https://www.facebook.com/MajesticCafePorto/videos/1289343911721170Postal shares that for the countless tourists who arrive in the city every month, there are landmarks that feature in any reputable guide to Porto. Among these, the Majestic Café stands out, an unmissable landmark that is part of the city's history, as well as that of Portugal, as NCultura reports.

Porto has one of the most beautiful cafés in the world. During the splendor of the “Belle Époque”, the city saw the opening of a luxurious café on December 17, 1921, which became a special place for the city. Initially called Elite, this café was designed by the architect João Queiroz. Located on the famous Rua de Santa Catarina, in the heart of the Invicta city, it quickly became a meeting point for artists, writers, and intellectuals, who gathered there for discussions and debates. On August 31, 1981, the Majestic Café was declared a Property of Public Interest.

Despite its initial success, the name Elite, with its monarchical connotations, did not please everyone in the republican era. Influenced by Paris, they decided to rename the café Majestic, capturing the essence of the “Belle Époque” that they wanted to perpetuate. Since then, the café has been frequented by illustrious figures such as Admiral Gago Coutinho, and actress Beatriz Costa, and intellectuals such as José Régio, Teixeira de Pascoaes, and Leonardo Coimbra. Júlio Resende was also a frequent visitor.


After two years of intensive restoration work, the Majestic reopened its doors on 15 July 1994, regaining the brilliance of its early days. Since then, it has hosted important exhibitions and events and has even been used in television productions. Its Art Nouveau décor will delight any tasteful visitor, with refined details in marble, metal, and Flemish crystal mirrors and beautifully decorated plaster ceilings.

The Majestic Café’s reputation transcends borders, and it is recognised as one of the most beautiful examples of Art Nouveau in Porto. Its numerous awards include the “Special Prize for Café Creme” (1999), the “Silver Medal of Tourism Merit” (2000), and the “Silver Medal of Municipal Merit – Porto” (2006). In 2011, it was awarded the “Mercury Prize Certificate – Best in Commerce in the Historic Shops category” and the “Municipal Medal of Merit – Gold Level”. Internationally, it was ranked by the Cityguides website as the 6th most beautiful café in the world and received the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence.