Best Cities for Coffee Lovers
The last two decades have seen a global coffee revolution, with many becoming increasingly interested in the process of sourcing and making the drink. This has led to the rapid rise of so-called, ‘third-wave’ (artisanal), coffee shops, which have become ubiquitous features of hip districts in cities worldwide.
From some of Europe's capitals to the frenetic metropolises of East Asia, read on to discover our Best Cities in the World for Coffee Lovers.
Melbourne, Australia
Along with their Kiwi neighbours, Australia is credited with introducing the world to ‘third wave’ coffee culture, and Melbourne is undoubtedly the country’s coffee capital, and the drink is integral to the lifestyle of its residents.
It is often said that it's hard to find a bad coffee in the city, such is the quality of their cafes and proficiency of their Baristas, whilst the city also hosts the annual International Coffee Expo: one of the largest, and most important events of its kind on the planet.
Where to go:
London, United Kingdom
In the last decade and a half, London’s coffee scene has improved dramatically, thanks, in no small part to its considerable population of Aussies and Kiwis, who introduced, ‘third-wave’ coffee culture to the city.
Today, London’s coffee scene is one of the world’s best, boasting countless outstanding cafes, and a host of great roasteries, as well as the annual coffee festival, where the world’s best baristas showcase their skills.
Where to go:
Seoul, S. Korea
South Korea’s ultra-modern capital might seem like a surprising inclusion to the list, but it is home to a world-class and rapidly growing coffee scene. The city boasts an incredible array of speciality coffee shops, many of which roast their beans on-site, plus design lovers will appreciate the thought and detail that's gone into every element of their ultra-hip interiors.
Where to go:
Wellington, New Zealand
There is much debate as to whether the ‘Flat White’ was invented in Sydney or Wellington, but one thing is for sure, the Kiwi capital is a paradise for coffee-lovers.
Residents of this compact city are well-educated when it comes to coffee, and its myriad speciality cafes are staffed by some of the world’s best baristas who are meticulous in their preparation of the drink, whilst the numerous roasteries focus on sourcing the highest-quality, sustainably produced coffee beans from across the globe.
Where to go:
Tokyo, Japan
Over the last decade Tokyo’s coffee scene has improved dramatically, and the Japanese capital now boasts a world-class scene, encompassing an array of outstanding, speciality coffee shops and roasters who combine ‘third-wave’ coffee culture, with Japanese traditions.
The choices on offer can often seem overwhelming for visitors, but Tokyo Coffee is a great resource for those looking to explore the city’s coffee scene.
Where to go:
Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland has the highest per-capita coffee consumption in the world, and its capital, despite being home to just over 120,000 people, punches well above its weight when it comes to coffee.
The city’s lack of international-chains has allowed independent, family-run cafes to flourish, and their quality is extremely high, thanks to the city’s close-knit community of quality-baristas who are in constant competition with one another.
Where to go:
Berlin, Germany
Although not traditionally renowned for its coffee scene, Berlin is fast becoming one of Europe’s best cities for the drink, with a host of excellent, ‘third wave’ coffee shops having opened in recent years, thanks in part, to the influx of Australian expats.
Where to go:
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is renowned for its innovative gastronomic scene, and like the rest of their Scandinavian neighbours, Danes love their coffee. Over the last fifteen years, the stylish capital has seen a wave of artisanal coffee shops and roasters open up, staffed by some of the worlds best baristas, making the city a must-visit for coffee lovers.
Where to go:
Josh B