Best Places Around the World to Drink Coffee

Written on October 02, 2025

As the second most consumed beverage worldwide, coffee culture permeates even the furthest reaches of the globe, with each country (and sometimes the cities within them) offering its own take on the coffee experience.  

But when it comes to the best places to drink coffee around the world, it’s not just about the beans. The lifestyle, an endearing old-world charm, or a modern vibrancy all contribute to memorable coffee drinking when traveling abroad.  

Here are a few countries that take their coffee seriously. 

Vietnam

You’ll find people gathered around Vietnamese cafes at all hours of the day, perhaps sipping the beloved iced milk coffee prepared with condensed milk, the egg coffee of Hanoi, or a layered salt coffee with its delicate balance of salty and sweet. 

Try: Condensed milk is a key ingredient in many varieties of drinks, so kick it up a notch with the Vietnamese egg coffee. For this drink, yolks are whipped with condensed milk to create a light, foamy cream which is then mixed with the coffee.  

Italy

In Italy, espresso is meant to be consumed standing at a bar and if requesting a table, you might be charged for this accommodation. Milky coffees like cappuccino are only consumed with breakfast, are followed by afternoon caffe macchiatos, and then after-dinner espressos are savored. Asking for a to-go cup will earn a bewildered look from the barista. 

Try: Caffè Leccese (Puglia) – an espresso poured over ice and shaken with almond syrup (It’s delicious on a hot day!)  

Jamaica

You can’t visit the island of Jamaica without trying its famous Blue Mountain coffee, which is one of the most expensive varieties in the world. Why so expensive? Most coffee is grown on flat land, but Blue Mountain coffee is cultivated on steep hills which makes farming more labor intensive. Further, the island doesn’t export much, which drives up the cost.  

Try: A simple cup prepared as a pour-over or with a French Press so you can enjoy the deliciously sweet, slightly fruity and floral notes. 

Australia

There is an ongoing debate whether Sydney or Melbourne has better coffee, but everyone wins when heavenly coffee is available along the southern/southeastern coasts. If one debate isn’t enough, Australia and New Zealand also both claim the Flat White as their coffee invention of the 1980s. The independent coffee scene is strong in both Sydney and Melbourne, so be sure to check out a café or two when visiting. 

Try: A flat white, which is steamed milk poured over espresso. (It contains less milk than a latte!) 

Sweden

At fika, the Swedish tradition of a coffee break, a fresh brew is served with a sweet treat. This time to reconnect and recharge is an important part of the culture, and even workplaces build 1-2 fika breaks into the daily schedule. Stopping by a friend’s house for a chat? Be sure to take along pastry or cake to share. 

Try: Bars and cafes around the country have embraced fika, so stop in to enjoy a steaming brew with kanelbulle (cinnamon roll), prinsesstårta (princess cake), or kladdkaka (sticky chocolate cake.)  

Costa Rica

The government of Costa Rica is committed to ecological preservation, so planting anything other than 100% Arabica beans here is against the law. (Robusta beans, the other most common variety, would deplete and damage the soil.) This dedication to soil protection, combined with the ideal altitude and climate, creates one of the most desired beans around the world. Lucky for us, Costa Rica exports 90% of what they grow. 

Try: When it comes to experiencing these beans, simple is best! The Costa Rican method of preparation is café chorreado (pour over), where grounds are scooped into a small cotton cloth bag and placed on a wooden stand before pouring hot water over the device straight into a waiting mug. 

If you’re a coffee lover, do a little research about your destination and determine how you can best savor one of the world’s most popular drinks. From casual consumption at a bar to an in-depth tour and tasting, delicious experiences await!