Discover the New York Café in Budapest: The World’s Most Beautiful Café

Introduction

Step into the New York Café in Budapest and you’ll feel like you’ve entered a palace rather than a coffeehouse. Often called “the most beautiful café in the world”, this iconic spot combines dazzling history with indulgent flavours. Located inside the New York Palace Hotel on Erzsébet körút, the café has been a favourite gathering place for writers, artists, and visitors for more than a century.

Its gilded ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and frescoed walls make it one of Budapest’s most breathtaking interiors. But beyond the glamour, the New York Café carries a legacy as a hub of creativity. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Hungarian literary figures gathered here to exchange ideas, shaping the cultural life of the city.

Today, the café continues to attract travellers from around the world. Whether you come for a coffee, a slice of Dobos torte, or a full meal accompanied by live piano music, the experience feels timeless. If you want to combine history, culture, and luxury, a visit to the New York Café is a must on your Budapest itinerary.

What is the New York Café in Budapest famous for?

The New York Café is famous for its lavish interior and cultural legacy. It is often referred to as “the most beautiful café in the world”. Historically, it was a meeting place for writers and artists, while today it is one of Budapest’s top attractions, blending fine dining with live music and historic grandeur.

Why should you visit the New York Café in Budapest?

You should visit the New York Café to experience Budapest’s Golden Age of cafés. It’s not just about coffee — it’s about stepping into history. The café offers a unique mix of stunning architecture, classic Hungarian dishes, and international favourites, all served in a setting that feels like a royal hall. It’s an experience you’ll remember long after your trip.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit the New York Café?

The New York Café is typically open every day from morning until late evening (usually from 8:00 am to midnight).

Best times to visit:

Morning: For a quieter atmosphere and shorter waiting times.

Late evening: Enjoy a more relaxed vibe with live piano music.

Weekdays: Less crowded than weekends, making it easier to get a table without a long wait.

How much does it cost to visit the New York Café in Budapest?

Visiting the New York Café is free, but enjoying food or drinks comes at premium prices. Expect to pay:

Around 2,000–3,500 HUF for a coffee or dessert.

8,000–15,000 HUF for a full meal, depending on your choice.

It’s more expensive than other cafés in Budapest, but visitors often describe it as worth it for the experience.

What can you see or do at the New York Café in Budapest?

Admire the décor: Gilded stuccoes, frescoes, marble columns, and chandeliers.

Enjoy live music: Pianists and orchestras often play, adding to the ambience.

Taste Hungarian desserts: Try classics like Dobos torte or Somlói galuska.

Dine in style: Sample Hungarian and international dishes in a luxurious setting.

Immerse in history: Feel the spirit of the writers and artists who once made the café their second home.

What is the history behind the New York Café in Budapest?

The New York Café first opened in 1894 as part of the New York Life Insurance Company’s European headquarters. Designed in eclectic Italian Renaissance style, it quickly became the favourite hangout of Budapest’s literary elite.

Writers, poets, and journalists met here, with over 200 newspapers once edited inside the café. It was a centre of creativity, where Hungary’s cultural life flourished during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

After falling into decline during the mid-20th century, the café was restored to its former glory and reopened in 2006 within the New York Palace Hotel. Today, it stands as a living monument to Budapest’s golden café culture.

Where is the New York Café located and how do you get there?

The New York Café is located inside the New York Palace Hotel at Erzsébet körút 9–11, Budapest.

How to get there:

By metro: Take Metro Line M2 to Blaha Lujza tér, then walk a few minutes.

By tram: Tram 4 or 6 stops right outside the café.

By bus: Several city buses stop nearby on Erzsébet körút.

On foot: It’s within walking distance of the Jewish Quarter and Andrássy Avenue.

Insider Tips for Visiting the New York Café

🕰️ Arrive early to avoid queues — it’s one of the busiest cafés in Budapest.

📸 Bring your camera — the interiors are spectacular and among the most photographed in the city.

🎶 Stay for live music in the evening to enjoy the full atmosphere.

Nearby Attractions to the New York Café in Budapest

Hungarian State Opera House: A short walk away, showcasing world-class performances.

Andrássy Avenue: Budapest’s elegant boulevard with shops, cafés, and architecture.

Jewish Quarter & Dohány Street Synagogue: Rich history and lively ruin pubs nearby.

Erzsébet Square: A central gathering spot with the Budapest Eye Ferris wheel.

House of Terror Museum: A thought-provoking look at Hungary’s 20th-century history.

Turn Your Visit into an Adventure

The New York Café in Budapest is more than a place for coffee — it’s a cultural journey into the city’s golden past. Every fresco, chandelier, and piano note adds to the magic.

With Questo, you can turn your visit into an interactive quest. Explore Budapest’s café culture, uncover the stories of writers who once sat here, and discover hidden gems along the way.

👉 Download the Questo app today and transform your visit to the New York Café into a cultural adventure.