Unique cafés where the aroma of fresh coffee comes with a rich, historic past.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, cafés became popular gathering places for European intellectuals and the literary community. They were considered cultural institutions, characterized by royal interiors and lively intellectual debates. Fortunately, some of these historic cafés have survived, allowing us to visit them whenever we need inspiration or want to spend time in a pleasant setting for a friendly or business meeting. The renowned cafés are now considered museums, where they offer a variety of delicious pastries and distinctive coffees at high prices. Here are some of the most beautiful cafés in the world!
New York Café, Budapest
A few years ago, an online travel guide selected Budapest’s New York Café as the most beautiful café in the world. The pastry creations served here may only be outdone by the opulent interior. From the early 19th century until the Second World War, Budapest experienced the golden age of coffee culture, with cafés being the primary gathering spots for social life. During this period, more than 500 cafés awaited visitors in the capital.
It was during this time that the prestigious Café New York was born, which opened its doors in 1894 thanks to the designs of Alajos Hauszmann. In the early 20th century, this café became a meeting place for artists, writers, musicians, and poets, and from 1908, it also housed the editorial office of Nyugat, one of Hungary’s most important literary journals. Before the regime change, the building served as the headquarters for the Pallas Publishing House and various editorial offices. In the 1990s, the café closed, and its “residents” were relocated. It reopened in 2006 after a renovation based on the plans of Ádám Tihanyi, who transformed it into a refined café, preserving its old motifs while modernizing the space.
Café Central, Vienna
Coffee is an integral part of Viennese lifestyle, and it's no surprise that the city is often referred to as the coffee capital of the world. According to UNESCO, the historic cafés found here are an invaluable part of the city’s architectural and cultural heritage.
Among the most beautiful is Café Central, which opened in 1876 and quickly became a meeting place for Vienna's intellectual elite. Among its regular guests were figures such as Stefan Zweig, Vladimir Lenin, Sigmund Freud, Hermann Bahr, Peter Altenberg, and Lev Davidovich Trotsky. The creamy melange, the heavenly homemade Altenbergtorte, and the regal chandeliers and Gothic marble columns that dominate the interior continue to attract crowds of tourists to the café, where within moments, you feel as though you've been transported back to the 19th century.
Caffè Florian, Venice
The Venetian Caffè Florian is Italy's oldest café, opening its doors to wealthy guests in 1720. The café is perfect for those who enjoy history and like to admire a stunning panorama while sipping their coffee. In the past, it was not only a gathering spot for artists but also for movie stars, aristocrats, and politicians – in short, everyone who craved attention or wanted to be noticed.
It is said that Lord Byron enjoyed his breakfast here in the mornings, and both Charles Dickens and Marcel Proust frequented the café for their coffee. So, at Caffè Florian, we’ll need to dig deep into our pockets if we want to relax here. Guests not only have to pay for their cup of coffee, but the unique historical atmosphere, the view, and the music also come at a price.
Café de la Paix, Paris
The Parisian Café de la Paix opened in 1862 in the building of the Grand Hôtel de la Paix. With its magnificent view of the Opéra Garnier, it offers an unforgettable experience to its guests. It is well-known that in the 1890s, royal dignitaries were regular visitors. The Iranian Shah, the Prince of Wales, and King Alfonso XIII of Spain were among those who frequently stopped by the café. Among the returning guests, there were also numerous writers, such as Zola, Maupassant, and Oscar Wilde, who regularly graced the Café de la Paix with their presence. Although the café was renovated, it has preserved its old charm and unique atmosphere.
