Budapest has earned a quiet reputation among tabletop enthusiasts as one of Europe's most game-friendly capitals. The city hosts dozens of board game cafes, each with its own character, library, and community. Whether you are visiting Hungary for the first time or you are a local looking for a new regular spot, this guide covers the venues worth knowing about.
We have personally visited every cafe listed here. Our recommendations are based on game selection, atmosphere, staff knowledge, food and drink quality, and overall value. None of these listings are sponsored.
Board Game Cafe (Tarsasjatekkafezo)
Located on Ulloi ut, this is Budapest's original and largest dedicated board game cafe. With over 1,100 games on its shelves, the selection here is unmatched in the city. The space is large enough to accommodate groups of all sizes, and the staff are genuinely knowledgeable about their library.
What sets this venue apart is the depth of its collection. You will find rare imports alongside mainstream titles, from heavy strategic euros to lightweight party games. The pricing structure is straightforward: an hourly fee per person grants unlimited access to the entire library. Coffee and light snacks are available.
Practical Details
Location: Ulloi ut, Budapest
Game library: 1,100+ titles
Best for: Serious gamers and large groups
Tip: Visit on weekday afternoons for the quietest experience
Barcraft
Barcraft operates three themed locations across Budapest: in Buda, near Corvin, and at Nyugati. The Nyugati branch is the largest, housing over 300 games along with a full bar serving geek-themed cocktails. Each location has its own atmosphere, but they share a common focus on combining gaming with good drinks.
The Buda location is smaller and more intimate, making it ideal for couples or small groups. The Corvin venue sits somewhere in between, with a balanced mix of board games and console gaming options. All three branches are popular with younger crowds and tend to get busier after 7pm on weekends.
Game Up
Game Up has two downtown locations: one on Zichy Jeno Street with a focus on strategy games and a collection of over 350 titles, and a larger venue on Katona Jozsef Street that can accommodate groups of up to 35 people. Both locations serve cocktails, beers, and snacks alongside the gaming experience.
The pricing is fair. Gaming fees start at around 1,000 HUF per person, and groups that spend over 5,000 HUF on food and drinks have the gaming fee waived entirely. The staff at both locations are experienced gamers themselves and are happy to explain rules or suggest titles based on your group's preferences.
Red and Black Board Game Salon
Tucked into a basement near Astoria, Red and Black offers a more refined atmosphere compared to many of Budapest's gaming venues. The game library here is curated rather than vast, focusing on quality over quantity. Upstairs, you will find specialty coffee and craft beverages, while the basement level houses the gaming space.
Three-hour sessions are priced at approximately 1,500 HUF, and the venue offers game masters who can teach unfamiliar titles. This is an excellent choice if you are new to modern board games and want guidance rather than being left alone with a rulebook.
Cinkelt Kocka
Located in the Zuglo district, slightly outside the city center, Cinkelt Kocka is a neighborhood favorite with around 150 carefully chosen games. The space includes seven comfortable tables and a sunken gaming area that feels more like a living room than a commercial venue.
The cafe serves premium coffee and light meals, and an hourly fee applies with half of it credited toward food and drink purchases. This is one of the more welcoming spots for families and casual gamers, with a relaxed vibe that never feels rushed.
Quick Comparison Table
Board Game Cafe: 1,100+ games, hourly fee, largest selection
Barcraft: 300+ games, three locations, themed cocktails
Game Up: 350+ games, two locations, fee waived with food orders
Red and Black: Curated library, game masters available, 1,500 HUF for 3 hours
Cinkelt Kocka: 150 games, family-friendly, fee credits toward purchases
HammerTime Cafe
For those who lean toward tabletop wargaming, miniature painting, or role-playing games, HammerTime Cafe fills a niche that other venues do not cover. This combination cafe, shop, and community hub caters specifically to fans of games like Warhammer, Dungeons and Dragons, and similar titles.
The food and drink offering here is better than you might expect from a hobby shop, with quality coffee and proper meals available. Regular events, painting workshops, and campaign nights make this a genuine community space rather than just a retail outlet.
Tips for Visiting Board Game Cafes in Budapest
Most Budapest board game cafes welcome walk-in visitors, but reserving a table is recommended for groups of four or more, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings. Nearly all venues have at least some staff who speak English, and many popular games include English-language rulebooks or instructions.
If you are visiting Budapest specifically for the board game scene, consider staying near the city center where most venues are concentrated. The metro system and tram network make it easy to hop between different cafes in a single evening.
For the latest openings, closings, and event schedules, the BoardGameGeek forums and local Facebook groups are the most reliable sources. The Budapest board game community is active online and generally welcoming to visitors.