As it turns out, Budapest is blooming with specialty coffee places, and for me, who likes to test the success of the trip by the excellent cappuccinos consumed, this is a good sign. To find coffee in Budapest is easy. To find a great coffee – just as easy. As you search for places to go, you’ll find dozens of small specialty places, and for a city like Budapest (which not even close to Scandinavian standards on the over-priced self-roasted coffee they serve), this is a tremendous success. One more thing you have to keep in mind – drinking good espresso, cappuccino, or any other coffee won't make you choose whether to have a cup of coffee or a croissant. The coffee is, as is the price, fair and honest. So, to go for the best cappuccino and espresso or V60 or filter coffee – here are my favorites.

Mantra Specialty Coffee Bar

The yin and yang on the wall reflect the interaction between the beans. Although it is not my favorite place in terms of the interior (too oriental for my taste), it is sheer pleasure to sit outside on the quite and small Veres Pálné street, sipping self-made cappuccino while people-watching. Their coffee is the thing to come back for. Address: Veres Pálné utca 17. Budapest. mantracoffee.hu

Kontakt Coffee

Hidden in Károly Boulevard (more like a yard), this is a beautiful, minimalistic Scandinavian design-inspired cafe and shop. They don't serve a lot, but one thing they do serve is excellent coffee – from the classics, like espresso and beautiful cappuccino, to AeroPress, Cold brew, Nitro, Syphon, and V60 coffees. A delight for all senses, no matter where you sit – inside or outside soaking up scenery and the watching people slowly passing by. The beautiful, small Szimply cafe is next to it and totally worth visiting if you are looking for a simple, yet attractive (in the right way) food. Address: Budapest, Károly krt. 22, 1052 Hungary. http://kontaktcoffee.com

Espresso Embassy

If you ask someone where to go for hot coffee, there is one coffee place you will hear about most often - that is the most praised Espresso Embassy. Right in the center of town, just a few steps from the Four Seasons Hotel, it looks so tiny from the outside but can hold quite a lot inside. People like to grab their coffee here and sit outside, chatting for quite a while. The macchiato was terrific as was the espresso. The line is worth standing in and there is roasted coffee to take home. Address: Budapest, Arany János u. 15, 1051 Hungary. espressoembassy.hu

Budapest Baristas

A bit off the tourist path, this is a great place to grab good coffee and some food. Breakfast (I did not try it though) looks hearty and tasty, and the milk comes from good old glass bottles that are delivered every day. Although the street outside is busy, it is a beautiful experience to sit there and enjoying your vacation coffee while the rest of the Budapest is running about their daily routines. Address: Budapest, Múzeum krt. 15, 1053 Hungary. Budapest Baristas

Butter Brothers

Promoted more as a bakery, this place still knows its way around coffee, and people tend to come here not just to grab a tempting pain au noixor croissant or a loaf of bread, but also just for the coffee as it is good. Address: Budapest, Lónyay u. 22, 1093 Hungary. Butter Brothers