Continuing our tour of legendary coffee shops to include a visit while on holidays, if your summer destination is taking you beyond Europe, here are three unforgettable cafés.
These aren’t just places to grab a caffeine fix—they’re cultural landmarks that serve up history, architecture, and local flavour with every cup.
From the opulence of Rio’s Belle Époque to the literary soul of Buenos Aires and the artistic elegance of Porto, each stop offers a unique experience that blends coffee with storytelling.
Confeitaria Colombo – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
If your summer travels take you to the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, make sure to include a stop at the iconic Confeitaria Colombo, located at Rua Gonçalves Dias in the heart of the city’s historic downtown.
Founded in 1894 by Portuguese immigrants Joaquim Borges de Meireles and Manuel José Lebrão, this café is a living tribute to Brazil’s Belle Époque and one of the most beautiful coffeehouses in the world.
Between 1912 and 1918, the salons were transformed with Art Nouveau flair: massive crystal mirrors imported from Antwerp, carved jacaranda wood furniture by Antonio Borsoi, and a stunning stained-glass skylight crowning the second-floor tearoom.
Over the years, it became a favuorite meeting place for Brazilian intellectuals, politicians, and artists like Olavo Bilac, Lima Barreto, Chiquinha Gonzaga, and Heitor Villa-Lobos.
Today, Colombo offers a full lunch menu and traditional Brazilian pastries in a setting that feels like stepping into a time capsule. Whether you're stopping in for a pastel de nata (custard tart), a coxinha creme (creamy chicken croquette), or just a coffee with a view of the ornate tearoom, it’s a uniquely carioca (from Rio) experience.
Add it to your itinerary after exploring the Theatro Municipal, Museu Nacional de Belas Artes, or a walk along Rua do Ouvidor.
Confeitaria Colombo isn’t just a café—it’s a cultural landmark with a generous dusting of sugar on top, promising an unforgettable glimpse into Rio’s elegant past.
Café Tortoni – Buenos Aires, Argentina
If you're traveling to the captivating city of Buenos Aires, a visit to Café Tortoni is practically a rite of passage. Located at Avenida de Mayo 825, this iconic café is the oldest in Argentina, founded in 1858 by a French immigrant named Jean Touan, who modeled it after the original Café Tortoni in Paris.
Step inside and you’re instantly transported to the fin de siècle era, with marble-topped tables, dark wood paneling, and crystal chandeliers that have witnessed over a century of Argentine history.
The café quickly became a cultural hub, attracting artists, writers, and intellectuals. Many tables feature plaques honoring famous patrons such as Jorge Luis Borges, Alfonsina Storni, and Carlos Gardel, who once gathered here to share ideas, music, and poetry. In the 1920s, its basement hosted La Peña, a literary and artistic society that helped shape the city’s creative scene.
Today, Café Tortoni still buzzes with life. You can enjoy churros with hot chocolate, classic Argentine treats like medialunas (Argentina’s beloved croissants), or a café con leche (latte) while soaking in the vintage ambiance. The basement now hosts tango shows, poetry readings, and book presentations, keeping its artistic legacy alive.
Add it to your itinerary after visiting Plaza de Mayo or the Casa Rosada—it’s just a short walk away. And if you’re lucky, you might even grab a seat at Borges’ favourite table.
Café Tortoni it’s not just a coffee break—it’s a sip of Argentine soul.
Café Majestic – Porto, Portugal
Should your summer itinerary lead you to the charming city of Porto, you absolutely cannot miss the chance to experience the elegance of Café Majestic, located at Rua de Santa Catarina, 112—right in the heart of the city’s bustling shopping district.
Opened on December 17, 1921, originally as Café Elite, it was soon renamed Majestic to reflect the glamour of La Belle Époque, and quickly became a favourite among Porto’s intellectuals and high society.
Designed by José Pinto de Oliveira, the café is a masterpiece of Art Nouveau architecture, with a marble façade, ornate floral motifs, and a richly decorated interior featuring Flemish mirrors, leather banquettes, and plaster sculptures.
It’s been frequented by literary and artistic figures like José Régio, Teixeira de Pascoaes, and Leonardo Coimbra, and even served as a cultural salon for students and professors from the School of Fine Arts of Porto.
Today, Café Majestic offers a refined menu of Portuguese pastries and traditional dishes in a setting that feels like stepping into a 1920s postcard. Whether you're stopping in for a pastel de nata, a glass of Port wine, or just a coffee break between sightseeing, this café delivers timeless charm.
Add it to your itinerary after exploring Bolhão Market or Livraria Lello. I
Café Majestic it’s not just a café—it’s one of Porto’s most treasured cultural landmarks.
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 your summer travels happen to bring you to the charming capital of Ireland, we would absolutely love to welcome you to one of our cozy Dublin coffee shops.
We may not yet boast the centuries of history or the global fame of a Confeitaria Colombo or a Café Tortoni, but we are immensely proud of serving truly excellent coffee, freshly baked pastries, and mouth-watering toasties that our beloved locals swear by.
Come say hi, and let us make your Dublin visit just that little bit more delicious.
