Paris is more than just the Eiffel Tower and croissants—though we’d never say no to the latter. The City of Light is famous for its café culture, where locals linger for hours over espresso and flaky pastries, and travelers seek refuge, inspiration, or the perfect Instagram shot. Whether you’re a solo explorer, a couple on a romantic getaway, a foodie, or a digital nomad hunting for Wi-Fi with ambiance, this list of
good cafes in Paris is curated just for you.
More Than Just Cafés: Things to Do in Paris
Once you’ve sipped your way through the city, there’s still so much to experience. Paris offers history, art, romance, and adventure at every turn.
- Visit the Classics
Eiffel Tower: Catch the light show at night.
Louvre Museum: Don’t miss the Mona Lisa, but venture beyond.
Notre-Dame: Even after the fire, the area around it is deeply charming.
- Explore the Artsy Side
Musée d’Orsay: Impressionist heaven.
Montmartre: Home to artists, street performers, and sweeping views.
- Shop Local
Rue Cler: Cheese, wine, and flower-filled market street.
Le Marais: Vintage treasures and fashionable boutiques.
- Relax Outdoors
Jardin du Luxembourg: Picnic perfect.
Canal Saint-Martin: Ideal for a sunset wine or riverbank stroll.
- Dine Like a Local
Combine your café experience with bistro dinner.
Enjoy escargot, duck confit, or crème brûlée.
Whether you stop by for a month or a weekend, find the time to get past the coffee cup.
Let’s dive into the best spots, with something for every type of traveler.
1. For the First-Time Visitor: Café de Flore (Saint-Germain-des-Prés)
You can’t claim to have been to Paris without a visit to Café de Flore. One of Paris’s oldest and most legendary good cafes, it used to be a hangout for Picasso and Sartre. Nowadays, it’s a combination of tourists and Parisians taking in the café’s retro charm.
Must-try: A traditional café crème with a warm croissant.
Pro Tip: Visit early in order to beat the crowds and experience the morning peace.
2. For the Instagram Addict: Café Kitsuné (Palais Royal)
Minimalist chic and très photogenic—Café Kitsuné is every fashionista’s fantasy. Situated by the peaceful gardens of Palais Royal, this café blends Japanese style with French café society.
Why it’s among the best cafes in Paris: Excellent coffee, stunning environment, and pastry display case that resembles a museum exhibit.
Close by: Stroll post-coffee along the Palais Royal arcades and gardens.
3. For the Digital Nomad: Nuage Café (5th Arrondissement)
Not every good cafe in Paris is for relaxing—some are designed for getting work done. Nuage Café is a co-working cafe where you can get bottomless coffee, fast Wi-Fi, and a productive environment.
Best for: Remote working, studying, or writing.
Bonus: Pay by the hour for access to comfortable seating, snacks, and beverages.
4. For the Budget Traveler: Le Petit Grain (Belleville)
Paris does not have to cost an arm and a leg. Le Petit Grain is testament to the fact that you can find incredible quality for less than €5. It’s a small, unassuming place that values craft and taste over amenities.
Why it’s special: Handmade pastries and limited-batch roasts that rival high-end cafés.
Local atmosphere: No frills, just great coffee and freshly baked baguettes.
5. For the Gourmet: Holybelly 5 (Canal Saint-Martin)
Clouding the boundary between a café and a brunch paradise, Holybelly 5 is where flavors merge with sophistication. From maple-butter pancakes to flavorful plates, it’s a hub for foodies.
Among the top good cafes in Paris for: A late breakfast or full-blown brunch.
Don’t Miss: Filter coffee and eggs your way.
6. For the Romantic Couple: Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole (Île de la Cité)
Located in a 16th-century wisteria-clad building, this café is the epitome of romance. It’s tucked just behind Notre-Dame, Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole is serene, quaint, and downright Instagram-worthy.
Best for: Snug dates, tea time, or wine with a view.
Café highlight: The outside seasonal flower arrangements—particularly in spring.
7. For the Book Lover: Shakespeare and Company Café (Latin Quarter)
Attached to the famous bookstore, this café is a warm retreat for writers and readers. It has views of Notre-Dame, excellent coffee, and literary-named pastries.
A treasure among good cafes in Paris for: Bookworms, journaling fans, and introverts.
Must-do: Purchase a book next door, then sit back with coffee and read the afternoon away.
8. For the Vegan Traveler: Cloud Cakes (2nd Arrondissement)
A fully vegan coffee shop with ethereal cakes and rich lattes, Cloud Cakes is testament that plant-based doesn’t have to be boring. The atmosphere is airy, light, and great for unwinding between museum stops.
Plant-based and still among the good cafes in Paris: Have the matcha latte or banana bread.
Perk: Friendly service and allergy-friendly options.
9. For the Trend Follower: Fringe Coffee (Le Marais)
This trendy café combines coffee, photography, and culture. It’s one of Paris’ best good cafes for the creative types and specialty coffee fanatics.
Do try: Pour-over coffee and storytelling through photographs with art displays.
While there: Wander around Le Marais—packed with galleries, boutiques, and culture.
10. For the Late-Night Sipper: Le Café Marly (Louvre)
All cafés in Paris close by nightfall, but Le Café Marly provides an alternative: coffee and cocktails in the Louvre’s arcades. It’s chic, spacious, and dripping luxury.
Why it’s worth the splurge: Enjoy espresso with a view of the glass pyramid.
Perfect for: Nighttime dates or unwinding after museum visits.
How to Pick the Right Café for You
With so many great cafes in Paris, how do you decide? Think about these things:
Vibe: Do you prefer quiet or lively?
Menu: Coffee only, full meals, or dessert-based?
Location: Close to attractions or off the tourist trail?
Wi-Fi: Necessary for work or best off the grid?
Keep in mind, café culture in Paris is not all about caffeine. It’s about enjoying the moment, people-watching, and slowing down.
Craving the perfect cup in the City of Light?
Explore our handpicked list of good cafes in Paris and discover where locals sip, write, and unwind.
Start your café-hopping journey now on WeShare.
FAQ
1. What are some top drinks to try at good Parisian cafes?
The most popular drinks are café crème (like a latte), espresso (un café), noisette (espresso with milk added), and chocolat chaud (hot chocolate). To be trendy, get a matcha latte or cold brew in new specialty cafés.
2. Are Paris cafés expensive?
Prices vary depending on location and ambiance. Touristy areas like the Champs-Élysées or the Louvre might charge €5–€7 for a coffee, while neighborhood cafes in Belleville or the Latin Quarter might serve drinks for under €3.Sitting outside at a table is typically more expensive than ordering at the bar.
3. Do Parisian cafés have vegan or gluten-free choices?
Yes, more and more. Cafés such as Cloud Cakes and Maison Nomade have vegan and gluten-free choices.Accessible and healthy neighborhoods like Le Marais and the 9th arrondissement are likely to have facilities for special diets.
4. Is working or studying in Paris cafés an everyday occurrence?
Certain cafes like Nuage Café or Anticafé are laptop-friendly and even permit lengthy visits.Many old Parisian cafés, though, do not approve of working for long hours, particularly during peak hours. Always observe the atmosphere or just ask politely.
5. Do I need to tip at Paris cafés?
Tipping isn’t necessary because service is included (service compris), but it’s nice to leave some small change—about €1 or rounding the bill—if service was satisfactory.
Conclusion
From ancient haunts to chic, contemporary espresso bars, good cafes in Paris are ubiquitous—you just have to know where to turn. Whether pursuing buttery croissants, rich café crème, or a peaceful place to read, there’s a ideal spot out there in every arrondissement.
Take this list as your guide, but don’t be shy about getting lost. Some of Paris’s greatest cafés are those you stumble into by chance. That’s the true charm of Paris.