6 outdoor museum and gallery cafés, bars & restaurants in Europe we’re obsessed with this summer
When we travel for art, we’re not just there for the exhibitions, we’re also chasing the vibe. The quiet garden cafés tucked behind galleries, the rooftop bars that feel like secrets, the museum terraces that serve better food than you’d ever expect.
These five spots across Europe are where we’ve found that magic mix of culture, aesthetics, and excellent coffee (or a spritz, depending on the hour). Whether you’re after a proper lunch, a slice of something sweet, or just somewhere beautiful to sit, these places are worth the detour.
Terrasse des Forges – Luma, Arles
Terrasse des Forges at Luma, Arles. Image credit MTotoe.
#FLODown: Luma Arles is an exceptional place, think shimmering towers, experimental art pavilions, and a landscape that feels like a future archaeological site. But tucked into it all is Terrasse des Forges, a relaxed, street-food-style café with shady seating and a crowd of sun-dazed visitors and locals alike.
The coolest part? Look up , the café ceiling itself is an art installation. Between the breezy terrace and the unexpectedly brilliant food (we had a selection of their pizzas, which totally hit the spot), it’s the kind of place where you end up lingering far longer than you intended.
Go for: Quick bites that are way better than you’d expect, icy drinks, and a cool moment under those mushrooms.
Location: Parc des Ateliers, 33 Avenue Victor Hugo, 13200 Arles, France. Website: luma.org Instagram: @luma_arles
Café Friedlich – Kunst Haus Wien, Vienna
Café Friedlich at Kunst Haus Wien, Vienna. Image credit MTotoe.
#FLODown: There’s a moment when you turn off a side street in Vienna and step into the leafy courtyard of Kunst Haus Wien, and suddenly you’re in a world that feels a bit like a dream. It’s all mosaic paths, twisted iron railings, and green climbing vines, and right in the middle of it is Café Friedlich.
This place is calm, charming, and lowkey magical. The café serves organic, veggie-forward dishes (think soups, colourful salads, and baked goods that feel homemade in a good way), and it’s all served under the trees. It’s where you go to take a breath after wandering through Hundertwasser’s fantastical museum.
Go for: A slow lunch with herbal tea, local flavours, and a proper moment of peace.
Location: Untere Weißgerberstraße 13, 1030 Wien, Austria. Website: kunsthauswien.com. Instagram: @friedlich.wien
Café Bravo – KW Institute for Contemporary Art, Berlin
Café Bravo at KW Institute for Contemporary Art, Berlin. Image credit MTotoe
#FLODown: Berlin doesn’t try too hard to impress, and neither does Café Bravo, which is exactly what makes it so great. Set inside a glass-and-steel cube in KW’s courtyard, this spot feels like one of those Berlin secrets you find once and then quietly tell your friends about.
The vibe? Understatedly cool. Inside, there is art all around, but the café itself keeps it stripped back. You’ll see writers, curators, and local artists stopping by for an espresso or something cold. It’s a place for pausing between shows, or just lounging in the courtyard with a notebook and no plans.
Go for: A good breakfast spot for pastries, creative energy, great coffee – and later, they have nice wine. Don’t miss the banana bread!
Location: Auguststraße 69, 10117 Berlin, Germany. Website: kw-berlin.de / cafe-bravo.de Instagram: @kwinstitutefcontemporaryart / @cafebravo_kw
Café 1902 – Petit Palais, Paris
Café 1902 at Petit Palais Museum, Paris. Image credit MTotoe.
#FLODown: Café 1902 at Petit Palais isn’t exactly a hidden gem, but it’s absolutely beautiful, a garden café surrounded by fountains, sculptures, and elegant architecture. Because of its charm, it can get quite busy, so we recommend visiting in the morning for a peaceful coffee and snack before the crowds arrive.
It’s effortlessly elegant and the perfect place to unwind after exploring the museum’s impressive collections. It is also opposite the Grand Palais, which typically hosts quite interesting exhibitions and prominent art fairs like Art Basel Paris and Photo Paris.
Go for: A morning coffee and light snack in a calm, beautiful garden setting.
Location: Avenue Winston Churchill, 75008 Paris, France. Website: petitpalais.paris.fr. Instagram: @petitpalais_musee
Bozar Rooftop – Centre for Fine Arts (BOZAR), Brussels
Bozar Rooftop at Bozar Centre for Fine Arts, Brussels. Image credit MTotoe.
#FLODown: We’re always on the lookout for a rooftop that’s more about art than Aperol, and Bozar’s rooftop hits that balance beautifully. Tucked above Brussels’ Centre for Fine Arts, it often plays host to seasonal pop-ups and chill summer events — so timing is everything.
When it’s open, the view is gorgeous and the energy is just the right kind of elevated. Not showy, but a little bit luxe. Grab a seat, order something sparkling, and let the evening light do its thing. It’s a dreamy way to finish a museum day — or start a long, late one.
Go for: A golden hour drink, low-key glamour, and generally great vibes, especially on a hot day.
Location: Rue Ravenstein 23, 1000 Brussels, Belgium. Website: bozar.be Instagram: @bozar.rooftop
Rose Bakery – Musée de la Vie Romantique, Paris
Rose Bakery at Musée de la Vie Romantique, Paris. Image credit MTotoe.
#FLODown: This one feels like the kind of place you only find if someone tells you about it, so here we are. Rose Bakery, in the garden of the Musée de la Vie Romantique, is tucked away at the base of Montmartre and feels like stepping into a 19th century daydream.
The garden is all roses and soft chatter, the cakes are classics (lemon loaf, carrot cake, and scones, to name a few), and the tea is served in big mugs with that effortlessly Parisian charm. It is quiet, romantic, and totally calming, the opposite of everything just a few blocks away.
Please note that the Musée de la Vie Romantique and the tearoom are currently closed for renovations, with reopening planned for March 2026. Nonetheless, it is definitely one to have on your to visit list!
Go for: Pastries, tea, and a romantic garden moment that feels like a love letter to old Paris.
Location: 16 Rue Chaptal, 75009 Paris, France. Website: museevieromantique.paris.fr
