Coffee traces its origins back to the Ethiopian highlands (Abyssinia), in the mountainous regions of the Kingdom of Kaffa (part of Arabia). Around the 9th century (or a bit earlier), people began concocting a drink from this wild plant. In the 11th century, Arabs started cultivating coffee on the hills along the Red Sea, and as early as 1843, a Frenchman named Edward Loysel De Santais knew how to craft a coffee machine that could brew 2000 cups in an hour.
'Most people are keenly interested in where coffee originates and how to harvest, roast, grind, and transform it into famous cups of coffee,' says Nick Clark – a New Zealand artisan in coffee crafting and an artist who breathes life into coffee cups. Additionally, indulging in excellent coffee in fantastic cities is one of the exciting explorations that many aspire to experience.
Join Mytour to explore 8 cities considered as 'coffee paradises' worldwide—places where coffee is not just good but truly extraordinary!
1. Melbourne
Melbourne is a beautiful city adorned and illuminated by an exceptionally unique and renowned culinary scene. The city is famous for its coffee and the culture of classic coffee. If you have the opportunity to travel to Melbourne, let the aroma of coffee captivate you here and take you to coffee shops on small streets, through the Hidden Secrets tour—a tour introducing the vibrant street culture of Melbourne.
2. The Eternal City - Rome
Rome is renowned as one of the finest hubs for crafting delectable coffee globally. Indulging in coffee has become a cultural cornerstone and a quintessential part of the Roman lifestyle, with acclaimed coffee havens like Caffé Sant’Eustacchio, Antigua Tazza D’Oro Coffee House, and Canova topping the charts according to CNNGO.
3. The Lion City - Singapore
When in Singapore, Kopitiam is a must-visit. It offers an authentic glimpse into the city, as Kopitiam refers to the traditional coffee shops scattered across the country. The coffee served at Kopitiam is distinct, often brewed with a unique blend of coffee beans, butter (or pork fat), and sugar, setting it apart from the Western-style coffee commonly found in other cafes.
4. Vienna, Austria
In the Austrian capital of Vienna, coffee consumption is elevated to an art form—a cultural tradition recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity in 2011. Viennese coffee houses are akin to public living rooms, where people gather to savor coffee, indulge in pastries, and read newspapers, embracing a refined lifestyle.
5. London, the city of eternal charm
From as early as 1652, the first coffee shop in the United Kingdom emerged in the bustling streets of London. As the capital of one of the wealthiest nations globally, London embodies the essence of a modern and vibrant city, adorned with numerous unique coffee spots offering a myriad of fascinating experiences: cat cafés, pay-per-minute Ziferblat coffee shops, and more.
6. Reykjavik, Iceland - Where Coffee Meets Extraordinary Landscapes
In Reykjavik, the coffee culture thrives against the backdrop of Iceland's breathtaking landscapes. Here, you can savor a familiar Espresso in a completely novel setting, accompanied by a variety of pastries and light bites. With 7 coffee shops and 1 grinding store within the city, the Kaffitar chain is renowned as the 'coffee paradise' in the capital of Reykjavik.
7. Wellington, New Zealand - A Fusion of Culture, Gastronomy, and Coffee
Wellington is a melting pot of culture, heritage, delectable cuisine, and coffee, along with vibrant entertainment and art scenes. The city boasts a convenient public transportation system and is renowned for its coffee culture, featuring exceptional coffee shops and restaurants. When in Wellington, explore everything from stylish shops, art exhibitions, coffee houses to fashionable eateries.
8. Seattle - The Coffee Capital
Seattle, renowned for its avid coffee consumption, hosts coffee giants like Starbucks, Seattle’s Best Coffee, and Tully’s. The city is the birthplace of Starbucks, the coffee empire, and smaller competitors, catering to the luxury coffee needs. Indulge in the rich coffee culture of Seattle, where every cup tells a story of sophistication.
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Source: Mytour Travel Guide – As reported by CNN
MytourMarch 5, 2014