Take a Break for Coffee and Cake
In the first half of the twentieth century, if you wanted to track down well-known writers, poets and painters, it made more sense to enquire about their regular coffee house (kávéház) than their actual address. Today, this institution is being revived, Budapest is full of dark corners and grand halls - a haven for idlers and thinkers. Take the time to enjoy a cup of coffee and choose from an extensive array of delicious home-made cakes and pastries. Traditional favourites include the Gerbeaud on Vörösmarty tér, Ruszwurm in the Castle District, the Centrál Kávéház near Ferenciek tere, and the Művész Kávéház opposite the State Opera House. If you have a sweet tooth, you will find it almost impossible to walk past the Sziget Cukrászda opposite the Vígszinház (Comedy Theatre) on Szent István körút or Hauer on Rákóczi út, near Blaha Lújza tér. For something a little more down-to-earth, check out one of the city’s many presszós – Bambi Presszó is the pick of the bunch – like entering a socialist time warp.
Budapest Cafés
After a day of intensive sightseeing or soaking in a mineral bath, do as Budapesters do and unwind over strong coffee and sweet cake in an old, cosy café. There were more than 400 coffeehouses in Budapest at the turn of the 20th century, attracting everyone from soldiers and aristocrats to poets and actors, and some of the best are still in business today.
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