To truly understand Paris, one must spend hours in its cafés. They are not merely places to drink coffee — they are stages upon which the daily theater of Parisian life unfolds. For centuries, painters, poets, philosophers, and passersby have all sought refuge in these intimate spaces filled with aroma, chatter, and the soft clink of porcelain cups. From grand 19th-century salons to cozy bohemian coffee corners, Parisian cafés are where art, politics, love, and language have mingled endlessly. This guide — now even more comprehensive — introduces the best cafés in Paris, offering insight into their ambiance, history, flavors, and soul.
1. Les Deux Magots (Saint-Germain-des-Prés)
To sit at Les Deux Magots is to touch the essence of Saint-Germain’s artistic and intellectual pulse. Founded in 1884, this café was once a magnet for literary legends — Hemingway, Sartre, Picasso, Joyce, and Simone de Beauvoir all found inspiration here. Its name refers to two Chinese figurines that still preside over the café, a nod to its earlier days as a silk shop.
Its terrace looks out over the Église Saint-Germain-des-Prés, inviting you to watch as writers, students, and dreamers drift by. Inside, polished brass fittings, deep mahogany wood, and a soft hum of conversation create a sense of continuity with the past.
☕ What to try: The iconic Chocolat Chaud des Deux Magots is as thick as melted chocolate and best enjoyed with their buttery croissants or Parisian omelettes.
💡 Insider tip: Go early in the morning for quiet contemplation, or at golden hour when the sunlight spills onto the marble tables. Bring a notebook — the setting might awaken your inner writer.
📍 Good to know: Upscale (€€€) but worth it. Free Wi-Fi, English menus, and classic Parisian service.
2. Café de Flore (Saint-Germain-des-Prés)
Just across Boulevard Saint-Germain, Café de Flore is Les Deux Magots’ eternal companion and rival. With its crimson leather banquettes, gleaming mirrors, and lively energy, it embodies Parisian sophistication. Opened in the 1880s, this café was the meeting place for existentialist thinkers — Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir spent countless hours here shaping modern philosophy.
Today, it draws everyone from intellectuals to fashion icons. Whether you’re seated on the sidewalk terrace or within the intimate Art Deco interior, it’s a place to savor the city’s rhythm.
☕ What to try: Their legendary Chocolat Chaud Africain and croque-monsieur are essential. Try their brunch for a luxurious start to your day.
💡 Insider tip: If you’re planning to write postcards or read a book, choose an inside corner seat — you’ll enjoy both privacy and spectacle.
📍 Good to know: Open late (until 1:30 AM). Expensive, but a piece of living history.
3. Le Procope (Odéon)
Founded in 1686, Le Procope is not just Paris’s oldest café — it’s a monument to French Enlightenment thought. Voltaire, Rousseau, and Diderot discussed revolution here, while Napoleon left behind his iconic hat. Inside, velvet drapes and chandeliers illuminate antique portraits and hand-written menus that whisper stories of centuries past.
☕ What to try: Traditional escargots, coq au vin, or the classic mille-feuille. Pair your meal with a glass of red Bordeaux for a touch of indulgence.
💡 Insider tip: Visit for lunch; the prix-fixe menus are more affordable and the ambiance calmer. Dinner, however, reveals the café’s candlelit grandeur.
📍 Good to know: Elegant but approachable (€€). A must for lovers of history and fine dining.
4. La Closerie des Lilas (Montparnasse)
A temple of creativity, La Closerie des Lilas was Hemingway’s writing sanctuary and Fitzgerald’s hangout. Its lilac-accented interior glows with soft lamplight, and the grand piano’s melodies set the tone for a romantic Paris evening. Every table here feels like a page from a storybook.
☕ What to try: Their seafood platters, French onion soup, and crème brûlée are standouts. For drinks, the signature Bloody Mary pays homage to Hemingway himself.
💡 Insider tip: Ask to be seated at Hemingway’s table, marked by a brass plaque. You’ll feel his spirit in the air.
📍 Good to know: Upscale (€€€€), with an evening pianist and bilingual service.
5. Angelina (Rue de Rivoli, 1st Arrondissement)
Near the Louvre and the Tuileries Gardens, Angelina is the epitome of Belle Époque glamour. Founded in 1903, it was Coco Chanel’s go-to café, and remains a pilgrimage site for lovers of decadent desserts.
The mirrors, marble columns, and chandeliers create an atmosphere of refined indulgence, while the smell of cocoa and vanilla fills the air.
🍫 What to try: The world-famous L’Africain hot chocolate — rich, velvety, and served with whipped cream — and their Mont-Blanc chestnut dessert.
💡 Insider tip: Visit mid-afternoon to avoid the peak lunch crowd. For a treat, order a dessert to go and enjoy it in the Tuileries Garden nearby.
📍 Good to know: Luxurious (€€€), with attentive service and elegant packaging for takeaway pastries.
6. Shakespeare & Company Café (Latin Quarter)
Attached to the iconic bookstore near Notre-Dame, the Shakespeare & Company Café merges literature and leisure. Writers and travelers gather here to sip locally roasted Lomi coffee, gaze at the cathedral, and jot notes into their journals.
☕ What to try: Espresso or flat white, vegan banana bread, and their chai latte. Everything pairs beautifully with the scent of paper and ink from next door.
💡 Insider tip: Arrive early for a window seat overlooking the Seine. It’s one of the most peaceful spots in Paris.
📍 Good to know: English-speaking staff, Wi-Fi, and vegetarian-friendly.
7. Boot Café (Le Marais)
A minimalist gem tucked into an old cobbler’s shop, Boot Café has become a cult favorite. Its soft pastel-blue facade and vintage typography make it a favorite Instagram backdrop, but the coffee itself steals the show.
☕ What to try: Flat white, filter brew, or matcha latte. Pair with a homemade cookie or pastry.
💡 Insider tip: Space is tiny, so plan for takeaway if it’s busy. Bring your camera — the exterior is photogenic in any light.
📍 Good to know: Cashless, friendly staff, and perfect for solo explorers.
8. Holybelly 5 (Canal Saint-Martin)
Vibrant, social, and delicious — Holybelly 5 is the brunch capital of Paris. The Australian-inspired menu, hip décor, and easygoing atmosphere make it a magnet for locals and visitors alike.
🥞 What to try: Buttermilk pancakes with bacon and eggs, or their “Full Belly” breakfast. Pair with a specialty coffee or London Fog latte.
💡 Insider tip: Weekends are packed; arrive by 9:30 AM. Their friendly team speaks English and loves conversation.
📍 Good to know: Moderately priced (€€) and full of good vibes.
9. Ten Belles (Canal Saint-Martin)
Among the pioneers of Paris’s specialty coffee revolution, Ten Belles combines expertly brewed espresso with a rustic, welcoming interior. It’s a favorite among artists and students who work remotely by the window.
☕ What to try: Cappuccino, pour-over coffee, and homemade quiche. Their banana bread is moist and addictive.
💡 Insider tip: Grab a takeaway cup and walk along the Canal for a quintessential Paris experience.
📍 Good to know: Casual, pet-friendly, and English-speaking staff.
10. Le Polidor (Odéon)
Le Polidor has remained virtually unchanged since 1845, capturing the charm of old Paris. Its communal tables, handwritten menus, and candlelit interior evoke an era when meals were shared stories. It appeared in Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris, adding to its mythic status.
🍷 What to try: Beef bourguignon, pot-au-feu, and crème caramel.
💡 Insider tip: Dinner time reveals its full charm. No Wi-Fi — just conversation and nostalgia.
📍 Good to know: Budget-friendly (€15–25) and brimming with authenticity.
11. Le Consulat (Montmartre)
Le Consulat stands as a living postcard in Montmartre. With its red-and-white facade and tables spilling onto cobblestone streets, it has been an artist’s haven for centuries. Van Gogh, Monet, and Picasso all found inspiration here.
🍽️ What to try: Onion soup, crêpes, or steak-frites. Their café au lait is smooth and satisfying.
💡 Insider tip: Arrive early morning or near sunset for the most beautiful light — photographers love this café.
📍 Good to know: Friendly service, moderate prices, and stunning views.
12. Café des Deux Moulins (Montmartre)
Famous from the film Amélie, Café des Deux Moulins offers cinematic nostalgia. The red bar and retro décor instantly transport you to the film’s whimsical world.
🍮 What to try: Croque-monsieur, salads, or crème brûlée — Amélie’s favorite dessert.
💡 Insider tip: Visit early to avoid crowds. Look for movie memorabilia around the bar.
📍 Good to know: Affordable (€€) and filled with warm, playful energy.
13. Noir (Île Saint-Louis)
A symbol of modern Parisian coffee culture, Noir blends minimalism and mastery. Its sleek design, soft lighting, and meticulous brewing make it a destination for true coffee connoisseurs.
☕ What to try: Espresso tonic, charcoal latte, or pour-over coffee.
💡 Insider tip: Sit by the window to enjoy peaceful views of the Seine and Île Saint-Louis.
📍 Good to know: Sophisticated, quiet, and ideal for reflection.
Final Thoughts
Parisian cafés are not just physical spaces — they are emotional landmarks. They have witnessed revolutions, romances, and artistic awakenings. Whether you’re lost in the literary history of Les Deux Magots, savoring brunch at Holybelly, or photographing Le Consulat, each moment spent in a Paris café connects you to generations of dreamers who came before.
So, slow down. Let time linger. ☕ Order that second cup. Watch life unfold on the boulevards, and remember — in Paris, cafés are not simply about coffee — they are about life itself.