Global Coffee Bucket List: 20 Coffee Shops Every Traveler Should Experience Once:

Coffee is much more than just a morning pick-me-up—it’s a global culture, an art, and an experience that transcends borders. Every corner of the world has its own way of brewing, serving, and enjoying coffee, and each coffee shop offers a unique window into the local culture. Whether you’re sipping a traditional espresso in Italy, enjoying a Turkish coffee in Istanbul, or savoring a matcha latte in Japan, the coffee experience can reveal a lot about the place you’re visiting.

If you’re a traveler and a coffee enthusiast, your journey isn’t complete without visiting some of the world’s most iconic and unique coffee shops. From historic cafés in Europe to innovative roasters in Asia, here’s a global coffee bucket list featuring 20 must-visit coffee shops every traveler should experience at least once.

1. Café de Flore – Paris, France:

One of Paris’s most iconic coffee shops, Café de Flore is steeped in history and tradition. Located in the heart of the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, this café has been frequented by famous intellectuals and artists like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir. With its elegant Art Deco interior and sidewalk seating, Café de Flore is the perfect spot to enjoy a traditional Café Crème or Café au Lait while people-watching in the romantic streets of Paris.

2. Caffè Florian – Venice, Italy:

A visit to Caffè Florian in Venice is like stepping back in time. Founded in 1720, this café is the oldest in Italy and remains a symbol of Venetian elegance. Its ornate interior, complete with gilded mirrors, chandeliers, and velvet seating, creates an atmosphere of old-world charm. Enjoy a Caffè Espresso or a Gran Caffè while soaking in the views of Piazza San Marco.

3. Tim Wendelboe – Oslo, Norway:

In the heart of Oslo, Tim Wendelboe has become a beacon for coffee lovers who appreciate quality and precision. Tim Wendelboe, a world champion barista, opened this café to showcase the finest specialty coffee from around the world. The minimalist design and emphasis on perfect coffee extraction make it a must-visit for coffee enthusiasts.

4. Blue Bottle Coffee – Tokyo, Japan:

Japan is known for its attention to detail and perfection, and Blue Bottle Coffee in Tokyo embodies these values perfectly. Located in the trendy Kiyosumi Shirakawa district, Blue Bottle serves meticulously brewed coffee using single-origin beans. The café’s minimalist design, featuring clean lines and natural wood elements, creates a serene environment perfect for enjoying a Pour-over or Iced Coffee.

5. The Barn – Berlin, Germany:

For a true specialty coffee experience, The Barn in Berlin is a top destination. Known for its commitment to sourcing the best beans from small farms, The Barn focuses on quality and sustainability. The café’s industrial chic design features exposed brick walls and wooden furnishings, and the baristas are experts in creating the perfect espresso or pour-over.

6. Café Central – Vienna, Austria:

Vienna is synonymous with its coffeehouse culture, and Café Central is one of the best examples. Located in the city’s historic center, this café is famous for its grand architecture and its association with writers like Freud and Trotsky. Enjoy a Café Melange (a Viennese version of a cappuccino) along with a slice of Sachertorte, and immerse yourself in the intellectual ambiance of this iconic café.

7. Turkish Coffee House – Istanbul, Turkey:

Istanbul is the birthplace of Turkish Coffee, and there’s no better place to experience this unique and rich brew than at a traditional Turkish Coffee House. Sip on thick, aromatic coffee served in small cups, often accompanied by a sweet treat like Lokum (Turkish delight). The Hafiz Mustafa 1864 is a historic spot that serves authentic Turkish coffee in an opulent setting, making it a must-visit in Istanbul.

8. The Coffee Academics – Hong Kong:

With its chic décor and innovative approach to coffee, The Coffee Academics is one of Hong Kong’s top coffee destinations. The café is known for its Signature Academics Blend and Cold Brew Coffee, which are made using beans sourced from around the world. The contemporary design, featuring light wood and modern furniture, creates a comfortable space for enjoying a cup of expertly brewed coffee.

9. El Injerto Coffee – Antigua, Guatemala:

For a truly unique coffee experience, head to El Injerto Coffee in Antigua, Guatemala. El Injerto is one of the country’s most renowned coffee farms, known for producing high-quality beans. The coffee shop offers direct farm-to-cup experiences, where visitors can taste fresh, locally grown coffee and learn about the coffee production process from farm to cup.

10. Stumptown Coffee Roasters – New York, USA:

Stumptown Coffee Roasters is a beloved name in the specialty coffee world, and its New York location is no exception. Known for its dedication to high-quality, ethically sourced beans, Stumptown offers expertly brewed coffee in a cool, urban setting. Try the Nitro Cold Brew for a smooth, creamy experience or go for a classic Americano.

11. Café Tortoni – Buenos Aires, Argentina:

Opened in 1858, Café Tortoni is one of the oldest and most iconic cafés in Buenos Aires. The café’s grand, Parisian-style interior with marble floors, wooden panels, and gilded mirrors transports you to another time. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a classic Café con Leche and a Medialuna (Argentine croissant) while soaking in the café’s rich cultural history.

12. Bar Italia – London, UK:

Located in the heart of Soho, Bar Italia is an iconic Italian café that’s been serving espresso and Italian pastries since 1949. The cozy and welcoming atmosphere, along with the café’s vibrant history, makes it a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Don’t miss their Espresso or Cappuccino, which are made using a traditional Italian blend.

13. Tim Hortons – Toronto, Canada:

A Canadian institution, Tim Hortons has become synonymous with coffee in Canada. With locations worldwide, this café chain is beloved for its simple yet delicious coffee and baked goods. In Toronto, you can enjoy a Double-Double (a Canadian favorite) along with freshly made donuts and muffins. Tim Hortons is a must-visit for coffee lovers looking to experience Canadian coffee culture.

14. Café Ricchi – Milan, Italy:

Café Ricchi in Milan is a modern coffee haven, known for its specialty coffee and sleek, contemporary design. The café prides itself on using only the best beans and serving up a variety of coffee drinks, from classic Espresso to the innovative Cappuccino and Flat White. Milan, being the fashion capital, offers a perfect backdrop for enjoying a cup of coffee at this stylish café.

15. Coffee Island – Athens, Greece:

For a taste of Greek coffee culture, head to Coffee Island in Athens. This specialty coffee chain has made a name for itself by offering high-quality, freshly roasted beans, and its cafés provide a welcoming atmosphere for enjoying a cup of Greek Coffee. The coffee shop’s minimalist design and focus on quality make it a must-visit in the Greek capital.

16. Caffè Gilli – Florence, Italy:

Located in the historic heart of Florence, Caffè Gilli is one of Italy’s oldest and most beautiful coffee shops. Established in 1733, this café features opulent interiors with velvet seating, crystal chandeliers, and gold-trimmed mirrors. Whether you’re enjoying an Espresso or indulging in an Italian pastry, the café offers a luxurious experience in the city’s most romantic setting.

17. The Coffee Collective – Copenhagen, Denmark:

The Coffee Collective is Denmark’s top destination for coffee lovers. This specialty coffee shop focuses on sustainable sourcing, with beans coming directly from farmers they work with around the world. The minimalist décor, featuring clean lines and soft lighting, creates a calm space where you can savor expertly brewed coffee. The Single Origin pour-over coffee is a must-try.

18. Ritual Coffee Roasters – San Francisco, USA:

San Francisco is known for its progressive coffee culture, and Ritual Coffee Roasters is one of the pioneers of this movement. Ritual focuses on sourcing the best beans and roasting them with care to bring out unique flavors. The café has a cozy and intimate vibe, with its friendly baristas and high-quality coffee making it a must-visit for any coffee lover in the Bay Area.

19. The Beanery – Cape Town, South Africa:

Cape Town’s The Beanery is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, offering a laid-back atmosphere and delicious coffee made from freshly roasted beans. Located near the city’s Waterfront, The Beanery offers a mix of traditional coffee drinks as well as unique options like Cold Brew and Nitro Coffee, perfect for those looking to try something new.

20. Café A Brasileira – Lisbon, Portugal:

Located in the heart of Lisbon, Café A Brasileira is one of the city’s most historic coffee shops. Founded in 1905, this café has an old-world charm with its brass fittings, marble tables, and vintage décor. Known for its Café Espresso and traditional Portuguese pastries, Café A Brasileira offers a true taste of Lisbon’s coffee culture.