Budapest

New York Café, once hailed as 'the most beautiful café in the world', is a lavish establishment steeped in history since its inception in 1894. Serving as a meeting point for artists and intellectuals in the early 20th century, the café retains its opulent ambience, following a recent renovation, including its ornate frescoes and elegant chandeliers. Today, it remains a Budapest treasure, offering patrons a majestic setting to enjoy traditional flavours, whether it's a sumptuous feast or a slice of creamy cake, while evoking the grandeur of bygone eras.

First opened in 1887, Centrál Grand Cafe was one of the most important intellectual venues in the country, serving coffee to the most prominent scientists and writers of the time. Today, its mission is to evoke the atmosphere that prevailed at the turn of the century by serving traditional Hungarian treats in a restored Art Nouveau galleried interior.

Művész, meaning 'artist' in Hungarian, is a historic café dating back to 1898, renowned as a gathering place for writers, philosophers, and intellectuals of the past century. With its grand architecture featuring high ceilings, large mirrors, and elegant chandeliers, the café offers a charming ambience for enjoying coffee, cakes, and light meals. Its outdoor seating along a bustling shopping avenue provides a perfect spot for indulging in people-watching while soaking in the café's rich cultural heritage.

Ruszwurm Confectionery on the Buda side is what Café Gerbeaud is for Pest. Still run by the well-known confectionery dynasty, the café has preserved its fin de siècle feel, finely adorned with red velvet curtains, marble tables, and beautiful Biedermeier furniture. The famous cream pastry and strudel (rétes) are always in demand here.

Once the gathering place of Hungary's most prominent writers, Hadik still enjoys a steady flow of visitors, choosing Buda's cosy flagship café for a creamy coffee, a light dinner, or a literary event — if poems scattered on the menu pages were not enough.

Located in Budapest's elegant Palace District, Lumen offers a casual yet charming atmosphere, complete with a patio for al fresco dining and regular live music performances. Serving a diverse menu that evolves with the seasons, the restaurant prides itself on roasting its own coffee beans and offering a rich selection of delicious wines.

A quaint espresso bar with a small terrace in the heart of what is noted as the capital's oasis for second-hand books, serving specialty coffee, breakfast and brunch fare alongside baked goods and sweets.

A tranquil walk in Buda's residential area will give you a completely different picture of the otherwise vibrant capital. This Italian artisanal ice cream shop is located conveniently next to Városmajor, Buda's green oasis, and offers an ample selection of fine ice cream flavours, arguably among the best in town. The Sacher torte flavour will surely make you come back for more.

A small friendly café near the Opera House, welcoming visitors with cakes, paninis, coffee and cocktails, along with cosy, cushioned seats, cat-themed art and souvenirs, but most importantly, 15 permanent feline residents to keep you purrfect company.