Top Coffee Shops to Visit While Traveling

If you’re a coffee lover who travels, you’ve probably asked yourself: where’s the best place to grab a coffee in a new city? It’s not just about caffeine—it’s about finding a spot where locals gather, the coffee reflects the culture, and the atmosphere makes you want to stay. We’ve done the research for you.

Here are six standout coffee shops in Europe that offer more than just a good cup—they give you a taste of the city’s coffee soul, from Lisbon’s artisanal pingado to Prague’s historic cakes and Berlin’s barista-driven community.

Lisbon: Grémio Café

Tucked inside a bicycle shop, Grémio Café is small but legendary. Run by a Portuguese owner with experience in London’s spice markets, this spot serves Portugal’s signature pingado espresso—with a drop of milk—and also offers house-brewed beer and vegetarian fare. The intimate space buzzes with creativity and local charm.

Address: Avenida 24 de Julho 86B, +351 961 588 980

Prague: Grand Café Orient

Housed in a restored 1912 building designed by Czech Cubist artist Josef Gočár, Grand Café Orient is a masterpiece of architecture and atmosphere. Alongside expertly brewed coffee, the café is famous for traditional Czech pastries like medovník (a honey and cream cake) and apple strudel. Don’t miss the chance to explore the Cubist art museum on the upper floor.

Address: Ovocný trh 569/19, +420 224 224 240

Sofia: +Tova

+Tova is Sofia’s newest addition to the specialty coffee scene—a sleek, minimalist industrial space in the city center. Beyond great coffee, the café regularly hosts photography exhibitions and live music performances by Bulgarian artists. It’s a hub for creative energy and a great spot to experience local culture through art and sound.

Address: Marin Drinov 30, +359 88 720 3340

Berlin: No Fire No Glory

In a city known for cutting-edge coffee, No Fire No Glory stands out as the founding café of the Berlin Coffee Association. The team includes baristas who’ve attended international coffee workshops and barista camps. It’s a go-to for anyone serious about coffee craft and community connection.

Address: Rykestrasse 45, +49 30 288 392 33

Rome: 2Periodico Café

Located in Rome’s trendy Monti district, right by the Colosseum, 2Periodico Café is a full-day destination. Locals come here to listen to live music, enjoy expertly brewed coffee, and catch performances by top local singers, bands, and DJs. It’s a cultural hub as much as a coffee stop.

Address: Via Leonina 77, +39 06 4890 6600

Barcelona: Babèlia Books & Coffee

This café blends literature and latte: one side features a striking multilingual bookshelf, the other a cozy coffee bar. Along with your espresso, try their homemade desserts like hazelnut and raisin treats or family-style brownies. It’s a booklover’s café with a strong coffee game.

Address: Not specified in source

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Grémio Café in Lisbon worth visiting?

Grémio Café is located inside a bicycle shop and is known for its small but artistic space, pingado espresso (Portugal’s version with a touch of milk), and house-brewed beer and vegetarian food. The owner has experience in London’s spice markets, adding a unique flavor to the offerings.

Why is Grand Café Orient in Prague significant?

Grand Café Orient is a restored 1912 Cubist building designed by Josef Gočár. It’s celebrated for traditional Czech pastries like medovník and apple strudel, and it houses a Cubist art museum upstairs, making it a cultural and culinary landmark.

What’s special about +Tova in Sofia?

+Tova is a minimalist industrial café that doubles as an arts venue, hosting photography exhibits and live music by Bulgarian artists. It’s a hub for Sofia’s creative scene and offers more than just coffee.

Why should I visit No Fire No Glory in Berlin?

No Fire No Glory is the founding café of the Berlin Coffee Association, staffed by baristas trained in international coffee camps. It represents Berlin’s community-focused and expert-driven coffee culture.

What can I expect at 2Periodico Café in Rome?

2Periodico Café, located near the Colosseum in Monti, is a vibrant spot for live music, DJ sets, and local performances, alongside excellent coffee. It’s a full-day cultural experience in Rome’s trendiest district.

What’s unique about Babèlia Books & Coffee in Barcelona?

Babèlia Books & Coffee combines a multilingual bookshelf with a coffee bar, offering both literary and culinary experiences. Try their homemade hazelnut-raisin snacks and brownies alongside your coffee.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Travel Coffee

For coffee lovers exploring new cities, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera for its bright citrus and floral notes, perfect for brightening your morning walk. Their PWN Golden Mandheling offers a rich, full-bodied experience with hints of dark chocolate—ideal for pairing with pastries like Prague’s medovník. Finally, the Kenya Little Tomato delivers juicy acidity and berry tones, a refreshing choice after museum-hopping. All three are expertly roasted and highlight the craft behind specialty coffee. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.