Parisi Passage Budapest (Paris Court) – Visit a Hidden Secret Arcade!

A delightful hidden gem in the capital of Hungary is Parisi Passage Budapest. 

This used to be a luxurious shopping arcade and residence owned by Baron József Brudern and later it became the home of Central Savings Bank. 

It’s recently undergone a major 3-year renovation project and has been beautifully transformed into the Parisi Udvar Hotel.

Today, this little-known secret is open to the public and you can enjoy a wander through this Belle-epoque arcade to admire the majestic architecture.

Also, there is an opportunity to browse their boutiques, have a coffee and cake in their café or dine in the sumptuous Parisi Passage Restaurant. 

Here is a complete guide for Parisi Passage Budapest with how to visit and things to see and do there. 

What is Parisi Passage in Budapest?

The Parisi Passage is a 19th-century arcade in Budapest which is part of the Parisi Udvar Hotel. 

The building was heavily renovated recently but much of the original architecture has been preserved and it has Arabic, Gothic and Moorish elements.  

The design was inspired by the Passage des Panoramas in Paris. So, it also has an atmosphere reminiscent of the Belle-Epoque. 

Today, it’s open to the public and there is a café, restaurant, champagne bar and boutiques inside. 

The unique and elaborate architecture here with its majestic glass ceiling makes it one of the most Instagrammable places in Budapest. So, it’s definitely worth checking out.

Parisi Passage history 

Parisi Passage was first designed for Baron József Brudern by the Hungarian architect Mihàly Pollack. He also designed the Hungarian National Museum. 

The Passage des Panoramas inspired him in Paris and heavily influenced his design. This is the oldest Paris Passage and one of the first commercial passageways in all of Europe.

It was completed in 1817 and took the name Brudern House but the locals called it Parisi Udvar or Paris Court due to the Parisian elements. 

Baron Brudern took up residence in his apartments on the second floor but he was a lucrative businessman and rented out shops to businesses on the ground floor.

There were 32 luxurious and high-end boutiques here that served the Hungarian bourgeoisie.

By 1906, this passage became the home of Budapest’s Central Savings Bank and was redesigned. Fortunately, this fascinating building was untouched during WWII. 

After that, many of the rooms here were converted into apartments but it eventually fell into decline and the shopping arcade was abandoned.

It’s only recently undergone a significant renovation project with Hyatt Hotels in 2019. A multi-million dollar investment that lasted 3 years. 

But, if you wanted to see how it looked before this, you must watch Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy starring Gary Oldman which was filmed here!

The new renovation has breathed much-needed life into this architectural gem and they’ve done an amazing job of retaining the original Neo-Gothic and Moorish features of the hotel.

You can still find the original facades and decorative tiles, even the honey bee mascot of the Central Savings Bank!

Can you visit Parisi Passage today? 

Yes, as the Parisi Passage has been transformed into a luxury hotel, this gorgeous arcade is open to the public.

You can stay here, have coffee in their café, dine in their restaurant or just simply have a nose around and check out their boutiques.

It’s truly a Budapest hidden gem and makes a great respite from exploring the city. Plus, it makes a stunning photo opportunity. 

Here are all the ways you can experience the delightful Parisi Passage. 

Parisi Udvar Hotel

A great way to experience this incredible place would be to stay over at the Parisi Udvar Hotel. This is part of the Unbound Collection by Hyatt.

It’s a five-star property and they have over 110 modern rooms on offer which were designed by the Hungarian contemporary artist Ágnes Tóth.

There are also 18 luxury suites and some royal residences if you want to treat yourself.

Although the rooms have a contemporary feel, the hotel has managed to retain much of its original architecture such as the tiles and staircases.

Not only will you get 24-hour access to this incredible arcade but you’ll also have breakfast in the incredible Parisi Passage restaurant in the mornings. 

Click here to book your stay at the Parisi Udvar Hotel 

Parisi Passage Café

If you’re not staying at the Parisi Udvar Hotel, the best way to experience a visit to this incredible arcade would be a relaxing coffee in the Parisi Passage Café.

You’ll be greeted by one of their staff who will seat you at one of the foyer tables. This is part of their Etoile Champagne Bar (Etoile meaning star in French). 

The offerings are quite pricey compared to other cafés in Budapest but it’s the stunning surroundings you will be paying for. 

What to order in the Paris Court Café

So, the Parisi Passage Café have a great menu of treats to indulge including teas, artisan coffees, champagne and patisseries of mouthwatering cakes.

The cake counter was filled with chocolate cakes, truffles, cheesecakes, yummy tarts and pastries to buy.

They all looked incredible so I ordered a millionaire chocolate layered cake with shimmering gold powder. As it was so hot in Budapest, even in September, I ordered an Iced coffee to wash it down.

The entire experience was exquisite, especially with the glamorous environs, and I loved every minute. 

The staff were also really friendly and happy to help with any recommendations. It wasn’t as stuffy as I thought it would be at all. 

If you want to spoil yourself, you can also order one of their afternoon teas. You’ll be served a cake tier which has a selection of finger sandwiches, dainty cakes, hot drinks and bubbles.

Párisi Passage Restaurant

If you want to have breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner, then I would recommend booking the Parisi Passage Restaurant.

They serve up a traditional menu of Hungarian gastronomy with a modern twist. It celebrates the authentic cuisine of Hungary as well as the latest innovations and artistry in cooking.

You can wash your meal down with one of their artisan cocktails from their sumptuous bar. They are always coming up with new concoctions.

It’s recommended to make a reservation well in advance, especially on weekends, as it can be very popular in the evenings. 

Galerias Paris

As well as the cafés and restaurants, there are a few boutiques located in this Belle-Epoque arcade. 

These are mainly designer items and some artisan pottery. They are hotel boutiques so you can expect the prices to be high. 

Unfortunately, on my visit, the shops were closed so I couldn’t look around. 

However, this entire complex and area has lots on offer. There are cinemas, shops and theatres close by. 

Paris Court opening times

The Parisi Passage is open 24 hours to allow guests of the Parisi Udvar Hotel to move freely. But, the restaurant and café have opening times. 

The Parisi Passage restaurant is open from 7 am until 11 pm. They serve breakfast until 10.30 am and then A La Carte from noon. 

The Parisi Passage café is open for a casual coffee and cake in the foyer and this is open from 8 am – 5 pm. 

As one of the most popular places to eat in Budapest, a dining reservation for dinner or afternoon tea is highly recommended. This is especially important on weekends.

For the café, you don’t need a reservation. If it’s full, you may have to wait a while for a table to become free. 

My top tips for visiting 

• Visit on a weekday and early morning for fewer crowds and a better chance of being seated straight away.

• It’s not a cheap experience by any means but you’re paying for the incredible architecture and surroundings.

• The cakes and coffees here are so tasty and change with the season! Always ask your host what the current specials are.

• The best viewpoint for photos can be found towards the back of the Parisi Passage next to the hotel reception desk. 

• You don’t have to visit the café or restaurant to check out the architecture. You’re allowed to take a peek without buying anything. There are boutiques inside too. 

Looking for more incredible cafés in Budapest?

There are so many amazing restaurants and café in Budapest and some are located just nearby in the Jewish Quarter.

Mazel Tov is a gorgeous light airy space that has its very own botanical garden with fairy lights. You can find a fusion of Middle Eastern specialities and sip on one of their signature cocktails.

If you love your urban jungles, I would also consider visiting TwentySix. Although pricey, it serves up some tasty dishes amongst its green foliage, trees, and fronds.

If you’re looking for something a little more niche, then check out The Magic. It’s a cafe inspired by Harry Potter and the Wizarding World. It even has moving portraits.

Or, my favourite café has to be the New York Café Budapest! It’s the world’s most beautiful café and it is truly a luxurious affair. 

You can sip on a coffee, indulge in brunch, and relax on sumptuous furnishings whilst being serenaded by an orchestra. Honestly, it’s divine.

A review of the New York Café Budapest

Read more of my Budapest travel guides

How to visit the Metropolitan Ervin Szabo Library

A complete guide for the fairytale Fisherman’s Bastion

My ultimate Budapest Bucket List 

Fairytale Bory Castle – a perfect day trip from Budapest

Save Parisi Passage Budapest for later!