Throughout history, coffeehouses or cafes have been more than just a place to drink beverages they have served many other functions as well. Beginning in the early 17th century, coffeehouses rose to prominence as places where people might gather and engage in a variety of social interactions. They developed into a casual public gathering spot that was a big part of the creative community and served as hotspots for many social movements as well. There are several old coffee shops that are still functioning today. Each one has its own unique style and is full of fascinating histories.
Café Le Procope, Paris
In the 18th and 19th centuries, this café developed into a famous hotspot for Parisian creative, political, and literary society. It was an important landmark during the French Revolution. Among its well-known customers are Napoleon Bonaparte and Queen Marie Antoinette. Have a cup of coffee in the midst of opulent decor, antique furniture, paintings, and chandeliers that are from a bygone era.
Address 13 Rue de l'Ancienne Comédie, 75006 Paris, France
Caffè Florian, Venice
Located on the atmospheric St. Mark's Square in Venice, this cafe dates back to 1720, and is said to be one of the oldest continuously operating coffeehouses in the world. It underwent a restoration in the middle of the 19th century. Located in the Piazza San Marco, the long and exciting history of the city has played out outside the café's stained-glass windows. Be it the rise and fall of the Republic of Venice or the plots to overthrow French, and later Austrian, rule. The wounded of the 1848 Uprising were treated inside the Halls here.
Address Piazza San Marco, 57, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
Caffè Reggio, New York City
Barber Domenic Parisi, an immigrant from Italy, used his life savings to purchase an espresso machine from Italy after working as a hair stylist for forty years. And that&rsquos how Caffè Reggio, one of New York City's oldest cafes, was introduced to America. Their magnificent espresso maker was the first of its kind when it was created in 1902 &ndash exhibiting a remarkable union of engineering and design. The machine, given centerstage in the cafe, represents the café&rsquos long history as a forerunner of taste. For many years, Caffè Reggio has been a well-known hangout, especially for prominent poets like Jack Kerouac and Gregory Corso. A lot of the original character of Caffè Reggio is still present, including the tin ceilings, Italian decor, marble-topped tables, and iron-backed seats. The cafe's walls are covered with stunning works of art from the Italian Renaissance while classical music plays softly in the background.
Address 119 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012, United States
Majestic Café, Porto, Portugal
The café is the birthplace of the artisanal coffee tradition, where you can sample coffee without paying. It was recognised as a structure of national historical importance in 1983. It reopened in the original Belle Époque style in July 1994 following extensive repair work. If you're a fan of architecture or coffee, stop by this place, and also take in magnificent views while sipping on a frothy cup of coffee.
Address Rua Santa Catarina 112, 4000-442 Porto, Portugal
Café de Flore, Paris
 A well-known gathering place for notable authors and thinkers, Café de Flore, has become a popular destination amongst travelers. Dating back to the 1880s, among its very first customers were authors Remy de Gourmont, and Joris-Karl Huysmans. On the first floor of the café, the Revue d'Action Française was established in 1899. It was here that Charles Maurras penned his novel "Au Signe de Flore" in the late 19th century.
Address 172 Bd Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris, France