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E x p l o r e t h e w o r l d. B r i n g i t s b e a u t y h o m e.
There are a few things that are absolute musts when you visit Budapest, like the Fisherman’s Bastion. And then there is Budapest’s New York Café. It’s packed with history and art. Then to top it off, you are treated like a king and a queen with top-notch service and the tastiest of tasty ‘delectables’, beautifully presented and professionally served.
It may not be the oldest coffeehouse in Hungary, but it sure is the most beautiful coffeehouse in Hungary. And for that matter, also the most beautiful coffeehouse in the world! And we have the photos to prove it!
Stepping into the New York Café in Budapest feels like entering a gilded time capsule. Often called the world’s most beautiful coffeehouse, it’s a place where history, art, and a touch of theatre come together under frescoed ceilings and glowing chandeliers. This guide walks you through what makes the New York Café so iconic — from its Belle Époque architecture to the experience of visiting today — so you know exactly what to expect before you go.
The New York Café was built by the same architect who redesigned Budapest’s Buda Castle, namely Alajos Hauszmann. A striking architectural feature to look out for is the entrance, guarded by two devilish statues holding lanterns, old symbols of coffee and thought.
Created in the Neo-Renaissance style, the building was meant to host a coffeehouse on the ground floor and to house the New York Life Insurance Company in the rest of the building. Today, the space once occupied by an insurance company has become a sought-after accommodation at the five-star luxury hotel, the Anantara New York Palace, Budapest (you may click the link to view their stunning gallery photos).
Although construction is recorded as having occurred from 1891 to 1895, the coffeehouse opened its doors to the public in 1894. Don’t you just love such preservation of history, right?
Many legendary stories still follow the New York Café. Like, it was THE place to be for young writers spending many hours dreaming and smoking endless cigarettes. They would exchange poems for coffee!
Another narrative is that the famous playwright Ferenc Molnár, of Pál Street Boys fame, was so besotted with the coffeehouse that one night, to prevent them from ever closing their doors, he threw the keys into the Danube!
As colorful as its past, so is it today. We had about 10 minutes of waiting in line, which was offset by appreciating the interior design’s opulence and the mellow piano sounds, perfectly compatible with the smooth, melodious violin sounds that followed during the intervals.
The New York Café sits on the ground floor of a building that now houses a luxury hotel. The upper floors, which originally belonged to the New York Life Insurance Company, have been transformed into a five‑star showpiece. So, the New York Café is literally part of the hotel building, with the restaurant below and the hotel above.
This hotel is stunning. Its Belle Époque grandeur (think chandeliers, fresco-painted ceilings, and marble columns) really makes you feel like you’re stepping into an old-world European palace. It’s one of Budapest’s most photographed buildings and a memorable place to stay or visit.
The New York Café isn’t just a stop on a Budapest itinerary — it’s an experience layered with history, artistry, and a sense of old‑world grandeur that’s rare to find today. Whether you’re drawn by the architecture, the atmosphere, or the stories that still echo through its halls, it’s a place that stays with you long after your visit.
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Have you been to the New York Café, or is it on your list for your next Budapest trip? Share your experience or questions in the comments — your insight helps others searching for the best things to do in Budapest.
Sharing the places I’ve come to love. – Arina ♡
Planning more time in Budapest? Here are a few places you might love exploring next.
Experience Belle Époque glamour at Anantara New York Palace Budapest — a luxury hotel with striking architecture, a walkable Pest‑side location, and easy access to...