Home to more gorgeous libraries than you can shake a stick at, Budapest is a treasure trove of literary gatherings and places, hosting a yearly international book festival and a wealth of bookstores and book cafés.
Aria Hotel Budapest by Library Hotel Collection
This luxury hotel maxes out on class, going all-in on a music theme inspired by opera, jazz, classical, and contemporary styles. Each room is unique and bursting with creative design, from a glitzy lounge and winding piano floor piece to the silhouette of a band painted on the indoor spa’s wall.
Though the overriding theme of this particular hotel is music, it still has a spot in its heart for the written arts. One of its on-site cafés is actually a book café, with diagonal shelves showing off a small but high-quality collection.
Address: Hercegprímás u. 5, Budapest, 1051 Hungary
Opening hours:
– Check-in time: 3PM
– Check-out time: 12PM
Library of the Hungarian Parliament
Founded in 1868, the Library of the Hungarian Parliament is a distinguished legislative library housed in the iconic Parliament Building in Budapest. It holds Hungary’s largest public collection of parliamentary documents and extensive resources in law, politics, and history.
Most of collection is in Hungarian, but it possesses a sizable amount of texts in other languages, including English, German, French, Spanish, and more. The library is open to the public, so anyone can benefit from its knowledge or just feast their eyes on the gorgeous classical interiors.
Address: Kossuth Lajos tér 1-3, Budapest, 1055 Hungary
Opening hours:
– Monday to Friday: 9AM – 8PM
– Saturday: 10AM – 6PM
– Sunday: Closed
Bestsellers
We’re starting off the bookstores with one that specializes in an English-language selection and a name that tells you everything you need to know: Bestsellers. Opened in 1992 near St. Stephen’s Basilica, it stocks more than 10,000 titles of new fiction, non-fiction, classics, and English translations of Hungarian works.
Not only that, you can find a decent selection of works in other languages, particularly French and Russian. The interior is filled with wooden shelving and tables and is meticulously well-organized, with nary a page out of place.
Address: Október 6. u. 11, Budapest, 1051 Hungary
Opening hours:
– Monday to Friday: 10AM – 6:30PM
– Saturday: 11AM – 6PM
– Sunday: 12PM – 6PM
Atlantisz Publishing House & Bookstore
As you might’ve guessed from the name, this is a bookstore created by a publishing house. It specializes in humanities subjects such as philosophy, history, art, and culture, with a strong focus on Hungarian history.
Its offerings include a wide array of books in English and other languages, making it accessible for both locals and visitors. It has two levels with a simple, spacious design that lets visitors browse comfortably, plus large windows that let in plenty of natural light.
Address: Király u. 2, Budapest, 1061 Hungary
Opening hours:
– Monday to Friday: 10AM – 6PM
– Saturday: 10AM – 2PM
– Sunday: Closed
LibroShop Bookstore
This store puts a modern spin on classic design: floor-to-ceiling bookcases with polygon-esque curves, crosshatched wooden flooring juxtaposed with deep blue carpeting, and an overall distinct, stylish look. It’s a good complement to the store’s diverse book selection, which includes titles in English, German, Spanish, French, Russian, and Italian.
Originally founded as Oxford Bookshop in 1989, it specializes in language learning materials, fiction, and classics, with around 15,000 items in stock.
Address: Gerlóczy u. 7, Budapest, 1052 Hungary
Opening hours:
– Monday to Friday: 9AM – 6PM
– Saturday: 10AM – 3PM
– Sunday: Closed
Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library
There’s a reason why Metropolitan Ervin Szabó was a nominee for our list of the world’s most beautiful libraries. Holding over a million volumes, this library stuns with its opulent, 19th-century Neo-Baroque architecture, complete with detailed golden filigree on the walls, high ceilings, and elaborate chandeliers hanging high above.
The building was originally a palace, and it shows. It’s been lovingly preserved over the ages, becoming a hub for poets, writers, and intellectuals and hosting cultural events to this day.
Address: Szabó Ervin tér 1, Budapest, 1088 Hungary
Opening hours:
– Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 10AM – 8PM
– Saturday: 10AM – 4PM
– Wednesday & Sunday: Closed
Book Café Tompa17
This warm, living-room-style book café has an inviting atmosphere and shelves full of books (both Hungarian and English) available for guests to browse or borrow. It has a mini sofa built into the wall, surrounded by tall, spacious shelving, making for a perfect little reading nook while you enjoy a sip or a bite to eat.
Tompa17 is praised for its friendly service as well as its menu offerings of pastries (including freshly baked croissants, even!), sandwiches, and coffee. The space is small but cozy, and even has some outdoor seating if you want to enjoy some people-watching while you read.
Address: Tompa u. 17/a, Budapest, 1094 Hungary
Opening hours:
– Monday to Sunday: 8AM – 6PM
Magvető Café
Another spot established by a publishing house (this one, Magvető Publishing House), this literary café has an interior lined with wooden shelves with an overall clean-cut look in neutral earthen colors. It has a subtle style that doesn’t distract from the joy of reading—or, for that matter, from partaking in the various coffee, wines, and pastries on offer.
Most of the book collection is in Hungarian, prominently featuring local authors, but there are a few English titles mixed in as well. One coffee gets you about an hour of Wi-Fi, so it’s a reasonable place to relax before heading to the next spot in your journey.
Address: Dohány u. 13, Budapest, 1074 Hungary
Opening hours:
– Monday to Saturday: 9AM – 8PM
– Sunday: 10AM – 5PM
(Note: Hours might vary on days with scheduled events.)
Massolit Books & Café
In Budapest’s Jewish Quarter lies a cozy English-language book café called Massolit Budapest Books and Café. It offers a rich selection across various genres—especially translations of Hungarian literature—while the café side is known for fresh coffee, homemade cakes, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Visitors can unwind at wooden benches in the outdoor garden or on the charming checkerboard flooring inside. With free Wi-Fi and regular events like book launches, there’s plenty to do.
Address: Nagy Diófa u. 30, Budapest, 1072 Hungary
Opening hours:
– Monday to Saturday: 9:30AM – 7PM
– Sunday: 10AM – 7PM
Babérliget Könyvesbolt és Kávézó
Babérliget Könyvesbolt és Kávézó is a boutique bookstore and café inspired by the writings of Hamvas Béla. It features his works alongside a curated selection of Hungarian and new releases. Meanwhile, its café/bar serves up lattes, pastries, and more.
It has a unique design, but not one that feels uncomfortable or complicated; on the contrary, its square bookshelves and orderly layout seem set up for the deep focus you want when studying or reading a really good book.
Address: Kertész u. 29, Budapest, 1073 Hungary
Opening hours:
– Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 1PM – 6PM
– Saturday: Varies
– Wednesday & Sunday: Closed
Írók Boltja Kft.
With a name that translates into “The Writers’ Bookstore,” you know you’re in for a treat. This independent bookshop was established in a place with deep literary and cultural roots, serving as a creative hub for Hungarian writers and poets since the mid-20th century.
The store specializes in classical and contemporary Hungarian literature, with an upstairs section dedicated to works in English and other languages. Regularly hosting readings and events, Írók Boltja is a great place to go to get in tune with Budapest’s local literary scene.
Address: Andrássy út 45, Budapest, 1061 Hungary
Opening hours:
– Monday to Friday: 10AM – 7PM
– Saturday: 11AM – 6PM
– Sunday: Closed
Libri West Square Bookstore (Nyugati tér Könyvesbolt)
Part of the well-known Libri bookstore chain, which has been around since 1991, Libri Nyugati tér Könyvesbolt carries an assortment of books across genres, from classic literature to the latest releases. The collection is mostly in Hungarian, but there is an itsy bitsy teeny weeny (not yellow polka dot) section for foreign books, primarily English.
The layout is elegant, spread out over two levels with a white balcony curving around the space. As a whole, it’s very modern and inviting, with comfortable seating freely available.
Address: Nyugati tér 1, Budapest, 1066 Hungary
Opening hours:
– Monday to Saturday: 10AM – 7PM
– Sunday: 10AM – 4PM
Pozsonyi Pagony
Families will be delighted to learn that Budapest is home to an amazing children’s bookstore chain, Pagony. Established in 2001, it offers an extensive selection of contemporary and classic children’s books, toys, and educational games. Its location on Pozsonyi has a particularly playful and even whimsical vibe, with a room like a blank sheet of paper drawn with colorful line art.
With cozy corners for reading and play, plus workshops and literary events for kids, Pagony aims to foster an early love for literature and creative learning. Although the collection mainly focused on Hungarian titles, some English books are also available.
Address: Pozsonyi út 26, Budapest, 1137 Hungary
Opening hours:
– Monday to Friday: 10AM – 7PM
– Saturday & Sunday: 10AM – 6PM
Bookta
Turn the tables a bit with a visit to a book bar. Its menu is filled with beers, wines, gins, coffees, and even tea with rum, plus some snacks and light meals. It’s housed in the former Balassi bookstore, preserving the old school charm through shelves lined with old, dog-eared books, a typewriter in the corner, and a vintage coat hanger.
It has a friendly, laidback vibe with both indoor and outdoor seating. There’s even a row of books behind a couch inside, encouraging folk to sit back and enjoy the ambiance.
Address: Margit utca 3, Budapest, 1023 Hungary
Opening hours:
– Monday to Thursday: 10AM – 11PM
– Friday: 10AM – 1AM
– Saturday: 1PM – 1AM
– Sunday: 1PM – 10PM
The National Széchenyi Library
Set in the impressively massive Buda Castle, the National Széchenyi Library was founded in 1802 by Count Ferenc Széchenyi and is Hungary’s leading national library. It holds over 10 million items, including rare manuscripts, books, maps, and prints—plus, it has new publications continuously added.
While the exterior maintains much of its historic majesty, with aged statues and stone reliefs, the interior is as modern and spruced up as they come, combining convenience with a sleek and streamlined elegance.
Address: Szent György tér 4-5-6, Budapest, 1014 Hungary
Opening hours:
– Tuesday to Thursday: 10AM – 6PM
– Friday & Saturday: 9AM – 7PM
Bartók Pagony
Another branch of the Pagony children’s bookstore chain, Bartók Pagony, can be found near Gellért Square. It stands out with its creative artistic displays shown prominently in its glass storefront and the amorphous shape of its ceiling lights, mimicking clouds against a seagreen ceiling.
This location also has an on-site café selling desserts, juice, coffee, sandwiches, and various snacks. There’s plenty of comfortable seating, both for reading and eating, plus a play area for kids to have fun.
Address: Bartók Béla út 5-7, Budapest, 1114 Hungary
Opening hours:
– Monday to Friday: 10AM – 7PM
– Saturday & Sunday: 10AM – 6PM
National Technical Information Centre and Library (BME OMIKK)
Inside the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (or BME, based on its name in Hungarian), you can find the National Technical Information Centre and Library (OMIKK). This library was formed in 2001 by combining the former OMIKK and BME’s central library, which was created in 1848.
The focus of the current library is on research, education, and innovation in engineering and sciences. It offers grand reading rooms and specialized collections and opens its doors to students, researchers, and the public.
Address: Budafoki út 4-6, Budapest, 1111 Hungary
Opening hours:
Main Reading Room
– Monday to Friday: 8AM – 8PM
– Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Economics and Social Sciences Reading Room
– Monday to Friday: 8AM – 7:30PM
– Saturday & Sunday: Closed
East Café and Gallery (Kelet Kávézó és Galéria)
Kelet Kávézó és Galéria, which translates to “East Café and Gallery” is a small but beloved literary café with a spacious, open layout lined with bookshelves. It has a relaxed, calming vibe enhanced by the soft, natural wood tones seen from floor to ceiling.
It’s a great place for a meet-up, offering brunch, pastries, desserts, and even vegan options. There’s seating on both the first and second floors, so you can take your pick whether you’re looking to read, study, or just enjoy the quietude.
Address: Bartók Béla út 29, Budapest, 1114 Hungary
Opening hours:
– Monday to Friday: 7:30AM – 11PM
– Saturday: 9AM – 11PM
– Sunday: 9AM – 10PM
