Erlangen
Discover the 10 Coffee Havens Taking Over Erlangen!

Erlangen offers a diverse café scene that delights every coffee lover. The Franconian university town combines traditional coffee house culture with modern third-wave coffee trends. Whether you want to spend a relaxed afternoon with homemade cake or enjoy a quick espresso between lectures – the cafés in Erlangen have something for every taste.
The selection of coffee houses in Erlangen is impressive: from cosy student cafés to elegant roasteries, you'll find it all here. Our carefully curated list of the best cafés in Erlangen will help you discover your new favourite spots.
The best cafés in Erlangen in the city centre
Erlangen's city centre is home to some of the most charming cafés in Erlangen. These centrally located coffee houses are perfect for shopping breaks or business meetings.
Café Central - The classic
Café Central is regarded as an institution among cafés in Erlangen. For over 30 years, it has been treating guests to:
- House-roasted coffee from its own roastery
- Freshly made cakes and gateaux every day
- A cosy atmosphere with antique furniture
- A large selection of newspapers and magazines
Kaffeehaus am Schlossplatz
This elegant coffee house impresses with its location right on the historic Schlossplatz. Its specialities include:
- Viennese coffee traditions
- Homemade Sachertorte
- A shady terrace in summer
- Regular cultural events
💡 Tip: Visit the Kaffeehaus am Schlossplatz during the Erlanger Bergkirchweih for a special experience!
Modern cafés in Erlangen for coffee enthusiasts
The new generation of cafés in Erlangen focuses on high-quality beans and innovative brewing methods. These roasteries and specialty coffee shops have revolutionised the coffee culture.
Rösterei Erlangen - Third wave coffee
Rösterei Erlangen stands for uncompromising quality and is one of the most innovative cafés in Erlangen:
- Own roasting with single-origin beans
- Professional barista training
- Various brewing methods (V60, Chemex, Aeropress)
- Weekly changing coffee specials
- Coffee tastings and workshops
Bean Brothers Coffee
Bean Brothers Coffee has established itself as one of the trendiest cafés in Erlangen. Notable features include:
- Minimalist design with industrial charm
- A focus on fair trade and organic quality
- Homemade bagels and sandwiches
- Laptop-friendly workspaces
Cosy cafés in Erlangen for relaxing hours
For those seeking peace and relaxation, these cafés in Erlangen offer the perfect atmosphere for leisurely café visits.
Café Zeitlos
Café Zeitlos embodies pure cosiness and is one of the most popular cafés in Erlangen for relaxed afternoons:
- Vintage furnishings with sofas and armchairs
- A large selection of board games
- Homemade quiches and soups
- A quiet atmosphere with no time pressure
Literaturcafé Bücherwurm
This unique concept combines a bookshop and café and is one of the most culturally valuable cafés in Erlangen:
- Over 5,000 books to browse
- Regular readings and book presentations
- A literary menu with themed drinks
- Quiet reading corners and study spaces
💡 Tip: The Literaturcafé hosts poetry slams every first Thursday of the month – a must for literature lovers!
Cafés in Erlangen with special flair
Some cafés in Erlangen stand out for their exceptional concepts or locations, offering unforgettable experiences.
Café im Botanischen Garten
This extraordinary café is located in the middle of the University of Erlangen's Botanical Garden and is one of the most beautiful cafés in Erlangen:
Garden atmosphere
- Greenhouse ambience among exotic plants
- Seasonal menu with regional ingredients
- A quiet location away from the city bustle
- Perfect for romantic dates
Dachterrassen-Café Skyline
With its spectacular view over Erlangen, Skyline is one of the most extraordinary cafés in Erlangen:
- Panoramic views over the old town
- A modern cocktail bar in the evening
- Upmarket cuisine with international influences
- Reservations recommended
Student-friendly cafés in Erlangen
As a university town, Erlangen offers numerous cafés in Erlangen that are specifically geared towards students' needs.
Campus Café
Located directly on the university campus, Campus Café is one of the most practical cafés in Erlangen for students:
- Affordable prices and student discounts
- Extended opening hours during exam periods
- Free Wi-Fi and power sockets
- A study-group-friendly atmosphere
Café Lernpause
Café Lernpause has specialised in the needs of studying students and is one of the most functional cafés in Erlangen:
- Separate quiet and group areas
- 24-hour access during exam periods
- Healthy snacks and energy drinks
- Bookable study rooms
Café Kreativ
For creative minds, Café Kreativ offers an inspiring environment and is one of the most artistic cafés in Erlangen:
- Rotating art exhibitions by local artists
- Creative workshops and open-mic evenings
- Unconventional furnishings with upcycled furniture
- Community-focused events
💡 Tip: Many cafés in Erlangen offer special student rates – ask about discounts with a student ID!
Cafés in Erlangen for families and children
Family-friendly cafés in Erlangen ensure that parents with children can also enjoy relaxed café visits.
Kindercafé Spielzeit
Kindercafé Spielzeit is specifically geared towards families and is one of the most child-friendly cafés in Erlangen:
Facilities for families
- Indoor playground with a slide and ball pit
- Baby changing rooms and high chairs
- Children's meals and healthy snacks
- Regular children's events
Garten-Café Sonnenschein
With its large outdoor area, Garten-Café Sonnenschein is perfect for families and is one of the most relaxed cafés in Erlangen:
- A large playground in the garden
- A pet-friendly policy
- Homemade cakes with no additives
- Shady spots under old trees
Speciality cafés in Erlangen
Some cafés in Erlangen have specialised in particular specialities or target groups, offering unique experiences.
Veganes Café Grünherz
Grünherz proves that vegan cuisine can be delicious and is one of the most sustainable cafés in Erlangen:
- 100% plant-based food and drinks
- Homemade vegan cakes and gateaux
- Environmentally friendly packaging
- A zero-waste concept
International coffee specialities
Café International brings world culture to Erlangen and is one of the most diverse cafés in Erlangen:
- Coffee from over 20 countries
- Authentic brewing methods (Turkish mocha, Italian espresso)
- International sweet treats
- Cultural events and language cafés
📍 Discover more: Explore further recommendations for Erlangen on our city page.
Conclusion: Discovering the variety of cafés in Erlangen
The cafés in Erlangen offer an impressive variety for every taste and occasion. From traditional coffee houses to modern third-wave coffee shops, you'll find everything a coffee lover's heart desires in the Franconian university town.
The key insights about the best cafés in Erlangen:
- Central location: Many top cafés are located in the city centre
- Student-friendly: Affordable prices and a study-friendly atmosphere
- Quality-conscious: Own roasteries and high-quality beans
- Family-oriented: Special offers for families with children
- Culturally diverse: International specialities and events
Visit the various cafés in Erlangen and discover your personal favourites. Each café has its own charm and contributes to the city's vibrant coffee culture.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cafés in Erlangen
Which cafés in Erlangen have the longest opening hours? Many student cafés, such as Campus Café and Café Lernpause, offer extended opening hours, especially during exam periods. Some even have 24-hour access.
Are there cafés in Erlangen with free Wi-Fi? Yes, most modern cafés in Erlangen offer free Wi-Fi. Student-friendly cafés and co-working spaces in particular are well equipped.
Which cafés in Erlangen are suitable for business meetings? Kaffeehaus am Schlossplatz and Dachterrassen-Café Skyline offer an upmarket atmosphere for business meetings. Reservations are recommended.
Are the cafés in Erlangen family-friendly? Many cafés in Erlangen are family-friendly. Kindercafé Spielzeit and Garten-Café Sonnenschein are specifically geared towards families with children.
Where can I find vegan options in cafés in Erlangen? Veganes Café Grünherz offers exclusively plant-based food. Many other cafés in Erlangen also have vegan alternatives on offer.
Lisa Richter