A Coffee Lovers Guide to Traveling: Top Coffee Destinations Around the World
Explore the world through your love of coffee with this guide to the top coffee destinations globally. From Italy’s espresso bars to Ethiopia’s ancient coffee ceremonies and Vietnam’s unique brews, discover how different cultures celebrate this beloved beverage. Whether you’re sipping rich Colombian coffee in the Andes or enjoying a sweet Vietnamese iced coffee, each destination offers a unique and flavorful experience for coffee lovers. Dive into the local customs, must-try drinks, and coffee tours to fuel your next adventure!
Alexandria Sullivan
Sep 25 2024
A Coffee Lovers Guide to Traveling: Top Coffee Destinations Around the World
Coffee isn’t just a drink anymore—it’s a way for people all over the world to connect and share their love for something special. From sipping espresso in Italy to enjoying a coffee ceremony in Ethiopia, coffee has become a global experience. As a huge coffee lover, I always make it a point to seek out local coffee experiences whenever I travel. I’ve been lucky enough to visit over 35 countries and discovered that each place has its unique way of enjoying coffee.
This guide is for those who, like me, want to explore the world through their love of coffee. In each country, coffee has a special role in the culture, from the way it’s brewed to the way it’s enjoyed. Whether it’s a rich, sweet Vietnamese iced coffee or a smooth Colombian brew, every destination offers something new and exciting for coffee lovers to experience.
In this article, I’ll explore some of the best coffee destinations worldwide. I’ll share my favorite places to enjoy coffee, the must-try drinks, and tips on how to make the most of your coffee experiences while traveling.
Italy: The Birthplace of Espresso
Italy holds a special place in the hearts of coffee lovers as the birthplace of espresso. Espresso is more than just a drink in Italy; it’s a way of life deeply rooted in the country’s culture. For Italians, coffee is meant to be simple, quick, and enjoyed throughout the day, especially in the form of a small, strong shot of espresso.
Stopping by a local bar for a "caffè" in the morning or during a break has become a daily ritual for many, and it’s this sense of tradition that makes Italy one of the top coffee destinations in the world.
When in Italy, you can enjoy coffee experiences in some of the country’s most iconic cities, including Rome, Milan, and Naples. These cities are home to historic espresso bars where locals gather to drink their espresso standing at the counter, chatting briefly before getting on with their day. The act of standing and sipping is a key part of Italian coffee culture, allowing people to pause for a moment without lingering too long.
For first-time visitors, it’s important to follow a few local rules. When ordering, simply ask for "un caffè," which means an espresso. Italians typically avoid ordering cappuccinos after 11 AM, as they view it as a morning-only drink. Pair your espresso with a traditional Italian pastry, like a cornetto, for an authentic Italian coffee experience.
Coffee Tour Experience: Chocolate, Coffee, and Sweets Tour in Turin
Italy Coffee Guides
Italy Coffee Guides
Italian espresso is all over Milan and no longer consumed only in bars, but also in markets, railway stations, bookshops and boutiques. Very good espresso is available all over the center of the city and so too is Starbucks as of 2018.
3rd wave coffee is slow to arrive in Milan as the city is saturated with really good espresso which always costs less than 1.50 euros.
If you’re interested in old-school roasters, really good espresso and 3rd wave spots, this is the Thatch board for you.
Couples • Groups • 50+ • Coffee • Foodie • Boutique • History • Design • Slow Travel
Free
Catalin | The Celiac in Italy
Available for hire
Digital Nomad Friendly Coffee Shops in Florence, Italy
Need to get some work down while in Florence? Well, unlike America, it is not always acceptable to bring your computer and work at a coffee shop in Italy. Which can make it a little tricky to find good spots to set up camp. These are my favorite digital nomad friendly coffee shops!
Coffee
Free
You may not know this, but Turin is truly a coffee capital!
It was here that the very first espresso was poured, where Lavazza and many other coffee roasters call home.
On this coffee tour in Turin, you’ll follow along with my guide to learn about the history of coffee in Turin, visit beautiful historic coffee houses, and learn of a few modern cafes changing the scene!
This is a Thatch version of my top-rated Airbnb Experience. It includes the exact itinerary we follow PLUS loads of extra fun facts and spots to see.
Includes:
☕️10 cafés to visit
☕️Italian Coffee Customs
☕️list of local Roasters
📖Historic facts about Turin & the cafés
Plus:
🍹my private Aperitivo in Turin list for when you are ready for a different kind of drink 👍
If you’d like a more extensive or tailored guide to the city, feel free to reach out:
IG @collineallemontagne
📧evelyn@collineallemontagne.com
Foodie • Coffee • People & Culture
$19.00
Ethiopia: The Birthplace of Coffee
Ethiopia is known as the birthplace of coffee, and its deep connection to coffee culture dates back centuries. Legend has it that coffee was first discovered in the Ethiopian highlands when a goat herder noticed his goats becoming energetic after eating coffee cherries.
Today, Ethiopia remains a top destination for coffee lovers, thanks to its rich coffee-growing regions, such as Yirgacheffe, Sidamo, and Harrar.
One of the most memorable coffee experiences in Ethiopia is participating in a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony. This ancient ritual goes beyond just brewing a cup of coffee—it’s a full cultural experience where the coffee beans are roasted, ground, and brewed in front of guests. The ceremony is a social event symbolizing respect and community and offers visitors the chance to savor freshly brewed coffee made with care.
You can also explore the rural coffee farms and cooperatives, where small-scale farmers still grow and harvest coffee by hand. A visit to these farms allows you to taste some of the finest single-origin Ethiopian coffee and gives you insight into the sustainable practices that support local communities.
Coffee Tour Experience: 8 Days Ethiopia Coffee Tour
Ethiopia Travel Guides
Ethiopia Travel Guides
The very best ultra luxury eco lodges that this continent has to offer. From the floral kingdoms of South Africa to the Simien mountains in Ethiopia & beyond. These lodges are the best way to experience the magical wildlife & scenery of this awe‑inspiring continent while focusing on sustainability & local initiatives.
Accessibility • Luxury • Eco • Nature • Sustainable/Eco • Adventure • Wildlife • Culture
Free
Colombia: A Coffee Paradise in South America
Colombia is world-famous for its production of high-quality Arabica coffee beans, making it a must-visit destination for any coffee lover. The climate and elevation of Colombia’s coffee-growing regions, particularly the Coffee Triangle—Salento, Manizales, and Pereira—make it one of the top producers of smooth, well-balanced coffee. Colombia’s coffee is known for its mild flavor, with hints of chocolate, caramel, and fruit.
For those looking to experience the culture firsthand, visiting the Coffee Triangle is an unforgettable experience. Here, you can take guided coffee tours through coffee farms, learning about the cultivation, harvesting, and processing of coffee beans. In major cities like Bogotá and Medellín, specialty coffee roasters offer freshly brewed Colombian coffee tastings, allowing visitors to appreciate the country’s deep connection to coffee.
If you plan to visit, the best time to experience Colombia’s coffee culture is during the harvest season, typically from April to May and October to November. Many coffee farms offer hands-on experiences where visitors can participate in the coffee-picking process. For a more immersive stay, consider booking a stay at one of the eco-lodges nestled in the coffee-growing regions.
Coffee Tour Experience: Horse Riding Coffee Tour in Medellin
Colombia Travel Guides
Colombia Travel Guides
Explore the coffee region or "eje cafetero" in Spanish on a 3-4 day trip.
What you will find:
- Why visit the Coffee Region in Colombia
- Places to visit
- How much time spend in each place
You can do this itinerary either by car or by bus arriving at any of the main airports in the region!
The itinerary is very flexible, it's designed for you to pick the activities depending on your preferences.
Backpackers • Solo Female • Couples • Groups • Families • Adventure • Budget • Wellness • Nature • Photography • Road Trip • Mountain • Coffee
Free
This Ultimate Colombia guide is based on 100+ hours of research and three months spent travelling all over the country. We absolutely fell in love with the breathtaking nature, complex history and vibrant people of Colombia and we want you to equip you to do the same!
This guide includes an interactive map and details about our favourite towns, restaurants, activities and accommodations. It also includes information we have gleaned from slow travelling the country about tipping culture, holidays, best ATMs, transportation, safety and much more! Unlocking this guide gives you access for life so you will automatically receive any updates when we return to Colombia or hear of additional places to visit in the country. Plus this guide is web- and mobile-friendly so you can save it to reference as you travel through the country!
Guide includes:
- best time to visit (seasons, holidays, etc. )
- money stuff (currency, ATMS, tipping)
- transportation (flying, busing, driving)
- where to stay, what to do, where to eat and drink in the following cities: Cartagena, Santa Marta, Minca, Bogota, Salento, Jardin, Medellin, Guatape
- 15 places that were recommended but we did not visit
We hope this guide provides everything you need to know to plan your own trip to Colombia, whether that's for a week or 3 months!
Tag us in your planning and travels so we can see your experiences in this amazing country! @EricandSarah_
*Full transparency: this is not an ultra-budget guide. We include a range of free to paid activities in each place, a variety of restaurant options and mid-range priced accommodations (mostly Airbnbs). It's based on our own travel style which we'd consider "medium budget" - we like to save money but are also willing to splurge on certain comforts and activities. We believe there is valuable information for any type of traveller though!
Digital Nomads • Backpackers • Solo Female • Car-free • Couples • Groups • 50+ • Adventure • Architecture • Art • Budget • Foodie • History • Nature • People & Culture • Slow Travel • Photography • Coffee • Beach • Mountain
$29.99
This guide, 'Medellín Unveiled: A Guide to Colombia's City of Eternal Spring', is designed to provide both luxury and group travelers with an insider's perspective on the vibrant city of Medellín. The aim is to go beyond the typical tourist trails and delve into the heart of the city, uncovering its culinary delights, outdoor adventures, and unique cultural experiences. Whether you're a food enthusiast eager to explore local markets and high-end dining, an adventurer ready to trek through lush landscapes, or a culture seeker looking to immerse yourself in the city's transformation story, this guide is your key to unlocking the magic of Medellín. It's not just about visiting Medellín; it's about experiencing the city like a local, with all the hidden gems and authentic experiences that come with it
Adventure • Relaxation • People & Culture • Foodie
Free
Vietnam: The Land of Unique Coffee Creations
Vietnam is best known for its bold, rich coffee culture, offering some of the most unique and flavorful coffee creations in the world. The country is a leading producer of robusta beans, known for their strong, slightly bitter taste, which gives Vietnamese coffee its distinctive profile. Coffee plays a big role in daily life, and one of the most iconic brewing methods is the Vietnamese drip coffee, or Cà phê phin, which results in a thick, strong brew often sweetened with condensed milk.
Vietnam also stands out with its innovative coffee varieties, like egg coffee, which combines coffee with a creamy egg yolk mixture.
One of the best coffee experiences in Vietnam is enjoying Cà phê sữa đá—iced coffee with sweetened condensed milk. The perfect balance of strong coffee and creamy sweetness makes it a favorite among locals and visitors.
Don’t miss trying Cà phê trứng, or egg coffee, at Café Giảng in Hanoi, where the drink was first created. This surprising blend of coffee, egg yolk, sugar, and milk creates a rich, custard-like foam atop the coffee, offering a delightful twist. For those interested in the origins of Vietnamese coffee, a trip to the Central Highlands region is a must.
Coffee Tour Experience: Hanoi Food & Coffee Tour
Vietnam Travel Guides
Vietnam Travel Guides
You love coffee and want to explore Vietnam by tasting different coffees, staying at coffee farms and taking coffee workshops all over the country? Then this guide is for you.
10 Days | 9 Nights | 10 Coffees & things to do in between
50+ • Couples • Female Solo • Coffee • People & Culture • Slow Travel
$24.95
Culture. Nature. Food. History. And everything you need.
Recommendations based on authentic experience.
🛵 Attractions - Top attractions (min. 3) in each town
👄 Food - Must-eat local food at each place, in-depth food guides upcoming (Hanoi & Hoi An food guide available)
🌏 Stay - Options (min. 3) for each location: dorms, homestays, hotels
Solo travel tips, useful personal opinions, and easy booking links are included.
*This guide is constantly being updated.
**Appreciate tips (at the bottom of the page) if you find this helpful!
Digital Nomads • Backpackers • Solo Female • Couples • Adventure • Nature • Slow Travel • Beach • Mountain • Relaxation • Foodie • Budget • Camping
Free
🛏️ So you're going to the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, and trying to figure out the most convenient place to stay?
In Hanoi - and especially in the city center's Old Quarter, which has a jam-packed offer of affordable accommodation - it can be quite overwhelming to choose the right place to stay that will:
✅ Be close to the best sights, foods, cafes, and bars worth visiting
✅ Be clean, safe, and have extremely friendly staff
✅ Offer great value for the price
❌ Not be noise-polluted
❌ Not be dark/missing a window in your room
❌ Not be too far walking distance from all the worthy places to visit
In this guide, I will uncover my recommendations for the best areas & hotels around city center's Old Quarter such as:
📍 Central Old Quarter Area
📍 West Old Quarter Area
📍 St. Joseph's Cathedral Area
📍 Hai Ba Trung Area
📍 Opera House Area
And, by the way, all of the listed hotels have a rating higher than 9.0 on Booking.com, so I've got you covered with only truly excellent picks of services!
50+ • Accessibility • Backpacker • Business • Couples • Digital Nomads • Family • Groups • Female Solo • LGBTQ+ • Car-free • Architecture • Art • Boutique • Budget • Design • Luxury • History • Relaxation • Romantic • Wellness
Free
Brazil: The Coffee Giant
Brazil stands as one of the largest coffee producers in the world, making it a top destination for coffee lovers. Known for its range of coffee beans, Brazil grows everything from mild, smooth Arabica to the more robust and earthy-tasting varieties. Coffee farming has deep roots in Brazilian culture, with major coffee-growing regions like Minas Gerais and São Paulo playing a huge role in the country’s economy and identity.
Touring the coffee plantations in the Minas Gerais region is a must. These farms offer visitors a chance to see the coffee-making process from bean to cup, including harvesting, processing, and tasting. If you visit in November, don’t miss the International Coffee Week in Belo Horizonte, where coffee experts and enthusiasts come together for tastings, exhibitions, and discussions about the future of coffee.
When traveling to Brazil, take the time to participate in cupping sessions at local farms, where you can sample a wide range of coffee flavors and learn about the characteristics of Brazilian beans. Additionally, exploring the coffee markets and local cafés offers a chance to savor fresh brews while experiencing Brazilian culture.
Coffee Tour Experience: Coffee Farm Tour near Sao Paulo
Brazil Travel Guides
Brazil Travel Guides
São Paulo boasts a vibrant and diverse coffee culture, with numerous coffee shops scattered throughout the city offering a wide range of experiences. São Paulo is home to a growing number of specialty coffee shops that cater to coffee connoisseurs and enthusiasts. Reflecting the global trend of third-wave coffee, many cafés in São Paulo focus on highlighting the unique flavors and characteristics of single-origin beans.
In addition to specialty coffee shops, São Paulo boasts numerous cozy cafés and bakeries where locals gather to enjoy a leisurely cup of coffee accompanied by freshly baked pastries, cakes, and savory snacks. Some coffee shops in São Paulo double as cultural hubs, hosting art exhibitions, live music performances, literary events, and workshops.
Whether you're a coffee aficionado seeking the perfect pour-over or simply looking for a cozy spot to unwind, São Paulo's coffee shops have something to offer for every palate and preference.
Last updated: May 2024
50+ • Vegetarian • Vegan • Female Solo • Plus Size • Pets • Digital Nomads • Family • Gluten-free / Celiac • Groups • Halal • Couples • Car-free • Business • Backpacker • Accessibility • Coffee • Relaxation • Slow Travel • People & Culture
Free
Nestled between marvelous mountains and sparkling shores, Rio de Janeiro City, or simply Rio, beckons with its unparalleled beauty and pulsating energy.
Its captivating landscapes, from iconic beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema to the majestic peaks of Corcovado and Sugarloaf Mountain, form the backdrop to a city teeming with life and culture.
Steeped in history and infused with a dynamic mix of influences, Rio is a melting pot of traditions, rhythms, and flavors that captivate the soul. Samba, chorinho, and MPB (and Brazilian Funk Music) will fill your ears while delicious local food fills your mouth.
In this guide, you'll find recommendations to fill up at least 4 days of your visit. Here, the focus is more on the not-so-well-advertised experiences because, for the "big" attractions, you can easily find recommendations anywhere.
On this Guide:
- Museums
- Beaches
- Historical landmarks
- Places to eat and drink like a local
- Parks/Gardens
- +Experiences
Join me and embark on a journey through the heart of Brazil's most vibrant metropolis.
Have fun!
Backpacker • Car-free • Couples • Groups • Female Solo • Outdoors • People & Culture
$5.99
United States (Seattle & Portland): The Birthplace of Third-Wave Coffee
The United States, particularly the cities of Seattle and Portland, is known as the birthplace of the third-wave coffee movement. This movement emphasizes artisanal coffee, sustainability, and a deep respect for every step of the coffee-making process, from farm to cup. Seattle, famous for iconic brands like Starbucks, has a rich coffee heritage that focuses on quality and craftsmanship. Portland, on the other hand, has become a hub for independent coffee roasters, each offering unique and experimental brews.
For coffee enthusiasts, Seattle offers a variety of experiences, including tours of local coffee shops and roasteries. A visit to the Starbucks Reserve Roastery is a must, where you can witness the roasting process, taste rare blends, and learn about the company’s history. Portland offers a more intimate experience. Small, specialty roasters dot the city, each focusing on coffee profiles and brewing methods.
If you visit these coffee capitals, be sure to try the latest trends, like cold brew and nitro coffee, both of which have become popular in the U.S. coffee scene.
Coffee Tour Experience: The Seattle Coffee Tour
Seattle & Portland Coffee Guides
Seattle & Portland Coffee Guides
Welcome to my completely unorganized but oh-so-helpful map of Portland! An absolute smorgasbord of my own travels and research, suggestions from friends and strangers, and many treasures found along the way, this is where I compile all things Portland for my future trips and yours. Things I particularly love that you’ll find a lot of:
☕️ Coffee shops & bakeries
🌮 Local cuisine
🏛️ Museums of all kinds
🌳 Gardens & parks
🛏️ Boutique hotels
🍕 Small regional chains with good reputations
All my guides in this category are $5 per 100 places included, but since I add to these constantly, you can lock down the lowest price today and gain a lifetime access!
Couples • Family • Art • Architecture • Budget • History • Foodie • Design • Coffee • People & Culture
Free
Guatemala: A Coffee Gem in Central America
Guatemala is one of my favorite countries. It is celebrated for its high-altitude coffee farms, which produce some of the most flavorful and balanced beans in the world. The country’s geography and climate contribute to the unique flavor profiles of its coffee, with renowned coffee-growing regions such as Antigua, Huehuetenango, and Atitlán at the forefront.
When visiting Guatemala, one of the best experiences is taking a coffee farm tour in Antigua. These tours allow you to learn about traditional cultivation methods, from planting to harvesting and often include tastings of the farm’s fresh brews. In addition to coffee, you can also participate in a cacao ceremony, which offers a twist on the coffee experience while connecting you with the region’s Mayan heritage.
Consider exploring the coffee farms in the Atitlán region, where eco-tourism is a focus. Here, you can enjoy the scenery while sampling single-origin coffees that highlight the unique characteristics of the region. Don’t miss the chance to try your hand at painting with coffee in Lake Atitlán, an innovative and creative way to engage with this beloved beverage.
Coffee Tour Experience: Antigua ATV Coffee Tour
Guatemala Coffee Guides
Guatemala Coffee Guides
Dive into Guatemala with this guide to Antigua! In this guide, I'll share some of my favorite restaurants, activities, cafes to work from, shops, and more.
This is from my perspective as a digital nomad living in and exploring Guatemala. In addition to the classic restaurants and activities, I love finding places to shop local artisans, unique wellness experiences, and veggie-friendly eats. You can find all of that and more in the guide below!
Also included are a couple hotels that I've stayed in myself or friends stayed in and highly recommend. I hope this helps you plan an epic trip to Antigua!
Adventure • Architecture • Art • Boutique • Budget • Coffee • Foodie • History • Relaxation • Romantic • Shopping • Slow Travel • Wellness
Free
Guatemala's former capital city, Antigua, is a charming and colorful city with beautiful colonial architecture and a lively atmosphere. I spent ten days there on my trip to Guatemala, visiting gorgeous ruins and trying tasty food and coffee.
Here are my favorite cafés in Antigua where you can enjoy delicious coffee and get some work done.
Digital Nomads • Backpacker • Groups • Female Solo • Coffee
Free
Bali, Indonesia: Exotic Coffee and Volcanic Soil
Bali is a coffee destination known for its rich volcanic soil, which contributes to its coffee's distinct flavor. The island is home to the famous (and somewhat controversial) Luwak coffee and traditional Balinese coffee practices that have been passed down through generations.
During my visit, I took a coffee farm tour in the Kintamani region, which is renowned for its robust Arabica beans. This experience not only allowed me to learn about the coffee-making process but also gave me the rare opportunity to meet a mongoose, the animal responsible for producing the sought-after Luwak coffee. The tour highlighted the methods used to cultivate and process these beans, giving me a deeper appreciation for this exotic coffee.
While in Bali, don’t miss trying the traditional coffee brew known as Kopi Tubruk, a strong coffee made by boiling coarse coffee grounds with sugar. Of course, sampling the infamous Kopi Luwak is also a must for those curious about its unique flavor profile. Pair your coffee with local delicacies like black rice cakes to fully enjoy yourself in Balinese culture.
Coffee Tour Experience: Coconut Wine & Coffee Farm Tour
Bali Coffee Guides
Bali Coffee Guides
Canggu is a mecca for incredible cafes and co-working spaces. Whether you're a tourist wanting a great cup of coffee or a digital nomad searching for the perfect work spot, you will be spoilt for choice in Canggu.
In this guide you'll find everything from upscale instagram worthy cafes, to budget friendly menus.
Digital Nomads • Backpackers • Solo Female • Vegan • Vegetarian • Coffee • Slow Travel • Budget • Boutique • Foodie
Free
This map has everything you need to know for a budget friendly month long workation in the islands of Bali and Nusa Penida.
You will find personally tried stays, work friendly cafes, co-working space options, attractions to visit, and laundromats (it's a month long trip, you gotta do laundry!).
Digital Nomads • Couples • Car-free • Vegetarian • Art • Budget • Foodie • Coffee • People & Culture • Slow Travel
Free
As you explore the world of coffee, each destination offers its own unique flavors and experiences. From enjoying espresso in Italy to taking part in a coffee ceremony in Ethiopia, there’s so much to discover. Each sip helps you appreciate the craft behind your favorite drink.
To help you on your coffee journeys, check out the coffee guides I offer for different cities in my Thatch Shop. With these guides, you'll find the best coffee spots and experiences wherever you go. Happy sipping!
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