10 Amazing Historical Cafes in Lisbon You Have to Visit

Top 10 historic cafes in Lisbon

1. Confeitaria Nacional

If you’re hunting for one of the most famous cafés in Lisbon, Confeitaria Nacional is a must. Located right on Praça da Figueira, it’s been serving locals since 1829, making it one of Lisbon’s oldest pastry shops.

The interior feels like stepping into the past. It’s elegant but not in a flashy way. It’s the kind of place where you sit down, and everything slows down a bit. No rush, just coffee, pastries, and people-watching.

Confeitaria Nacional is credited with introducing the Bolo Rei (King Cake) to Portugal back in 1875. It’s a traditional Christmas cake packed with candied fruit and nuts, and the recipe is still a well-kept secret today.

The connection to European pastry traditions is evident in its chocolate eclairs, mille-feuille, and other French-inspired creations. While not traditionally Portuguese, their chocolate eclairs are truly spectacular and slightly different from the original version.

The bakery is part of the “Lojas com História” (Shops with History) program and is recognized as one of the most beautiful cafes in Lisbon. Beyond the delicious Portuguese desserts, it is a real treat for your eyes as well. Make sure you visit the upstairs of the cafe as well!

💡 Fun fact! Confeitaria Nacional was once a supplier to the royal family. That doesn’t mean it’s fancy or overpriced, though. It still feels like a place locals actually go to. And that’s exactly why I love it.

2. A Brasileira

Among the most iconic historical cafes in Lisbon, A Brasileira in Chiado stands out for both its legacy and charm. It first opened its doors in 1905, founded by Adriano Telles, a Portuguese entrepreneur who had spent time in Brazil. 

His goal was to introduce Brazilian coffee to Lisbon, and he cleverly offered a free cup with each purchase of ground beans to draw people in. That simple gesture helped shape Lisbon’s love affair with café culture.

Over the years, A Brasileira became a cultural institution. Writers, thinkers, and artists gathered here regularly, and it’s especially known as a favorite hangout of Fernando Pessoa, one of Portugal’s most celebrated poets. Today, a bronze statue of Pessoa sits at one of the outdoor tables.

In 1922, the interior was remodeled in an elegant Art Deco style, and much of that original design still remains. The atmosphere feels both historic and timeless. The building itself was declared a Property of Public Interest in 1997, preserving its role in Lisbon’s cultural life.

While it’s known for its coffee, the desserts are just as good. I always go for the Pão de Ló, a soft, fluffy Portuguese sponge cake that’s hard to resist. They even have a chocolate version, which is a fun twist if you’re a chocolate lover. 

If you want to avoid the crowds, aim for a morning visit just after they open. By lunchtime, the lines start to form. And while the café serves meals, the lunch and dinner options aren’t especially memorable. You’re better off sticking to coffee, sweets, or a light breakfast.

3. Pastéis de Belém

Tasting an authentic pastel de nata is a must when visiting Lisbon, and for first-time visitors, Pastéis de Belém is the place to start. This is one of the most unique cafes in Lisbon for history lovers, with a recipe that has been a closely guarded secret since 1837.

The origins of Pastéis de Belém date back to the early 19th century. According to legend, monks from the nearby monastery started making and selling these pastries to support themselves during financial difficulties.

Visiting this café not only allows you to enjoy these tasty treats but also gives you a chance to see how they are made. Watching the bakers at work highlights the skill and craftsmanship involved in creating each tart.

To avoid long waiting times, visit at 8 am when the café opens. With 250 tables, it takes a while for the café to fill up. The takeaway queue is usually shorter, but sitting in the café itself is part of the experience you shouldn’t miss.

While some might argue that the café is expensive or overrated, visiting Pasteis de Belem is one of the best experiences in Lisbon. Locals may avoid the long lines and know cheaper alternatives, but this café uniquely combines history, culture, and cuisine. LINK

4. A Panificação Mecânica

Tucked away in Campo de Ourique, A Panificação Mecânica is one of the best old cafes in Lisbon that still feels rooted in its neighborhood. Founded around 1915, it has been serving fresh bread and pastries to locals for over a century. 

The exterior blends into the residential streets, but step inside and you’ll find beautiful Art Nouveau details. Hand-painted tiles from Fábrica Bordalo Pinheiro, vintage ironwork, and warm wooden finishes that take you back in time.

Though it started as a traditional bakery, it evolved to include cakes, pastries, and light meals, all without losing its old-world charm. Locals still drop by for their daily bread, a quick coffee, or a sweet treat at the counter. 

It’s not trendy or touristy, and that’s exactly what makes it special. A Panificação Mecânica is one of the best hidden gems in Lisbon with a true local vibe. You better bring Google Translate with you if you don’t speak Portuguese.

5. Versailles

When it comes to Lisbon historic cafes, Versailles is one of the city’s most iconic. The original location in Saldanha opened in 1922 and still feels like a scene from another century. It’s a spot where locals linger over coffee and sweets in true Lisbon style.

Versailles is best known for its traditional pastries: duchesses, éclairs, almond tarts, and of course, pastéis de nata. While they also serve full meals, I prefer coming here for a quiet coffee break. Their chocolate cake, Bolo Versailles, is a favorite.

In Belém, the second Versailles location brings the same charm to a more relaxed setting. Just a short walk from the Belem Monastery, it’s housed in a beautiful old building with vintage touches and a cozy terrace.

6. Nicola Café

Café Nicola is one of the vintage cafes in Lisbon, with a history that dates back to 1779. Established by Italian immigrant Nicolau Breteiro, this café has stood the test of time, remaining a cultural landmark in the heart of Praça Dom Pedro IV (Rossio Square). 

Over the centuries, it has been a gathering place for intellectuals, poets, and artists, including the renowned Portuguese poet Manuel Maria Barbosa du Bocage, who frequented it regularly.

In 1929, the café was renamed Café Nicola and underwent a significant Art Deco renovation in 1935. The result is a beautiful blend of modernist style with vintage touches. Today, you can still find murals depicting scenes from Bocage’s life.

Café Nicola continues to serve traditional Portuguese pastries and meals, however, it has lost its authenticity. Unfortunately, it has turned into a tourist trap where you won’t meet any locals. 

Undoubtedly, Nicola Café is an important historical café in Lisbon. I personally wouldn’t recommend eating here, but it is definitely worth a quick visit to see the historical charm.

7. Pastelaria 1800

With a history dating back to 1857, this bakery is one of the traditional cafes in Lisbon you can’t miss. Unlike some of the more famous Lisbon historical cafes, this spot serves mostly locals. It has been a quiet meeting place for Lisboetas for generations.

Recently renovated, the café still preserves its character, most notably through a beautiful azulejos panel proudly displaying the foundation date and a vintage clock that adds a retro, artistic feel to the space. 

Pastelaria 1800 prepares classic Portuguese pastries daily, from the famous pastel de nata to bolo de arroz, all served fresh in a cozy setting. The café also offers a full range of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, and strong local coffee.

8. Patriarcal – Panificação Reunida de São Roque

Among the trendiest and newest cafes and bars in Lisbon, Patriarcal – Panificação Reunida de São Roque has been going strong since 1961. The story began when several bakeries located between Bairro Alto and Príncipe Real decided to join forces and establish a local institution.

Despite now having seven locations around the city, the most charming one remains the original in Príncipe Real, one of the so-called “coolest neighborhoods in the world.” This little bakery is a quiet piece of history, surrounded by centuries of change and reinvention.

Step inside and you’ll find a surprisingly elegant Art Nouveau interior, with pink marble columns, antique mirrors, and detailed azulejos featuring wheat motifs. Locals often call it the “Cathedral of Bread”.

Today, the space has earned recognition for its high-quality baked goods, both savory and sweet. While it’s especially well known for its Bolo Rei, don’t miss other classics like the pastel de nata, broa de Coimbra, or a buttery croissant with your morning coffee.

If you are looking for must-visit historical cafes in Lisbon, but don’t want to deal with long lines and crowds, Patriarcal should be at the top of your list.

9. Pastelaria Benard

Pastelaria Benard is another important historic Lisbon cafe with charm. Open since 1868, it sits right on Rua Garrett, in the heart of Chiado, just a few steps away from A Brasileira.

Originally opened by Élie Benard as a French-style patisserie, the café moved to its current spot in 1902 and was later renovated in 1914, keeping much of its elegant, neoclassical style. Step inside and you’ll find a timeless interior with dark wood accents and tall mirrors.

Benard is especially known for its warm, buttery croissants, made from a secret recipe. You’ll also find classic Portuguese pastries, light meals, and an all-day menu that includes salads, sandwiches, and omelets.

As you can tell from the ratings, the quality of food and service has decreased over the years; however, it is still one of the oldest cafes in Lisbon, Portugal.

Also, they don’t allow photography. So, in case you are on a mission to capture the historical charm of Lisbon, this place is not for you.

10. Martinho da Arcada

If you’re into history and poetry, Martinho da Arcada is an unmissable stop. It’s the oldest café in Lisbon, with a legacy that stretches all the way back to 1782. It’s also where the legendary poet Fernando Pessoa spent time, wrote some of his poems, and found much of his inspiration.

Originally called Café do Gelo (Ice Café), it was founded by the Marquês de Pombal, the visionary who reshaped Lisbon after the devastating earthquake. Back then, it was the go-to spot for cold drinks and ice cream, a rarity at the time. 

Martinho da Arcada has been a gathering place for countless artists, intellectuals, and key figures in Portuguese history. It’s been frequented by influential personalities like Afonso Costa, Manuel da Arriaga, Bernardino Machado, António Ferro, França Borges, and even José Saramago.

In 1984, the café was recognized as a property of public interest by the Portuguese Institute of Architectural Heritage. A well-deserved acknowledgment of its role in the cultural fabric of the city.

Nowadays, it has been turned into a restaurant, so it doesn’t really fit the cafe concept anymore. But you can sit down for a coffee and snacks outside of the peak hours.