Introduction to Recommended Budapest Café Styles & Floor Plans of Budapest Cafés

Written/Compiled & Reported by MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Net, Chen Guanxin

Hidden among the streets of Budapest are always a few nostalgic cafés. Some of these century-old establishments are luxurious and opulent, while others maintain their traditional appearance. No matter what, the cake cabinets in these cafés are always filled with dozens of dazzling pastries. These pastries more or less still exude a faint Eastern European flavor, differing somewhat from typical Western European desserts. Nevertheless, they also offer a glimpse into the Hungarian penchant for sweets. While traveling between attractions, take some time to find a café, enjoy a coffee, and savor a dessert—you might discover another side of Budapest.

The aroma of coffee from century-old cafés wafts through the air, carrying with it the historical memories and cultural essence of Budapest. (Photo provided by MOOK Editorial Department)

Budapest – Ruszwurm Cukrászda

The small shopfront of Ruszwurm Cukrászda is always packed with pilgrim-like tourists. Located next to Matthias Church, it’s a must-visit spot for anyone touring Castle Hill.

This pastry shop, which has been in business since 1827, sells not only unforgettable pastries but also nearly two hundred years of Budapest’s pastry culture. The founder, Ferenc Schwabl, passed away just three years after opening the shop, and it was taken over by Lénárt Richter, who married his widow. The current look of the shop has been preserved since Richter’s management. The interior features cherrywood cabinets, and the walls are lined with cherrywood glass display cases housing many commemorative treasures—two-hundred-year-old pastry model figures. Even the two cake display cabinets are made of quaint wooden cabinets, showcasing the romantic charm of Bohemia from a century ago.

Since Ruszwurm Cukrászda started as a pastry shop, it offers up to 50 types of pastries. Famous ones include Tiroli Rétés (Tyrolean Strudel), Ruszwurm Krémes (Ruszwurm Cream Cake), Eszterházi Torta (Eszterházy Cake), and Dobos Torta (Dobos Sponge Layer Cake). When ordering cakes, it’s best to squeeze up to the glass cabinet and tell the attendant directly—they’ll kindly bring your cake to your table.

[Info] Address: Szentháromság u. 7

Phone: 01-375-5284

Transport: Take Metro Line 2 to Moszkva tér Station, then transfer to the Castle Hill Bus (Várbusz)

Ruszwurm Cukrászda sells not just exceptionally flavored pastries, but also the essence of nearly 200 years of Budapest’s pastry culture. (Photo provided by MOOK Editorial Department)

Pest – Café Gerbeaud

The legendary Gerbeaud is one of the most famous cafés in Europe. Its location in Budapest is excellent, and the stream of tourists drawn here can only be described as “pouring in.”

Café Gerbeaud was founded in 1858 by Henrik Kugler. By 1990, it had already gained great renown and underwent renovation in 1997. Facing Mihály Vörösmarty tér, the café has dozens of outdoor tables and chairs, while the interior boasts a luxurious and retro design. From crystal chandeliers and furniture to red curtains, everything showcases the grandeur of this century-old establishment. Its signature offerings include Eszterházi torta (Eszterházy Cake), Dobos Torta (Dobos Sponge Layer Cake), various cream pastries, homemade chocolates, and ice cream. It also serves light meals such as sandwiches and salads, which are especially popular with female visitors.

[Info]

Address: Vörösmarty tér 7

Phone: 01-429-9000

Transport: Take Metro Line 1 to Vörösmarty tér Station

With a history of over a hundred years, Café Gerbeaud’s signature Eszterházi torta and Dobos Torta are favorites among women. (Photo provided by MOOK Editorial Department)

Pest – Művész Kávéház

Located on Andrássy Avenue, Művész Kávéház, which means “Artists’ Café” in Chinese, is close to the Opera House. As a result, young people in Budapest often compare it to Parisian cafés.

Upon closer inspection, Művész Kávéház does indeed have a somewhat similar vibe. The café’s lavish decor, along with its high ceilings, hanging crystal chandeliers, and marble tables, plus the many tables and chairs placed at the entrance, create a unique Parisian café culture where “pedestrians and customers gaze at each other.”

The café offers a wide selection of pastries, and there’s also a detailed menu available for tourists who don’t understand Hungarian. In addition to coffee and cakes, it also serves a variety of delicious ice creams, which is one of Művész Kávéház’s specialties.

[Info]

Address: Andrássy út 29

Phone: 01-352-1337

Transport: Take Metro Line 1 to Opera Station, a 5-minute walk away

This “Artists’ Café” is not just about coffee and cakes—its ice cream is also not to be missed. (Photo provided by MOOK Editorial Department)

Pest Central

Café Central was first opened in 1887. Due to its location in the cultural heart of Budapest, surrounded by numerous cultural institutions such as newspapers and publishing houses, it quickly became a favorite among the city's intellectuals at the time.

In 1913, the café underwent renovation. Over the years, it survived the economic hardships of World War II by adapting—selling Italian espresso, selling paprika, and even operating as a cafeteria for university students. It wasn’t until the year 2000 that it was restored to its current appearance.

The high-ceilinged café is divided into two levels. Though not overly ornate, it gives off a simple yet nostalgic vibe. Today, Café Central has evolved into a place that also serves meals. Of course, you can still visit in the afternoon to enjoy a quiet moment of Budapest’s charm. It is perhaps the least tourist-crowded among the traditional cafés in the city.

[info]

Address: Károlyi Mihály u. 9

Phone: 01-266-2110

Transport: Take metro line 3 and get off at Ferenciek tere station; the café is about a 5-minute walk away

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A simple meal paired with a cup of coffee allows you to quietly savor the afternoon in Budapest. (Image provided by Magnum Editorial Department)