Step Into the World’s 17 Most Stunning and Timeless Historic Cafés
For centuries, cafes have been more than places to obtain coffee or a light meal—they have been havens where artists, thinkers, and revolutionaries converged.
Did you know that over 2.25 billion cups of coffee are savored daily? According to a report from RGA, 60% of all Americans drink coffee daily. A trip to old cafés is not merely a drink; it’s about being surrounded by the tales that shaped culture, art, and history.
Want to have coffee or bite your preferred meal amid centuries of heritage and timeless sophistication? Try these 17 old cafés, which are as much about the cultural experience as they are about perfection.
Café Florian, Venice, Italy
Since its opening in 1720, Café Florian has been frequented by literary luminaries like Charles Dickens and Lord Byron. Its stunning Baroque interiors, with gilded mirrors and frescoed walls, instantly transport you to the very heart of the Venetian Renaissance.
Sipping a steaming cup of strong Italian espresso is a part of history. It’s not just a café; it’s a cultural landmark in St. Mark’s Square. The outdoor live orchestra performs for guests as they enjoy their coffee, creating a fantastical atmosphere at sunset. Be sure to sample the hot chocolate, prominently hyped as among Europe’s best.
Café Central, Vienna, Austria
Café Central is rather an institution than a café. Established in 1876, it was the tacit meeting point of minds such as Sigmund Freud and Trotsky. The rich marble columns and highborn ceilings topped with arches symbolize Vienna’s beautiful architecture and patrimony.
Its pastry is as renowned as its patrons. To truly experience Viennese coffeehouse culture, have a flaky apple strudel and rich melange coffee. Visiting there on their live piano evenings adds an eternal spin.
Les Deux Magots, Paris, France
Bathed in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Les Deux Magots has been a literary hotspot for literary legends like Ernest Hemingway and Simone de Beauvoir. Established in 1884, narrated by The New York Times, the coffee house is shrouded in a Belle Époque atmosphere, marble-topped tables, and typical Parisian elegance.
A hotspot renowned for gathering writers, its allure is still unmatched. Pair a café crème with their signature croissant for a quintessential Parisian dessert. Tip: Visit early morning for peaceful people-watching on the outdoor patio
Café Tortoni, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Café Tortoni is not just an Argentinian landmark—it’s a cultural treasure. According to US News and World Report, it is the oldest café in Buenos Aires. Since 1858, it has been a haven for artists and revolutionaries.
Velvet armchairs, a gilded stained-glass ceiling, and walls plastered with artwork make this café feel like a museum. Locals sing its praises for its churros and hot chocolate pairing. On select evenings, you’ll also find intimate tango performances that highlight Buenos Aires’ iconic cultural dance.
New York Café, Budapest, Hungary
Located in the Boscolo Hotel, New York Café, designed in 1894, is a replica of neo-renaissance grandeur. Its gold-plated accents, gleaming chandeliers, and opulent silk upholstery make it an experience worthy of royalty.
If you choose their globally famous New York cheesecake or traditional Hungarian Dobos torte, the café offers a unique culinary and visual delight. Stay awhile—you’ll be glad you did.
Caffè Greco, Rome, Italy
Dating back to 1760, Caffè Greco holds the distinction of having had Goethe and Hans Christian Andersen among its guests,
Just a stone’s throw from the famous Spanish Steps, Rome’s oldest café per the Historic Cafes Route report. The intimate ambiance is broken only by art-adorned walls and antique chairs. Have an espresso and be among a special club of history enthusiasts who are coffee lovers.
Confeitaria Colombo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
A bit of 19th-century Europe in South America, Confeitaria Colombo, founded in 1894, is a testament to Brazil’s colonial elegance. Its Belle Époque decorations feature fabulous stained glass and humongous mirrors imported from Antwerp.
Enjoy the Brigadeiro (Brazilian chocolate truffle) with their renowned café com leite. Most locals claim that this is the most beautiful location in South America to have your coffee.
Café A Brasileira, Lisbon, Portugal
Inaugurated in 1905, Café A Brasileira was the den of Portuguese writers, including Fernando Pessoa. Its dark wood surroundings, fabled green façade, and bohemian feel make it an absolute must-visit in Lisbon.
Don’t depart without ordering a traditional bica (Portuguese espresso) shot. The surrounding neighborhood is filled with secret treasures to uncover after your coffee.
Café de la Paix, Paris, France
A French architectural jewel, Café de la Paix has towered over Opéra Garnier since 1862 with Chef Laurent André at the helm. Its Belle Époque interior, including elaborate frescoes on its ceilings, is one of the city’s most elegant.
Treat yourself to a decadent pain au chocolat as the world of Paris unrolls before you. Indoors or on the terrace, the grandeur of this café will leave you breathless.
Majestic Café, Porto, Portugal
One of the world’s most beautiful cafés, Majestic Café’s 1921 construction radiates Art Deco splendor. Locals call it the “temple of coffee,” and its reputation amply deserves the name. Order a Galão (milky coffee) and soak up the carved decoration and chandeliers. It’s a dazzling break in your Porto tour.
La Biela, Buenos Aires, Argentina
A favorite of locals and tourists alike, this café offers a quieter cultural escape. Located under lush magnolia trees, La Biela is the perfect place to unwind. Pair a cortado with an alfajor (Argentine sandwich cookie). You’ll find yourself lingering over both for longer than planned.
Riquet Kaffeehaus, Leipzig, Germany
Famous for its elephant-designed Art Nouveau front, Riquet Kaffeehaus has been an institution in Leipzig since 1908. The building’s striking architecture is just one of its many attractions, even before you’ve tasted the first sip of coffee.
Have the Schwarzbrot cake accompanied by a rich German coffee, its taste perfectly complements the retro feel of the café with its culinary inventiveness.
Antico Caffè San Marco, Trieste, Italy
A haunt for bohemians and writers, Antico Caffè San Marco has long been a prized symbol of Trieste since its establishment in 1914 by Marco Lovrinovich, as claimed by the Historic Cafes Route. Marble-topped tables and a literary air imbue the café with an eternally captivating atmosphere.
Today, it is still visited by city dwellers, students, and tourists, drawn to its interesting interior and unique atmosphere. Get a cappuccino and enjoy how the aroma pervades the carefully detailed space. Most customers comment that their coffee tastes even better with a side of history.
Café Imperial, Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is famous for its historic landmarks, but Café Imperial is a lesser-known gem. It has been open since 1914, and the tile mosaics and delicate detailing make it feel imperial. Be sure not to miss their original Czech pancakes with a strong espresso—a combination fit for kings and queens.
Café Procope, Paris, France
As the oldest coffee house in Paris, Café Procope has welcomed visitors since 1686. Its origins are steeped in French history and have attracted the likes of Voltaire and Rousseau. The atmosphere permeates this cafe, more than just a cup of coffee. It’s a full-course dining experience à la Parisienne. Arrive early to snag a spot.
El Fishawi, Cairo, Egypt
Established in 1773, El Fishawi is tucked into Cairo’s colorful Khan El Khalili market. It’s a bustling mix of culture, legend, and vintage Egyptian exuberance.
Drink Turkish coffee while soaking up the lively atmosphere of the market. For a superb alternative, don’t forget their delicious mint tea.
Café Louvre, Prague, Czech Republic
Café Louvre has been a hub for intellectuals and artists since 1902, with Franz Kafka and Albert Einstein being two of its former patrons. Inside, it is hard not to be charmed by its lofty ceilings, cozy lighting, and classic sophistication—a great place to absorb the atmosphere of Prague’s café life.
Indulge in their famous Sachertorte, a decadent chocolate dessert, or sip on a traditional Viennese coffee as history and tradition unfold with every bite and every sip. If you’ve stopped by for a reflective moment of solitude or lively debate, Café Louvre offers a taste of old-world sophistication long after you’ve left.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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