Coffee is more than a beverage; it is a testament to cultural exchanges and history that dates back centuries. Serving as hubs for intellectual discussion, business, and social interaction, coffee shops have been integral in shaping societies. While many modern cafés dazzle with contemporary design and artisanal brews, there lies a special allure in the oldest coffee shops across the globe.
These historic establishments are not just places to enjoy a cup of coffee; they are windows into the past, offering us a taste of the times when the culture of coffee was just beginning to percolate.
In this article, we will journey through some of the oldest coffee shops in the world, exploring their rich heritage and the unique stories behind their enduring presence.
Oldest Coffee Shops in the World
1. Café Procope – Paris, France
Established in 1686 by Francesco Procopio dei Coltelli, Café Procope is often regarded as the oldest continuously operating coffee shop in Paris and, by some accounts, in the world. It famously became a hub for the literary and philosophical elite of the 18th and 19th centuries, frequented by figures such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and Diderot. Today, Café Procope retains its historic charm with 18th-century decor, offering traditional French cuisine alongside its coffee.
The cafe serves as a living museum, with memorabilia and portraits adorning the walls, reminding patrons of its illustrious past. Visitors to Café Procope can enjoy the Parisian ambience while reveling in the knowledge that they are partaking in a centuries-old tradition of café culture.
2. Caffè Florian – Venice, Italy
Caffè Florian, situated in Venice’s iconic Piazza San Marco, first opened its doors in 1720. This remarkable establishment boasts a diverse clientele throughout history, including the likes of Casanova, Lord Byron, and Charles Dickens. The interior of Caffè Florian features ornate decorations and mirrors, capturing the grandeur of Venice’s rich past.
It’s known for hosting art exhibitions and musical performances, embodying the artistic spirit of the city. Sipping coffee at Caffè Florian means partaking in a long tradition of Venetian excellence, surrounded by centuries of art and history.
3. Café Central – Vienna, Austria
Vienna’s coffee house tradition is legendary, and Café Central is one of its crown jewels. Opening in 1876, it soon became a key meeting place for the intellectual elite, especially during the turn of the 20th century. Figures such as Trotsky, Freud, and Stefan Zweig were known to frequent the café. The café boasts grand vaulted ceilings, chandeliers, and marble columns, making it a visual feast.
Today, Café Central continues to be popular with tourists and locals alike, and one can enjoy traditional Viennese pastries with their coffee while soaking in the atmosphere of historic grandeur.
4. Antico Caffe Greco – Rome, Italy
Since its inception in 1760, Antico Caffe Greco has been a cultural landmark in the heart of Rome. As the second oldest cafe in Italy, it has hosted a plethora of famous individuals including Keats, Shelley, Goethe, and even Casanova. The café is adorned with plush velvet seats, classical artwork, and an old-world charm that transports patrons back in time.
Visitors often come not just for the coffee but also for the opportunity to immerse themselves in a bygone era of Roman artistic and cultural life. Antico Caffe Greco stands as a testament to Rome’s longstanding love affair with coffee and debate.
5. El Fishawy – Cairo, Egypt
El Fishawy is a gem nestled in the heart of Cairo’s Khan el-Khalili bazaar since 1773. The coffeehouse has witnessed generations of poets, writers, and everyday Egyptians engaging in lively discussions within its mirrored walls. Through the centuries, El Fishawy has remained open 24 hours a day, becoming an eternal part of Cairo’s cultural landscape.
The café serves traditional Egyptian coffee, mint tea, and offers shisha, a testament to the local customs and its broad appeal. El Fishawy’s intricate wooden screens and historic atmosphere provide an authentic Egyptian coffee experience like no other.
6. Café Tortoni – Buenos Aires, Argentina
Café Tortoni was founded in 1858 by a French immigrant modeled after Parisian cafés of the time. As Buenos Aires’ oldest and most famous café, Tortoni became a favorite spot for artists, writers, and musicians throughout its history.
The café’s interior is famed for its stained glass ceiling, ornate furniture, and walls lined with pictures of its many illustrious visitors. It is well known for its hot chocolate with churros and live tango performances that captivate both locals and tourists.
The longevity and cultural significance of Café Tortoni illustrate Argentina’s rich European influence.
7. Brasileira – Lisbon, Portugal
Opened in 1905, A Brasileira started off as a shop selling “genuine Brazilian coffee,” and quickly evolved into a favorite haunt for Lisbon’s bohemians and intellectuals. The café is best known for its Art Deco design and the famous bronze statue of Fernando Pessoa, a frequent patron, that sits outside.
The interior features ornate wood paneling, vintage advertisements, and a classic ambience. It remains a bustling spot in the Chiado district, where coffee lovers can savor a bica, Lisbon’s version of an espresso. A Brasileira’s continued popularity attests to its special place in the heart of Lisbon’s social scene.
8. Queen’s Lane Coffee House – Oxford, England
The Queen’s Lane Coffee House, established in 1654, claims to be the oldest continually operating coffee house in Europe. It has served countless Oxford scholars and famous figures over its long history, from the likes of Oscar Wilde to Stephen Hawking. Today, the coffee house retains a charming mix of tradition and academic prowess, situated amidst the historic university buildings.
Patrons enjoy classic English breakfasts and afternoon teas along with their coffees. Reminiscing over centuries of scholarly debate, a visit to Queen’s Lane is a quintessentially Oxford experience.
9. Caffè al Bicerin – Turin, Italy
Since 1763, Caffè al Bicerin has been serving its namesake beverage, bicerin, a heavenly concoction of chocolate, coffee, and cream. This historic café exudes an intimate atmosphere with its marble tables and wood paneling. Located near the church of the Consolata, it began as a favorite spot for churchgoers to warm up after mass and quickly became a Torinese institution.
Caffè al Bicerin remains a pilgrimage site for chocolate and coffee aficionados alike. Its legacy is intertwined with the culinary traditions of Turin, offering a taste that is both historic and delectable.
10. Café Zum Arabischen Coffe Baum – Leipzig, Germany
Dating back to 1694, Café Zum Arabischen Coffe Baum in Leipzig is one of the oldest cafes in Europe. Over the centuries, it has hosted an array of illustrious figures from composers like Wagner to literary giants such as Goethe.
The café encompasses a museum showcasing coffee-related artifacts that highlight the history of European coffee culture.
The classic German Kaffee und Kuchen (coffee and cake) is a speciality here, served in a setting that resonates with historical significance. Café Zum Arabischen Coffe Baum remains a timeless landmark, embodying the essence of traditional German coffee house culture.
FAQs
What makes a coffee shop one of the oldest in the world?
An establishment is typically recognized as one of the “oldest” based on its foundation date and its continuous operation as a coffee-serving venue since its opening. These historical venues have been meeting points and have a significant impact on local or international culture.
Can you still visit these historic coffee shops today?
Yes, all the coffee shops listed in this article are operational and welcome visitors. They have become not just places to enjoy a coffee but also tourist attractions that offer a glimpse of the history and culture of coffee.
Have these coffee shops been preserved in their original form?
While these coffee shops maintain their traditional atmosphere and historic charm, they often undergo renovations to preserve the building’s integrity and to offer modern amenities to their guests. However, most strive to retain their original aesthetic and historic identity.
What kind of experiences can you expect at these old coffee shops?
Visiting these coffee shops offers more than just the taste of coffee. It’s about the experience of stepping into a living piece of history, where you can appreciate antiques, art, historical memorabilia, and the unchanged tradition of hospitality and service that have been extended over centuries.
Conclusion
From the mirrored halls of Cairo’s El Fishawy to the Art Deco elegance of Lisbon’s Brasileira, the world’s oldest coffee shops offer a unique opportunity to sip on a steamy cup of history. Each café on this list tells a story, not only of the evolution of coffee culture but also of the cities and societies that they have been a part of for centuries. They have adapted and survived through the times, much like the ritual of coffee drinking itself. To visit these establishments is to pay homage to the rich tradition of coffee, conversation, and community that defines café culture around the world. Whether you’re a history buff, a coffee enthusiast, or a curious traveler, these historical coffee houses are captivating destinations that are well worth a visit.
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