Istanbul: A journey of traditional Turkish coffee
In Türkiye, it is said that “a single cup of coffee is remembered for 40 years.” This testament to Turkish coffee is apt, because Istanbul is certainly one of the world’s best coffee cities. The custom of serving Turkish coffee in Istanbul coffeehouses began in the 16th century and, centuries later, Turkish coffee is an integral element in the city’s — and the country’s — social life and tradition. “Turkish coffee” actually refers to the brewing method deployed to create this delicious beverage: finely ground coffee is cooked in a cezve (a special pot) until foam appears. The brew is then carefully poured into tiny cups and served with Turkish delight or other treats.
To enjoy a traditional coffee experience, you can visit Eminönü and Üsküdar, two of Istanbul’s historical neighborhoods renowned for their heritage coffeehouses and Turkish coffee service!
Click here to learn more about the history of Turkish coffee.
Addis Ababa: The motherland of coffee
Ranked among the world’s best coffee cities, Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia (Abyssinia), has an important place in coffee culture and history. In the 9th century, Kaldi, a goatherd in the area, noticed that his flock were much more energetic after eating the berries of certain trees. This observation was the first step in cultivating coffee in Ethiopia. Coffee continues to play a vital role in daily life in Ethiopia, with the nation boasting a traditional coffee ceremony, and the country still produces some of the world’s finest beans, thanks to its climate and soil composition. Yirgacheffe and Harar are considered two of the premier growing areas for Ethiopian coffee.
Bogota: Where the distinctive Arabica beans grow
Known for its Arabica beans, cultivated in high altitudes, Colombia stands out as one of the few countries where specialty Arabica coffee is cultivated and Bogota, the nation’s capital, holds a unique charm for coffee enthusiasts. Ranked among the world’s best coffee cities, Bogota is home to an ever-growing selection of specialty coffee shops and venues where you can explore Colombian coffees. Colombian coffees offer a remarkable variety of flavors, with each coffee-growing region presenting beans with a unique aroma and flavor. Coffee is significant enough in Colombia for the country to have its own coffee-related UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia, which includes six traditional coffee growing landscapes in the western and central ranges of the Cordillera de los Andes. Naturally, coffee plays a central role in the social fabric of Colombia: there’s even a theme park for coffee. Founded by the National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia, the Parque del Café (Coffee Park), in Quindío, Colombia, has an interactive museum, an amusement park, and a botanical garden, in addition to performances and horse rides.
Melbourne: The capital of the third wave coffee movement
While discussions of coffee culture often center around Rome, Vienna or Istanbul, Melbourne, in Australia, piques the interest of coffee enthusiasts with its third wave coffee culture. This new-generation coffee movement elevates coffee making into an art through innovative preparation methods. One of Australia’s most-visited cities, Melbourne’s coffee love dates back to the mid-1900s, when Italian immigrants brought their passion for espresso to Australia. Today’s Australian baristas are challenging traditional brewing techniques to excellent effect, resulting in the city’s ranking among the world’s best coffee cities.
Visit our Melbourne flights page to plan your trip with advantageous prices!
Vienna: Coffee culture complemented by art
Strolling through the modern cafes of Vienna, Austria’s capital, may give you a new lease on life! The beautiful décor of these charming establishments complements the beverages served inside and, in this regard, Vienna certainly ranks among the best coffee cities in the world. Of course, the quality of the coffee is excellent as well. Whether you choose to sip your brew at an intimate, marble-topped table in a classically elegant café or at one of Vienna’s striking contemporary coffeehouses, you’ll enjoy indulging in your coffee habit in this delightful city!
São Paulo: The heart of coffee production
São Paulo, in Brazil, is considered the nation’s financial capital as well as a cultural hub. In addition, São Paulo, set in one of the country’s premier coffee growing regions, is a valuable player in Brazil’s coffee industry. With gorgeous landscapes, artisanal coffee farms, and the alluring aroma of freshly roasted beans, the city elevates the coffee experience to the next level, making São Paulo a unique destination for coffee travel and one of the world’s best coffee cities. Naturally, the coffeehouses in São Paulo purvey a range of coffee flavors, including mild, strong, and chocolatey.
Purchase a flight to Sao Paolo and explore this delectable world!
Rome: The city associated with espresso
With its long and storied history, Rome, Italy’s capital, is considered one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, welcoming millions of visitors each year. Rome also takes the lead in terms of the country’s rich coffee culture, standing out among global coffee capitals.
Espresso, a concentrated form of coffee that has become a national trademark, is available in a variety of styles in cafes across Rome. There’s the traditional espresso, a tiny serving of strong black coffee, and there’s lemon espresso, served with candied lemon and sugar. Espresso also serves as the base for popular coffee drinks such as cappuccino. While in Rome, do sample various espresso drinks at some of the city’s many cafes. Please note: Italians typically drink their espresso standing up at the bar, rather than sitting.
Havana: A delicious cultural journey with Cuban coffee
Similar to Türkiye, Cuba’s coffee culture embraces not just the aromatic beverage, but its social aspects. Coffee first arrived in the country in the 1700s and Cuba’s first coffee plantations are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Archaeological Landscape of the First Coffee Plantations in the South-East of Cuba, which comprise the remains of the 19th-century coffee plantations in the foothills of the Sierra Maestra. Arabica and Robusta coffee beans are still grown in that area, as well as in other parts of the country. Some of Cuba’s famous coffee drinks include Café Cubano, as well as the colada, cortado, and other classic milk coffees; you can sample these in Havana, one of the world’s best coffee cities!
If you want to examine different geographies in pursuit of coffee, and wonder what might the coffee shops of yesteryear have been like, then it is time to discover the world’s oldest coffee shops!
