New York Café in Budapest: Worth It or Just Overrated?

When you think about world-renowned cafés, cities like Paris or Vienna probably come to mind. But Budapest is home to one of the most famous ones too, the New York Café.

Often called the “most beautiful café in the world,” it’s known for its grand interior. Naturally, I had to see it for myself.

So, is the New York Café in Budapest worth visiting?

In my opinion, not really, unless you’re going purely for the architecture or a quick photo. While the interior is undeniably stunning, the long queues and overall experience left me a bit underwhelmed.

Here’s what my visit was actually like.

Is the New York Café Worth It?

• Worth it if: you want to see the interior and take photos in one of the most beautiful cafés in the world
• Not worth it if: you’re looking for a relaxed café experience, good value for money, or want to avoid crowds

The interior is undeniably stunning, but the long queues, high prices, and overall experience made it feel more like a tourist attraction than a place I’d visit again.

Personally, I wouldn’t go back, there are much better ways to spend your time (and money) in Budapest.

My Experience at the Café

As beautiful and famous as the New York Café is, my visit left me a bit underwhelmed.

From the outside, the building blends in more than expected. But once you step inside (after waiting in line), the “wow” moment hits, the interior really is stunning, with gold details everywhere and a ceiling that feels more like a museum than a café.

At first, I was impressed.

But that feeling didn’t last long.

We ended up in the least impressive part of the café, without the grand ceiling. Instead of feeling elegant, it felt surprisingly ordinary.

We only ordered drinks, which were fine but definitely overpriced. It felt like you’re paying for the setting rather than the experience.

There’s usually live music, but there was none during our visit.

In the end, it felt more like ticking off a famous attraction in Budapest than actually enjoying a great café. And for me, that’s why it didn’t live up to the hype.

Pros and Cons of the New York Café in Budapest

Tips for Visiting the New York Café in Budapest

• Expect long queues: it’s one of the most popular spots in Budapest, and during the day you can’t reserve a table, so you’ll likely have to wait
• It’s first come, first served: reservations are only possible for dinner
• Prices are high for Budapest: expect to pay around €12 for a coffee and €10–15 for cake. Even water costs €8! You can check the full menu here.
• You’re paying for the setting: the drinks and food are fine, but the main highlight is the interior
• No strict dress code: despite the elegant setting, most people dress casually
• Walk around a bit: each room looks slightly different, so it’s worth taking a few minutes to explore
• There’s some history behind it: the café dates back to 1894 and was once a meeting place for writers and artists
• Consider alternatives for food: if you’re looking for a great meal (especially vegan), there are better options elsewhere in Budapest
• Tip the musicians: if there’s live music during your visit, it’s customary to leave a small tip

Beautiful Cafés in Budapest Worth Visiting Instead

If there’s one thing Budapest does really well, it’s cafés.

And while the New York Café might be the most famous one, it’s definitely not the only place where you can enjoy a beautiful setting and a good coffee at the same time.

After visiting, I couldn’t help but feel that there are better options in the city, places that still have that elegant, historic atmosphere, but feel more relaxed and less like a tourist attraction.

So if you’re looking for a beautiful café experience in Budapest, I’d honestly recommend exploring a few different places instead of spending your time waiting in line at just one.

I’ve put together a guide to the most beautiful cafés in Budapest, where you can find places that combine stunning interiors with a much more enjoyable overall experience.

Read more about Budapest:

• 20 Absolute Best Things to Do in Budapest Hungary
• 17 Unbelievable Free Things to Do in Budapest
• 17 Truly Unusual Things to Do in Budapest
• 3 Days in Budapest Itinerary: What to See & Do
• I tried the 4 Best Thermal Baths Budapest
• 10 Best Fully Vegan Restaurants in Budapest
• 3 Best Budapest Tours from Vienna
• Is Budapest Worth Visiting? 10 Reasons Why I Love It
• Best Souvenirs from Budapest to Remember Your Trip
• 15 Best Budapest Instagram Spots to Capture Your Trip
• How to Get to Margaret Island Budapest: Easy Ways
• Ultimate Thai Massage Budapest Guide
• New York Café in Budapest: Is It Really Worth It?
• Is Budapest Cheap? Yes, But Not as Much as It Once Was
• Belgrade to Budapest by Bus: The WORST Journey
• Hungary

Pin it for later: