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Home - Travel Tips - The World’s Oldest Coffee Houses, Still The Best
If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Long before coffee became a global ritual, it was already steeping in stories, revolution, and romance. From gilded salons in Venice to literary haunts in Rome, the world’s oldest coffee houses aren’t just places to sip espresso—they’re living museums of culture, conversation, and time. Whether you’re chasing the aroma of history or simply craving a cappuccino with character, these legendary cafés offer more than caffeine: they serve connection, legacy, and a taste of centuries past.
“A bad day with coffee is better than a good day without it.”
I am “one of those” who are non-functional and non-sociable until I have my first cup of coffee. My first cup is usually a café latte, and then coffee-coffee. I ease into my day, and it is not unusual for me to have a last cup before bedtime, which usually is decaffeinated – just to ensure the sleep fairies don’t forget all about me! I also don’t just have one cup throughout the day, but rather quite a few – let’s say about two or three.
With all that said, it is a given that I had to enjoy coffee at the world’s oldest coffee house. You can not call these outlets coffee shops. They are so much more than just a coffee shop. They are necessary on your travel agenda, and they are a TREAT! Sometimes you must book well in advance; sometimes you are lucky to find an open table.
Many claim the title, but only one coffee house has brewed a continuous history since 1720. Caffè Florian would have been number two if it were not for the Amsterdam café changing its name from a coffee house, which opened in 1624, to a beer house. Caffè Florian opened on 29th December by Floriano Francesconi. To clarify, although the Amsterdam café predates Florian, it no longer operates as a coffeehouse, making Caffè Florian the oldest still-operating one.
I visited Caffè Florian on a freezing morning, and the only table was outside. It did not matter at all because all that mattered was where I was at that moment, i.e., in the world’s oldest coffee house. Stepping into the world’s oldest coffee house feels like entering a time capsule of Venetian grandeur. Years later, I returned for a longer visit, but again on a very chilly morning. This time I was seated inside, and of course, it was still jaw-droppingly beautiful. The coffee and confectionery were super tasty, and the service was excellent despite the coffee house being crowded with tourists.
Caffè Florian opened its doors as “Alla Venezia Trionfante”, meaning Triumphant Venice. Today, it is known as Caffè Florian in honour of its founder, who established this 300-year-old establishment with just two small rooms.
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Despite documentary evidence, the “1760 A.D.” sign above the entrance is accepted as the date of birth of this Roman art coffee house.
You will find this coffeehouse near the famous Spanish Steps in Rome.
The interior is not only decorated with Roman art but also with paintings from Austrian and German artists. The German paintings are a reminder of German tourists flocking to Caffè Greco in the 19th century, around 16h00 to sunset. The coffee house was known to be tolerant of smokers and conveniently located after a day’s sightseeing in and around Naples.
Many legendary names have passed through the doors of one of the world’s oldest coffee houses, Caffè Greco in Rome. Princess Diana, Charles Dickens, Sophia Loren, Henry James, Elizabeth Taylor, Orson Welles, Audrey Hepburn, and John Keats, to name a few.
Since this post was first published, these historic cafés continue to enchant travelers. Caffè Florian still serves espresso under its gilded ceilings, and Caffè Greco remains a literary haven. Their legacy endures—proof that great coffee and great stories never go out of style.
Have you sipped espresso in any of these legendary cafés? Share your story in the comments!
By Arina JVR – Connecting across 30+ countries.
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