Coffee is loved across the globe. Whether you need to kick start your morning with a strong cuppa, catch up with friends over a cappuccino or two, or end off a long day with something warm and frothy, this beloved beverage is always there for us! Americano, flat white, frappé, espresso, Türk Kahvesi, cà phê đá, café au lait… this drink comes in many different names, shapes and forms. There is even a whole day dedicated to it! International Coffee Day takes place annually on 1 October. To celebrate this delicious day, Expat Explore has put together a list of the best places to enjoy a cup across Europe.
A brief history of these beautiful beans:
The story goes that coffee beans were first discovered in Ethiopia in 800 AD, by Kaldi, a goat herder who noticed that his animals became energized after eating some “berries”. Another tale says that the beans were found by a Yemeni mystic who was travelling through Ethiopia and noticed a flock of energized birds who had been eating “fruit” which he then tried. Whatever the true origins, over hundreds of years, coffee spread from Northern Africa to Arabia, Europe, Asia and the Americas.
It grew in popularity thanks to its energetic qualities and tastiness! It soon became a part of daily life. The world’s first coffee house was opened in Constantinople (now Istanbul) in 1475. The drink’s popularity spread across Europe in the 17th century, soon becoming a cultural staple.
Today, it is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world! Coffee culture has become increasingly popular; especially so in Europe. You’ll no doubt encounter many great cups during your travels! Take a look at our list of six must-visit coffee destinations in Europe, below.
The best places for coffee and coffee shops in Europe:
1. Vienna, Austria
Music, opera, imperial architecture and classy cafés; all the things that Vienna, the captivating capital of Austria, is famous for! Viennese coffee culture is exceptional. It is an art form and a lifestyle. Cafés are places where people can linger and socialise. UNESCO has even added Viennese coffee house culture to the list of intangible cultural heritage.
While visiting Vienna, make a stop at a classic café to experience the elegance and tradition common to these establishments. Café Central, Café Weimar and Café Hawelka are three top spots to enjoy a great cup of coffee in the city.
Local coffee to try: Wiener melange. Similar to a caffe latte, a wiener melange is a shot of espresso with hot milk and milk foam on top. Best enjoyed with a slice of sachertorte!
Related: Choose to experience Vienna’s café culture when you embark on a tour of Central Europe at low season!
2. Rome, Italy
Italians are serious about their coffee! Coffee first arrived in Italy in the 1500s. Venice is home to the world’s oldest café, Caffè Florian, which opened in 1720 and still stands today! In Italy, café culture comes with customs, etiquette and even a few rules. Cafés are called “bars”, milky coffees like cappuccino and caffè latte are only for the mornings, it is often enjoyed al banco which means standing at a bar (usually while chatting!), and drinks like espresso and macchiato are what to order after lunch and dinner.
The best place to experience Italian coffee culture is in Rome, where its heritage buzzes in bars across the city.
Local coffee to try: When in Rome, order “un caffè” (espresso) or a caffè macchiato which is espresso with a shot of milk. Enjoy it the local way – at one of the bars accompanied by a small pastry.
Related: Get a taste of Italy (and its brews) on this unforgettable tour.
3. Paris, France
In the past, France may have built up a bit of a bad reputation for its coffee with critics calling it over-extracted and bitter. However, the tides are changing! For the French, enjoying a cup of coffee is all about the atmosphere, especially in Paris. Do as the locals do and enjoy your café in a leisurely fashion at a cosy spot overlooking the buzzing street. Parisian cafés are centres for socialising and the culinary arts.
Similar to the Italians, in France, milky coffee is only for the morning while espressos and the like are for throughout the day.
Local coffee to try: Sip on a café au lait (brewed coffee with hot milk) and top it off with a warm, buttery croissant!
Related: Enjoy a free day in Paris on our Classic Europe tour.
4. Istanbul, Turkey
Turkish coffee also boasts a spot on UNESCO’s Items of Intangible Cultural Heritage list! It has a long and fascinating history and the act of drinking coffee is a huge part of the lifestyle in Turkey. The Turkish café experience isn’t just about drinking – it’s about slowing down and socialising; a feature that has stuck since the first cafés opened in Istanbul, through to modern times. You’ll find a mix of traditions and modern influences in cafés across Istanbul.
Turkish coffee is rich and bold! It’s unique as it is prepared unfiltered which means you drink it with the grounds. Finely-ground coffee beans are simmered in a cezve (a copper or brass pot with a long handle) and served in small cups (similar to espresso cups).
Local coffee to try: Enjoy a cup of Türk Kahvesi (thick, black coffee) served the traditional way with sugar cubes and a bit of Turkish delight!
Related: See the Highlights of Turkey on an adventure-filled guided group tour!
5. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal’s vibrant capital city, is another destination where coffee plays a major role in daily life. You’ll find cafés dotted throughout neighbourhoods in Lisbon, usually bustling with locals and travellers enjoying “um cimbalino” (what an espresso is called in Lisbon) and “um café pingado” (an espresso with a splash of milk). Across Portugal, this is the delicious social beverage of choice fitting right in with the laid-back Portuguese attitude!
Local coffee to try: Enjoy a galão the next time you visit Lisbon. This is ¼ coffee and 3/4 milk (similar to a latte). Another interesting one to try is mazagran which is cold espresso with lemon juice or lemon soda added!
Related: Experience scenic landscapes, delicious food and vibrant culture on tours of Portugal and Spain.
6. Reykjavik, Iceland
Did you know that Scandinavians have one of the highest coffee consumption per capita in the world? A hot cuppa is the perfect way to warm up in colder climates so it makes sense that countries like Iceland would offer up great java! Travel to Reykjavik and you’ll experience cafés full of charm; most serving Italian-style brews.
There are no major international brands in Iceland’s capital. This means smaller, local businesses have a chance to flourish which has led to a thriving café scene in Reykjavik. Sitting down for a cup with friends is a leisurely experience.
Local coffee to try: Sit down for a cappuccino or a latte in one of Reykjavik’s inviting coffee shops like Mokka Kaffi or Café Babalú.
To discover a wide variety of unique food and beverage, start planning your next trip to Europe!