The World’s Most Beautiful Café Creates Coffee Sensation – Travel And Tour World

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Café Dubbed ‘Most Beautiful in the World’ Sees Tourists Queuing for Hours

Imagine a cafe where the decor, rather than the coffee, draws the crowds. This is the New York Café in Budapest, a stunning establishment that has become a magnet for Instagram enthusiasts and tourists alike. The bold inscription outside proclaims it as “the most beautiful café in the world,” and it’s hard to disagree.

This opulent 125-year-old café attracts thousands of visitors, all eager to capture its lavish rococo décor featuring marble columns, spectacular frescoes, and crystal chandeliers. Stepping into the New York Café is like entering a grand European palace, reminiscent of the Belle Époque era, complete with intricate frescoes, glittering chandeliers, and majestic marble columns.

A Historical Gem

Located on Erzsébet körút Street, the café was originally built in 1894, designed by Hungarian architect Alajos Hauszmann. It started as the Hungarian headquarters for the New York Life Insurance Company, which wanted a coffee house within the building. The interiors were crafted by Flóris Korb and Kálmán Giergl, infused with an Italian Renaissance flair. The ceilings are adorned with intricate frescoes by artists Gusztav Mannheimer and Ferenc Eisenhut.

Throughout the 20th century, the New York Café underwent various transformations. During its golden age, it was the hub of Budapest’s literary and artistic community, frequented by writers, poets, and intellectuals who gathered to share ideas and find inspiration. The café played a significant role in Hungary’s coffeehouse culture, where conversation and the exchange of ideas were as important as the coffee itself.

Restoration and Revival

The café’s fortunes changed with World War II and the subsequent decades of turmoil, leading to its decline and even use as a sporting goods store at one point. However, in 2006, after a meticulous restoration, the New York Café was reborn, regaining its status as a symbol of Budapest’s rich cultural heritage.

Today, the New York Café welcomes around 2,000 customers daily, with long lines often snaking down the boulevard. The menu features a mix of Hungarian and international dishes, fancy cakes, and freshly brewed coffee. Afternoon tea for two costs around €72.50, and main courses range from €23 to €36. It’s one of the best places to try Hungarian cakes, including Dobos Torte, Sacher Torte, and Opera Cake.

For those willing to splurge, the café offers a 24-carat gold cappuccino, served with Valrhona chocolate and raspberry cake, for a decadent start to the day.

Inside the Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel

The café is housed within the historic 5-star Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel, a grandiose stay in the heart of Hungary’s capital. This palatial building blends 19th-century splendour with contemporary luxury, featuring 185 rooms, a cave spa, and upscale restaurants. Rooms range from classic and superior to suites, all decked out with plush Italian furnishings and modern conveniences. The hotel’s gourmet buffet breakfast, with a lavish spread of locally sourced produce, is particularly impressive.

Final Thoughts

If you don’t mind splashing the cash, the New York Café offers an unforgettable experience, blending historical grandeur with modern luxury. Just be prepared for the crowds and the Instagrammers!