50 Gorgeous Cafes You’ll Want On Your Bucket List
A cafe can linger in your memory for reasons you don’t expect. It might be how the light falls across the table or how quiet settles into the space. Certain places feel right from the moment you walk in. Here are 50 such beautiful cafes that leave a distinct mark.
Caffe Gambrinus, Naples, Italy
A landmark of Neapolitan elegance, this 1860 cafe once supplied coffee to the Royal Palace and drew literary giants like Oscar Wilde and Gabriele D’Annunzio. Marble columns, frescoed ceilings, and gold-trimmed chairs still reflect its Belle Epoque roots, making it one of Naples’ most storied and refined coffeehouses.
Cafe Savoy, Prague, Czech Republic
Cafe Savoy blends 1890’s grandeur with a buzzing modern crowd. Its restored Neo-Renaissance ceiling stretches above marble tables and rows of fresh pastries baked in-house. Among those believed to have visited is Tomas Garrigue Masaryk, Czechoslovakia’s first president. That legacy lingers as locals and visitors gather beneath 19th-century chandeliers.
Dreamy Camera Cafe, Yangpyeong, South Korea
This cafe is a must-see for photo lovers. It’s actually housed inside a life-sized vintage camera replica, in which soft pastels and film memorabilia create a cozy environment filled with nostalgia. The cafe is run by a former pilot and his wife, who serve drinks alongside stories from their travels.
Caffè Florian, Venice, Italy
Centuries of Venetian history fill the air at Caffe Florian, which opened in 1720. Located in St. Mark’s Square, it has served esteemed guests like Casanova and Goethe. Gilded mirrors and painted ceilings give it a museum feel, while espresso and pastries arrive with elegance and ceremony.
Cafe Tortoni, Buenos Aires, Argentina
In Buenos Aires, Cafe Tortoni is more than a coffeehouse—it’s a landmark. The cafe, founded in 1858, drew poets and intellectuals, including figures like Einstein. Wood-paneled walls and a tango room lend it soul. Locals love to drop in for thick, hot chocolate and churros.
Confeitaria Colombo, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
This glamorous spot has been in existence since 1894 and is stunning with its stained glass and Belgian mirrors. Queen Elizabeth II once visited, but most folks come for the pastries and a peek at old Rio’s grandeur. Grab a pastel and take a seat beneath the stained-glass dome.
Jama Michalika, Kraków, Poland
When Jama Michalika opened in 1895, things got theatrical. It became the stage for an underground cabaret that poked fun at politics and society. The walls still display eccentric art from that era. Order a traditional Polish dessert and enjoy the quirky charm that fills every corner.
Caffe Reggio, New York City, USA
This Greenwich Village favorite opened in 1927 and claims to be the first in America to serve cappuccino. That original espresso machine still sits behind the counter. Movie buffs might recognize the cafe from The Godfather Part II. It’s got vintage art and decades of character packed inside.
Les Deux Magots, Paris, France
Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce, and Albert Camus sat at these tables. Since 1884, Les Deux Magots has continued to draw crowds for its history and prime spot across from Saint-Germain Church. Grab a seat outside and you’ll be in the middle of literary Paris.
Cafe Americain, Amsterdam
Set inside the historic American Hotel, Cafe Americain is a standout in Amsterdam’s Art Deco scene. With stained-glass windows and vintage chandeliers, it’s a favorite for locals who come for the refined brasserie fare and consistently great atmosphere.
Higher Ground, Melbourne, Australia
Soaring ceilings and industrial-chic define this cafe inside a former power station. Its creative brunch menu and meticulously brewed coffee reflect Melbourne’s cafe culture at its best. The multi-tiered space blends restaurant precision with coffeehouse warmth, gathering design lovers and coffee aficionados alike.
Santo Cafe, Guanajuato, Mexico
Perched above a narrow bridge, Santo Café serves lattes with a side of panoramic charm. Located in Guanajuato’s historic core, its wrought-iron balconies overlook colorful alleys. The menu blends Mexican comfort food and European coffeehouse vibes, making it perfect for lazy breakfasts and romantic twilight visits.
Coffee Lab, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Brazil’s third-wave coffee culture owes much to Isabela Raposeiras’s work at this influential spot. The cafe offers curated tasting experiences, guiding patrons through the nuances of Brazilian coffee. Its rustic interior and educational approach make it a unique destination for coffee enthusiasts.
Tim Wendelboe, Oslo
Run by a world barista champion, this Oslo cafe is all about coffee mastery. It prides itself on Nordic roasting methods, offering single-origin selections and curated tastings. The minimalist setting attracts individuals who prioritize thoughtful sourcing and precise brewing standards.
La Closerie Des Lilas, Paris, France
Hemingway spent time here drafting The Sun Also Rises, and his favorite table still has a plaque to prove it. The garden terrace stays peaceful even during busy hours. Celebrated for its seafood and steak tartare, La Closerie Des Lilas has stayed classy without trying too hard.
Romeow Cat Bistrot, Rome
Combining a plant-based menu with a cat cafe setting, Romeow offers vegan cuisine and desserts in a cozy, feline-friendly space. Guests dine while rescued cats roam freely. Located in the Ostiense district, it’s a favorite for both animal lovers and health-conscious travelers.
Cafe De La Paix, Paris
Cafe de la Paix, Paris, is a historic cafe near the Opera Garnier. Designed in Napoleon III style, it was inaugurated in 1862. The inside features ornate interiors and a rich cultural legacy. A favorite of artists and writers, it remains a symbol of Parisian elegance and tradition.
Central Perk, Singapore
This Friends-inspired café in Singapore brings the show to life, with replicas of Monica’s kitchen, the famous orange couch, and other familiar spots. Fans can enjoy themed dishes, browse memorabilia, and soak in the nostalgia of a full-on Central Perk experience.
Cafe Allegro, Seattle, Washington
Often credited as Seattle’s first espresso bar, Cafe Allegro opened in 1975 in a narrow alley near the University of Washington. Its founder, a former member of Starbucks’ early team, brought Italian-style coffee into a casual, student-friendly space. That spirit still lingers in the brick walls, painted signs, and loyal regulars.
Blue Bottle Cafe, Tokyo
Blue Bottle Coffee has made a name for itself in Tokyo, drawing in coffee lovers with its clean, modern vibe and top-notch brews. Its Aoyama and Roppongi branches serve up expertly made cups in sleek, minimalist spaces—perfect for a quiet break or a catch-up with friends.
Cafe Majestic, Porto, Portugal
Crystal chandeliers, carved wood, and stained glass give this 1921 cafe a grand presence. It once hosted intellectual gatherings during Portugal’s First Republic. Though it’s on a heavily-touristed street, the espresso and pastel de nata still have old-world charm, and the table service hasn’t changed much.
Ki’bok Coffee, Tulum, Mexico
Located in the quieter part of downtown Tulum, Ki’bok is known for fresh-roasted beans and a breezy rooftop. The owners are coffee enthusiasts who moved from California to open the cafe. Locals stop by for the breakfast chilaquiles, while travelers stay for the shady upstairs lounge and hammocks.
Cafe Pushkin, Moscow, Russia
Modeled after an 18th-century aristocrat’s library, Cafe Pushkin feels like stepping into a Tolstoy novel. It’s split between elegant dining rooms and a tea salon, with bookshelves stretching to the ceiling. Alongside gourmet dishes, black tea is presented with the same care that defines the rest of this richly decorated space.
Nomad Coffee, Barcelona, Spain
The flashy decor takes a back seat to exacting coffee standards. The baristas weigh every shot and monitor water temperature like lab techs. Originally a coffee cart, it has since gained recognition among devoted coffee drinkers throughout Europe. There’s no sugar or syrups here—just beans, expertly prepared.
Cafe De La Paz, latin america
Located in La Paz, Bolivia, this cafe combines traditional Andean flavors with international dishes. It’s known for its relaxed vibe, coca tea, and mountain views. Set in the city center, it serves as a cultural hub for locals and travelers.
Cafe Procope, Paris, France
Paris’s oldest cafe dates to 1686, and the interior still brims with portraits and antique furniture. Voltaire had his table. There’s also a display of Napoleon’s hat. History lines the walls, but the onion soup and beef bourguignon get people talking.
The Cafe Apartment, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Situated in what was once an old apartment block, this vertical cafe hub is now one of the coolest spots in the city. Each floor holds a different cafe or boutique, with everything from bubble tea to espresso. You can pick your vibe and settle in with a view of Saigon’s buzz.
The Grounds Of Alexandria, Sydney
Once a pie factory, this sprawling Sydney venue is now a cafe, florist, bakery, market, and petting zoo. It’s famous for elaborate seasonal decor and photogenic dishes. Families and content creators crowd the industrial-chic grounds year-round.
Las Violetas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Established in 1884, Las Violetas is a historic cafe in the Almagro neighborhood known for its stained-glass ceilings and marble columns. The cafe serves espresso, medialunas, and elaborate Argentine pastry trays with table service. Its formal interior and long history make it a local institution and cultural landmark.
Angelina, Paris, France
People line up for the hot chocolate, and it’s worth it. Thick and smooth, it’s served with whipped cream and has been a draw since 1903. Chanel was a regular, and the Belle Époque decor hasn’t aged a day since. The Mont Blanc pastry is the second-biggest reason to go.
Truth Coffee Roasting, Cape Town, South Africa
With its steampunk decor and vintage machinery, this cafe looks like a scene from a science fiction novel. Housed in a former warehouse with soft lighting, it’s all bare pipes and repurposed wood. Roasting happens on the premises, and the staff wear Victorian-style aprons for a complete themed experience.
Cafe Central, Vienna, Austria
In 1876, a grand venue within Palais Ferstel began serving as a coffeehouse. Over the years, it hosted some serious names—Freud, Trotsky, and even Stalin dropped by. Inside, you’ll still find elaborate arches and chess games happening under sparkling chandeliers. Locals call it The Chess School for a reason.
Cafe De Flore, Paris, France
Few spots match the history and charm of this Saint-Germain favorite. Its red awnings and mirrored interiors have drawn writers and artists for over a century. You can sit where Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir once scribbled notes or sip coffee beneath lush potted palms that line the sidewalk outside.
Mandrake, Miami, United States
Instead of flashy colors, Mandrake leans into softness—velvet and wood, alongside layers of greenery. It sits inside a luxury hotel but has a personality of its own. Some guests sip matcha before visiting the adjacent art gallery, while others settle into booths that feel more like living rooms than dining spaces.
FIKA Cafe, Toronto, Canada
Coffee and connection take priority at this fika-inspired cafe that began serving in 2013. Bookshelves and botanical prints give the room a peaceful rhythm, while a wall covered in old book pages sparks curiosity in nearly everyone. Though Swedish in concept, FIKA feels personal to Toronto.
Cafe A Brasileira, Lisbon, Portugal
Since 1905, Cafe A Brasileira has been a cornerstone of Lisbon’s Chiado district. Founded by Adriano Telles to introduce Brazilian coffee to Portugal, it became a meeting place for artists and intellectuals, including poet Fernando Pessoa, whose statue now sits outside. The cafe also popularizes the “bica,” Portugal’s beloved espresso.
Cafe Du Monde, New Orleans
Operating since 1862, Du Monde is legendary for its beignets and cafe au lait with chicory. Open 24/7 in the French Market, it’s a must-stop for tourists craving powdered sugar-covered pastries and views of Jackson Square and the Mississippi River.
New York Cafe, Budapest, Hungary
Often hailed as the most beautiful cafe in the world, New York Cafe features opulent chandeliers and gilded interiors. Since opening in 1894, it has been a gathering place for writers and intellectuals. Today, visitors enjoy live music while sipping coffee in a setting straight out of the Italian Renaissance.
Cafe Gijon, Madrid
Founded in 1888, Cafe Gijon is steeped in Spain’s literary history. Located on Paseo de Recoletos, it served as a gathering place for artists and intellectuals. Its classic wooden interiors and traditional Spanish menu preserve the spirit of Madrid’s cafe culture.
El-Fishawy Cafe, Cairo, Egypt
Nonstop service since 1797 makes El-Fishawy Cafe a fixture in the heart of Cairo’s historic bazaar. Generations of locals and visitors have gathered here for mint tea and backgammon, infused with storytelling. The mirrored walls and flickering lanterns give it a timeless energy that feels historic and alive.
Cafe Pedrocchi, Padua, Italy
Nicknamed “the cafe without doors,” this Padua institution was built in the early 19th century. It once stayed open around the clock and became a meeting place for scholars and revolutionaries. Its neoclassical building includes themed rooms styled in everything from Gothic to Egyptian.
Queen Of Tarts, Dublin, Ireland
This bakery-cafe is beloved for its fruit crumbles and decadent chocolate cakes. The interior is cozy and full of vintage charm, offering a warm Irish welcome. With two city-center locations, it’s a popular stop for breakfast or a sweet afternoon pause between walks through Dublin’s cobbled streets.
Gran Cafe De Paris, Tangier, Morocco
Not many cafes capture Tangier’s layered history quite like Gran Cafe de Paris. Since 1927, it has balanced European elegance with a Moroccan atmosphere, wrapped in vintage mirrors and faded charm. Writers and filmmakers have long gravitated here, and its cameo in The Bourne Ultimatum only added to the mystique.
Babalu Cafe, Reykjavik, Iceland
This cheerful spot in downtown Reykjavik bursts with color, odd collectibles, and homemade cake. It’s especially famous for its Star Wars-themed bathroom and rooftop patio. Babalu doesn’t follow trends—it sets its own, offering a cozy place to warm up with soup, coffee, or hot chocolate.
Lan Fong Yuen, Hong Kong
Home of the original Hong Kong-style milk tea, Lan Fong Yuen has dished out strong brews and silky noodles since 1952. Situated in the hustle and bustle of the Central district, its no-frills green facade hides a legacy of cha chaan teng culture, flavorful and irresistibly nostalgic for generations.
Cafe Imperial, Prague, Czech Republic
Cafe Imperial blends historic architecture with a refined atmosphere. Its Art Deco interiors shine with gilded mosaics and carved columns, while the menu leans toward Czech classics and Viennese-style coffee. Initially opened in the early 1900s, it remains one of Prague’s most elegant places for a sit-down coffee.
Cafe Landtmann, Vienna
Cafe Landtmann was Sigmund Freud’s favorite spot. Near the Vienna State Opera, which opened in 1873, it’s known for its elegant interiors and classic Viennese desserts. The cafe continues the city’s grand coffeehouse tradition with an atmosphere of quiet, timeless refinement.
Cafe Gerbeaud, Budapest
Gerbeaud has served Budapest’s elite with layered tortes since 1858, in addition to hand-crafted chocolates and specialty coffees. Located in Vorosmarty Square, it features crystal chandeliers and gilded mirrors, preserving the Austro-Hungarian grandeur that made it a favorite of Empress Sisi.
Toma Cafe, Madrid, Spain
Since opening in 2011, Toma Café has helped lead Madrid’s coffee revival. Known for its high-quality beans, expert brewing, and rotating single-origin selection, it’s become a go-to spot for coffee lovers. It also supplies beans to cafés across the city, cementing its role in the local scene.
Schwarzes Cafe, Berlin, Germany
Nothing about Schwarzes Cafe feels staged. Opened in 1978 by a socialist art collective, it quickly drew in the Berlin creative crowd looking for something offbeat. David Bowie and Iggy Pop were regulars who found inspiration here. That raw, unpolished energy still defines the Charlottenburg institution today.
