Belváros drinking and nightlife

This fabulous, recently relocated cafe is as close as you’ll find in 21st-century Budapest to the old-style intellectual hangouts that were so prevalent and popular under communism and before. Though they do food (d…

Located on the northern side of Pest’s busiest square, Gerbeaud has been the most fashionable meeting place for the city’s elite since 1870. Along with exquisitely prepared cakes and pastries, it serves continental/…

In fair weather this little cafe called the 'Silent Partner' sets up a terrace around the gates of peaceful Károlyi kert and serves coffee, wine and light meals to a carefree crowd. The adjoining takeaway provides t…

A very welcoming watering hole, Good Spirit Bar comes fully stocked with more than 300 types of whisky in its collection, with malts and blends from Scotland to Japan and even Hungary. Mixology lovers can take advan…

Not the original branch of this 'august' 1870 institution, but it is the most central and convenient one. Take a seat within the opulent interior and choose one (or more!) of the delectable cakes on display (690Ft t…

Squeeze into this minute coffee shop (there's just a bar to perch at and tables in the quiet open-air inner courtyard), where you can sample well-poured, Budapest-roasted espresso macchiato, ristretto or nitro cold …

In a small courtyard off lower Váci utca, this is the place to go if you want to sip a soothing blend made by tea-serious staff and relax in a Japanese-style tearoom. You can also sit in the bamboo-filled courtyard …

This grande dame of a traditional cafe dates back to 1887. Awash with leather and dark wood inside, it's also a great spot for people-watching. It serves breakfast (2250Ft to 3250Ft) until 11.30am as well as full me…

Design-led decor and excellent locally roasted coffee make this little cafe, down a tiny pedestrian alleyway, a great place to pause. Go across the road to Szimply Food to fetch breakfast, sandwiches and cakes.

Named after a flaky rolled pastry, this welcoming neighbourhood gay bar on ‘Beautiful St’ (could it be anywhere else?) is a cafe with a tiny mezzanine space upstairs and a small stage.