Looking for the best coffee shops in Budapest? Discover the TOP 5 Budapest cafes that offer quality espresso, solid bites and treats, and a friendly atmosphere.
If you’ve been following Abroad with Ash for some time, you will have already figured out that it’s a given I will search for the best coffee shops and cafes in every city I visit. Budapest was no exception…and I have to say…I was very impressed with the selection.
I searched the city to find the best coffee shops in Budapest that offer quality espresso, friendly service, good prices, and nice atmosphere. I’ve made sure my selection offers locations throughout the city so that no matter where your itinerary takes you, you will have an excellent coffee shop option nearby.
One thing you will find especially rewarding is the low price point at these Budapest cafes. Hungary is still on the Hungarian Forint and prices are very very low. An oat milk latte easily costs me over $5 in the US, which is why I rarely order them. I was in heaven when my bill usually hovered in the $2.50 to $3.50 range. Jake and I could easily stay under $10 with two coffees and two pastries.
If you’re a coffee addict like me, you will thoroughly appreciate the coffee scene here. These Budapest coffee shops check all the boxes and might even entice you to move to this delightful city with how affordable it is.
Photo: Nikolett Schreiber
1. Espresso Embassy
One of the best coffee shops in Budapest for atmosphere and ample space
Espresso Embassy is easily one of my favorite coffee shops in Budapest. I actually visited several times and decided I would quickly become a regular if I lived here. This Budapest coffee shop has it all. The coffee and loose-leaf tea are high quality, the pastry selection is too good to pass up, and the atmosphere is the biggest selling point. Exposed brick vaulted ceilings and warm lighting give this cafe a cozy atmosphere.
There are plenty of tables, chairs, benches, and counters, along with electric plugs and reliable WIFI…which makes this a popular place to work or study. There is a continuous flow of patrons and the place is packed on the weekends with friends catching up and families taking a coffee and pastry break. If you like background noise Espresso Embassy will fit the bill…if you prefer a quiet atmosphere you better stick to weekdays or try one of the other coffee shops in Budapest mentioned below.
Go early if you want the full pastry selection. The pastries are delivered fresh each morning and sell out fairly quick. Especially the croissants. The pistachio croissant and chocolate pinwheel are exceptionally good. The pecan pie is very popular and not too sweet or gooey like it is the US. Really, you can’t go wrong with whatever you order.
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2. Dorado Cafe
The best coffee shop in Budapest for a calm, quiet, and cozy atmosphere
Dorado Cafe was another Budapest coffee shop that warranted several visits. Where Espresso Embassy is a nice option when you like background noise and bustling atmosphere, Dorado Cafe always had a chill and cozy atmosphere. This is the perfect place to work or study as it’s usually pretty quiet. There is a large shared table along with a few smaller tables and chairs. WIFI and plugs are available for those with laptops.
The prices are also a bit cheaper here compared to Espresso Embassy. A flat white is around $2.45 and espresso $1.47. Choose from loose-leaf tea, hot chocolate that isn’t too sweet, and a variety of plant-based milks for your cortado or latte.
A variety of baked good and pastries are available including a delicious lemon poppyseed bread. Try a slice of Flódni, a traditional Hungarian pastry that layers poppyseed, plum jam, walnuts, and apple.
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Photo: Bloom Coffee
3. Bloom coffee
The is the only coffee shop on this list that is on the Buda side of Budapest. After you’ve had your fill of snapping pictures at Fisherman’s Bastion, walk downhill five minutes and you will find yourself at the cutest little cafe. Bloom Coffee makes for a cozy break while exploring the Buda side of town. Not only is the coffee made with a smile but there are also several healthy food options if you need a break from pastries. Try the acai bowl or the overnight oats topped with berries.
I was pleasantly surprised at the low prices given the desirable location close to the river and Fisherman’s Bastion. $2.50 for the overnight oats, $2.00 banana bread, and $3.20 for a large grilled chicken panini. Several brewing methods are available for your coffee including aeropress and V60 and alternative milks are available.
Photo: Madal Cafe
4. Madal CafE
One of the best coffee shops in Budapest for vegan bites
Madal Cafe was started in 2013 and has established quite the following with locals and tourists. Now offering three locations, Madal Cafe is a solid choice for expertly crafted drinks and quality espresso. They feature their own beans which they roast every week at their micro roastery right in Budapest. You’ll find a wide selection of loose-leaf tea, espresso drinks, and filtered coffee along with pastries including vegan and gluten free options. Their vegan energy balls are the perfect bite sized snack to go with your espresso.
All three cafes are located on the Pest side and within a five-minute walk from the river. Head to the café on Alkotmány if you’re looking for a coffee shop with some vegan menu items like pasta, wraps, and sandwiches. This is a convenient coffee break before or after your Parliament tour as it’s right down the street.
The Ferenciek cafe is my favorite location and also one of the most ideally located Budapest coffee shops. It’s next to two major metro stops. A one-minute walk from Ferenciek (line M3) and five minutes from Astoria (line M2). This is one of the best coffee shops in Budapest for a shopping break as it’s minutes away from the most popular pedestrian shopping street, Vaci. Fortunately, Madal Cafe’s ideal location doesn’t mean steep prices. Prices are the same here as many coffee shops in Budapest. $2.75 for a flat white and $2.60 for loose-leaf tea.
The Ferenciek location makes good use of their space with a second story balcony overlooking the main floor. Counter space wraps the entire balcony…ideal for laptop users. A few tables and chairs line the wall on the first floor, and if the weather is nice, there is seating outside as well.
Head to Madal’s third coffee shop on Hollán if you’re planning to hop over to Margaret Island. This location is better for studying or working since it’s a tad outside the main tourist areas and therefore more relaxed.
5. 9Bar
The best Budapest coffee shop for low prices and a light breakfast
9Bar has a definite hipster feel about it with the exposed brick walls and random decorations like a tandem bike and legos. If you’re looking for a cheap and delicious breakfast this Budapest coffee shop is for you! Grab a yogurt and muesli bowl for $2.75, quiche of the day for $3.30, or a large avocado and cheese sandwich for $3.60. Two people can easily have breakfast and coffee for under $15 at 9Bar. Everything Jake and I had was delicious, especially the quiche.
Alternative milks are available, the WIFI is fast, and the service is friendly. Only cash (both Euros and Hungarian Forints) is accepted.
Honorable Mention - CafE Frei
One of the best coffee shops in Budapest for variety and international offerings
Café Frei gets an honorable mention for the wide variety of drinks they offer. Drinks are organized according to country. Try a Kyoto plum cream coffee, Costa Rica coconut macchiato, Spanish cinnamon cortado, Aztec chili espresso, or Swiss drinking chocolate (amazing). There are even shakes and coffee inspired cocktails to choose from. The menu will take at least ten minutes to go through. If unique combinations are your thing, you’ll love this place. If you prefer traditional, small menu coffee shops…go with one of the five options above.
The place is usually busy and is better suited for a quick drink or to hang out with friends versus coming with your laptop and hoping to work. It gets pretty noisy with how tightly packed the tables are. If you want a fancy drink with multiple ingredients or a coffee inspired cocktail, you won’t be disappointed at Café Frei.
I hope this list of the 5 BEST coffee shops in Budapest keeps you energized during your sightseeing! These are all solid options for a coffee and snack break with ideal locations, friendly service, and a warm atmosphere.
See my other coffee shops blog posts!
Are you a local or have you visited Budapest? Tell me which you spots you think should make the list of the best coffee shops in Budapest in the comments below!
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