The World’s Oldest Coffee Shops: A Journey Through History

If you’ve ever wondered why ‘opening a coffee shop’ ranks among young people’s clichés, consider the timeless charm of cafes that have brewed coffee for centuries. These historic coffeehouses aren’t just places to sip espresso—they’re living monuments where writers, artists, and revolutionaries once gathered, many still serving coffee just as they did 300 years ago.

From Paris’s Le Procope, open since 1686, to Budapest’s New York Café, celebrating 121 years, these are the oldest coffee shops in the world still in operation—each with its own legendary past and enduring legacy.

Paris: The Birthplace of the Modern Café

Paris claims two of the oldest and most iconic coffeehouses. Le Procope, established in 1686 (329 years old), is recognized as the world’s first café. Voltaire reportedly drank 40 cups a day here, Napoleon left his military cap as collateral for an unpaid bill, and Enlightenment thinkers like Rousseau and Diderot penned revolutionary works. The restroom signs are still in archaic French, adding to its historic charm.

Nearby, Café de Flore (not listed but part of the Parisian literary scene) shares the city’s café culture, but Le Procope remains the pioneer. Across the Seine, Les Deux Magots also draws from this tradition, though not as old as Le Procope.

Austria and Germany: Alpine Brews and Artistic Circles

In the Alps, Tomaselli Café (founded 1705, 310 years old), nestled in Austria, offers over 40 desserts and a view of Salzburg. Mozart was a regular, often sitting quietly to read and think. The café hums with street music, blending Alpine air with caffeine.

Germany’s oldest surviving coffeehouse, Zum Arabischen Coffe Baum (opened 1711, 304 years old) in Leipzig, is a cultural landmark. Its sandstone statue above the door depicts an Ottoman serving coffee to Cupid, symbolizing East-West fusion. In the 1830s–40s, artist circles around Robert Schumann gathered here, making it a hub for Romantic-era creativity.

Venice, Rome, and Florence: Italian Coffeehouse Heritage

Caffè Florian (Venice, 1720, 295 years old), located in Piazza San Marco, features “Chinese” and “Oriental” rooms and once hosted Marco Polo’s statue. It was Venice’s only café open to women, attracting figures like Casanova, who drank espresso here before fleeing debt.

In Rome, Antico Caffè Greco (founded 1760, 255 years old) on the Via Condotti near the Spanish Steps, boasts marble tables, velvet seating, and a mirror-lined interior. Goethe wrote parts of “The Princess of Tariffa” here, and it remains a meeting place for artists and poets.

Caffè Gilli and Caffè Gilli are also notable, but Caffè Gilli is less historic than these. Meanwhile, in Florence, Rivoire Café (established 1872, 143 years old) sits in the Piazza della Signoria. Its founder mastered roasting techniques that won praise from King Victor Emmanuel II and European nobility, with views of Michelangelo’s David replica and other Renaissance sculptures.

Central Europe: From Vienna to Budapest

Café Central (Vienna, 1860, 155 years old), once dubbed the “world coffee capital,” was housed in a former duke’s residence. Its opulent interior includes a portrait of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth (Sisi). It was a hub for intellectuals and remains a symbol of Viennese café culture.

In Budapest, New York Café (opened 1894, 121 years old) is famed for its devil-torch sculpture, crystal chandeliers, and murals by Lajos Kozma. Legend says its owner threw the keys into the Danube to signal it would never close. Some claimed letters addressed to “New York” were delivered here instead of the USA.

Spain, France Again, and Catalonia: Literary Cafés

Café de la Paix is another famous spot, but Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots in Paris hosted literary giants. Separately, Café de Flore remains iconic. Also in Paris, Café de Flore is a must-mention, but Les Deux Magots and Le Procope lead the list.

Café de la Rotonde and Café des Artistes are lesser-known but important. However, returning to the list: Café de Flore is well-known, but the oldest is still Le Procope.

In Barcelona, Els Quatre Gats (founded 1897, 118 years old) in Montserrat Street, saw Pablo Picasso’s first exhibition at age 17, with his art used on menus. Sketches and drafts left by patrons are considered its greatest treasures. The phrase “quatre gats” means “three or four people,” reflecting its role as a gathering spot for artists.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the oldest coffeehouse in the world still open today?

The oldest is Le Procope in Paris, founded in 1686 (329 years old). It served Enlightenment thinkers like Voltaire and Rousseau, and even saw Napoleon leave his military cap as payment.

Which historic café did Mozart frequent?

Mozart often visited Tomaselli Café in Salzburg, Austria, established in 1705 (310 years old). The café features over 40 desserts and live music, continuing its artistic legacy.

Where did Goethe write part of his famous work?

Goethe wrote parts of “The Princess of Tariffa” (likely “The Sorrows of Young Werther” or a similar work; source says “”) at Antico Caffè Greco in Rome, opened in 1760 (255 years old), known for its marble interiors and artistic clientele.

What makes Café Central in Vienna notable?

Café Central, founded in 1860 (155 years old), was called the “world coffee capital.” It hosted intellectuals and features portraits of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Sisi, reflecting Vienna’s rich café tradition.

Which café is connected to Pablo Picasso?

El Quatre Gats (Els Quatre Gats) in Barcelona, established in 1897 (118 years old), hosted Picasso’s first exhibition at age 17. His artwork was used on the menu, and sketches left there are now cherished artifacts.

Is there a café that claims to never close?

New York Café in Budapest, opened in 1894 (121 years old), is said to never close. Its owner allegedly threw the keys into the Danube, and some believed letters addressed to “New York” were sent there instead of the US.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Historic Cafés

Pair your visit to these historic cafés with FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Huakui, a bright Ethiopian single origin with floral and citrus notes, or the Brazil Queen Manor, offering chocolatey and nutty profiles ideal for classic espresso. For a balanced cup reminiscent of Vienna’s Café Central, try the PWN Golden Mandheling with its full body and low acidity. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.