A Guide to Visiting the World's Most Beautiful Cafe, New York Café, Budapest
One of the most beautiful cafes in the world, Budapest’s New York Café continues to wow travellers with its sparkling interior, exceptional cake selection, and unrivalled ambience. Read on for how to experience this grand café for yourself
Words cannot adequately describe New York Cafe, one Budapest’s most famous attractions. Built in neo-renaissance style, with marble columns, sparkling chandeliers, stunning frescoes, and gilded details, the cafe transports you to another era.
Similar to Vienna, Budapest is known for its grand cafe culture, and New York Cafe has been welcoming visitors for over 125 years, initially as a meeting place for the local bourgeoisie, as well as writers and poets keen to sell their skills to the highest bidder.
Now, it’s filled with tourists keen to enjoy coffee, cake and more in this beautiful, old-world setting.
There’s a large selection of decadent cakes, including the caramel Dobos torte (NOM!), traditional layered chocolate cake, and rich hot chocolate for which the New York Cafe is famous. Sure, you’ll likely have a sugar crash an hour later, but it’s 100% worth it.
Beyond the beauty, there is live Gypsy music from 11 am, which provides a certain ambience that is unmatched anywhere else in Budapest.
Visting the New York Cafe is a once in a lifetime experience, so to help you make the most of your visit, we’ve put together this guide - full of everything you need to know before you visit (ie. make a reservation!).
So is New York Cafe worth visiting on a trip to Budapest? Read on to find out.
ps. Want to explore more of Budapest? Read our in-depth guides here | Szechenyi Baths, Gellert Thermal Baths, Szimpla Kert Ruin Bar
Love our photos? They were all edited using our own custom Lightroom presets - you can buy them here!
NEW YORK CAFÉ SNAPSHOT
OPENING HOURS | Daily, 8 am - Midnight
EAT | Dobos Cake, Afternoon tea, Chicken Paprikash
DRINK | Decadent hot chocolate with cream
TIPS | Make a reservation
WHERE IS THE NEW YORK CAFE & HOW TO GET THERE
New York cafe is located in Erzsébetvaros, on Budapest’s Grand Boulevard.
The cafe is well connected, just a short walk from Blaha Lujza metro station on the Metro M2 service so can be accessed from major stations such as Deak Ferenc Ter, Astoria, and Keleti.
The Cafe is also located on the 4-6 metro line, which circles the city on the Grand Boulevard.
Tickets for Budapest’s public transport cost HUF 350 (super cheap!).
Alternatively, New York Cafe is easily accessed on foot, just a short walk from the ever-popular Jewish District, and Andrassy Avenue.
Address | 1073 Budapest, Erzsébet ut. 9-11.
NEW YORK CAFE OPENING HOURS
The New York Cafe is open daily, from 8 am till midnight.
Breakfast, however, is served between the hours of 8 am - 11 am, so if it’s brunch you’re after, arrive early.
It’s worth noting that due to the popularity of the cafe, we suggest arriving early (9 am), or later in the afternoon, to avoid lines (or make a reservation - see below).
OPENING HOURS
Opening time: Monday – Sunday: 8 am – 12 am
Breakfast time: Monday – Sunday: 8 am – 11 am
NEW YORK CAFE HISTORY
'There is no literature without a Café' – stated Sándor Márai, a 20th-century Hungarian writer who frequently visited the New York Café.
Curious to know why this famous cafe is named after a city in America? That’s because over 125 years ago, the opulent building was designed as the headquarters of the New York Life Insurance Company.
Keen for a place to conduct business, the owners were intent on creating the "most beautiful café in the world”, in the mould of those in Vienna and Trieste.
The centrepiece of Hungary’s literary and poetry scene for decades, it was here that the city’s aristocrats mingled, and where poor writers and poets offer their skills in return for money or food.
The building fell into disrepair after WW2, before reopening in the mid-50s under the name Húngaria, before becoming a sporting goods store for a period of time.
It wasn’t until the Italian hotel chain, Boscolo, purchased the palace long after the fall of the communist regime, that the New York Cafe was restored to its former glory.
Along with restoring the cafe, Boscolo also renovated the New York Palace Hotel (now the Anantara New York Palace), restoring this 5* architectural Belle Epoque wonder.
BOOK | Stay in 5* luxury (while eating all the cake!) at Anantara New York Palace
INSIDE NEW YORK CAFE
Opulent, extravagant, lavish, gorgeous - it’s easy to understand why New York Cafe is often voted the most beautiful in the world.
The interior is filled with giant marble columns, glistening chandeliers, ornate ceilings featuring intricate frescoes, gilded trimmings and grand staircases.
The music, an excellent mix of Hungarian gipsy music and piano, gently floats over the cacophony of tourist murmur, providing a delightful ambience throughout the whole cafe.
There’s seating throughout the cafe, based on multiple levels depending on how busy it is, with the best seats being located to the left of the entrance - it’s here you’ll be based in the middle of the music and action while enjoying the light filtering through the floor to ceiling windows.
NEW YORK CAFE MENU
If you’ve got an appetite, whether sweet or savoury, you’re sorted at New York Cafe.
For breakfast, you can enjoy a full buffet selection (at €30, you’ll want to eat everything!), which includes a selection of pastries, bread, fruits, plus coffee, tea, herbal teas, hot chocolate, and freshly squeezed orange juice, and a selection of one warm dish from the breakfast menu, such as poached eggs, eggs benedict, and even American-style pancakes.
Alternatively, there’s an Italian breakfast for €20, which includes a selection of pastries, fruit salad, bread, jams, honey and butter.
For lunch and dinner, Chef Andras Wolf has created a menu (see the full menu here) based on traditional Hungarian cuisine, modernised for the discerning foodie looking for exceptional, creative food.
Staples on offer include the traditional beef goulash soup with beans, Wiener schnitzel with beetroot salad, Grilled rainbow trout with layered potato casserole, baked carrot and tarragon flavoured hollandaise sauce, and the favourite
Chicken paprikash with spatzle noodle.
Beyond the traditional items, the Mangalica pork cut with baked lentils and Hungarian/Asian crossover roasted pink duck breast with Pak Choi and blueberry served with cottage cheese donuts are very popular.
Some of the most popular items with tourists include:
THE EMPEROR EXPERIENCE | Hungarian sausages, strudel, tea, coffee or hot chocolate
AFTERNOON TEA | A delightful selection of sandwiches, cakes, bonbons, coffee or tea and fresh orange juice. HUF 19,500/€65 for two
24-CARAT-GOLD CAPPUCCINO | As boujee as it sounds, it’s served With Valrhona chocolate and raspberry cake. HUF 3,150/€10.50
CAKES | This part of the world is known for its delightful cakes, so try one of Dobos, Sacher or the Eszterházy cake
We settled for the famous New York chocolate cake, and New York hot chocolate combination, which for HUF 6,300 (€21) was quite expensive, and perhaps a little too decadent.
RELATED | Keen on some of Budapest’s best brunches? Read our guide here.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING NEW YORK CAFÉ
MAKE A RESERVATION
For over two years, we lived a short walk from New York Cafe and would continually see a huge line out the front (even in the depths of winter!). It’s understandable, given this is one of the most popular things to do in Budapest, but there’s a way to avoid this scenario.
We suggest, or rather, insist, you make a reservation before visiting - at least 2 days prior to your visit.
Reservations can be made online or by phone here and will be confirmed by the reservation team within 24 hours. Alternatively, give them a call to see if you can be squeezed in.
It’s worth noting, New York Cafe can only accept table reservations of up to 10 people, so if you’re a large group, best to split your reservations.
BOOK | Make a reservation here
NEW YORK CAFE PRICES
We’re not going to sugarcoat it, New York Cafe is expensive, even for the most wealthy of tourists.
It’s obvious that, while the food, cakes, and coffees are good, you’re paying for the pleasure of sitting in one of the most elegant cafes in the entire world.
In a way, it’s to be expected, and we’ve definitely paid equal amounts to enjoy a Sachatorte at Demel in Vienna, or a beer at Raffles in Singapore.
Expect to pay between HUF 3,500 - 5,000 per person (€10 - €15) for the cheapest options, such as coffee and cake, however, if it is a more robust meal you’re after, expect between HUF 8,000 + per person (€24 - €35+).
If the cost is an issue, but you’re still keen to enjoy the opulent surroundings, order a coffee/hot chocolate for HUF 2550 (€8.5).
It’s also worth noting a 15% service charge is added to your bill.
DRESS THE PART
New York Cafe is opulent, grand, extravagant, old-world - and yet we would continually see tourists completely underdressed when visiting - we’re talking head to toe tracksuits, and impossibly inappropriate attire.
We don’t want to be Karen’s about it, but we suggest making a little effort before visiting New York Cafe. That doesn’t mean donning your finest suit or ball gown, but it does mean looking better than someone who’s just rolled out of bed - something like smart casual.
TIP THE MUSICIANS
You’ll note the incredible musicians that play throughout New York Cafe - whether it be the wonderful gipsy band or the elegant pianist, these musicians make the experience of visiting New York Cafe so much better.
It’s for this reason we recommend providing them with a tip if you enjoy their work.
Most musicians have a tip box on their instrument (ie. on the piano), so throw a few hundred (or thousand) Forints their way for a job very well done.
ALTERNATIVES TO NEW YORK CAFE
If you’re unlucky enough to not get a seat, don’t fret - there are a number of other exceptional coffee houses throughout Budapest, including the grand Café Gerbeaud, the charming Café Zsivágó, and the ever-popular Muvész Coffee House.
The prices are also cheaper elsewhere.
IS NEW YORK CAFE BUDAPEST WORTH VISITING?
A feast for your eyes, New York Cafe is one of those ‘once in a lifetime’ places, so it is without a doubt that you should visit, even if it is a little expensive.
That being said, there aren’t many places in the world where you can sit amongst such splendid environs, with world-class food and musicians performing, and still walk out with change from €100.
A visit here is one of the best things to do in Budapest.
WHERE TO STAY IN BUDAPEST
Below, we’ve provided our top recommendations on where to stay the nearby Jewish Quarter of Budapest to suit each budget.
After living in the city for over two years, we know exactly which hotel is best, based on price, location, and above all, comfort!
LUXURY JEWISH QUARTER ACCOMMODATION
ANANTARA NEW YORK PALACE | This Luxury Collection Hotel is situated above New York Palace and is one of Budapest’s finest establishments.
It’s luxurious, stylish, spacious and a huge splurge, but worth it for a once-in-a-lifetime stay in exceptional luxury. Book here
HOTEL CORINTHIA | One of Budapest’s most exceptional hotels, inside a stunning1800s building. If elegance is what you’re after, look no further. Book here
QUEEN’S COURT RESIDENCE | Classic Budapest hotel with older finishings and a historic look. Perfect location, too. Book here
MID-RANGE ACCOMMODATION
HOTEL MEMORIES | Stylish hotel located directly opposite Dohany St Synagogue. Also has a lounge with free drinks and snacks. Book here
STORIES BOUTIQUE HOTEL | Chic and super stylish 4* hotel in the perfect location. Breakfast is included in most room prices. Book here
LEONARDO BOUTIQUE HOTEL | Clean, modern 4* hotel located right in the heart of the city, close to all the major attractions. The breakfast here is a winner. Book here
Alternatively, search and book your perfect accommodation here
HOSTELS & BUDGET ACCOMMODATION
There are a huge array of hostels located in the Jewish Quarter, and these are our top four:
HOSTEL ONE | Consistently rated as one of the best hostels in the city. It’s known for being all about community and socialising, but not just in the party sense. Book here
MAVERICK CITY LODGE | A cross between budget hotel and up market hostel, Maverick City Lodge is position right in the middle of all the good things - Szimpla Kert is 1 min away, Dohany Synagogue 2 mins, and the best food is on your doorstep. Perfect for couples on a budget. Book here
WOMBAT’S CITY HOSTEL | Location is important, and Wombat’s is right in the heart of the city. One of the nicest hostels in Budapest, perfect for exploring or partying. Book here
THE HIVE PARTY HOSTEL | If it’s a party you’re after, The Hive is the place to be. Modern rooms & amenities are also a plus, as is the location, right in the middle of the party area. Book here
Alternatively, search for your perfect Budapest hostel here
BUDAPEST TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
OUR BUDAPEST POCKET GUIDE
Our Budapest City Guide is a curated travel guide, designed to be downloaded to your phone and used as your trusty companion when exploring the city. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find our personal recommendations on the best things to see, eat and drink, places to stay,and things to know, gathered over the two years we spent living in Budapest.
You’ll also find example itineraries to help you make the most of your time there, and plenty of inspiration to guide your travels.
BUY NOW | Purchase the pocket guide here
THE BUDAPEST CARD
The Budapest Card is Hungary’s official city tourism pass.
They’re valid for 72 hours (perfect for a city break!) and give you free public transport, plus free and/or discounted entry to the city’s main highlights, like most of the galleries and museums, for example.
We highly recommend buying the Budapest Card if you plan to do plenty of sightseeing while you’re in town — and you can also use the Budapest Card to get 20% off your entry ticket at the Széchenyi thermal baths. Winning!
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR BUDAPEST
If you can't afford travel insurance, you really can't afford to travel. As the current global situation has taught many people, things can go wrong anywhere in the world - and insurance is often the only way of mitigating any issues with minimal expense or stress for you.
For all travellers | HeyMondo - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel + medical insurance, an app with 24-hour medical support, and no out of pocket fees. *Get 5% off your policy by booking through our link here.
For digital nomads | SafetyWing - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel & medical, and policies can be purchased while already abroad.
Car Insurance | Insurance4CarHire - a great annual car insurance policy
PLANNING A TRIP TO BUDAPEST SOON?
BUDAPEST TRAVEL GUIDES | 25+ amazing things to do in Budapest, The best Ruin Bars in Budapest, Explore the best of Budapest’s Jewish Quarter, Józsefváros, Budapest’s hipster 8th district, the best brunch in Budapest, and Where to stay in Budapest
BUDAPEST ATTRACTIONS | A guide to Szechenyi Baths, the majestic Fisherman’s Bastion, Gellert Thermal Baths, New York Cafe, Szimpla Kert Ruin Bar, How to visit Dohany St Synagogue, A guide to St. Stephen’s Cathedral
BALATON BLISS | What to see and do on Lake Balaton, and our 3-day guide Balaton
EXPLORE MISKOLC | Enjoy our short city break guide to Miskolc, explore the enchanting forest town of Lillafüred, or discover the Miskolctapolca Cave Baths
AIRBNB GUIDE | Our essential guide to getting the best out of Airbnb
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Wondering what gear we use to get all of our photos around the world? Click here to view our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT. Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO-FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
EXPLORE THE BEST OF BUDAPEST WITH OUR GUIDES
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