From Lisbon to Rome and from Paris to Vienna, these European cafés seem untouched by time.
The allure of bygone centuries is alive in Europes cafés that feel straight out of a film. Iconic establishments that have managed to stand the test of time, with decor and architectural elements that have disappeared today, draw visitors from all corners of the world who want to enjoy a nostalgic experience. From Lisbon to Rome and from Paris to Vienna, we explore 8 cafés with rich history and tradition.
Café Central, Vienna, Austria
Since 1876 Café Central has been a meeting place for historic figures such as Sigmund Freud, Leon Trotsky and Stefan Zweig. Just 10 minutes from St. Stephens central square, it draws daily queues of visitors who want to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the 19th century. Housed in the Ferstel Palace, a building with Italianate influences, it stands out for its imposing interior that recalls the old cafés of Italy. On the menu, Viennese hot chocolate takes pride of place, as do traditional local pastries that are prominently displayed in the showcase. Herrengasse 14, 1010 Wien
Café A Brasileira, Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbons most emblematic café is in the centralChiado district and opened its doors in 1905 in a space that was once a clothing shop. Adriano Telles, owner of A Brasileira, had emigrated to Brazil and, having married the daughter of one of the largest coffee producers, brought the Brazilian variety back with him. Designed by architect Manuel Norte Júnior, with luxurious decor, the café became a meeting place for notable personalities, intellectuals, artists, writers and free thinkers of the time. Fernando Pessoa wrote part of his literary masterpieces there. Right outside the café stands the bronze statue that pays tribute to the writer. R. Garrett 122, Lisboa
New York Café, Budapest, Hungary
One of the most opulent cafés in the world opened in 1894 in the heart of Budapest. New York Café (New York Kávéház) is housed in the New York Palace hotel and has been fully restored to its original form for about 20 years. The chandeliers, marble columns and golden details in its vast halls create a mesmerizing aura of old-world luxury. It is said that the most important newspapers of the time were published there, while leading artists and writers frequented its tables. Youll immediately see how popular it is if you pass by, as it gathers the longest queue of the citys visitors who want to sit there for coffee and food. Erzsébet krt. 9-11, Budapest
Antico Caffè Greco, Rome, Italy
The oldest café in Rome and an iconic landmark, Antico Caffè Greco, began operating in 1760. It is located in the citys commercial and tourist center, on the famous Via dei Condotti that leads to Piazza di Spagna. Its name came from its owner Nicola di Madalena -said to have Greek roots- and it became an important cultural and artistic center with visitors such as Goethe, Richard Wagner and Lord Byron. With its romantic decor and elegant furnishings, it offers an experience that transports visitors back in time. Its rooms resemble a private gallery, containing more than 300 works of art. Via dei Condotti 86, Roma
Café Imperial, Prague, Czechia
One of Pragues most historic cafés, Café Imperial, has been housed in the hotel of the same name since the 1910s. Designed by architect Jaroslav Benedikt, it is considered one of the citys most important Art Deco buildings, with an interior featuring luxurious Art Nouveau elements. The elaborate ceramic tiles impress in combination with the wood panelling on the walls. Although it was closed for more than 20 years, today it operates from early morning until evening for coffee and food with an emphasis on Czech cuisine. Na Poříčí 1072/15, Petrská čtvrť
Le Deux Magots, Paris, France
One of Pariss most famous cafés has been open since 1885 in the artistic Saint-Germain-des-Prés district. The area is known for the citys most historic establishments, which became meeting places for the elite of arts and letters. Le Deux Magots, which took its name from a popular 19th-century play, still has the two characteristic mandarin statues above its tables. To this day it remains one of the most renowned and popular spots in the City of Light, as it was a meeting place for the greatest intellectuals and artists of the 20th century, such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir Ernest Hemingway, Oscar Wilde and Pablo Picasso. 6 Pl. Saint-Germain des Prés, Paris
Caffè Florian, Venice, Italy
Venices oldest café has been operating since 1720 on the iconic Piazza San Marco. It is even said to be one of the oldest in Europe, in continuous operation since the 18th century. The squares charm, with musicians and passers-by, is complemented by the decor of Caffè Florian, which seems untouched by time. Founded by Floriano Francesconi, from whom it took its name, not much has changed since then, such as the menu that has stayed the same for years, the original frescoes and the decor. From Lord Byron to Casanova, many have passed by its wooden tables. Beyond espresso and cappuccino, hot chocolate is popular with its visitors. P.za San Marco, 57, Venezia
Café Sacher Wien, Vienna, Austria
One of Viennas most historic venues is the Sacher Café of the hotel of the same name, where the famous Sachertorte appears to have been invented. Austrias most popular cake, made with chocolate sponge, apricot jam and dark chocolate ganache, was created by pastry chef Franz Sacher in 1832. In the venues characteristic baroque hall with its Viennese atmosphere and red sofas, everyone sits to enjoy their coffee, chocolate and cake from early morning until night. Philharmoniker Str. 4, Wien
