A Guide to Coffee Cities for Coffee Lovers
If coffee is your main driver, it’s about time you know which cities in the world are the best for a coffee big fan like yourself. Whether you are traveling or planning to move somewhere new, it’s important for you know that a cup of espresso is just around the corner. Coffee lovers, you can’t go wrong when visiting these cities!
10 Best Coffee Cities in the World
- Reykjavik, Iceland
- Melbourne, Australia
- Thessaloniki, Greece
- Vancouver, Canada
- Paris, France
- Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
- Helsinki, Finland
- Marrakesh, Morocco
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Chiang Mai, Thailand
10. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Thailand is known as one of the world’s greatest countries for coffee. You’ll find coffee shops quite literally at every corner, and the coffee is of top-notch quality. Out of all the coffee cities in Thailand though, Chiang Mai just does it right.
Chiang Mai is the coffee city of Thailand. It is located near coffee producers and has a bunch of skilled roasters. Additionally, you’ll find a kaleidoscope of coffee shops and cafes, with different concepts and styles. So, it’s a true coffee lover’s paradise!
Furthermore, there are an unbelievable number of cafes in Chiang Mai. To help you out, we recommend the best ones that you shouldn’t miss:
- My Secret Café in Town
This eccentric café is hidden in the streets of Chiang Mai, and if you’re lucky, you might experience a live jazz concert here.
- SS1254372 Café
This café is Instagram-worthy and serves some of the best treats in town. What’s more, there’s a gallery and art shop attached- we’re here for it!
- The Barn Eatery and Design
This café which quite literally resembles a barn or perhaps a greenhouse, is a perfect place for a quiet getaway from the streets of Chiang Mai
- Café Racer
Located in the center of the city, you’ll find this delightful little coffee shop with a garden to sit in, as well as books and a guitar, incase you want to serenade the guests of the coffee shop
9. Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is one of the best coffee cities in the world because the whole atmosphere of the city screams ‘cozy coffee shop.’ The rainy days, which are at no shortage in Scotland, are probably one of the reasons why the city knows how to do coffee.
The historic vibe and cobblestone streets will just make you want to stop and drink coffee. Since Scotland is known for its whiskey, you might even want to spice it up by getting an Irish coffee. Furthermore, these Edinburgh coffee shops are well worth a mention:
- The Elephant House
J.K Rowling is known to have sat at this coffee shop writing the Harry Potter series over a cup of Joe
- Black Medicine Coffee Co.
Coffee indeed is a black medicine. This vibrant spot in the heart of the city is perfect for relaxing or getting some work done
- Cairngorm Coffee
This modern and bright café will make all your aesthetic dreams come true!
8. Marrakesh, Morocco
Marrakesh is a must-visit in itself, but even more so for a coffee addict. It is known for the authentic Moroccan coffee, which tastes flavorful with various kind of spices in it. For that reason, Marrakesh is one of the best coffee cities in the world.
There are so many rooftop cafe with reasonable places that will make you stop and fall in love. The amazing Moroccan coffee, smiling faces of the locals, and magical view of Marrakesh will make your coffee tastes even better. Thus, from a rooftop cafe, you can also watch the hustle and bustle of everyday life in Marrakesh. Hit up these rooftop cafés on your Marrakesh visit:
- Nomad
Watch the amazing view of the Atlas Mountains and ancient medinas at this ethereal spot.
- Café des Épices
Enjoy the buzz of the medina and a good cup of coffee at sunset on this beautiful rooftop terrace.
- Café Atay
This location is perfect for vegans and vegetarians, as they have lots of plant-based options in the menu. Enjoy the chill vibes and fun décor of this coffee shop. However, it is not a rooftop cafe. Nonetheless, the feisty Moroccan vibes and great drinks make this cafe worth to visit.
7. Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki is a true paradise for remote work or studying at coffee shops. All the coffee shops provide all the tools you might need for working remotely. Helsinki’s coffee shops are never ending, and its no wonder as Finland has the highest coffee consumption per capita in the world. Of course, during the long and cold winter, a cup of hot coffee boosts up the energy!
Here are some spots you shouldn’t miss in this city of great coffee:
- Paulig Kulma (Paulig Corner)
Walk up to the second floor to enjoy your espresso drink on a swing seat… this coffee shop has a fun atmosphere and is perfect for taking some photos.
- Johan & Nyström
At the Kanavaranta harbor you’ll find this cozy café, full of all the good vibes and delicious (also vegan and vegetarian) treats.
- Café Regatta
This is definitely a must-visit coffee for a different kind of café experience. With lots of outdoor seating and possibilities to roast sausages by the fire in the winter, this tiny cottage by the sea also is claimed to serve the best korvapuusti’s (cinnamon buns) in Helsinki.
- Ihana Kahvila Baari
This café serves some live reggae music to its visitors if you happen to visit at the right time. The cozy atmosphere is also unbeatable!
6. Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
As we know, Central America is the hub of coffee production. It has a large number of national coffee production per capita, either Arabica or Robusta beans. Moreover, it is known for its top coffee quality.
No wonder that all of its countries serve a good cup of coffee. The main street of the cute little surfer town of Santa Teresa is lined with great spots to get a cup of coffee- surfers need their coffee, too. So, dear coffee fans, here are some spots to check out in Santa Teresa:
- Cafca Café
A brunch with fresh fruit and some Costa Rican coffee, yes please!
- Couleur Café
This colorful little hut will serve you with some delicious coffee, a surfer’s (coffee) paradise
- L’arte del Gelato
Here you will find, in addition to great coffee… you guessed it: gelato! We could all use some of that.
5. Paris, France
Paris is known for its coffee culture, which is definitely not the traditional Scandinavian ‘work-at-a-coffee-shop’ kind of culture. In Paris, coffee breaks are to be enjoyed, most likely with a croissant and a cigarette.
So, if you’re at a Parisian coffee shop, do as the Parisians do. Slow down, people watch and enjoy your cup of espresso alongside a fresh French croissant. To make the most of it, share your ‘pause de café’ with some like-minded travelers.
4. Vancouver, Canada
Next up in our best cities for coffee list is Vancouver. This city’s bustling streets are always on the go and of course, in need of coffee. You can be sure to find a coffee shop fitting to your tastes in this multicultural hub. Here’s where to get your coffee fix in Vancouver:
- Café la Foret
This coffee shop is in an industrial setting and all you need for perfect aesthetic coffee moments. La Foret also serves some delicious waffles 😉
- Iktsuarpok Coffee Stand
You’ll miss this little coffee stand if you don’t look close. The coffee shop is literally a small window facing the street, where you can grab your morning coffee from. Perfect for a bustling city like Vancouver
- Olive + Ruby
This coffee shop is all for the cute vibes. Swinging chairs and plenty of plants make the atmosphere of this coffee shop one of the best in Vancouver
3. Thessaloniki, Greece
Greece is another country for some good and affordable coffee, making it one of the best coffee cities in the world. While strolling the streets of Thessaloniki, especially by the shoreline, you’ll find many places to stop in for a cup of liquid gold. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to try Greek gelato with your coffee, an unbeatable combo. Here’s Thessaloniki’s best spots for coffee lovers:
- The Blue Cup | Coffee & Cocktail Bar
This spot on the shoreline in Thessaloniki is great for an afternoon break or a late-night out
- Café Aithrio at Yedikule
You’ll find yourself sitting in a dreamy little garden
Once you climb up the hills of Thessaloniki, you’ll also find many coffee shops overlooking the city to the sea. The views truly are nothing to complain about!
2. Melbourne, Australia
Australians, well, they’re experts at coffee making. The rest of the world can only follow along with their expertise and ever-evolving coffee culture. Especially the city of Melbourne is paradise for café hopping.
The weather is hot, and well, the people are in need of iced lattes. With a plethora of coffee shops and fantastic coffee culture, Melbourne is one of the must-visit coffee cities for coffee lovers! Here’s some spots to check out in Melbourne’s coffee scene:
- Brother Baba Budan
You might wonder why there’s chairs hanging from the ceiling, but the espresso menu of this quirky café is sure to have something to fit your tastes
- Higher Ground
The rustic atmosphere and great food make this a great spot to visit
- Hash Specialty Coffee
You can’t go wrong with this cozy café
1. Reykjavik, Iceland
Kind of like the Finns, Icelandic people need coffee to get through the dark and sometimes harsh winters. It’s no wonder that the capital of Iceland has plenty of spots to serve its people. When strolling Reykjavik’s colorful streets, make a quick (or not so quick) stop at one of these cafés:
- Reykjavik Roasters
No more authentic of a place than here to enjoy your Icelandic coffee experience.
- Te & Kaffi
As one of the oldest cafés in Iceland, this coffee shops has their espresso making skills well perfected.
- Mokka Kaffi
Also as one of the oldest Reykjavikian cafés, this coffee has kept its interior decorations similar to when it was first built in 1958.
We hope you enjoyed this guide to the best coffee cities in the world! If you’re a lover of espresso, you’ll know where to plan your next trip. JoinMyTrip offers amazing and unique adventures like TripLeader Tom’s adventure to Iceland. Explore all the upcoming trips for a shared experience with like-minded travelers, or become a trip leader yourself!
