Rediscovering Retro: Modern Soda Shops in Europe's Trendiest Cities

There’s something incredibly comforting about soda shops—the cheerful fizz of a freshly poured drink, the pastel tones, and that sweet blend of nostalgia and sugar. But you don’t have to book a flight to the U.S. to get that classic soda shop vibe anymore. Across Europe, a handful of places are reviving the charm of old-school soda fountains and giving them a local twist—think handmade sodas with natural ingredients, cool retro interiors, and enough throwback energy to make you feel like a kid again (but in a stylish way).

If you love the idea of sipping a fizzy float somewhere calm, interesting, and far from anything overhyped, these modern soda stops should be on your list. Here's where to find them:

Barcelona – Urban Eats with a Retro Vibe

Barcelona's Eixample district is home to a unique establishment that blends urban cuisine with a nostalgic ambiance reminiscent of classic soda fountains.​

📍 Soda Bus – Eixample

Located in the heart of Barcelona's Eixample neighborhood, Soda Bus offers a curated selection of urban dishes from around the world. The restaurant's decor pays homage to London's urban culture, featuring elements like a red telephone booth and newspaper-themed tablecloths, creating a cozy and nostalgic atmosphere.

While Soda Bus is renowned for its award-winning hamburgers, the establishment's ambiance and attention to detail evoke the spirit of traditional soda shops, making it a perfect spot for those seeking a blend of modern cuisine and retro charm.​

After enjoying a meal at Soda Bus, take a leisurely stroll through the Eixample district to admire its iconic architecture and vibrant street life, embracing the slow travel experience..

Paris – Fizzy Nostalgia Meets Canal-Side Calm

Paris isn’t the first place you’d expect to find American-style soda shops, but trust us—if you know where to look, the city’s vintage scene has a fizzy little secret or two.

📍 Le Comptoir Général – Canal Saint-Martin
Le Comptoir Général isn’t a soda shop in the classic sense—it's more of an eclectic bar meets cultural space—but it does serve small-batch sodas in a setting that oozes vintage charm. Think botanical syrups, retro glassware, and velvet chairs that encourage lingering. Their hibiscus soda is a highlight, and the whole place feels like it was designed for daydreamers and detail-lovers.

Insider tip: Go mid-afternoon when it’s quietest and snag a corner seat by the window overlooking the canal. It’s a great spot for journaling or catching up with a local friend.

Berlin – Bubble Tea with a Soda Soul

Berlin is all about reinventing things—and that includes soda. While you won’t find an actual 1950s-style soda bar here, what you will find is a reimagined version of that vibe through creative cafés that make fizzy drinks the star.

📍 DUO Chá – Kreuzberg
This isn’t your average bubble tea place. DUO Chá plays with textures and flavors in a way that feels closer to soda shop experimentation than tea culture. They offer lightly carbonated fruit drinks and tea-based sodas with things like mango-lime foam or yuzu syrup and basil seeds. It’s colorful, it’s cool, and it’s Berlin.

What to order: The sparkling passionfruit yakult tea or the seasonal soda spritzes—totally unexpected and totally refreshing.

Milan – Design-Lover’s Take on Fizzy Treats

Milan is sleek, stylish, and always two steps ahead. But in between the espresso bars and aperitivo spots, you’ll find places that quietly honor the joy of old-school sweets—including handmade sodas with an Italian twist.

📍 Pasticceria Marchesi – Via Monte Napoleone
While technically a pastry shop, Marchesi’s refined interior and history (dating back to 1824) make it feel like a nod to the classic soda counter—just with more marble. They serve traditional Italian sodas like chinotto, bitter orange, and citrus blends in vintage glass bottles, paired with some of Milan’s best pastries. It’s a different take on the soda shop vibe, but one that feels deeply comforting.

This is the kind of place where you sit, sip, and watch the world go by. No one rushes you. And the people-watching? Peak Milan.

Retro Vibes, Modern Comfort

If you’re into slow travel, cozy corners, and drinks that don’t just quench your thirst but tell a story, these soda shop-inspired spots are worth a detour. They’re not about flashy trends or tourist-packed cafés—they’re about reimagining an old classic and making it feel new again.

These places offer atmosphere, charm, and a little slice of nostalgia served with a twist!

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