20 Must-Visit Coffee Shops Around the World for Coffee Lovers

If you’ve ever wandered a city, weary from the daily rush, and longed for a place to pause—with great coffee, good food, and a moment of stillness—you’re not alone. The rising appetite for slower, more mindful living has helped fuel a global boom in beloved third-wave coffee spots. But with so many cafés around the globe, which ones are truly worth traveling for?

From Portland to Copenhagen, here are 20 globally celebrated coffee shops that every serious coffee fan should visit at least once—each with a signature drink, unique atmosphere, or legendary barista presence that makes them stand out.

North America’s Coffee Icons

The U.S. and Canada are home to several pioneering coffee institutions that helped shape modern specialty coffee culture. These cafés mix exacting brew methods with local flair.

Portland, Oregon: Heart Coffee Roasters & Stumptown Coffee Roasters

In Portland, Heart Coffee Roasters serves a now-famous signature dessert: hot espresso poured over their housemade coconut ice cream—a rich, refreshing contrast that’s become a must-try. Just down the street, Stumptown Coffee Roasters offers a summer favorite: a 12-hour cold-brewed Toddy palm wine, smooth and low-acidity, ideal for warm afternoons.

Vancouver, Canada: Forty Ninth Parallel & Analog Coffee

In Vancouver, Forty Ninth Parallel pairs bold espresso shots with classic sugary doughnuts—an old-school combo served by the window with views of the bustling city. Over in Calgary, Analog Coffee invites guests to chat with baristas while sampling a diverse drink menu, all in a laid-back setting that prioritizes conversation as much as caffeine.

Europe’s Coffee Craft Capitals

Across Europe, specialty coffee culture thrives alongside deep café traditions. These shops balance innovation with classic technique.

London, UK: Kaffeine

Kaffeine in London is known for a trio of standout drinks: a single espresso, a cappuccino, and a cold-brewed cascara refresher. This carefully curated set lets you sample multiple expressions of coffee in one sitting—from espresso intensity to cascara’s fruity refreshment.

Copenhagen, Denmark: Coffee Collective

Copenhagen’s Coffee Collective sometimes surprises drinkers by adding a small shot of espresso to a traditional cappuccino. It’s a bold move that highlights their barista skill—and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a World Barista Champion pulling shots behind the counter.

Asia’s Rising Coffee Scenes

Asia’s coffee cities are gaining global recognition for creativity, hospitality, and craftsmanship. These cafés reflect local tastes while embracing global trends.

Hong Kong: Coffee Academics

Hong Kong’s Coffee Academics crafts pour-over coffee using glassware for clarity and aroma. They also serve inventive flavoured lattes with organic flower nectar or black pepper—a creative twist for adventurous palates.

Yangpyeong, South Korea: Dreamy Camera Café

Dreamy Camera Café in South Korea offers a whimsical experience: enjoy a simple Americano while seated inside a giant replica camera. It’s a photo-friendly, story-worthy stop for any coffee traveller.

Wellington, New Zealand: Coffee Supreme

New Zealand’s Coffee Supreme is famous for its one-of-a-kind soda syrup coffee—an unusual preparation you won’t find elsewhere. It’s also a top spot to sample the country’s beloved flat white, known for its velvety microfoam and balanced strength.

Latin America’s Coffee Heartland

In the birthplace of coffee culture, these cafés serve both heritage and innovation.

Mexico City: Cielito Querido Café

In Mexico City, Cielito Querido Café pairs freshly baked pastries with steaming cappuccinos. It’s a classic combination done with care, offering a cozy respite in a vibrant metropolis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes these coffee shops ‘must-visit’?

These cafés are celebrated for unique drinks (like espresso over coconut ice cream or soda syrup coffee), iconic atmospheres (like a café built inside a giant camera), or legendary baristas—including past World Barista Champions. Many helped define modern specialty coffee culture.

Which city has the most coffee shops on this list?

Portland, Oregon, has two: Heart Coffee Roasters and Stumptown Coffee Roasters. Both are influential in the specialty coffee movement, especially for innovative brewing and local flavor pairings.

Is there a coffee shop in Europe that serves an espresso-cappuccino mix?

Yes, Copenhagen’s Coffee Collective sometimes adds a shot of espresso to a traditional cappuccino, creating a bolder drink that showcases expert technique—and you might see a World Barista Champion make it.

Are there any cafés that serve non-traditional coffee preparations?

Absolutely. Coffee Supreme in New Zealand serves a rare soda syrup coffee, and Coffee Academics in Hong Kong offers floral and spicy flavoured lattes. These drinks go beyond classic espresso or pour-over.

Do any of these cafés have a unique interior or theme?

Yes. Dreamy Camera Café in South Korea is built to look like a giant camera, offering a playful and photogenic setting. Such themes help create memorable experiences alongside great coffee.

Which coffee shop is best for trying something sweet with espresso?

Heart Coffee Roasters in Portland is known for pouring espresso over homemade coconut ice cream—a rich, cooling dessert drink that’s become a global fan favourite.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Specialty Cafés

For coffee lovers inspired by these global spots, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Guji Humbera—bright with jasmine and citrus, perfect for pour-overs like those at Coffee Academics. Their PWN Golden Mandheling offers heavy body and herbal sweetness, ideal for pairing with desserts like Heart’s coconut ice cream espresso. Finally, the Kenya Nyeri Gakuyuni delivers vibrant blackcurrant notes, a great match for bold espresso mixes like Copenhagen’s espresso-cappuccino. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.