Suppose you’ve been following our series on legendary coffeehouses around the world. In that case, you’ve already explored the bohemian charm of Els Quatre Gats in Barcelona or one of the most beautiful coffeehouses in the world Confeitaria Colombo in Rio de Janeiro.
Now, we continue our journey eastward—into the heart of Eastern Europe, where coffee culture is steeped in imperial history, literary legacy, and architectural splendour.
Whether you’re planning a summer escape or simply dreaming of one, these three iconic cafés—Café Central in Vienna, Café Imperial in Prague, and Café New York in Budapest—deserve a spot on your itinerary. Each offers more than just a cup of coffee; they serve up a full sensory experience that blends tradition, taste, and timeless beauty.
Café Central – Vienna, Austria
If you're visiting Vienna, a stop at the legendary Café Central is a must. Located at Herrengasse 14, inside the historic Palais Ferstel, this iconic coffeehouse has been a cornerstone of Viennese culture since it first opened its doors in 1876.
Originally housed in the former Bank and Stock Exchange Building, Café Central quickly became a hub for the city’s intellectual elite. Regulars included Sigmund Freud, Leon Trotsky, Adolf Loos, Stefan Zweig, and Peter Altenberg, whose statue still greets guests near the entrance!
During World War II, the building suffered significant damage, and Café Central closed for decades before reopening in the 1980s, fully restored to its former grandeur. The Neo-Renaissance architecture, marble columns, and vaulted ceilings create a regal atmosphere. At one end of the coffee house, you can even enjoy breakfast beneath portraits of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth, adding a touch of imperial charm to your morning.
The menu features classic Viennese dishes, traditional coffee specialties, and decadent pastries from the in-house patisserie. From Apfelstrudel to Sachertorte, every bite is steeped in tradition.
Add it to your itinerary after visiting St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Hofburg Palace, or shopping along Graben. But be warned: queues are common, so plan your visit in advance and book a table on Café Central’s official website.
It’s not just a coffeehouse—it’s Vienna’s intellectual living room, steeped in history, elegance, and flavour.
Café Imperial – Prague, Czech Republic
If you're heading to Prague, be sure to include a visit to the stunning Café Imperial, located at Na Poříčí 15, in the heart of the city’s Nové Město (New Town). Opened in 1914, this architectural gem is part of the historic Hotel Imperial, and has long been a favourite gathering place for artists, writers, and political figures.
The café’s interior is a masterpiece of Art Deco and late Art Nouveau design, featuring ceramic mosaics, geometric patterns, and oriental-inspired motifs that reflect influences from Egyptian, Mediterranean, and Moorish art. The building itself dates back to the 14th century and has lived many lives—including as the “Hotel of the Black Eagle”—before becoming the Imperial we know today.
Among its famous guests were Franz Kafka, composer Leoš Janáček, and Czechoslovakia’s first president Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, who all found inspiration within its opulent walls.
Today, the café is known not only for its history but also for its refined Czech cuisine, freshly baked cakes, and Imperial beer, served in a luxurious yet welcoming atmosphere.
Add it to your itinerary after visiting Republic Square, Municipal House, or a stroll through Na Příkopě. It’s not just a coffee stop—it’s a slice of Prague’s cultural heritage served with elegance.
You can explore the menu or book a table on Café Imperial’s official website.
Café New York – Budapest, Hungary
If you're visiting Budapest, a stop at the legendary Café New York is an absolute must. Located at Erzsébet körút 9–11, inside the opulent New York Palace, this café has earned its reputation as the “Most Beautiful Café in the World”—and once you step inside, you’ll understand why.
Opened in 1894, Café New York quickly became the beating heart of Budapest’s literary and artistic scene. Writers, poets, and editors gathered here to exchange ideas, write, and debate. Hungarian literary giants like Frigyes Karinthy, Dezső Kosztolányi, Zsigmond Móricz, and Mihály Babits were regulars, and the upstairs gallery even hosted editorial offices for influential newspapers.
Legend has it that someone threw the café’s key into the Danube River to ensure it would never close—a story now immortalized by a tiny statue of a diver holding a key just outside the building.
The café’s interior is a jaw-dropping blend of Neo-Renaissance architecture, with gilded stuccoes, sparkling chandeliers, marble columns, and frescoed ceilings that make every visit feel like stepping into a palace. The atmosphere is theatrical, elegant, and timeless.
Today, Café New York serves a menu inspired by the Austro-Hungarian culinary tradition, including Beef Goulash, Wiener Schnitzel, and decadent desserts like Dobos cake and Eszterházy torte.
Add it to your itinerary after exploring Andrássy Avenue, Heroes’ Square, or the Hungarian State Opera House.
It’s not just a coffeehouse—it’s a cultural icon wrapped in velvet and gold.
Our coffee shops in Dublin, Ireland
And if your summer travels take you to Ireland, we’d love to welcome you to one of our Dublin coffee shops. We may not have chandeliers or frescoed ceilings (yet), but we do serve excellent coffee, fresh pastries, and toasties.
Whether you’re exploring Trinity College, St. Stephen’s Green, or just wandering the city streets, pop in for a smooth flat white, a cozy seat, and a warm hello from our baristas.
Final sip: coffee as a cultural compass
From Vienna’s regal salons to Prague’s mosaic-covered walls and Budapest’s velvet-draped grandeur, these Eastern European cafés are more than places to drink—they’re places to feel. They offer a taste of the cities they inhabit and the stories they’ve helped shape.
So as you plan your summer travels, let your coffee breaks become cultural moments. Seek out the cafés that have stood the test of time, and let each sip be a step deeper into the soul of your destination.
And if you find yourself in Dublin, come say hi—we’re brewing something special just for you ☕✨
Image credits: Café Central; Café Imperial; Café New York
