11 must-visit coffee shops in Budapest

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Hungary’s queen city of Budapest is not only famous for its Neo-Gothic architecture, stunning basilicas, and a dramatic skyline along the picturesque Danube. 

With Hungarian youngsters’ growing fetish for craft coffee and old-timers’ robust love affair with traditional caffeinated drinks, it is not unusual to see traditional cafes and specialty coffee shops within a city block. 

So, the next time you visit Budapest and have a caffeine itch, you may want to check out these 11 must-visit coffee shops in the city.

1. Espresso Embassy Budapest

If you’re a fan of specialty coffee, Espresso Embassy is the one to visit. A favorite of the trendy coffee-drinking crowd, this coffee shop serves the most exciting pour-over coffees using their vintage Hario V60. 

If you prefer the rich crema of a traditional espresso, you can always expect their Victoria Arduino commercial espresso machine to bring you to espresso fantasy land. 

There are delectable treats, too, that feature plant-based ingredients that tickle your senses and make you want to get another cup.

2. Dorado Café

With its cordial, warm, and welcoming atmosphere, it is not surprising many travelers and coffee connoisseurs flock to Dorado every day. It is the perfect coffee getaway for a quick shot while marveling at the city’s historic Jewish Quarter. 

Expect your pour-over coffee to be as strong and bold as you like, while the espresso is as rich and velvety as those served in five-star restaurants.

And if you visit Budapest in the summer, Dorado can quench your caffeine thirst with its delectable take on a Hungarian cold brew.

3. Barakó Kávéház

You’ll never guess where this coffee shop sources its rare Liberica coffee beans! Owned by a Filipino-American entrepreneur who made Budapest his home, Barakó Kávéház caters to coffee enthusiasts searching for a unique coffee experience.

Liberica has exceptional flavors – a blend of ripe berries and nutty chocolate with hints of spices and floral scents. The coffee you drink here has a smooth dark chocolatey taste that lingers in your mouth.

It may be a thimble-sized café, but the Barako more than lives up to its name. It wows Budapest’s coffee-loving crowd.

4. The Goat Herder

Located outside Budapest’s hip party district is a quaint coffee shop teeming with coeds from nearby universities. 

The Goat Herder is an excellent specialty coffee house with a characteristic British charm and elegance. It partners with a local roaster to give them the most aromatic and most flavorful coffee beans you can ever imagine.

Check out their bircher muesli to start your day. Don’t worry about the barista not being able to communicate with you. He’s well-versed in English.

5. Tamp & Pull

Baristas all over Budapest always recommend Tamp & Pull to anyone who considers himself a true coffee connoisseur. This coffee shop is one of the pioneers of the specialty coffee shop revolution in the city.

Known for its fascinating espressos and magical pour-overs, Tamp & Pull can make you forget the coffee styles your Nespresso machine makes.

This coffee shop uses only the best coffee beans it can source at any one time. You can enjoy Brazilian coffee beans today and Honduran varieties on your next visit.

6. My Little Melbourne Coffee & Brew Bar

Smacked in the middle of the tourist-heavy and fashionable Jewish Quarter is My Little Melbourne. Despite its name, there is nothing minuscule about this coffee shop.

Known for its big and bold coffee flavors, My Little Melbourne is a Budapest favorite. It has a large cult following that bespeaks its coffee-making excellence.

They’ve got AeroPress, Chemex, V60, and other phenomenal coffee-making technologies to deliver world-class coffee straight to your table.

7. Massolit Books & Cafe

There is no better way to enjoy a delicious cup of espresso than rediscovering the joys of reading age-old books and periodicals.

Massolit features more than 20,000 titles, mostly in contemporary and classic literature. They have fully furnished back rooms where you can immerse yourself in reading your favorite title or getting carried away by the wonderful coffee aroma. 

If you time your visit, you can even partake in their exhibitions.

8. Kelet Kavezo es Galeria

If you’re into art galleries or a big fan of people-watching, the Kelet offers a nice spot while enjoying their surprisingly delicious coffee creations. 

With walls of books and an open view of the bustling city Bartok Bela Boulevard, relishing the addicting smell of coffee can make your stay even more meaningful.

Highly recommended is their Turkish coffee. There’s matcha, sencha, and oolong, too. And if you’re in for a good glass of wine or mug of beer, Kelet can serve your whims as well.

9. Kontakt Budapest

A haven for coffee purists, Kontakt only makes bold and robust coffee. Their creations are not for those who prefer different coffee styles or sugar-laced caffeinated beverages. Milk is also a big no-no.

Kontakt’s philosophy lies in the belief that only the purest coffee can provide you with all the aromatic and rich goodness of world-class coffee.

Get ready to partake in a coffee discovery like no other as you sip the purest coffee alongside smartphone-glued customers and Santa Claus-bearded staff.

10. Walzer Café

Budapest’s Castle district is not only famous for its astonishing architecture and rich history. It is also home to the Walzer Cafe, a quirky watering hole for coffee lovers who want a quick shot any time of day.

It has a warm atmosphere and colorful aesthetics that make coffee drinking more relaxed. They even have a small activity area for kids, perfect while you stay focused on drinking your coffee.

11. Madal Café Specialty Kavezo es Barista

You haven’t tasted all of Budapest’s best coffees without trying Madal’s signature offerings. The coffee shop has three stores from Ferenciek tere in the south to Hollan End u in the north.

If you need a cozy place to enjoy your coffee, Its south store is the one to visit. It has nooks and crannies perfect for the solo traveler who wants an uninterrupted coffee drinking experience.

The best part about this specialty coffee shop is that they use seasonal harvest coffee beans. Their pour-over coffees and espresso-based drinks are worth it.

With the lovely and historically rich city giving you all the right reasons to enjoy your stay, having a hot cup of delicious coffee every once in a while can make your vacation all the more worthwhile. So, be sure to check out these 11 must-visit coffee shops in Budapest on your next adventure to this beautiful metropolis.