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
A Coffee Lovers Guide to Traveling: Top Coffee Destinations Around the World
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.
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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.

Italy Coffee Guides

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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

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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

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
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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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