela Bartok bar.
1.Bela Bartok bar
This place was just too cute. This pink wall with plants’ and birds’ drawings, cute chairs in different colours and pretty corners of this place were simply adorable. The coffee was good (that is pretty important if you ask me!) and I tried one of the cakes, which was also very good.
My friends and I visited this place on a Saturday around 10 am and it was almost empty. We enjoyed our coffee and took some lovely shots here. I would recommend this place as one of the coffee shops in Budapest you cannot miss to everyone. Bela Bartok bar is a place where you can truly relax in a big city and enjoy beautiful atmosphere.
2. Kelet Kavezo
This small coffee place in Bela Bartok street was only three minutes away from where we stayed. Kelet kavezo is small, cozy and full of books. A coffee shop full of books! It sounds dreamy I know, and it’s the cutest. Morning atmosphere was beautiful. It was a cold day outside and we warmed up inside this lovely space. Breakfast was great, but I didn’t like the coffee. It was one of those sour brands and I’m just not a fan of those.
You can have a really nice breakfast at Kelet. We tried different kinds of omelettes with vegetables and cheese and some croissants. The food was really good. You can also have a sandwich and some tea. The place was packed, so if you’re coming here on the weekend I suggest coming a bit earlier to get a table.
I later read somewhere online that Kelet functions as a free book exchange. That means that you can bring a book you don’t want to read (in any language) and pick one up off the shelf you would take home instead. How cool is that?
3. New York cafe
To be honest, my friend and I went there expecting nothing extraordinary. We just wanted to sit down after a long day of walking. We went inside this huge door and saw this gorgeous space decorated in classic renaissance style. New York cafe is one of the most elegant places I’ve ever seen. It is also one of the oldest cafes in Budapest! I found so many interesting things about New York cafe. One of them is that Hungary’s most influential newspapers were edited on the second floor of the building. Although by the look of the place you might think that it was only enjoyed by the rich, but that’s not true. New York cafe in Budapest was actually a place where poor writers and artists gathered in hope to get a meal from the rich people in exchange for a story or a piece of art.
When we went there, the queue for the seating was pretty long and we decided we won’t wait and went out. I did manage to take a few shots of the place. If I’m ever in Budapest again I’ll definitely come to New York cafe to soak in the atmosphere. You can also book your table online through their website and here is the link if you need it!
New York cafe and restaurant is a part of a hotel, so if you want to feel the luxury of the renaissance period and you can afford it, this is a perfect place for you to stay while in Budapest.
If you decide to put New York cafe on your Budapest coffee shop list, please do pay attention to the building exterior and its facade. It’s gorgeous!
4. Szimpla kert
Szimpla Kert is located in the Jewish quarter in Budapest. It’s one of the famous ruin bars in Budapest. This is not really a coffee place, it’s more of a beer bar, but I had to put it on this list, cos the decor is insane!
I don’t know how to describe a place like this but I’ll try! There is stuff everywhere. All kinds of stuff. You could spend days just looking at all the random bits and pieces covering the floor and the walls. They look weird, colourful and unrecognizable at moments. There’s an old bathtub that serves as a seating place. What I’m trying to say here is – you really need to visit Szimpla kert while in Budapest. The place is full of character. There are graffiti on the walls, old mirrors, art work, street signs, you name it!
Near the bar there’s Szimpla Shop where you can buy all the things you can think of. I actually quite liked a few Budapest prints here.
5. Vintage garden bistro
I fell in love with Vintage garden bistro and it was thanks to my friend who told me “We have to go there, you’ll see why!”. And she was right! Vintage garden bistro is one of the prettiest places in Budapest.
Pink suede armchairs, wooden tables, dry and fresh flowers everywhere. I didn’t know where to look! Beside the beautiful interior, the food was great! I really recommend visiting this place if you want to have a nice lunch. We tried some pasta and a burger and everything was delicious. I honestly don’t know about coffee, because I had a tasty mint tea instead. I don’t need to mention that this place is great for taking photos. Vintage garden bistro is definitely one of those coffee shops in Budapest that you cannot miss.
6. Amber’s cafe
The full name of this place is Amber’s French Bakery and Cafe. Amber’s is the perfect place for breakfast. Since it’s a French bakery I expected the croissants to be very good. They were excellent! Have a croissant or a sandwich, a glass of fresh juice and a cappucino after. That’s a great way to start your day in Budapest and it’s in the city center so you can get to sightseeing immediately.
We went there on Sunday and it was pretty crowded. So, if you’re in Budapest for the weekend make sure you’re here earlier. Otherwise, you might wait for a table for a while.
7. Twenty Six
Twenty Six is green oasis in the center of Budapest. This was a recommendation from my friend Lucia (you can find her on Instagram). The place is relatively new (it was opened in the end of 2019) and it’s quite different from everything I saw in Budapest. It looks like a small urban jungle with great light coming through the huge lighthouse on top.
Twenty Six is not only a bar, it’s a hotel as well. Here’s another recommendation for you where to stay in Budapest. Twenty Six is in the center of Budapest, in one of the most beautiful streets – Kiraly street.
Even though it’s new, it is already very popular. Twenty Six is definitely one of those coffee shops in Budapest that you cannot miss!
8. Babart
My friend and I stumbled upon this coffee shop by accident. No planning, no recommendations, just the need to rest and have a coffee and some juice. Babart was very quiet and relaxing, although my friend and I got a bit surprised when they told us they’re closing at 8pm. It was Saturday night and that was pretty unexpected. Nevertheless, we loved the vibe that this place has and would definitely go back again.
9. Bestia
Bestia restaurant is located opposite of St Stephen’s basilica. I usually avoid places close to tourist attractions but this one was actually very nice. If you’re up for a nice dinner in Budapest I think Bestia is your place.
Bestia is a restaurant in the city centre specialised in grilled meats. We had the ribs and they were delicious. It is a bit pricey but it comes with good food and great location. Bestia has a picture-perfect view of the St. Stephen’s Basilica. You might need to reserve your table if you’re coming for dinner (especially on the weekends).
10. Zeller
Zeller is a touristy restaurant in Budapest’s centre, also near St. Stephen’s Basilica, one of the city’s main attractions. This place has such interesting decor. Try to sit is in the light-filled interior courtyard topped with a sky window and filled with greenery.
I can’t tell you about the food since we came here after lunch, but mint tea was delicious as were the desserts we had.
I hope you found this post useful. This is my list of coffee shops in Budapest that you cannot miss. If you have a certain place that is on YOUR list let me know and I’ll definitely visit it the next time I’m in Budapest.
If you have any questions you can always contact me here or send me a message on Instagram.
Thank you so much for reading!
