New York Café Budapest: Is the World’s Most Beautiful Café Worth It?
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 can’t quite capture the splendour of New York Café, one of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks.
Built in opulent Neo-Renaissance style, its marble columns, frescoed ceilings, and glittering chandeliers feel less like a café and more like stepping into a gilded dream.
Like Vienna, Budapest thrives on its grand café culture, and for more than 125 years, New York Café has been its crown jewel.
Once the haunt of editors, poets, and the city’s bourgeois elite, it’s now filled with travellers chasing the same sense of grandeur (and a decent slice of cake).
Speaking of which: the cakes are the real deal. Try the caramel-topped Dobos torte, the layered chocolate Eszterházy, or the rich hot chocolate the café is famous for — just be ready for a sugar crash later.
From 11 am, live gypsy and piano music drifts through the air, wrapping the gilt and marble in something close to magic.
Visiting New York Café is a once-in-a-lifetime experience — one part nostalgia, one part theatre.
To help you make the most of it (and avoid those epic queues), here’s everything you need to know before you go.
ps. Want to explore more of Budapest? Read our in-depth guides here | Szechenyi Baths, Gellert Thermal Baths, Szimpla Kert Ruin Bar
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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 07:00 – 00:00 from Monday to Wednesday, and 07:00 – 01:00 from Thursday – Sunday (as of 2025).
Breakfast, however, is served between the hours of 7 am - 11 am, so if it’s brunch you’re after, arrive early. Lunch/dinner is available from 11:30 am until closing
Best times to visit:
Early morning (7 – 9 am) for soft light, fewer crowds, and the best photo opportunities.
Late evening (after 8 pm, Thu – Sun) if you prefer a calmer, candle-lit atmosphere and live piano without the midday rush.
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.
There are coffeehouses, and then there’s New York Café, a theatre of gilt and memory where Budapest’s golden age is still on the bill.
Opened in the late 19th century in the palatial New York Palace, this was once the creative canteen of editors and poets; a place where deadlines were soothed with espresso and arguments echoed beneath frescoes.
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.
The décor remains outrageous in the best way: cherubs, marble, chandeliers, and enough gold leaf to make Midas blush.
But legends aren’t static.
Budapest today is full of smart, design‑led cafés, artisan bakeries, and third‑wave roasters. Against that backdrop, New York Café has drifted from bohemian salon to stage‑set. The architecture still stops you in your tracks; the experience now depends on how you play it.
BOOK | Stay in 5* luxury (while eating all the cake!) at Anantara New York Palace
INSIDE NEW YORK CAFE
Opulent, extravagant, and unapologetically grand — it’s easy to see why New York Café has long been called the most beautiful café in the world.
Step inside and the sensory overload hits instantly: marble columns soaring skyward, frescoed ceilings that gleam under chandeliers, gilded mouldings curling like filigree, and sweeping staircases straight from a 19th‑century dream.
It’s intoxicating, but it’s also relentless. At peak times, you’ll almost certainly queue; the first few minutes can feel more like a red‑carpet arrival than a café visit - cameras flashing, whispers rising, everyone jostling for that perfect shot beneath the chandeliers.
When you finally sit, exhale. Let your gaze wander: up to the frescoes, across the mezzanine galleries, down to the marble balustrades worn smooth by generations of elbows. The room is the experience. Order slowly, enjoy your coffee and cake, and let the theatre of it all unfold around you.
A small ensemble plays an excellent mix of Hungarian gipsy music and piano, which drifts above the din of conversation, the kind of music that feels stitched into the architecture itself. It softens the chaos.
Seating spills across multiple tiers, each with its own vantage. The tables to the left of the entrance are the sweet spot: you’re close enough to the musicians to catch every note, with natural light pooling through the floor‑to‑ceiling windows and just enough distance from the main flow to watch the show in comfort.
TCW Insights | The crowd is part of the experience. It won’t vanish with a reservation. Evenings can be calmer; mornings are best for light. If you hate bustle, sit on the gallery level where the view is grand but the foot traffic is lighter.
NEW YORK CAFE MENU
If you’ve got an appetite - sweet, savoury, or somewhere in between, you’ll find something to tempt you at New York Café.
Below is an overview from breakfast through to dinner, including crowd favourites
BREAKFAST
Breakfast is generous but costly. The buffet option (€30) remains the headline act, a spread of pastries, breads, fruits, and juices, alongside coffee, tea, and one hot dish such as eggs Benedict, poached eggs, or American‑style pancakes.
The quality is solid, if not exceptional, but the value depends on your appetite rather than artistry.
The Italian breakfast (€20) offers a lighter start - think pastries, fruit salad, jams, honey, and butter — it’s the better pick if you’re there for the setting rather than a marathon meal.
LUNCH & DINNER
Chef András Wolf’s menu continues to draw from traditional Hungarian cuisine, modernised with subtle fine‑dining touches.
Expect staples like beef goulash soup, Wiener schnitzel, grilled rainbow trout with layered potato casserole, and chicken paprikash with spätzle noodles - all reliable crowd‑pleasers that play to comfort and nostalgia rather than culinary risk‑taking.
The execution is polished, but the pricing is a little ambitious. Most mains now hover between €25‑35, and portion sizes are fairly large.
If you’re here for food over atmosphere, we suggest nearby Gerbeaud or Centrál Kávéház for better value and equal heritage.
SIGNATURE & TOURIST FAVOURITES
A few photogenic showstoppers dominate social feeds and continue to define the café’s reputation:
The Emperor Experience | A tasting set of Hungarian sausages, strudel, tea, and coffee or hot chocolate — highly Instagrammable, if that’s your thing.
Afternoon Tea (HUF 19,500 / ~€65 for two) | A curated selection of sandwiches, cakes, bonbons, tea or coffee, and fresh orange juice. High on spectacle, lower on substance.
24‑Carat Gold Cappuccino (HUF 3,150 / ~€10.50) | Yes, it’s real gold leaf. Paired with a Valrhona chocolate and raspberry cake, it’s equal parts indulgence and gimmick.
Classic Cakes | The café still serves Budapest’s holy trinity of desserts: Dobos, Sacher, and Eszterházy cakes. Presentation is flawless, flavour dependable. This is what we ordered.
OVERALL IMPRESSION
The setting is five‑star, the service poised, the flavours pleasing if predictable. Treat it as a culinary souvenir, a taste of grandeur rather than gastronomy, and you’ll leave satisfied.
RELATED | Keen on some of Budapest’s best brunches? Read our guide here.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING NEW YORK CAFÉ
MAKE A RESERVATION
Having lived just a few blocks away for over two years, we can confirm the queues at New York Café are not a myth. Even in the freezing depths of January, the line would stretch out across Erzsébet körút — proof that its reputation hasn’t dimmed one bit.
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.
Book ahead.
Ideally, at least 48 hours in advance via the official website (here) or by phone. Reservations are confirmed within 24 hours by the team and accepted for groups of up to ten people. Larger parties should split bookings.
Reality check (2025) | Even with a booking, be prepared for a short wait during peak hours. Thankfully, table turnover is fast-paced, and door management can feel a touch chaotic when the crowds swell. Late evenings (after 8 pm, Thu–Sun) are calmer and far easier to secure.
BOOK | Make a reservation here
NEW YORK CAFE PRICES
We’ll be frank — New York Café is expensive, even by Western European standards. You’re paying for the history, the plasterwork, the chandeliers, and the bragging rights as much as the coffee itself.
But you’re not being ripped off; the experience has always been a luxury indulgence.
Here’s what current prices are like as of 2025:
Coffee or hot chocolate: from HUF 2,550 (~€8.50)
Cake or dessert: from HUF 3,500 – 5,000 (~€10 – €15)
Main courses: typically HUF 8,000 – 13,000 (~€24 – €35+)
Afternoon tea for two: HUF 19,500 (~€65)
Service charge: 15% added automatically
Prices have crept upward post‑pandemic, but they’re consistent with the café’s international fame. Think of it like ordering a cocktail at Raffles or cake at Demel — you’re paying for the postcard.
If cost is a concern but curiosity wins, settle in for a single hot chocolate or espresso, take your photos, and soak it all in. The opulence alone justifies the stop.
DRESS THE PART
New York Café is a relic of old‑world glamour — frescoes, chandeliers, live music — and while there’s no enforced dress code, showing up in a tracksuit feels tone‑deaf to the setting. Locals tend toward understated elegance: neat jeans, shirts, blouses, or a casual dress.
Smart‑casual hits the sweet spot.
You don’t need to dress like royalty, but you’ll enjoy the experience more if you look like you meant to be there. After all, there’s something quietly satisfying about matching the grandeur around you.
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 that 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
Didn’t snag a seat?
Don’t stress - Budapest is blessed with coffeehouses that rival New York Café in history, charm, and caffeine quality, often at a fraction of the price.
In truth, these are the places where locals actually head to:
Café Gerbeaud | The grande dame of Vörösmarty tér, Gerbeaud matches New York Café’s pedigree with slightly less pageantry and far better pastry consistency. The Dobos and Gerbeaud slices are benchmarks for Hungarian confectionery, and the terrace is perfect for people-watching
Café Centrál | A resurrected literary haunt once beloved by poets and editors. High ceilings, smart service, and genuinely good food — everything New York Café once was, on a more human scale
Művész Kávéház | Opposite the Opera House, this classic artist’s café delivers the same Belle Époque bones minus the fanfare. Locals drop in for espresso and strudel before the curtain rises. Elegant, unpretentious, and a solid value
Café Zsivágó | Quirky, candle-lit, and bohemian to the bone. Think mismatched furniture, Persian rugs, and the kind of ambience that feels lifted from a Wes Anderson frame. A favourite among students and creatives
Prices in all of the above hover around 30–50% cheaper than New York Café, and you’ll likely walk straight in. If you crave beauty with a side of breathing space, Budapest’s café culture rewards exploration well beyond the velvet ropes of its most famous name.
IS NEW YORK CAFE BUDAPEST WORTH VISITING?
In a word, yes, but with context.
The New York Café is a feast for the eyes and a living museum of Budapest’s Belle Époque, but it’s also a performance. You come here for the chandeliers, the frescoes, the swell of music over a hundred hushed conversations, just not for groundbreaking cuisine or value.
If you accept that, it’s magic. Sit beneath the gilded ceilings with a coffee and Dobos torte, let the pianist soundtrack your afternoon, and understand you’re participating in more than a meal.
Of course, it’s expensive, and the queues can test your patience. But there are few places in the world where you can sip espresso in surroundings this spectacular and still leave with change from €100 for two.
A visit here is still 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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That, and you're officially a legend.
