From the moment I knew I was visiting Budapest with my family, I decided to visit the Cat Café Budapest, especially as we love cats (and have 2 at home.)
We planned an evening visit, and we arrived at around 7 PM here. We loved this experience so in this article I am sharing with you the ultimate guide to visiting Cat Café Budapest, including tips and things to know before going to a cat cafe.
It was our first visit to a cat cafe, so a new experience for us!
As mentioned, we have cats (I had cats almost all my life), so it was not like we did not know how to behave around them.
We were not expecting a place where you sit at a table and cats jump in your arms, wanting to be petted – or play on the ground with you.
Also, ALL cats are beautiful. This is something to keep in mind. They have beautiful souls, not just gorgeous fur.
They are beings – so make sure to respect their wishes. They will show you if they want to be petted or not. You can admire them – but some may not like to be touched when you want to do that.
We liked that close to the entrance there is a place presenting some of the cats that can be seen here.
I really love this idea!
and there are more:
bare with me:
and a few more
and finally:
Anyway, if you’re a cat lover visiting Budapest, a stop at Cat Café Budapest is a must! Nestled in the heart of the city, near the iconic St. Stephen’s Basilica, this charming spot offers a cozy atmosphere where you can enjoy a warm drink while surrounded by adorable feline friends.
Oh, and one more item on this list of things to know before visiting Cat Café Budapest: there are different rooms, and different designs!
One of them has dim light and walls with special arrangements for cats – photo taken by phone:
For us, it was an extremely close-to-the-hotel place (we stayed at Hilton Garden Inn), so we could not have missed this!
Ultimate Guide to Visiting Cat Café Budapest: Tips & Must-Knows
Why Visit Cat Café Budapest?
Cat Café Budapest, located at Révay utca 3, is home to around 15 friendly and well-cared-for cats, including breeds like Maine Coons and rescued felines.
Yes, you read that correctly. There are purebred cats too here – and let me tell you from the start that ALL the cats are gorgeous! Yeah, we could have been here for hours just looking at them!
The cafe provides a perfect environment for cat lovers to unwind and enjoy a peaceful moment in the company of these charming animals.
Plus, the café serves a variety of hot drinks, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, cakes, and tarts, making it an ideal place to take a break while exploring the city.
And there are cute paintings on the walls too:
We enjoyed some beverages, including hot chocolate and, of course, some sweets, because we could not resist them!
They were indeed sweet – and they have many options available – it is actually hard to choose!
Essential Tips for Visiting Cat Café Budapest
Everyone can visit the cafe (except kids under 10 years old). You do not need to have a cat to visit a cat cafe.
Obviously, cat owners are more familiar with cat behaviour. So, for instance, we do not assume cats want to be petted, we would not lift a cat or wake a cat up. Nor would we annoy a cat.
If you have not visited a cat cafe before, to make the most of this feline-friendly paradise, here are some important things to keep in mind:
Things to Do at Cat Café Budapest:
Make a Reservation for Groups: If you’re visiting with a group of five or more, it’s recommended to book in advance to ensure a spot.
We were three people—we did not have a reservation. There was no free table—we waited a few minutes and were lucky to have a table free upstairs. While cats stayed mostly on the ground floor, a few visited upstairs, too. There were some who were sleeping on the -1 floor (the bathrooms are there, too).
Do not keep the entrance door open. You enter – close the door – and wait for the staff to take you to a table. They will also lay out the rules.
Respect the Cats’ Space: Let the cats come to you instead of forcing interactions. They roam freely and will approach you if they want attention. Some may just walk by you – without asking to be petted. Some may sit on a chair next to you.
Enjoy a Drink and Relax: The café offers an excellent selection of beverages and treats, so sit back and savor the experience.
So, make this a relaxed visit and enjoy their drinks/sweets – do not think of a visit to a cat cafe as a chance to run after cats.
Plus, the prices are affordable – and they have the menu online, so you can know what to expect and what you can get.
We chose the sweets from the display case – it was a hard decision because they all looked extremely well and appetizing!
Take Photos Mindfully: While taking pictures is allowed, avoid using flash, as it can disturb the cats. Imagine that people would take pictures of you in dim light with blitz. You would not like it either.
We liked to look at the cats and actually did not take many photos. My son had the opportunity to pet a Maine Coon and he also learned more about some of the cats in this cafe, from the staff.
Follow the House Rules: Read and adhere to the café’s guidelines to ensure a pleasant visit for both guests and cats. As mentioned, the staff will present the rules (and you will have a piece of paper with them) since you enter the cafe.
Things NOT to Do at a Cat Café:
Do Not Pick Up the Cats: Even though they are friendly, picking them up can stress them out.
Avoid Loud Noises: Keep conversations at a reasonable volume to maintain a calm environment.
Do Not Feed the Cats: The cats have a strict diet, so refrain from giving them any food or drinks!
Children Under 10 Are Not Allowed: This policy ensures a safe and peaceful space for both visitors and cats.
Don’t Disturb Sleeping Cats: If a cat is napping, let it rest undisturbed. You can look at the cat but do not touch it, do not get close to the feline, etc. Respect them and their naps.
When to Visit
Cat Café Budapest is open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, making it easy to fit into your travel itinerary. Whether you want a relaxing afternoon break or a cozy evening treat, this café provides a welcoming ambiance to enjoy some quality time with furry friends.
How to Get There
The café is conveniently located in Budapest’s city center, making it easily accessible via public transport. You can take the M1 metro line to Bajcsy-Zsilinszky út station or hop on a tram or bus that stops nearby. From St. Stephen’s Basilica, it’s just a short walk away – as it was from our hotel too :).
Is Visiting Cat Café Budapest worth it?
Our visit to Cat Café Budapest was the first time we went to a cat cafe. And it is an experience we want to enjoy again!
I think this says it all!
So, if you are visiting Budapest, one of the cool things to do in Budapest can be to visit Cat Café Budapest. I found the place while looking on Google Maps at things to do in the area of our hotel – and I am so happy I decided to add this cafe to our Budapest itinerary!
It is an experience every cat lover should have while in Hungary’s capital. Whether you’re looking for a unique coffee break, a quiet place to unwind, or simply want to be surrounded by adorable cats, this café ticks all the boxes. Just remember to follow the rules and enjoy the company of your new feline friends!
But remember: cats are beings, not objects or toys. Please respect them and their wishes. Do not force them. Do not get too close to their face, do not try to kiss them.
For more information, you can visit their official website: catcafebudapest.hu
