Picture a café where patrons visit primarily for the spectacular interior rather than the drinks on offer. A place so magnificent that it draws hordes of Instagram enthusiasts, striking poses for social media acclaim. This describes the New York Café in Budapest, where the sign outside proclaims it as “the most beautiful café in the world.”

It’s genuinely difficult to challenge this claim; this sumptuous 125 year old establishment draws thousands of visitors and photography-obsessed TikTok users who journey to Hungary to admire its extravagant rococo styling featuring marble pillars, breathtaking frescoes, and crystal chandeliers.

Picture entering a setting plucked directly from a magnificent European palace—with ornate frescoes, sparkling chandeliers, and regal marble columns. It’s like stepping through a portal into the lavish Belle Époque period (which translates to the “Beautiful Age” in French).

The New York café enjoys enormous popularity amongst tourists, serving approximately 2,000 customers each day with long queues stretching along the boulevard, reports the Mirror.

Situated on Erzsébet körút Street, the café was initially constructed in 1894 and conceived by Hungarian architect Alajos Hauszmann. It began life as the Hungarian base for the New York Life Insurance Company, whose owners wanted a coffee establishment within their premises.

The café’s interior design was designed by Flóris Korb and Kálmán Giergl, who incorporated Italian Renaissance elements throughout. The ceiling features elaborate frescoes created by artists Gusztav Mannheimer and Ferenc Eisenhut.

Hungarian coffee culture

Throughout the last century, the New York Café in Budapest has undergone numerous transformations. In its heyday, it was the pulsating hub of the city’s literary and artistic scene, frequented by writers, poets, and intellectuals who congregated to exchange ideas and seek inspiration.

The café played a pivotal role in Hungary’s coffeehouses, which was a cornerstone of Budapest’s social and intellectual fabric.

Establishments like the New York Café were the lifeblood of Hungarian coffee culture, where the art of conversation and idea exchange were as valued as the coffee served.

However, the café’s fortunes took a downturn with the advent of World War II and the ensuing years of upheaval. It fell into a state of neglect and even functioned as a sports goods shop for a time.

But that wasn’t the end of the road for this iconic café. In 2006, following an extensive restoration, the New York Café was resurrected, reclaiming its status as a beacon of Budapest’s rich cultural legacy.

The menu at the New York Café offers a blend of Hungarian and international cuisine, exquisite cakes, and freshly brewed coffee. Afternoon tea for two is priced around €72.50, while main dishes range from €23 to €36.

It’s one of the prime spots to sample Hungarian cakes, including Dobos Torte, a traditional Hungarian cake featuring layers of sponge and chocolate buttercream topped with caramel; Sacher Torte, a decadent chocolate cake with a layer of apricot jam; and Opera Cake, comprising layers of almond sponge, coffee buttercream, and chocolate ganache.

The food and drink at this establishment are served with an artistic flair, though opinions vary and the high prices often draw criticism from Trip Advisor reviewers.

For those willing to splurge, their 24-carat gold cappuccino, accompanied by Valrhona chocolate and raspberry cake, offers a lavish start to the day.

The Cafe is nestled within the historic 5* Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel, a majestic accommodation in the heart of Hungary’s capital. This grand building houses a modern hotel with 185 rooms, a cave spa and high-end restaurants.

The 19th-century elegance and Italian Renaissance style have been seamlessly integrated with contemporary features, providing a luxurious stay in the city.

Rooms vary in price and size, ranging from classic and superior to suites, all elegantly adorned with plush Italian furnishings and sleek mod-cons. Their gourmet buffet breakfast is particularly noteworthy, boasting a generous array of locally sourced produce, including pastries, pancakes, cold cuts, cheese, and eggs cooked to order.

Just watch out for the selfie-takers.