20 Most Stunning Cafes In The World
For me, cafes have never been simply casual spots to get a quick cuppa — they are places to relax, meet friends and socialize or, in my case, to find inspiration.
From my travels, I learned that a truly gorgeous cafe can leave you nearly frozen in your tracks, taking in every single detail.
That’s why I’ve compiled this list of 20 cafes from various corners of the world that have surprised me with their incredible beauty and allurement.
Whether you’re a coffee lover, a design enthusiast, or someone who’s hunting for your next beautiful vacation, these cafes will leave you enchanted.
1. Cafe Central – Vienna, Austria
This historic cafe boasts an old-world charm with its grand chandeliers and vaulted ceilings.
I sat agog, slurping a creamy melange and imagining great thinkers like Freud and Trotsky, who once graced its tables.
If you want a taste of Vienna’s rich history, it’s a must-visit.
Don’t miss their famous apple strudel — it’s perfection.
2. Truth Coffee Roasting – Cape Town, South Africa
Named one of the best coffee shops in the world, this steampunk-style cafe is a feast for the eyes.
The elaborate decor, with its copious metal piping, gears and industrial ambience, transports you into a different universe.
Their coffee? As bold as the interior.
I couldn’t leave without a bag of their freshly roasted beans.
3. Café de Flore – Paris, France
This Parisian gilded age icon is every bit as chic as you would imagine: Think timeless Art Deco style, sidewalk seating.
I loved drinking an espresso and watching the world pass by on Boulevard Saint-Germain.
It has been a creative wellspring for decades, with legends like Picasso and Sartre among its former regulars.
Their hot chocolate is worth every luxurious sip.
4. Cafe 27 – Bali, Indonesia
Surrounded by trees, this open-air cafe is a tropical paradise.
I loved its nooks, bamboo furniture and the very ambience that allows you to relax properly.
Their smoothie bowls are just as colorful and fresh as the setting itself.
It is the sort of place you never want to leave.
5. El Ateneo Grand Splendid – Buenos Aires, Argentina
This former theater that became a bookstore cafe is jaw-droppingly unique.
I drank my latte amid decorative balconies, a grand stage and rows of floor-to-ceiling books.
It’s a wondrous amalgamation of culture, history and design.
Visiting here is like walking into a storybook.
6. Tokyo, Japan – Blue Bottle Coffee
This cafe is zen in its minimalist ascetics.
The store’s clean lines, natural wood accents and airy feel made it ideal for recharging on my trip.
Their hand-drip coffee is as painstakingly prepared as the decor itself — one to sample for die-hard coffee fiends.
7. Cafe Majestic – Porto, Portugal
Visual pleasure abounds inside this Belle Époque masterpiece, with its ornate mirrors, chandeliers and plush leather seats.
Sipping my coffee in such a royal setting made me feel somewhat like royalty.
An historic living piece, it’s ideal for a special occasion or just to treat yourself.
8. Tinsel – Antwerp, Belgium
This colorful, plant-filled cafe is all personality.
I adored the eclectic decor that was cozy and creative at the same time.
Makers also serve a seasonal menu showcasing local, sustainable ingredients that taste as good as they look.
It’s the ideal place for a relaxed brunch.
9. Caffe Florian – Venice, Italy
Tucked into the center of St. Mark’s Square, this cafe is a Venetian gem.
The interior is gilded and live classical music plays for a truly unique experience.
While immersing myself in the ageless enchantment of Venice, I indulged in their famous coffee and desserts.
It’s a splurge, but well worth it.
10. The Grounds of Alexandria – Sydney, Australia
This sprawling café feels like a fairy tale garden.
With lush greenery and whimsical decor galore, and lots of photo ops, it’s a literal dream.
Their menu features fresh, flavorful farm-to-table cuisine; I recommend their signature avo toast.
It’s not just a cafe, it’s an experience.
11. % Arabica – Kyoto, Japan
On the Philosopher’s Path, this cafe has beautiful views and seriously great coffee.
The minimalist aesthetic further enhances the natural beauty surrounding it.
I loved seeing the baristas prepare each cup with precision.
Their latte art is next level.
12. New York Cafe – Budapest, Hungary
This spot is straight opulence, hailed as the “most beautiful cafe in the world.”
Its chandeliers and gilded details and frescoed ceilings take you back to lavished days.
I felt like a royal sipping coffee in the midst of such stunning architecture!
Desserts are every bit as indulgent as the setting — it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
13. Cafe Confeitaria Colombo — Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Enter this Art Nouveau masterpiece, and you’ll feel you’ve stepped back in time.
The intricate woodwork and stained glass ceilings are a treat for the eyes.
I loved their Brazilian coffee served with the classic bread called pão de queijo (that serious cheese bread).
It’s an ideal place to take in the charm of Rio and its deep cafe culture.
14. Omotesando Koffee – Tokyo, Japan
Tucked away in a quiet residential area, this cafe embraces understated elegance.
The clean-lined, cube-shaped counter and modernist décor embody its deliberate, curated mood.
The coffee, brewed with artisanal care, stands out in Tokyo’s cafe scene.
It was nice to sip slowly and soak up the calm, peaceful environment.
15. Les Deux Magots – Paris, France
This Parisian gem has long served as a haven for writers, artists and thinkers alike.
I couldn’t resist its lovely terrace and traditional French interiors.
Here, an espresso and croissant felt like a step into history.
It’s an iconic place to find what’s authentically Paris.
16. La Felicità – Paris, France
This lively, sprawling café is more like a playground for food- and design-loving grown-ups.
Drenched in color with plants, bustle and energy, a sensory feast.
The open spaces, delicious pizza and cocktails.
It’s ideal for a lazy day or an evening out with friends.
17. Peter Beier Chocolate Cafe – Copenhagen, Denmark
So you must be wondering about this cozy little spot that welcomes every chocolate and coffee lover.
The warm smell of coffee and melting chocolate envelops you when you walk in.
I had their signature hot chocolate, which was as decadent as it sounds.
The cafe, in every nook, is cozy and welcoming, leaving you with a hard time not wanting to leave.
18. Kaffeine – London, England
With its sleek, modern design and focus on quality, Kaffeine is a London standout.
The cozy atmosphere and lovely baristas make you feel at home.
They did all of this while showcasing strong espresso flavors that impressed me and were brewed perfectly every time.
It is an oasis for coffee enthusiasts in the midst of the urban warehouses.
19. Wonder Ground — Pino Pasticceria – Amalfi Coast, Italy
Perched by the coastal beauty, patio views of the sea.
Their coffee and pastries are unassuming but bursting with flavor from local ingredients.
I’d passed a lovely morning here, sitting in the warm Amalfi breeze.
It’s a small piece of paradise, ideal for renewing your energy while far away from home.
20. Bacha Coffee – Marrakech, Marruecos
Set in a historic palace, this cafe is a feast for the senses.
Its detailed mosaics, rich colors, glitzy décor — nothing is like this elsewhere.
It would be hard to forget the exotic spices of a Moroccan coffee blend that I had the pleasure of sipping.
It’s a destination where history, culture and luxury combine perfectly.
