Caffeine Dreams: 10 Best Coffee Cities in the World  

“Even bad coffee is better than no coffee at all.”

– David Lynch

Coffee has been an integral part of our lives for centuries now. Many of us cannot imagine life without coffee. It was the Arabs who first cultivated coffee in the 15^th century. Then, the French brought it into the mainstream with their invention of the espresso machine in 1843. Today, coffee is the second most popular beverage in the world. It is one of the most sought after export commodities. Every part of the world has cafes. Cafes are places where people meet and cultures converge. Some cities are known for their bubbling café culture.

Let us look at some of the best cities famous for their coffee around the world.

City: Helsinki

Country: Finland

Known as the “daughter of the Baltic,” Helsinki is a haven for coffee lovers. It is no wonder as Finland is the world’s leading coffee drinker. In April, the quaint city comes to life with its annual coffee and tea festival. Helsinki offers every type of coffee that you can imagine. The many small cafes around the city form its bustling café culture Artisan Café and Café Regatta are only two of the many amazing cafes in Helsinki.

City: Melbourne

Country: Australia

Australia’s Melbourne is one of the friendliest places in the world. The cosmopolitan city offers something for everyone. Its vibrant coffee culture alongside its stunning coastal views is to die for. Though a tad pricey, Melbourne’s quaint cafes offer delicious lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites. Piccolo latte is the drink that most go for. Atomica Coffee and Industry Beans are some of the go-to cafes in Melbourne.

City: Seattle   

Country: United States of America

Seattle is one of the go-to cities for caffeine addicts in the United States of America. It is full of coffee shops. It was in Seattle that the world-famous coffee chain, Starbucks, began its journey. With its cold gray weather, never-ending rainy days, and tons of avid readers, it is no wonder that Seattle has a rich and bustling café scene. Preserve and Gather, Victrola Coffee Roasters, Slate Coffee Ballard, and Espresso Vivace are a few of the must-try cafés in the city. 

City: Toronto 

Country: Canada

Toronto is one of the coldest cities in the world. Naturally, coffee is an important part of the lives of Canadians. They rely on coffee to get them through the frigid days. Dineen Coffee, Versus Coffee, Boxcar Social, AM Coffee Studio, Prologue Coffee, Lunar Coffee, Sicilian Sidewalk Café, and Rustle & Still Café offer the best coffee and confectionaries in the city.

City: Oslo   

Country: Norway

You will be astonished to know that more than 80% of Norwegians drink four to five cups of coffee on a daily basis. It is no wonder that Norway’s Oslo is a hub of coffee shops. Most of these shops have been in business for over a century and offer coffee that is unforgettable. The aroma of coffee permeates every corner of the city. Supreme Roastworks and Stockfleths are two of the best cafés in Oslo.  

City: Paris

Country: France

Also known as the City of Lights, Paris is the fashion capital of the world. We all know that Paris is famous for its scrumptious food and beverages as well. Coffee is no exception. The French are culinary experts and have perfected the art of coffee over the years. Authentic French coffee is delicious and hard to forget. Paris offers all kinds of coffee-oriented experiences. There are traditional bistros and trendy hipster shops. Café De Flore, Les Deux Magots, La Maison Rose, and Café Procope are some of the go-to cafés in the city.

City: Tokyo 

Country: Japan

Tokyo is not only Japan’s capital but also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Full of extraordinary cafes and amazing roasteries, Tokyo is one of the leading coffee destinations in the world. From traditional coffee houses known as kissatens to trendy and smart cafes, the city has it all. Koffee Mameya Kakeru, Kayaba Coffee, Trunk Lounge, and Fuglen are a few of the many aesthetically pleasing spots in Tokyo that offer delicious coffee. 

City: Taipei 

Country: Taiwan

Taiwan’s capital Taipei is known for its extraordinarily polite and accommodating people. Though Taipei is renowned for its tea, it is also one of the top coffee cities in the world. The cafés in the city are beautiful. The amazing artwork, soothing milieu, and friendly staff make these coffee shops a must-visit for everyone.

City: Vienna

Country: Austria

Vienna is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Austria’s capital has a historical significance that very places have. Viennese coffee houses are an integral aspect of the city’s culture. People all over the city flock to these cafes to chat, read newspapers, and eat strudel. They are somewhat like public living rooms. You would be surprised to know that UNESCO has listed them as an Intangible Heritage in 2011. The Vienner melange available in traditional Vienesse coffee houses is a must-try for all coffee lovers. Caffe Couture, Essenti, Coffee Pirates, and Demel are some of the top coffee houses in Vienna.

City: Rome

Country: Italy

Coffee is synonymous with Italians. The historical city of Rome offers some of the best café delights in the country. Rome’s coffee has a special touch that is difficult to get over. Coffee is a brand in the city. Once you get a taste of a cornetto, you will have a tough time forgetting it. Rosati in Piazza del Popolo, Giolitti, and Sant’ Eustachi by the Pantheon are some of the most popular cafes in Rome.

Conclusion

We caffeine aficionados know that there is no better way to start a day than a steaming cup of aromatic coffee. Every city has its own unique coffee culture. Cafes and coffee bars around the world are some of the hotspots of urban lifestyle. All the cities listed here are renowned for their own unique coffee offerings.

Do vote for your favorite coffee city, and let me know why the coffee there beckons you the most.