Summer is here, and so is the wanderlust, and if you are planning adventures abroad, consider adding a few legendary cafés to your itinerary.
From the Gothic charm of Els Quatre Gats in Barcelona to the opulence of Café de La Paix in Paris and the timeless elegance of Caffè Florian in Venice, each destination invites you to experience coffee as a cultural immersion in history.
In this blog, we’ll explore three of the most iconic coffee shops in Europe—each with its own story, style, and reason to visit. And if your travels bring you to Ireland, we’ve got a cheeky little suggestion at the end that might not be world-famous (yet), but definitely serves world-class coffee.
Els Quatre Gats – Barcelona, Spain
If you're heading to Barcelona this summer, make sure to carve out time for a visit to Els Quatre Gats, a café-restaurant-bar that’s as rich in history as it is in ambience. Nestled in the Gothic Quarter at Carrer de Montsió, 3, this iconic spot is housed in the Casa Martí, a stunning modernist building designed by architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch in 1896.
Opened in 1897 by Pere Romeu, a charismatic figure who previously worked at the famous Le Chat Noir cabaret in Paris, Els Quatre Gats was inspired by the bohemian spirit of its French counterpart. Romeu envisioned a place that offered not just food and drink, but also “food of the spirit”—a gathering space for artists, musicians, and thinkers. With support from modernist heavyweights Ramon Casas, Santiago Rusiñol, and Miquel Utrillo, the café quickly became a cultural hub.
Its tavern-like interior, with wrought iron details, stained glass, and medieval-style furniture, evokes the turn-of-the-century charm that once drew in the likes of Antoni Gaudí, Isaac Albéniz, and a young Pablo Picasso, who held his first solo exhibition here at just 17 years old. The poster outside the café? Picasso designed that too.
Today, Els Quatre Gats continues to operate as a café, restaurant, and bar, offering Catalan cuisine, live piano music, and a wine list that pairs beautifully with its historic setting.
Whether you're stopping in for a leisurely lunch, a romantic dinner, or just a coffee with a side of nostalgia, this place offers plenty of atmosphere.
Add it to your itinerary between visits to the Barcelona Cathedral and Plaça Catalunya—and don’t forget to snap a photo under the iconic archway. It’s not just a café; it’s a time machine with espresso.
Café de La Paix – Paris, France
If you're travelling to Paris this summer, a visit to the iconic Café de La Paix is a must, especially if you're craving a side of history with your espresso. Located at 5 Pl. de l'Opéra, right beside the Palais Garnier, this legendary café has been a symbol of Parisian elegance since it opened on June 30, 1862.
Designed by Alfred Armand in the lavish Napoleon III style, Café de La Paix was originally created to serve guests of the Grand Hôtel, both of which were part of Baron Haussmann’s grand renovation of Paris. Its ornate interiors—gilded mirrors, fluted columns, and painted ceilings—have remained largely intact for over 160 years, earning it status as a monument historique in 1975.
Over the decades, the café became a cultural hub, attracting literary and artistic giants such as Victor Hugo, Émile Zola, Guy de Maupassant, Oscar Wilde, and Ernest Hemingway, who referenced it in The Sun Also Rises. Its proximity to the opera house made it a favourite pre-show stop for performers and patrons alike. During World War II, the café remained open and even served as a discreet meeting place for members of the French Resistance, including its manager Paul Boubal, who secretly aided the movement.
Today, Café de La Paix continues to offer a refined experience with classic French cuisine, including its famed onion soup, steak tartare, and the beloved millefeuille pastry.
Add it to your itinerary after exploring the Opéra Garnier or shopping along Boulevard des Capucines. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or just someone who appreciates a good croissant in a gilded room, Café de La Paix is Paris at its most timeless.
Caffè Florian – Venice, Italy
If your summer itinerary includes the floating beauty of Venice, then a stop at Caffè Florian in Piazza San Marco is non-negotiable. This isn’t just a café—it’s a living museum, a cultural salon, and the oldest still-operating coffeehouse in Italy, having opened its doors on December 29, 1720.
Its location offers one of the most scenic views in Venice—right across from St. Mark’s Basilica and the Campanile, with the square’s timeless charm unfolding around you.
Over the centuries, Caffè Florian has been a gathering place for artists, writers, and revolutionaries. Giacomo Casanova, Goethe, Lord Byron, Charles Dickens, and Marcel Proust were all known to frequent its lavish halls. It was also one of the first cafés in Europe to admit women, a radical move in the 18th century.
Inside, you’ll find ornate rooms like the Sala del Senato and Sala Cinese, each filled with frescoes, velvet, and gilded mirrors. Outside, enjoy live classical music, a glass of wine, and a view of St. Mark’s Basilica.
Add it to your itinerary after visiting the Doge’s Palace or taking a gondola ride. It’s not just a coffee stop—it’s a Venetian experience.
Coffee isn’t just a drink—it’s a passport to culture, connection, and comfort. Whether you’re sipping espresso in Paris or grabbing a flat white in Dublin, each cup tells a story. So this summer, let your travels be guided by flavour.
Seek out the cafés that make cities sing!
If your summer travels bring you to Dublin, don’t miss the chance to step into one of our cozy cafés. We might not be a landmark, but we’re a local favourite—and we’re here to make your Dublin visit just that little bit more delicious. Come say hi!
