When you want to get some work done, it’s essential to have a place you can focus. I know coworking spaces are all the rage, but give me a sunny cafe and a fortifying cappuccino any day. But not just any cafe! We’ve all worked in enough bad ones to know what we genuinely need: reliable wifi, plentiful outlets, and generous table space–not to mention excellent coffee.
Budapest’s cafe culture has resulted in some solid options in the Hungarian capital! With the rise of digital nomads in Budapest, it’s no wonder more and more people are looking for modern cafes where they can enjoy delicious coffee at a reasonable price while getting work done. Here are a few of my favorites!
1. Arch & Beans
Arch & Beans is a remote worker’s haven in the center of the city. Although it’s just near the bustling hub of Astoria, its cavernous space still ends up being a surprisingly quiet oasis. Rows of communal tables and smaller workstations mean you likely won’t have to struggle to find a spot to settle down and get to work–fueled by their delicious coffee and sandwiches, of course!
2. Meron
Even after the first time coming here, I was hooked! Aside from having one of the best chai lattes in the city, I love how Meron gets absolutely drenched in natural light. The addition of a back room means that there’s even more space to spread out and get down to work (even thought it’s a little sparse on outlets back there). It’s located just behind the Arany János metro stop, making it accessible anywhere you are in the city. And remember–Meron is a no laptop space on weekends–but it’s definitely still worth it to swing by for a coffee!
3. Ohana
Ohana means family–nobody gets left behind! I like to call Ohana the “living room” of the 5th district, because they really do make you feel like home when you’re there. Although relatively new, they’ve become quite popular just because they are so friendly (and because of their delicious coffee, of course). Ohana is quite accessible as well–just a 1 minute walk from either the #2 or 4/6 trams. If you’re lucky, you can grab a window seat and watch the world go by as you get your work tasks done!
4. Itt Várlak
This stylish café is one of my favorite working cafes in Budapest simply because of all of the space! It’s light and bright, and they get their baked goods from Nor/Ma, so you know they’re going to be delicious. Located just north of Liberty Square, you can settle into one of the wicker chairs and marble tables and work to your heart’s content.
5. SixLetter Coffee Co.
Six Letter is a bright, open space with tall ceilings and lots of natural light. I love grabbing a seat on the long green velvet booth and getting work done! If you’d like to work with others or have a meeting, there’s a meeting room upstairs that can be reserved.
What I appreciate about Six Letter is its varied menu. Budapest cafes aren’t like I’m used to in the States–with syrups and sauces and sprinkles everywhere–they usually keep to the classics. But Six Letter expands a little, with matcha and turmeric lattes being some of their staples–and they have a hearty brunch menu as well.
6. Központ
Központ means “center”, and on the weekend it definitely feels like the center of activity. A multifaceted space, it’s a calm cafe by day and alt-music favorite bar by night, just off of Madách Imre út.
It may be tempting to close your laptop and snag a window seat to enjoy a beer, but when you’re ready to work, I appreciate that Központ has lots of space and lots of tables. Head upstairs for extra privacy, or stay downstairs to watch the city go by. They often have at least one vegan treat on offer, although to be honest, if I got hungry I would go across the street to Moto Pizza for lunch.
7. Magvető
Magvető is a space for those who value silence above all. At first glance, you may think Magvető is a library from the way the walls are lined with books, but this open and airy cafe doubles as a publisher’s/bookstore with occasional events. Take a seat at one of the traditional tables, or get cozy on one of the wide staircase steps, and don’t forget your coffee!
8. Espresso Embassy
Tucked around the corner a few blocks from St. Stephen’s Basilica, this is one of my favorite working cafes in the Budapest city center. The wifi is strong and steady, and the artisanal baked goods are unfailingly tasty–not to mention they take their coffee brews seriously. Due to popularity they’ve recently expanded, and you’ll likely find a place to post up working–especially if you get there just before peak hours. Head to this Budapest cafe to get some work done and enjoy a slice of cake or other baked goods on the side.
9. Madal Cafe
Madal Cafe/Facebook
Madal was one of the first specialty coffee shops in Budapest and brings that kind of intention to their space. It makes for a peaceful place to work, which I know you can appreciate when you have a mountain of work to get through. They have multiple locations throughout the city. The Jaszai location has a spacious downstairs (which also contains their barista academy in case you want to learn latte art). However, for working, I prefer the Parliament location, as it has a lot of windows and natural light along with table space. They also have a kitchen if you’d like to grab some vegan comfort food!
10. Flow Specialty Coffee Bar & Bistro
Flow Specialty Cafe/Facebook
This cafe is a favorite in the Budapest digital nomad community. What I like about it is that it’s located a bit outside of the concentrated city center. You can find Flow Cafe on Andrássy Utca, where things are a little roomier, approximately halfway between Oktogon and Heroes Square. The shopfront may be unassuming, but once you enter you’ll find the cafe to be almost cavernous, complete with many tables to settle down and bang out some work at. Along with specialty coffee, they have a menu (with gluten-free options) to keep you filled if you get hungry!
If you’re looking for a Budapest cafe to get some work done in, start with these! Wishing you lots of caffeine and productivity!
Xx Denae
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