If you’re like us, it’s impossible to imagine starting your day without a nice cup of coffee (or several, for that matter). Beyond getting a jolt of energy from the caffeine kick, coffee delivers a number of health benefits to drinkers: it can make you smarter, it can help you lose weight, and it can help you prevent Alzheimer’s, among other things.
As every coffee connoisseur knows, not every cup of joe is the same.
For sophisticated drinkers, there are few things worse than being served a watery cup of coffee. On the flip side, there are few things better than being served an unforgettable cup.
We teamed up with our friends over at GrowlerWerks to let you know about the five caffeine-fueled cities coffee lovers like you should visit to enjoy some of the world’s best coffee experiences.
1. Vienna, Austria
Coffee shops have played an integral role in Vienna’s storied history. Over the centuries, some of the country’s best thinkers and artists gathered together in these places, discussing ideas and theories while sipping tasty espresso-based beverages.
No trip to Vienna is complete without checking out several top-shelf coffee shops. Places like Cafe Schwarzenberg, Cafe Sperl, Cafe Prückel, and Kaffee Alt Wien are sure to delight any coffee drinker.
When you’ve gotten your caffeine fix, it’s time to explore some of the city’s other treasures. St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Schönbrunn Palace, and the Vienna State Opera are must-sees. Start there.
2. Seattle, Washington
Whether you’re a fan of the company or not, Starbucks has transformed coffee in the United States. For coffee lovers, visiting Starbucks’ inaugural store on Pike Street in Seattle is a must. It certainly doesn’t hurt that it’s connected to the world-renowned Pike Place Market, a vibrant waterfront marketplace that’s been attracting shoppers for more than 100 years.
While Starbucks and Seattle may be synonymous with coffee drinkers, there are lots of other awesome coffee shops worth checking out in the area. At Dollar Flight Club, we’ve got some strong recommendations because we call Seattle home. When you’re in town, head over to places like Caffe Vita, Elm Coffee Roasters, La Marzocco, and Tougo Coffee Co. to experience some of the best cups of joe in the city.
You might also want to check out Bluebird Microcreamery, which serves homemade ice cream, beers, and coffee, too.
3. Portland, Oregon
Just a hop, skip, and a jump south of Seattle (well, a three-and-a-half-hour drive) sits Portland, Oregon, which is quickly becoming one of the coffee capitals of the United States.
This is part of the reason why GrowlerWerks—makers of the uKeg Nitro, the world’s first at-home nitro cold brew coffee maker and dispenser which recently closed an impressive $640,000 Kickstarter campaign—calls Portland home.
After you’re done exploring Seattle, head down to Portland and check out several impressive coffee shops, including Albina Press, Good Coffee, Barista, and Heart Roasters. You won’t regret it.
4. Rome, Italy
All travelers—even those who don’t like coffee—need to make sure they step foot in Rome at one point or another.
Rome is home to all sorts of iconic sites: the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, Circus Maximus, Trevi Fountain, and much more. Vatican City, home to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, is there, too.
As you explore this amazing city, odds are you’ll start to notice that there are coffee shops on practically every street corner. Romans are known to drink coffee throughout the day, so when in Rome, you might want to do the same.
Some coffee shops you’ll want to check out in Rome include Sant’ Eustachio Il Caffè, Antigua Tazza d'Oro, Panella, and Antico Caffè Greco. But Rome knows it’s coffee. So, wherever you decide to grab an espresso, macchiato, or cappuccino, you really can’t go wrong.
5. Addis Abada, Ethiopia
Ethiopia is largely considered one of the birthplaces of coffee. Not only does coffee play an integral role in the country’s traditions and the daily life of its people, but it also takes center stage in the Ethiopian economy. Roughly 60% of the country’s exports are coffee, and 15 million Ethiopians make their living in the industry.
Ethiopia’s capital city, Addis Abada, is filled with top-notch coffee shops that are definitely worth checking out. Some places worth checking out include Tomoca Coffee, Harar Coffee, and Alem Bunna.
Your trip to Ethiopia doesn’t have to be all about coffee, either. While you’re in the country, you’ll want to check out Ethiopia’s natural beauty by visiting places like Simien Mountains National Park, Blue Nile Falls, and Erta Ale.
Are you ready to experience the best coffee the world has to offer?
If so, it’s time to start planning trips to each of these five cities.
If you’re looking to fly around the world on the cheap, become a member of Dollar Flight Club today to get the best deals on airfare delivered right in your inbox. It’s the easiest way to explore some of the greatest places in the world on a budget.
And don’t forget to bring along your uKeg Nitro cold brew coffee maker, which can travel with you. Fill it up with cold brew at some of the best coffee shops in the world and turn that delicious coffee into nitro!
The best coffee, served the best way, in some of the best cities in the world—and all on the cheap. What’s not to like?
