Top Cities For Coffee Around The World

Coffee is one of the most valuable and popular drinks in the world. From a way to start the morning off right to a social beverage for sharing with friends, there is a cup for every occasion. With such a worldwide acceptance and prominence, there are plenty of coffee hot-spots in every corner, though with such a huge variety of options, it can be tough to find the diamond in the rough when it comes to good coffee. Therefore, the following is a compilation of the top cities in the world to grab a java boost to excite traveler taste buds.

Charming Havana, Cuba

Havana, Cuba is a brilliant spot for coffee enthusiasts. In Cuba, drinking java is communal and makes for a very saturated industry of shops and different varieties. Since the colonial era, coffee production in Cuba has been thriving, especially in Havana. However, milk is sparse in Cuba as the product itself is governmentally purchased from producers and rationed to businesses. Therefore, those looking to get good cup should be prepared for a product mixed with minimal or powdered milk. This makes Cuban coffee great for those who prefer theirs black, not so much for lighter drinkers.

Though Havana has a beautiful coffee culture, the next stop in Mexico is sure to be a favorite.

The Rich Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico City, Mexico, a popular tourist destination to the south of the United States, is the next stop for coffee lovers looking to find a quality cup. Here, the coffee culture encourages a stop and stay approach to grabbing a mug, rather than the popular grab-and-go norms in some societies. There are plenty of big chain brands to choose from, but to get the real local experience, tourists are encouraged to look for local businesses. Shops in Mexico City may have slower service, but they focus this time and energy into making each cup of coffee even better. Local blends in Mexico possess a rich flavor and impressive latte designs and taste. The population density is quite high, and though it may cause shops to be busy, the wait will be worth it.

Mexico City is a great spot for travelers to explore new beverages and cultures. However, the next destination, located in South America, is just as fascinating and takes coffee quite seriously.

Serious In Their Art: Bogotá, Colombia

Bogotá, Colombia is no joke when it comes to coffee, as a large part of this thriving cities economy is dependent on one of the world's favorite drinks. Bogotá is the capital of Colombia, which is also the third largest coffee-producing nation in the world and has rooted itself in a reputation of quality and ingenuity. Having an ideal altitude and rich climate for production leaves a distinct flavor and sense of pride with every cup served. A movement in the region called Café de Origen focuses on promoting the economy and supporting local farmers and shops by using a farm-to-table system bringing high gratification to products consumed in domestic cafes.

Bogotá takes their coffee incredibly seriously and for a good reason. Next up is another fantastic spot for grabbing a jolt of energy in Europe.

Classy London, England

London, England is an incredibly well-known travel destination across the globe with attractions such as Big Ben and the London Eye. However, with all this hype London’s impressive coffee life can often be overlooked. With a surge in local cafes and stop-and-go shops, there are plenty of spots to try before finding the ultimate London java experience. With Instagram-worthy latte art at every corner and high-tech brewing machines, travelers would do well to try various businesses, grab a magazine, and enjoy their stay. Coffee in England is often enjoyed with a meal or snack to enhance the experience and make each visit a little more filling.

Europe isn't the only continent with thriving coffee culture, and Americans need not travel around the world. There is even a top destination within the United States itself!

An Innovative Seattle, United States

Seattle is arguably one of the best cities in the United States for coffee-enthusiasts to journey to gain the ultimate java experience. Sure, there aren’t top local bean farms in the region and hustle and bustle is a way of life, but there are redeeming qualities that make for an ultimate experience. To start, in Seattle there are thirty-five shops on average for every 100,000 residents, emphasizing the city's dedication to the craft. Residents here go crazy over their morning mug and pay an average of thirty-six dollars on caffeine every month. Innovation is continuous as local businesses are always looking for new and exciting ways to thrill customers with a roast, as well as generating new traffic amongst such a highly dense market. Barista passion and creativity in Seattle is unlike anything else in the world.

With all the innovation taking place in Seattle, it may be difficult to want to travel anywhere else. However, one of the older coffee culture cities may just change that.

Luxurious Vienna, Austria

Vienna, Austria is an interesting addition to the list as it is one of the older coffee culture cities, but also maintains a unique approach. Ordering a simple ‘coffee’ is uncommon in these parts, as the closest someone will get is a Kleiner Brauner, which uses milk to balance the flavor. However, there are plenty of coffee specialties that make for a tasteful and distinctive experience for backpackers. Around since the seventeenth century, java is typically served on a quaint little plate, and most tables are round and wooden to preserve the social and communal quality of the practice. Needless to say, tourists looking for top caffeine experiences would do well to stop by Austria’s capital.

Austria has a deep history with their treasured java variations, but up next is a top destination with high-quality import connections.

Simple, Yet Elegant, Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal is a proud country with many specialties, with a particular emphasis on high-quality coffee in Lisbon. A popular commodity since the eighteenth century, delicious beans have been imported from far away, often from Brazil, for top quality products. As coffee is Portugal's national drink, a vast majority of residents opt for more than one cup every day, with a variety of delicious specialties offered in cafes. A common drink to start the day is what is known as a ‘bica,’ which is quite bitter and one blend that proves brews in Lisbon are stronger than those found in Western regions, causing most businesses to serve it with packets of sugar and a glass of water. Newcomers are encouraged to start with a less intense coffee adaptation called a ‘meia de leite’ and work their way up.

Speaking of Brazil as a common place for Lisbon's coffee imports, it is the nest stop on the list!

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Of course, Sao Paulo has to make an appearance on this list as it is located in Brazil, the largest coffee bean producer in the world and responsible for the top quality product. Single-handedly manufacturing one-third of all worldwide sales exports, Brazil fosters an ideal climate and atmosphere for farming and as a result, has begun to establish a strong local brewing reputation. Sao Paulo has twenty million inhabitants and a large market for all the local cafes emerging. Whether customers are grabbing an on-the-go cup or sitting down to enjoy a refreshing brew, these cafes offer a variety of specialty java drinks no one should overlook.

It's time to head back to the United States for another stunning coffee destination.

Star-Struck New York, United States

With a population of over 8,500,000 people, there is a large market for coffee in New York City. They never sleep, after all! Caffeine here is seen in two different yet prominent means, grab-and-go for the busy professional and sit-in for the artist or relaxation. Specialty cafes are hidden gems amongst large chain businesses, however, finding a hole-in-the-wall shop is a great way to try new java adaptations treated more like works of art than they are a drink. Technology is a big part of brewing, as new and innovative ways of extracting caffeine into delicious and unique products are part of staying relevant in a quickly growing industry.

Although the next location is the last on this list of top places for coffee, it should never be disregarded.

Down Under In Melbourne, Australia

Last but not least, Melbourne, Australia is widely recognized as a prominent leader in the world of caffeine and attracts many annually to experience the coffee and accompanying culture. Some of the world’s top accomplished baristas reside here and are constantly re-defining specialty coffee techniques as well as innovating new tools and machines for trying different means of extracting rich coffee bean flavors. There is an option for every customer, whether they are looking for a simple blend or a unique and fancy drink. Hundreds of specialty cafes and mom-and-pop shops populate the markets in Australia’s culture capital. The coffee here is most definitely an art!

Ready for a cup of coffee? Experience the best of the best while traveling!