An Art Nouveau cafe on Reichsstraße near the Nikolaikirche, notable for its elephant-head facade decorations, serving coffee, cake, and light meals in a landmark 1908 building.
Café Riquet occupies the ground floor of the Riquethaus, an Art Nouveau commercial building completed in 1908 and known for its distinctive facade decorated with elephant-head reliefs, a reference to the building's original trading-house connections to the colonial-era ivory trade. The cafe itself is a straightforward, well-established Leipzig coffeehouse, serving coffee, cakes, and light meals to a mix of shoppers, tourists, and locals given its central location just off the Marktplatz near the Nikolaikirche.
The interior is comfortable rather than especially ornate, with the building's real draw being its striking Art Nouveau exterior, one of the more photographed architectural details in central Leipzig. It functions as a convenient rest stop during a day of sightseeing around the Marktplatz, Nikolaikirche, and nearby shopping arcades, without requiring advance planning or reservations.
| Price | € |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 09:00-20:00 |
| Reservations | Not typically required |
| Address | Schuhmachergäßchen 1, 04109 Leipzig |
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Location
Schuhmachergäßchen 1, 04109 Leipzig
Highlights
- Housed in the 1908 Art Nouveau Riquethaus building
- Distinctive elephant-head facade decorations
- Central location near the Marktplatz and Nikolaikirche
- Simple, reliable coffee and light-meal menu
- A well-known photographic landmark in its own right
Tips for visiting
- Look up at the building's exterior to spot the distinctive elephant-head decorations before going inside
- The upstairs seating area is generally quieter than the ground-floor cafe
When to visit
Mid-morning or mid-afternoon for a quieter coffee break
Accessibility
Step-free entry to the ground-floor cafe; upstairs seating is reached by stairs.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Why does the building have elephant decorations?
The Riquethaus was originally built with connections to the colonial-era ivory trade, reflected in its elephant-head facade reliefs.
Is the cafe close to the Nikolaikirche?
Yes, it is a short walk from the Nikolaikirche, just off the Marktplatz.
Do I need a reservation?
No, walk-in seating is generally available except during the busiest midday hours.