[This article was written as part of a paid partnership with Jura & Trois-Lacs.]

Neuchâtel has numerous cafés worthy of a visit, each with their own special characteristics. Since moving to this Swiss city in 2012, I’ve enjoyed discovering these establishments and their delicious coffees, teas and pastries. Whether meeting with friends or with my laptop to write, these are my seven “must-visit” Neuchâtel cafés, in no particular order.

1. The Most Art Nouveau: Brasserie Le Cardinal

Brasserie Le Cardinal is a full-service restaurant, but it’s also open throughout the day, functioning as a café. Generally starting from 9:00 a.m. on Monday through Saturday, you can stop in for a coffee. The building where Cardinal is located was constructed in the 18th century, and a restaurant has been in this space since 1902. The mint green paint and colorful art nouveau tiles evoke the Belle Époque.

Brasserie Le Cardinal, Rue du Seyon 9, 2000 Neuchâtel, +41 (0) 32 725 12 86, info@lecardinal-brasserie.ch.

2. The Best Coffee: Okapi

Okapi is housed in one of the most picturesque and turreted buildings in the city center, at the entrance to Place des Halles. Constructed in the 16th century, it was originally a market hall for commerce and trading goods. You can still see the coat of arms of the Orléans Longueville family decorating the building’s facade. Today, you can go there for one of the best cups of coffee in town, as it serves specialty coffees from its own roastery.

Okapi, Rue du Trésor 4, 2000 Neuchâtel, + 41 (0)32 721 07 18, neuch@okapi-restaurant.ch.

3. The Most Historic: Wodey-Suchard

In 1825, Swiss chocolate pioneer Philippe Suchard opened his shop in the center of Neuchâtel. Today, Wodey-Suchard is one of the oldest chocolate-makers in Switzerland. In addition to handmade chocolates, the front window is always lined with enticing pastries and cakes. The tea-room has indoor seating, as well as comfortable outdoor seating on Rue du Trésor. I recommend ordering a Carac (chocolate tartlet with green icing) or a slice of the Gâteau aux noisettes (hazelnut tart) or Gâteau à la crème (cream tart).

Wodey-Suchard, Rue du Seyon 5, 2000 Neuchâtel, +41 (0)32 725 10 92, contact@wodey-suchard.ch.

4. The Nicest Terrace: Brasserie du Cercle

Similar to Brasserie Cardinal, Brasserie du Cercle is a full-service restaurant that also serves as a café outside of its mealtime service at lunch and dinner. One of my favorite features of this historic establishment, which was completely renovated in 2022, is its spacious terrace overlooking Neuchâtel’s Place Pury. In the middle of this bustling area, you can climb the brasserie’s spiral stone staircase and escape to the first floor for an afternoon cup of tea.

Brasserie du Cercle, Rue de Flandres 1, 2000 Neuchâtel, +41 (0)32 721 17 26, info@labrasserieducercle.ch.

5. The Most Stylish: Villa Castellane

You’ll find the Villa Castellane just outside the city center. This historic property was built for Frédéric de Pourtalès and his wife Marie-Louise Castellane between 1814 and 1816. Today, it houses a stylish café with stately interiors and comfortable seating in its verdant garden. A bit pricier than some of the other cafés in town, the menu has myriad coffee drinks, herbal teas, wines, cocktails (with or without alcohol) and more. I suggest ordering a coffee or tea “gourmand,” for a sampling of their creative sweet treats.

Café Villa Castellane, Faubourg de l’Hôpital 21, 2000 Neuchâtel, +41 (0)32 720 91 90, info@cafevillacastellane.ch.

6. For Pastry-Lovers: Confiserie Schmid

Confiserie Schmid started in 1962 at another location and has occupied their current space at Place Pury since 1989. With outdoor seating surrounding this bright corner bakery and café, it’s ideal for people-watching. Inside, you’ll see a large selection of both sweet and savory pastries and sandwiches. There’s something for everyone. And, Schmid is particularly known for its “Cake Pistache,” a green, rectangular pistachio cake.

Confiserie Schmid, Rue de la Treille 9, 2000 Neuchâtel, +41 (0)32 725 14 44, info@confiserie-schmid.ch.

7. The Most Eco-Friendly: L’Aubier

Located in one of the most scenic squares in the city center, L’Aubier offers overnight accommodations and has a cozy organic café spanning two floors. From its terrace, you can hear the water flowing from the Banneret fountain and the hourly chimes from the clock tower above. It’s a wonderful place to meet with friends for a morning coffee and croissant or for a slice of homemade cake in the afternoon.

L’Aubier, Rue du Château 1, 2000 Neuchâtel, +41 (0)32 710 18 58, lecafe@aubier.ch.

Honorable mentions: Apotheca, CofteArt, Au Moka and Café du Jardin Botanique de Neuchâtel.

Which are your favorite cafés or restaurants in Neuchâtel? Please leave a comment below or send me a message. I would love to hear from you!