New York Cafe
Step into a gilded palace at the New York Cafe, Budapest's opulent 1894 coffee house famed for its breathtaking frescoes and chandeliers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better chance of seating
New York Cafe
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better chance of seating
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into a gilded palace at the New York Cafe, Budapest's opulent 1894 coffee house famed for its breathtaking frescoes and chandeliers.
"It truly is one of the most beautiful interiors I have ever seen."
Skip the Long Queues
Arrive early morning or late afternoon. Some suggest booking via @lastminute.com for immediate seating.
Consider Drinks Over Meals
Many find food overpriced. Enjoy coffee/cake as an 'entrance fee' for the stunning interior.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Palatial Interior
Main dining hall
Step into a gilded palace with frescoed ceilings, marble columns, and crystal chandeliers. It's a feast for the eyes!
Live Music Performances
Main dining hall
Enjoy the ambiance enhanced by live piano or opera performances, adding a touch of elegance to your visit.
Grand Hungarian Breakfast
Main dining hall
Indulge in a traditional Hungarian breakfast, a hearty option that's a popular choice among visitors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Costs
Manage Expectations for Food & Service
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Skip the Long Queues
Arrive early morning or late afternoon. Some suggest booking via @lastminute.com for immediate seating.
Consider Drinks Over Meals
Many find food overpriced. Enjoy coffee/cake as an 'entrance fee' for the stunning interior.
Embrace the Ambiance
Don't rush! Admire frescoes, enjoy live music, and soak in the palace-like atmosphere.
Check for Service Charge
A 15% service charge is often included, so factor this into your bill.
Tips
from all over the internet
Skip the Long Queues
Arrive early morning or late afternoon. Some suggest booking via @lastminute.com for immediate seating.
Consider Drinks Over Meals
Many find food overpriced. Enjoy coffee/cake as an 'entrance fee' for the stunning interior.
Embrace the Ambiance
Don't rush! Admire frescoes, enjoy live music, and soak in the palace-like atmosphere.
Check for Service Charge
A 15% service charge is often included, so factor this into your bill.
Alternative Nearby Gem
If queues are too long, Parisi Passage Cafe or Parisi Udvar offer stunning architecture too.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The New York Cafe is undeniably a visually spectacular experience, often hailed as the most beautiful cafe in the world for its opulent, palace-like interior. Visitors are captivated by the frescoes, chandeliers, and grand atmosphere, often enhanced by live music. However, many find the food and service to be underwhelming and overpriced, with long queues being a common deterrent.
"I did not have an intention to visit this place (but I did know about it beforehand), however, I arrived in Budapest earlier than planned (around 8AM), it was raining, and I stumbled upon this venue by chance. There was no queue at the entrance, so I decided to give it a go. I was seated promptly, as there were several small tables that were empty (but the place itself was getting filled rather quickly). I already knew this place was very expensive, and upon checking out the menu, I decided to order 'Hungarian breakfast' instead of a cappuccino, as it seemed to me as a better choice, given that a cappuccino is only several euros cheaper that the breakfast. The breakfast itself did not taste bad, but it was very, very small, only one egg and a tiny sausage (I would give the breakfast 2.5/5). The service was not the quickest there is, but since I was in no rush, I did not mind waiting. The bill included a 15% service charge, which I find strange, given that I'm sure there are many people who do not find the service a high point of this experience, and are still forced to pay for it. The place itself is stunning, of course. At one point, a pianist started playing, and I thoroughly enjoyed the music and the atmosphere. I felt I made a really good decision giving this place a chance. As I was finishing my breakfast, there was already a queue forming at the entrance. Overall, I would recommend going to this place, expecting that the service will take its time, skipping the food, ordering just drinks knowing that the price you are paying for the drinks is sort of an entrance fee for enjoying a mesmerising interior (and if you're lucky - some live music). Best advice is to enter with very low expectations, and not only you won't be disappointed, but you may get pleasantly surprised as I was!"
Ji Ji
"Claro 💙 Aquí tienes un review formal, claro y con tono profesional, pensado para que lo lean y lo tomen en serio en Google, TripAdvisor o similares. Está equilibrado: reconoce lo positivo, pero deja muy claro el problema.
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⭐️⭐️ (2/5)
The place is absolutely beautiful — the architecture, ambiance, and overall aesthetic are truly stunning and create high expectations. Unfortunately, the experience did not live up to the setting.
The service was extremely disappointing. Staff appeared inattentive, unprofessional, and at times dismissive. Basic hospitality standards were not met, which significantly impacted the overall experience.
The food was equally underwhelming. The dishes lacked flavor, balance, and care in execution, especially considering the prices and the elegance of the venue. What was served did not reflect the quality one would expect from such a beautiful and seemingly refined establishment.
It is truly unfortunate when a place with so much potential falls short due to poor service and subpar food. With better staff training and a stronger focus on culinary quality, this venue could match its impressive surroundings. As it stands, the beauty alone is not enough to justify the experience"
MARIA OFELIA MIRABAL
"The building design is honestly beyond words. It is a massive, stunning space that feels more like a palace than a coffee house. Even if you’ve seen photos, being there in person is a completely different, "super special" experience. It truly is one of the most beautiful interiors I have ever seen.
While I haven’t dined in many Michelin-starred restaurants, the quality of food here felt like it was on that level
I tried the famous gold latte. It’s certainly expensive and looks amazing for photos, but taste-wise, it was just a good cup of coffee—nothing revolutionary, but enjoyable nonetheless.
If there is one downside, it’s the seating arrangement. Despite there being several empty tables in the main, more ornate sections, we were seated in a less desirable area. It felt a bit disconnected from the main splendor, which was a shame given how much space was actually available.
A wonderful surprise was the live music. We had the chance to listen to an opera singer perform live.
Overall It is a pricey experience, but for the combination of "Michelin-style" food and the sheer beauty of the architecture, it is worth it."
Anastasia Ciobanu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
New York Cafe is centrally located on Erzsébet körút 9-11. You can easily reach it by public transport, including trams (e.g., lines 4, 6) and metro lines. It's a short walk from several major stops.
Yes, it's a well-known landmark and easily accessible. Many visitors find it a convenient stop while exploring Budapest's city center.
If you're short on time, consider visiting very early or late to avoid queues. Alternatively, explore nearby architectural marvels like Parisi Udvar if time is extremely limited.
Street parking can be challenging in this busy area. It's generally recommended to use public transport or a taxi to reach the cafe.
Depending on your starting point, it can be a pleasant walk. It's relatively close to areas like the Jewish Quarter and Andrássy Avenue.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Reservations are not strictly required, but expect long queues, especially during peak hours. Some users suggest booking via platforms like @lastminute.com for quicker entry.
The cafe is typically open daily from morning until late evening. It's best to check their official website for the most current hours, as they can vary.
There is no direct entrance fee, but prices for food and drinks are significantly higher than average, effectively acting as a cover charge for the experience.
Wait times can range from 20 minutes to over an hour, particularly in the afternoon. Visiting early morning or late evening can significantly reduce your wait.
While you can enter to look around, it's generally expected that visitors will order something. The high prices for drinks are often considered the 'entry fee'.
🎫 ☕ Onsite Experience
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer lighting and fewer people in your shots. The interior is stunning at any time, but fewer crowds mean better photo opportunities.
There isn't a strict dress code, but given the opulent setting, many visitors dress smart-casual to match the elegant atmosphere.
It's described as a palace-like, grand, and opulent. Expect live music, intricate decor, and a generally sophisticated vibe.
The stunning ambiance and live music can create a romantic setting, but the potential for crowds and high prices might detract for some.
Absolutely! The cafe is a photographer's dream. Just be mindful of other guests and avoid obstructing service.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
They offer Hungarian cuisine, pastries, cakes, and coffee. The Hungarian breakfast is a popular, albeit small, choice.
Reviews are mixed. Many find the food underwhelming and overpriced for the quality, suggesting it's better to focus on drinks.
The 'gold latte' is visually impressive for photos, though taste-wise it's just a good coffee. Desserts and pastries are also popular choices.
The menu may have limited options. It's advisable to check the current menu or inquire with staff upon arrival for specific dietary needs.
Service can be slow and sometimes inattentive, according to many reviews. A 15% service charge is often included.
📸 📸 Photography
Every corner is photogenic! Focus on the grand chandeliers, ornate ceilings, marble columns, and gilded details.
Casual photography is fine. For professional shoots, it's best to contact the cafe in advance to inquire about their policy and potential fees.
Yes, it can get very crowded, especially around the most iconic spots. Visiting during off-peak hours will give you more space for photos.
Any modern smartphone or camera will do. The natural light and the cafe's own lighting are generally good. Consider a wide-angle lens to capture the scale.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, avoid using flash excessively or blocking pathways and other guests.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the menu might not have extensive kid-specific options, simple pastries or a hot chocolate can be a treat. The live music, if available, can also be a delightful distraction. Remember that prices are high, so budgeting for treats is essential.
💰 Budget Travelers
Alternatively, consider visiting during less busy times to minimize wait and then perhaps enjoying a more affordable meal elsewhere in Budapest. Some travelers suggest nearby cafes like Parisi Passage Cafe as more budget-friendly alternatives that still offer beautiful architecture.
📸 Photographers & Influencers
While casual photography is encouraged, be mindful of other patrons and avoid blocking pathways. For professional shoots or extensive filming, it's advisable to contact the cafe management in advance to discuss their policies and any potential fees.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Grandeur of New York Cafe
The cafe's design was overseen by architects Alfréd Feszty and Gyula Benczúr, who aimed to create a space that was both luxurious and inspiring. The sheer scale and intricate detail of the decor are what draw millions of visitors each year, making it a UNESCO World Heritage site and often dubbed the 'most beautiful cafe in the world'.
Today, it continues to operate as a cafe and restaurant, offering a glimpse into Budapest's golden age. While the experience is undeniably breathtaking, many visitors note that the high prices for food and drinks are a significant factor, with some suggesting it's more of a tourist attraction than a casual cafe.
Navigating the Crowds and Costs
Several travelers have pointed out that the cost of coffee and food is significantly higher than average, with some describing it as a 'tourist trap' or an 'overpriced experience'.
Some visitors have also noted that a 15% service charge is automatically added to the bill, which can be a surprise if not expected.
Culinary Experience vs. Ambiance
However, others have had positive experiences, with some even comparing the food quality to 'Michelin-style' dining.
Live music, often featuring a pianist or opera singer, is a highlight for many, significantly enhancing the atmosphere.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit