Is There a Starbucks in Hungary? Locations, Hours & Coffee Alternatives 2025

Yes — Hungary has Starbucks locations, primarily in major cities like Budapest. The first Starbucks opened in Budapest in 2000, and today the chain has multiple cafés in shopping centers, tourist districts, and business areas.

Starbucks in Budapest

Budapest, the capital and largest city, has the most Starbucks outlets:

WestEnd City Center: A busy mall location serving locals, tourists, and commuters.

Arena Plaza Mall: Another high-traffic mall café.

Váci Street Area: Central locations convenient for sightseeing and shopping.

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD): Perfect for travelers catching flights.

Starbucks in Other Cities

While Budapest dominates Starbucks presence, other cities like Debrecen and Szeged may have small mall-based outlets, though they are limited compared to the capital.

Hours of Operation

Starbucks in Hungary typically follows mall and tourist schedules:

Standard Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Airport Locations: Open earlier, sometimes from 6:00 AM

Hours vary by location, so checking Google Maps or the Starbucks app before visiting is recommended.

Starbucks Alternatives in Hungary

Hungary also has a rich coffee culture, especially in Budapest. Popular alternatives include:

Espresso Embassy (Budapest): Specialty coffee shop known for expertly brewed espresso and pour-over options.

Massolit Books & Café (Budapest): Combines a cozy bookstore with high-quality coffee.

My Little Melbourne (Budapest): Modern café inspired by Australian coffee culture.

Local Cafés Across Hungary: Cities like Debrecen and Szeged have independent cafés serving espresso, cappuccino, and iced coffee.

Coffee Culture in Hungary

Traditional Cafés: Hungarian cafés often have historic interiors and serve espresso and cakes.

Specialty Coffee: Modern cafés focus on single-origin beans and artisanal brewing methods.

Café Lifestyle: Coffee is enjoyed socially, often paired with pastries like strudel or Dobos torte.

Tips for Travelers

Currency: Payments are made in Hungarian Forint (HUF).

Wi-Fi: Most Starbucks and modern cafés provide free Wi-Fi.

Menu Notes: You’ll find classic Starbucks drinks, seasonal beverages, and local specialty coffees in other cafés.

Starbucks Expansion in Hungary

Starbucks primarily focuses on Budapest and airport locations. Expansion into smaller cities may happen as demand increases, but Hungary’s established local café culture limits rapid growth.

Quick FAQs

Q: Is there a Starbucks in Budapest?
A: Yes, multiple locations in WestEnd City Center, Arena Plaza, and central Váci Street areas.

Q: How much does a Starbucks coffee cost in Hungary?
A: Around 900–1,200 HUF ($2.50–$4 USD), depending on size and location.

Q: Are plant-based milk options available?
A: Yes, most locations offer soy, oat, and almond milk alternatives.

Final Thoughts

So, is there Starbucks in Hungary? Yes — especially in Budapest. While Starbucks offers a familiar international coffee experience, exploring Hungary’s independent cafés gives travelers a taste of the country’s rich coffee culture.

From historic cafés to modern specialty shops, Hungary provides plenty of options for enjoying high-quality coffee, whether you prefer a quick Starbucks latte or a traditional espresso with cake.