Global Coffee Bucket List: 10 Cities Every Caffeine Lover Must Visit
The best cafes in the world are scattered across the globe, and many cities boast a rich coffee culture that makes them a must-visit destination for an espresso, flat white, or Americano.
Whatever your preferred drink, you might be eager to visit the top 10 coffee destinations on your next getaway. It will ensure you wake up alert with a smile on your face every day of your well-deserved trip.
If you’re eager to create a global coffee bucket list, here are the 10 cities every caffeine lover must visit. You can thank us later.
Jump to Your Preferred Coffee Destination:
- 1. Melbourne, Australia – The World's Coffee Capital
- 2. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Coffee’s Spiritual Home
- 3. Wellington, New Zealand – The Flat White Capital
- 4. Vienna, Austria – A Historic Meeting Place
- 5. Milan, Italy – A Fast-Paced Coffee Scene
- 6. Tokyo, Japan – A Traditional Coffeehouse Culture
- 7. Seattle, USA – The Birthplace of Modern Coffee
- 8. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – A Top Coffee Destination
- 9. Istanbul, Turkey – Home to the World's First Coffeehouses
- 10. Bogota, Colombia – Colombia's Coffee Showroom
1. Melbourne, Australia – The World’s Coffee Capital
When it comes to the best coffee cities, Melbourne is tough to beat. It is widely regarded as the coffee capital of the world, and for good reason. Coffee is more than a hot drink people enjoy in the morning here, as it’s deeply embedded in the city’s culture.
Coffee became ingrained in Melbourne during the 1950s following the arrival of Italian and Greek immigrants, who brought espresso machines to Australia.
Melbourne has also played a fundamental role in many global coffee trends over the past ten years. Its coffee shops are dedicated to ethically sourcing high-quality beans from around the world. It has also rejected major coffee chains, like Starbucks, in favour of locally owned, independent cafes and roasteries.
What to Order:
There is one coffee you must order in Melbourne: The Magic. Most coffee shops won’t feature it on the menu, but every barista knows how to make it, and most locals will order it.
Many believe it provides the perfect ratio of coffee and steamed milk, as it’s not as milky as a latte and arguably smoother than a macchiato.
Baristas will make it with a double ristretto, which is a short, concentrated espresso shot that’s topped with steamed milk. It’s typically served in a 160ml (5oz) ceramic cup.
It will allow you to enjoy the sweetness of the beans while avoiding bitterness.
The Best Coffee Shops in Melbourne:
Seven Seeds Coffee Roasters is a must-visit when in Melbourne. Many consider it a pioneer of the city’s “Third Wave” movement that is committed to bean traceability.
For this reason, customers can sample rotating, single-origin beans carefully sourced from international growers.
It has also earned a glowing reputation for its in-depth quality testing, ensuring you sip a delicious, well-crafted, and ethically sourced coffee each time you visit.
Patricia Coffee Brewers is another top choice during your stay. It is a standing-room-only coffee shop well-regarded for its simple yet delicious menu of black, white, and filter coffee.
If standing doesn’t sound like an option for you, make a play for Brother Baba Budan. It sources specialty beans from Seven Seeds Coffee Roasters. The atmospheric coffee shop has become popular for its great-tasting, high-quality brews and unique backdrop, as hundreds of wooden chairs hang from the ceiling.
2. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Coffee’s Spiritual Home
True coffee lovers must visit Addis Ababa in Ethiopia at least once in their lives, as it is widely regarded as the birthplace of coffee.
Like Melbourne, coffee is more than a hot cup of joe. It is a cultural ritual that focuses on community bonding, friendship, and hospitality.
You’ll not only have the opportunity to sample coffee in its spiritual home, but you can also learn about the origin story of coffee, which dates back to the highlands of Ethiopia in 850 AD.
While here, you will learn about the Legend of Kaldi, who was a young goat herder who discovered coffee. He noticed his goats were acting peculiar after eating bright red berries from a shrub, providing them with more energy.
After taking the berries to the local monastery, the monks called them “the Devil’s Work”, throwing them into the fire, which roasted the berries and created a delightful aroma and the first roasted coffee.
What to Order:
Jebena Buna is the caffeine specialty in Addis Ababa. The iconic coffee is lovingly brewed in a traditional clay pot, called a jebena, hence its name. It is then served in a small ceramic cup, known as a cini, along with a side of popcorn and Tenadam (rue) sprigs.
The roasting process differs from modern Italian-style brews and is poured at a height. However, the outcome is a thick, earthy brew that many have described as the freshest coffee they’ve ever had.
Be aware that Jebena Buna traditionally has three rounds. It starts with the strongest brew, Abol, a second round called Tona, and the blessing round known as Bereka. Remain in your seat during each round, as it is rude to leave before the third.
The Best Coffee Shops in Addis Ababa:
No trip to Addis Ababa is complete until you have enjoyed a drink at Tomoca Coffee. It is the oldest roasting house in the city, established in 1953.
It is a fantastic option for those who want to immerse themselves in the Ethiopian/Italian-style coffee culture in Addis Ababa.
You’ll feel as if you’ve gone back in time when stepping inside the wood-panelled coffee shop in Piazza , but other branches are dotted across the city.
Aster Coffee Shop is another superb coffee shop in Addis Ababa. It has become a top choice for a delicious coffee made from high-quality beans sourced from Ethiopian farmers.
In addition to enjoying a drink at the understated coffee shop, you can even buy freshly roasted beans to bring home with you.
3. Wellington, New Zealand – The Flat White Capital
Flat white fans must visit Wellington in New Zealand, one of the world’s best coffee spots. Locals will often claim the nation invented the much-loved drink, which offers a delicious ratio of espresso and milk.
Like Melbourne, Wellington has rejected the global coffee chains and is home to many independent local roasters who are serious about the craft.
You won’t need to look far for a fantastic coffee shop, as it reportedly has more cafes per capita than New York City.
To sample coffee like a local, you’d be wise to order a cheese scone with your preferred drink. The espresso’s quality is often judged by the quality of the café’s cheese scones, which are typically toasted and served with a melted slab of butter.
What to Order:
A flat white is a must-order when in Wellington. While Australians might claim they invented it, New Zealanders would argue otherwise and has perfected the much-loved drink.
It is regarded by many as the signature drink of New Zealand, offering finely stretched milk that delivers a silky yet strong coffee, typically served in a ceramic tulip cup.
The Best Coffee Shops in Wellington:
Caffeine enthusiasts should stop at Flight Coffee Hangar when in Wellington. It has earned a solid reputation for its high-quality specialty beans and even provides coffee tasting flights and superb daily specials.
It also uses various brewing methods, including standard espresso, filter, and pour-over coffee.
Customs serves single-origin brews and is the flagship coffee shop for Coffee Supreme. It is a popular choice with locals and tourists for consistently good brews, such as lovingly crafted espresso drinks and single-origin filter coffee.
You can even grab a tasty bite to eat to enjoy with a great-tasting cup, such as focaccia sandwiches and delicious toast toppings. Many people also head to Customs on select weekends to enjoy Little Dough Co. doughnuts with their coffee.
There is no coffee shop quite like Pour and Twist in New Zealand, as it’s the country’s first fully manual coffee brew bar.
It’s a must-stop for those who want to experience unique brewing techniques and sample rare, single-origin beans from independent roasters across the nation.
Unlike other shops that rely on espresso machines, Pour and Twist embraces manual methods for the perfect brew, such as the AeroPress, V60, siphon, and Chemex.
4. Vienna, Austria – A Historic Meeting Place
Viennese Coffee House Culture is so world-renowned that it appears on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Unlike other cities that expect you to drink your coffee and go, customers are encouraged to take their time, with many enjoying a cup of coffee while reading a newspaper or a good book.
The Austrian capital’s coffee houses serve as a public living room and have historically been a meeting place for artists, writers, and revolutionaries.
A great-tasting coffee is served by a formally dressed waiter, known as Herr Ober, on an elegant silver tray with a small glass of water and a spoon.
What to Order:
You cannot leave Vienna until you have ordered the Wiener Melange, which translates as The Icon. It is a refined version of the cappuccino, as it is brewed with a shot of espresso topped with steamed milk and a thin milk foam layer, served in a large cup.
What makes it different from a cappuccino is that it uses a gold roast, and its milk ratio is a tad higher for increased smoothness. Sip it slowly to thoroughly enjoy it.
The Best Coffee Shops in Vienna:
Café Central is one of the most famous coffee houses worldwide. It isn’t every day you can enjoy a caffeine fix at a Venetian-inspired palace, which was once frequented by Trotsky and Freud.
We here at List World recommend visiting Café Central between 4.30pm and 9.30pm to enjoy daily live piano music. The relaxing songs will complement the stunning backdrop of marble pillars and high-vaulted ceilings. You’d also be crazy to ignore the stunning selection of sweet treats at the in-house patisserie, too!
Alternatively, step back in time to 19th-century Vienna at Café Sperl. It has become beloved for its iconic velvet booths and billiard tables, which appeared in the film Before Sunrise.
If you have a sweet tooth, treat yourself to the chocolate almond Sperl Torte, which is made in-house. Also, you can enjoy live piano music as you sip your coffee on Sunday afternoons.
If you want to sip coffee in a traditional backdrop, visit Café Landtmann, next to the Burgtheater. It will allow you to sip coffee on a silver platter while enjoying a beautiful view of its famous winter garden.
It’s also a must-visit for a delicious cake, as the Landtmann Fine Patisserie is popular with locals and tourists.
5. Milan, Italy – A Fast-Paced Coffee Scene
While Vienna might offer a slower coffeehouse culture, Milan has turned fast, standing-room-only experiences into a stylish art form.
The Italian city has earned a reputation for the quality of its coffee, combined with speed and precision.
It is common for locals t drink an espresso quickly at a marble bar while briefly chatting with the barista before leaving.
Milan is also the city where Howard Schultz developed the idea for Starbucks. He reportedly visited various Milanese espresso bars before launching the global chain. However, many people would argue that the city’s cafes are far superior.
What to Order:
Due to the fast-paced nature of Milan’s coffee scene, we recommend ordering an un caffe, which is an espresso.
You’ll blend in with the locals by paying in cash for an un caffe at the bar. Once you’ve paid, take your receipt to the bar, place it on the counter with a small coin tip, and enjoy the drink for thirty seconds before making tracks.
The Best Coffee Shops in Milan:
Every tourist must order a coffee and a pastry at Marchesi 1824, one of the oldest and most famous pastry shops in Milan.
It has become iconic for its gorgeous mint green interior, artisanal treats, and outstanding coffee.
Located inside the magnificent Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, it provides superb views of the mosaic floors. You also have the option to order at the sophisticated bar or pay extra for more formal table service.
Orsonero Coffee differs from traditional Italian bars, as its minimalist wooden interior was inspired by Scandinavian aesthetics.
It is also viewed as an Italian pioneer of high-quality filter coffee and offers a rotation of high-quality specialty beans from the best roasteries in Europe.
6. Tokyo, Japan – A Traditional Coffeehouse Culture
Before modern coffee bars were invented, Tokyo was busy running traditional coffee houses called Kissaten.
They’re more than cafes, as they’re widely regarded as sanctuaries of ritual and silence.
The owner of every Kissaten is known as the shujin, a coffee master who has dedicated decades of their life to refining the single-brewing method, such as Nel Drip or Siphon.
Most feature a dark wood interior complemented by classical music. Additionally, Kissatens are renowned for Japanese hospitality, known as Omotenashi, which may even result in a barista selecting an antique cup inspired by your personality.
What to Order:
A Nel Drip coffee is a must-order when visiting a traditional Kissaten. It delivers much more than a caffeine hit, as it offers a taste of traditional Tokyo.
A barista is likely to use a flannel filter to create the coffee’s creamy yet velvety texture, as the paper allows more oils to seep through.
However, if you want to visit a modern third-wave coffee shop in Tokyo, treat yourself to a single-origin pour-over typically brewed using a Hario V60.
The Best Coffee Shops in Tokyo:
Chatei Hatou provides a silent sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. The Shibuya kissaten serves slow, hand-dripped coffee that’s charcoal roasted, and offers a smooth yet rich flavour.
Also, it has become iconic for its extensive collection of hand-painted, distinctive ceramic cups, which a coffee master will select to complement a customer’s vibe or personality.
Onibus Coffee in Nakameguro is a perfect choice for those looking for a modern specialty roaster.
It has become known for its farm-to-cup philosophy, as it roasts local beans in-house to deliver a clean, bold taste that lingers on the tongue. Located next to the Tokyu Toyoko train lines, it’s the perfect place to watch the trains pass by overhead.
7. Seattle, USA – The Birthplace of Modern Coffee
Seattle is regarded by many as the birthplace of modern coffee, as it is the proud home of Starbucks.
In 1971, the global coffee chain opened its first store in Pike Place Market, serving coffee inspired by America’s espresso culture and Europe’s dark roasts.
Due to the brand’s international success, the Starbucks Reserve Roastery on Capitol Hill is a huge tourist destination.
Visitors can watch as beans travel through the roastery’s copper tubes overhead. Also, they’ll have the opportunity to sample experimental coffee flights crafted from barrel-aged flavours or nitrogen.
However, Starbucks isn’t the only reason to visit Seattle for its coffee scene. The city is a pioneer of Third Wave principles, treating its beans and craft like a fine wine. For instance, many roasters carefully choose their beans based on their origin, roasts, and terroir.
Due to the city’s drizzly climate, many people often escape to a café. It’s popular caffeine culture even inspired the regular backdrop of Café Nervosa in the hit sitcom Frasier, set in Seattle, with Niles and Frasier famously overcomplicating their orders.
What to Order:
The Nico is Seattle’s signature coffee. It was created by David Schomer, who is credited with bringing latte art to the US.
If you have never tried one, it is a 4-oz latte, like a cortado or macchiato, but it’s infused with orange zest and a little cinnamon.
The Best Coffee Shops in Seattle:
Espresso Vivace Capitol Hill is a must-visit for those who appreciate a great-tasting espresso, and was founded by David Schomer.
It offers a perfect balance of a rich yet sweet espresso with minimal acidity and is an ideal place to order a Nico.
It’s a must-visit if you don’t mind a standing bar, as it prioritises the barista’s craft over the sit-down experience.
Milstead & Co. showcases the best of single-origin North American beans, offering a rotating selection that will wow pour-over fans.
It’s one stop you shouldn’t miss if you’re a self-confessed coffee geek who loves to compare different beans and roasting styles.
8. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – A Top Coffee Destination
Ho Chi Minh City, known for its historical name Saigon, is a top coffee destination and the second-largest coffee-exporting country on the planet.
Locals and tourists cannot get enough of its coffee scene, which offers heritage brewing methods and unique third-wave specialty shops.
Coffee shops are fundamental to socializing in Ho Chi Minh City. They’re often the first place people visit for first dates, friendly chats, and business deals.
They have also become synonymous with sidewalk socialising. Locals will regularly sit on the ground or small plastic stools on sidewalks or in public parks while slowly sipping a hot coffee.
What to Order:
You must try the “Big Three” coffee staples in Ho Chi Minh City, which you can easily find on a street stall for a small sum.
The Ca Phe Sua Da is often viewed as the crown jewel of Vietnamese coffee. It’s made from Robusta beans, filtered onto a thick layer of sweetened condensed milk before being poured over ice.
If you prefer an iced black coffee, a Ca Phe Den Dan is a must-drink. It’s typically served with a pinch of sugar to balance the Robusta beans’ bitterness.
Also, don’t forget to order a Bac Xiu during your stay in Ho Chi Minh City, which is predominantly made from fresh or condensed milk with a splash of coffee.
The Best Coffee Shops in Ho Chi Mi City:
Enjoy an aromatic cup of coffee at Cheo Leo Café, one of the city’s oldest cafes, delighting locals since the 1930s.
It is fundamental to the city’s coffee history, as it has become famous for its preservation of the ca phe vot brewing tradition. Every cup is lovingly crafted, as the coffee is steeped in huge fabric filters above a charcoal stove to deliver a fresh, smooth taste.
Despite its history and popularity, the family-run café has remained true to its humble roots, as you must walk down a small alley to find the no-frills location.
Bosgaurus Coffee Roasters – The Opera House is playing a huge role in the city’s Robusta movement.
The baristas are dedicated to technical excellence to craft the perfect cup. They use precise scales and equipment to bring out the best flavours from their outstanding local beans. They’re also happy to share the origin of the beans they serve and their processing methods with customers.
9. Istanbul, Turkey – Home to the World’s First Coffeehouses
Like Vienna, Istanbul’s centuries-old coffee traditions have received UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity status.
After all, it is home to many of the first coffeehouses in the world, dating back to the 16th century.
The city combines Ottoman tradition with a modern coffeehouse scene, making it a must-stop for caffeine lovers.
What to Order:
There are many fantastic Turkish coffee varieties to try during your time in the city. However, you must sample its traditional coffee brewed in a cezve, which is a copper pot placed on a tray of hot sand for even heat.
The process will foam the coffee many times, resulting in a thick, silky froth, with the grounds remaining in the cup.
There are options to choose from to match your preference, such as Sekerli (sweet), orta (medium), Az Sekerki (a small amount of sugar), and sade (no sugar).
The Best Coffee Shops in Istanbul:
Set time aside to visit Mandabatmaz during a trip to Istanbul. The much-loved micro-café is popular for its famously thick brew, which many believe is one of the most authentic traditional Turkish coffees in the city.
Due to its fame and small size, you can expect a crowd, as many people are often eager to pick up a coffee to enjoy on the sidewalk’s low stools.
If you’re looking for a steaming hot coffee while in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, drop into Sark Kahvesi for a traditional brew over hot sand.
The nostalgic interior will provide an insight into the city’s history, and you’ll be served a thick, aromatic coffee, providing a perfect pit stop when exploring the bazaar’s eclectic shops.
10. Bogota, Colombia – Colombia’s Coffee Showroom
Colombia’s geography, climate, and high altitude have led to the growth of some of the smoothest coffee on Earth.
Its unique climate provides the perfect conditions to produce the highest quality Arabica beans, which are famous for offering a more delicate flavour than Robusta.
While the beans are grown in various destinations in Colombia, such as Antioquia, Caldas, and Risaralda, Bogota serves as a showroom for the nation’s exceptional beans.
Microlots from the mountains of Tolima, Huila, and Santander are regularly sent to the city’s labs, and cafes will often source beans directly from family-run Colombian farms.
For this reason, coffee lovers may have an opportunity to try rare and delicious varieties that never leave the country, such as SL28 and Geisha. Plus, its regular harvest will allow you to taste fresh coffee at its peak at a coffee shop.
What to Order:
As many Colombian beans rarely leave the country, we here at List World recommend trying different varieties during your visit to Bogota.
If you would like to drink like a local, consider ordering a tinto, which is a high-quality, small, black coffee. If you don’t like your coffee black, order a chaqueta, which is a tinto with milk.
The Best Coffee Shops in Bogota:
If you would love to experience high-quality microlots during a trip to Bogota, clear some time in your itinerary to visit Azhar Coffee Parque 93.
It has become a pioneer of the third-wave movement in Colombia and offers a rotating mix of seasonal beans and is committed to transparent farmer payments.
It also uses various manual brewing methods to deliver great-tasting drinks, such as V60 and Chemex.
Quality counts at Tropicalia Coffee, which is why it proudly accepted the global Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) award.
You can enjoy a luxurious coffee with a retro vibe and vibrant indoor plants, and pair it with a scrumptious all-day brunch.
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