Today at The Coffee Shop, we'll explore the world of historic coffee shops. We'll begin this journey with the most iconic coffee shops in Europe , the old continent, full of magical places where memorable stories were written and where, perhaps now, while sipping a delicious cup of coffee, you can imagine being in those moments or writing your own.
Intellectuals, artists, writers, and others have created and thought about their favorite European cafΓ©s over a strong espresso. Known for their decor, atmosphere, and fascinating stories, each of these historic European cafΓ©s is steeped in culture and tradition.
Some of these iconic cafΓ©s were frequented by famous writers. Others were the birthplace of major revolutions, not only political but cultural. Some are known for their opulent interiors. Each has its own unique charms, and most boast their own signature drink or pastry. So, what better place to have a cup of coffee than in a beautiful cafΓ©, while also soaking up the local culture?
New York Coffee House, Budapest.
The coffee phenomenon arrived in Hungary at the end of the 17th century. In the 19th century, all the famous poets, writers, journalists, politicians, and other noblemen spent most of their time in coffee shops, discussing the most pressing cultural issues of their countries and exchanging thoughts and points of view.
That period was the so-called golden age of coffee shops. At the end of that century, the New York Coffee House opened and quickly became a hot spot for the literary scene, but it has had a turbulent history ever since. It was used as a furniture depot during the communist era, renovated, and reopened a few years ago. It remains one of the most splendid coffee shops in the entire country.
The Closerie des Lilas, Paris
The Closerie des Lilas is the perfect place to visit on weekends in Paris. A favorite of philosophers, the cafΓ© is known for its history of hosting literary and artistic greats such as Ernest Hemingway, Henry Miller, Apollinaire, CΓ©zanne, and Picasso.
Every Tuesday evening, great thinkers, artists, and poets would gather at La Closerie and reflect on the latest theories, sharing their work and ideas. Hemingway fans will definitely want to visit the lush, secluded terrace where the great author spent endless hours scribbling his work. Hemingway lived very close to the cafΓ©, and his favorite spot is marked with a bronze plaque bearing his name.
Caffe Torino, Turin
Turin, actually the first place in Europe where the love affair with caffeine began, remains the Italian city's home to a thriving coffee culture. The Caffe Torino in Turin first opened in 1903. It is notable for its rich velvet furnishings, long expanses of wood, and fireplaces. The cafΓ© has hosted a host of famous names, including Ava Gardner, Alcide De Gaspari, and pianist Ludovico Einaudi.
Antico Caffe Greco, Rome
Anyone who has visited Rome knows it's full of excellent cafes, but the one that truly stands out is Antico Caffe Greco. It's the second oldest cafΓ© in Italy and the oldest bar and cafΓ© in all of Rome.
Since it opened in 1760, it has welcomed historical figures such as Stendhal, Goethe, Byron, Franz Liszt, Henrik Ibsen, Hans Christian Andersen, Keats, Wagner, David Reynolds, Felix Mendelssohn, Maria Zambrano, Levi, and Casanova. More contemporary visitors include artists, politicians, and writers.
Cafe Odeon, Zurich
One of Zurich's most famous cafΓ©s, this elegant Art Deco establishment, opened in 1910, was a favorite haunt of several writers, painters, and musicians. Albert Einstein, James Joyce, Lenin, and Picasso are just a few of its famous past visitors, giving it a reputation as a meeting point for intellectuals and high society. Today, it attracts a crowd craving a taste of old-school European elegance with high ceilings, brasserie fittings, and formally dressed waitresses.
These five cafΓ©s are just a few of Europe's most iconic , and also the best-known. As time passes, they remain standing, seeing and learning about all the generations that have passed and will pass through them. But in addition to these great pillars of coffee, culture, and history, there are hundreds of cafΓ©s in the corners of European cities waiting to grow, creating their own magic, at their own pace, awaiting the visit of coffee- lovers like us.
We're starting in Europe, but we'll explore stories closer to home. Join us on this tour, which we're just beginning at The Coffee Shop, to the most iconic places to drink coffee .