Europe is full of historic buildings and locales that where some of history’s greatest thinkers and difference-makers spent their time. Chief among these places are Europe’s historic cafes. 

Many famous artists, poets, writers, and politicians were patrons at the cafes listed below, some of which are older even than the confederation of Canada. If you’re both a coffee and a history buff, then these eight historic cafes are just begging you to visit. 

1) La Closerie des Lilas, Paris 

Paris is certainly not lacking for worthy cafes, but you definitely want to take the time to visit the beautiful, terraced La Closerie des Lilas. In operation since 1847, this stunning cafe has served such iconic writers and artists as Ernest Hemingway and Picasso. Plan your own artistic masterpiece while you sip coffee at La Closerie des Lilas. 

2) Antico Caffe Greco, Rome 

The oldest café in Rome and the second oldest in all of Italy, Antico Caffe Greco was opened back in 1760. As you walk through its doors and into its cozy interior, you’ll be entering the same space that numerous historical icons once did, including Hans Christian Andersen, Wagner, Goethe, and Casanova. 

3) Cafe Florian, Venice 

Wondering what the oldest cafe in Italy might be? That would be cafe Florian in Venice, which first opened its doors all the way back in 1720. Casanova and Goethe also visited this incredibly charming, two-room cafe. Cafe Florian is particularly well-loved for the beautiful oil paintings that grace its walls. 

4) Cafe Slavia, Prague 

Opened in 1884, Cafe Slavia is an art deco cafe that was once the haunt of Prague’s political dissidents. One of the best things about Cafe Slavia today is that it is located near such landmarks as Prague Castle, the National Theater, and Charles Bridge, making it a fantastic spot to stop for a cup of coffee. 

5) Queen’s Lane Coffee House, Oxford 

Queen’s Lane Coffee House is easily one of the oldest coffee houses in all of England, having been in operation since 1654. The cafe was named after Queen’s College, though today styles its name as “QL.” Inside you’ll find cozy seating and comfort foods such as delicious baked goods. 

6) Cafe Procope, Paris 

Yet another title-holding cafe, Café Procope bears the distinction of being the oldest coffee house and restaurant in Paris. Its location near the Theatre Francias has always attracted actors and artists, and the cafe also grew to attract influential philosophers and intellectuals in the 18th and 19th centuries. Some of its famous patrons include Voltaire, La Fontaine, Robespierre, Benjamin Franklin, and Napoleon Bonaparte. 

7) New York Cafe, Budapest 

If you want to sip coffee and have a delicious meal amidst lavish, Italian Renaissance-style surroundings, then head over to New York Cafe in Budapest. Visiting and local artists in the early 20th century saw New York Cafe as the place to be. Today, the cafe also doubles as a restaurant serving multicultural European cuisine. 

8) Cafe Frauenhuber, Vienna 

The oldest coffee house in Vienna, Cafe Frauenhuber was also reportedly one of Mozart’s favourite locales. In fact, his last performance took place in Cafe Frauenhuber on March 4, 1791. Ludwig van Beethoven also performed here. Come take in some musical history as you enjoy your coffee with a traditional Austrian breakfast. 

With how easy and affordable it is to travel around Europe once you’ve landed in one European country, you have a pretty good shot at visiting more than a few of these historic cafes. If you’re planning to visit some of the above cities, then don’t forget to add these cafes to your itinerary.