Budapest is well-known among visitors for many things: beautiful art deco architecture, thermal baths, ruin bars, and its picturesque location on the Danube. What you may not know, however, is that the city has a very strong coffee culture, and plenty of cosy cafés to hole up in – especially during the long, cold winters. Here are some of the highlights.

Massolit Books & Café

Perfect for chatting over a cup of coffee, browsing through old books, or both, this place is a delightfully quiet and peaceful find in Budapest, away from the main tourist strips in the city. They serve excellent coffee made from direct-trade beans, as well as some specialty teas and lovely cakes. Have a look through the wide selection of mostly English-language books for sale, on a wide range of topics including politics, science fiction, gender studies, and more. They occasionally hold book readings and other events here too.

My Little Melbourne

This Australian-style café does some of the best latte art in Budapest. But, don’t let the superficial decoration fool you: the coffee is just as good, if not better! There’s a nice selection of baked goods to accompany your java, as well as multiple copies of gorgeous design and art magazines laying around to peruse at your leisure. It’s also a nice spot for some light breakfast options.

Mozaik Teaház és Kávézó

Come to hang out at this super-cosy café at any time of day. In the morning, take advantage of their generous English breakfast; in the afternoon, stop by for a quick espresso; and later in the evening, you can even enjoy a shisha pipe. The coffee is excellent and they have a large selection of quality teas and infusions. As a bonus for vegans, they have soy milk for hot drinks as well as WiFi!

Kino Cafe

With what is perhaps widely regarded to be the best cheesecake in town, this bright and cheerful café is also a great place to come for breakfast, with a range of egg dishes and delightful, freshly squeezed orange juice. Set over two levels, with friendly staff and generous portions, the atmosphere is cosy and welcoming, and occasionally there is live music in the evenings when the place transforms into an equally cosy bar.

Jedermann Café

A jumble of different styles, this simple, yet somehow hectic jazz café serves delicious coffee as well as full meals later in the day. It’s quite a romantic setting, especially as it transitions from daytime café to nighttime music venue, when local jazz musicians grace the makeshift stage and put on very worthwhile shows. In short: come for the coffee, but stay for the jazz.

Have you ever been to Budapest? If so, what’d you think? If not, would you like to visit? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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