New York Café in Budapest, Hungary – The World’s most beautiful coffeehouse
Among the elegant boulevards of Hungary’s capital, one place stands out as a masterpiece of art, history, and taste: the New York Café in Budapest. This iconic coffeehouse, often referred to as the most beautiful café in the world, offers visitors a magical blend of 19th-century grandeur and modern elegance.
Located inside the Anantara New York Palace Hotel on Erzsébet Boulevard, the New York Café in Budapest is not just a café — it is a living museum. Every inch of the space tells a story about the golden age of Budapest, when writers, poets, and dreamers gathered over coffee and cigars to shape Hungary’s cultural identity.
Whether you come to admire its stunning interiors, taste traditional Hungarian desserts, or simply enjoy the live piano music, the New York Café in Budapest is a must-see for anyone visiting the city.
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A legendary beginning: the story of the New York Café in Hungary
The story of the New York Café in Budapest begins in 1894, when the New York Life Insurance Company commissioned architect Alajos Hauszmann to create a building that reflected wealth, imagination, and artistry. The result was the New York Palace, a Neo-Renaissance masterpiece that soon became one of the most admired buildings in Europe.
The ground floor was designed as a café where Budapest’s elite could gather. Within just a few years, it became the most vibrant meeting place for writers, journalists, and artists. Newspapers and literary journals such as Nyugat and Pesti Napló were edited right here — and the air buzzed with creative energy.
Legend has it that the playwright Ferenc Molnár was so enchanted by the place that he threw the café’s keys into the Danube River on its opening night, declaring it should never close.
Through wars, political changes, and decades of neglect, the café survived. It was fully restored in 2006 when the Anantara hotel group revived its historic beauty, re-establishing the New York Café in Budapest as a global symbol of elegance and hospitality.
AS we wrote earlier, legendary stories about the world-famous New York Café in Budapest
Architectural masterpiece: inside the New York Café in Budapest
Walking into the New York Café in Budapest feels like entering a royal palace. The ceiling is covered with frescoes by Gusztáv Mannheimer and Ferenc Eisenhut, framed in 24-carat gold. Venetian chandeliers cast a warm glow on marble columns, and angels carved from bronze guard the balconies above.
Every element of the interior evokes the splendour of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The décor combines Baroque, Renaissance, and Rococo styles, while the music of a live piano fills the space with romantic nostalgia.
For many, visiting the New York Café in Budapest is not about coffee — it’s about experiencing the grandeur of a lost era. It’s a place where time slows down, where even the smallest gesture — pouring milk into coffee, lifting a spoon — feels cinematic.
Why the New York Café is so famous
The New York Café in Budapest has often been featured in international media — from Condé Nast Traveler and CNN to National Geographic — all calling it “the most beautiful café in the world.”
Its fame comes from more than its design. It embodies the spirit of Budapest’s café culture, where intellect, art, and conversation meet. During the early 20th century, Hungary’s most influential writers spent hours here, transforming coffee into creativity.
Today, visitors come from all over the world to enjoy that same sense of inspiration. Couples pose under the gilded ceilings, business travellers take meetings over cappuccinos, and artists sketch quietly by the windows. The New York Café in Budapest has become a bridge between history and modernity — timeless yet alive.
As we wrote earlier, the second child and only daughter of Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, got betrothed in the New York Café in Budapest, Hungary – photos
What to eat and drink at the New York Café in Budapest
Though many come for the interiors, the menu at the New York Café in Budapest is a culinary journey through Hungarian and European flavours. The chefs combine traditional recipes with modern presentation, ensuring every dish reflects the café’s luxurious atmosphere.
Breakfast Highlights
- 🥐 New York Breakfast – a royal feast of pastries, smoked salmon, eggs, and champagne
- 🍳 Hungarian Breakfast – cold cuts, cheeses, paprika sausages, and fresh vegetables
Lunch & Dinner Favourites
- 🍲 Traditional Gulyás Soup – Hungary’s signature goulash served in a copper pot
- 🥩 Beef Tenderloin Paprikash – classic comfort food reimagined elegantly
- 🦆 Duck Leg with Red Cabbage – a sweet-savory harmony of local flavours
Desserts and Coffee
- 🍰 Dobos Torte – a layered chocolate sponge with caramel top
- 🍮 Eszterházy Cake – walnut pastry with buttercream and fondant glaze
- ☕ New York Cappuccino – served in golden porcelain, topped with artful foam
Average prices: coffee €7–8, desserts €10–15, main dishes €20–25. Yes, it’s on the pricey side — but you’re paying for an experience that’s truly unforgettable.
Location, opening hours, and reservations
📍 Address: Anantara New York Palace Budapest, Erzsébet körút 9–11, District VII, Budapest
🕓 Opening hours:
Monday to Wednesday: 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Thursday to Sunday: 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
🌐 Reservations: anantara.com/en/new-york-palace-budapest
Interestingly, in March 2025, the historic café welcomed guests with regular nighttime opening hours from Thursday to Sunday; however, it is currently only open until 1 a.m. The night opening followed a successful trial period during the café’s 130th anniversary celebrations, during which guests showed great interest in night visits and often enjoyed drinks, light snacks, and desserts. The café offered a special night menu and an enhanced atmosphere with lounge music, live piano music, special decorative lighting, and unique photo opportunities.
This change fulfills the legendary wish of writer Ferenc Molnár, who said at the café’s original opening that it should never close.
The café remains a popular attraction, serving thousands of guests every day and more than a million every year, and is expected to return to Budapest’s nightlife with its nighttime magic during the Christmas holiday season.
The New York Café in Budapest is centrally located, easily accessible by tram or metro. Due to its popularity, it’s advisable to book your table in advance, especially on weekends. Walk-in guests are welcome but may wait 15–30 minutes during peak times.
Tips for visiting the New York Café in Budapest
- Arrive early (before 10 a.m.) or later in the evening to avoid queues.
- Request a table near the main staircase for the best view of the ceiling frescoes.
- Dress smart casual – many guests take photos here.
- Bring your camera – every corner is Instagram-worthy.
- Listen to the live piano – performances run throughout the day.
Combine your visit with a stroll along Andrássy Avenue, or explore nearby landmarks such as the Hungarian State Opera, House of Terror Museum, and Heroes’ Square.
The Hotel behind the Café: Anantara New York Palace
The New York Café in Budapest belongs to the Anantara New York Palace Hotel, one of the city’s most prestigious five-star hotels. The building’s façade blends Italian Renaissance style with Hungarian craftsmanship. Guests staying here enjoy breakfast in the same magnificent hall where artists once discussed literature.
Even if you’re not staying overnight, take a few minutes to admire the hotel’s lobby — a stunning mix of marble staircases, ornate mirrors, and crystal lights that perfectly complement the café’s opulence.
Other famous cafés in Budapest
Budapest is famous for its café culture. Once you’ve visited the New York Café, explore these other gems:
- Gerbeaud Café – a 19th-century icon at Vörösmarty Square
- Centrál Café – intellectual heart of Pest, beloved by journalists
- Művész Café – artistic charm on Andrássy Avenue
- Hadik Café – Bohemian and intimate, near Gellért Hill
Together, they form the soul of Budapest’s coffeehouse tradition, but none rival the grandeur of the New York Café in Budapest.
FAQ – New York Café in Budapest, Hungary
Where exactly is the New York Café in Budapest located?
It’s inside the Anantara New York Palace Hotel, Erzsébet körút 9–11, near Blaha Lujza Square, Budapest, Hungary.
Why is the New York Café in Budapest so famous?
It’s widely regarded as the most beautiful café in the world, featuring golden frescoes, marble columns, and a historic atmosphere.
Can I visit without staying at the hotel?
Yes, the café is open to everyone — locals and tourists alike.
Do I need a reservation?
Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are also welcome outside peak hours.
What is the average price range?
Coffee €7–8, desserts €10–15, and main courses €20–25.
Is there live music?
Yes, a pianist performs daily, adding a romantic touch to your experience.
Can I take photos inside?
Of course! Photography is encouraged — the café is one of Budapest’s most photographed locations.
Final Thoughts: Experience the Magic of the New York Café in Budapest
The New York Café in Budapest is not just another stop on a tourist map — it’s a celebration of art, architecture, and history. Every visit feels like stepping into a painting, surrounded by chandeliers, marble, and the soft sound of piano notes echoing through time.
It’s a place where writers once dreamed, where today’s travellers fall in love, and where coffee becomes part of a story that began more than a century ago.
If you’re planning your trip to Hungary’s capital, make sure the New York Café in Budapest is at the top of your list. You’ll leave not only with beautiful photos but also with a deep appreciation for Budapest’s cultural soul.