I like to refer to coffee as a universal beverage. The pleasure you experience upon waking up to the smell of coffee is the same, no matter where you are in the world. On a personal note, as a kid I hated the taste of coffee, too bitter or tannic, but I always loved the aroma.
Going out for coffee also includes people watching and animated conversations. Brilliant ideas have been born over a cup of coffee. Friendships have been made and alliances formed over a steaming brew. For many travelers, finding the best coffee houses in each destination they visit is a ritual.
So, for coffee-loving European travelers, here’s a short list of places to get an excellent cup of java while enjoying the local coffee culture. If you don’t drink coffee, don’t worry, because most places do offer tea, especially trendy teas such as matcha and flavored teas. I usually drink tea after trying one local coffee.
Best destinations in Europe for coffee.
Sant’ Eustachio, Rome
In 2014, Italy was ranked 12th among countries that consume the most kilograms of coffee. Thus, it is not surprising that the words cappuccino, espresso, and latte were coined in this coffee drinkers’ paradise.
Immerse yourself in the coffee-loving atmosphere of Rome at any number of cafes in the historical center. It’s next to impossible to get a bad coffee in Rome. Note that when in Rome, you will not see the locals rushing around with a coffee to go. Here, coffee is usually an espresso or a café macchiato, meant to be enjoyed in a quick shot while standing at the counter. Near the Pantheon do as the Romans do at Sant’ Eustachio Check out the website and you’ll see what I mean about standing up while taking your coffee.
Of course you can’t shoot a latte or a cappuccino but in general, the locals do not linger over their morning cafe’. Also, if you sit down to savor your coffee, you’ll pay a bit more for it. Another fun neighborhood to check out is in the Monti neighborhood, especially around Piazza Madonna dei Monti where there are trendy cafes and a generally younger crowd.
Italian style cappuccino with foam.
Best coffee in Vienna, Austria
Vienna is one of the smaller capital cities on the continent, however the coffee culture is deep. Its grand palaces are complemented by small coffee houses offering great brew and a timeless atmosphere.
Several of these coffee houses are over 100 years old, making them tourist destinations in their own right. Cafe Central, Demel, and Griensteindl are just a few of the grand old coffee houses that have always been go-to places for locals and tourists alike. Newer establishments such as Alt Wien Kaffee are starting to carve their place in Viennese coffee history. T
o be honest, I had great coffee everywhere I went in Austria, even in the smaller towns and cities such as Krems, in the Wachau Valley. Another thing I noticed in Austria, coffee always comes with a small glass of water on the side. and it’s served on a small silver tray. This is so sensible I’m not sure why other cultures have not adopted this.
Latte at Kaffee Glockenspiel
Kaffee Glockenspiel, Linz
This historic cafe located on the Haufplatz in Linz, is always buzzing. Just as in the coffee houses of Vienna, you will find locals hanging out reading real newspapers and racks of papers to choose from. On a cold winter’s day during the Christmas markets, Kaffee Glockenspiel was packed. I was lucky to find a table, however I didn’t have it to myself for long. I was soon joined by an Austrian woman who between a bit of German, English and hand language convinced me to go to Postlingberg, a highlight of my time in Linz.
Eggs and jamon at Bar Vicenze, Spain
El Puerto de Santa Maria, Spain
Bar Vicente is an iconic bar in the historic heart of El Puerto de Santa Maria, a medium-sized city on the Andalusian coast. The interior looks like a movie set for a period film featuring Hemingway. With its colorful tiles, old advertising posters, and excellent café con Leche, I found myself here regularly. They also served up a delicious Jason and eggs, another classic Spanish breakfast tradition.
Barcelona, Spain
Café con Leche is tradition in Barcelona. Similar to a latte, it is made with espresso, is less milky, and served in a glass. Generally locals drink this in the morning, but you can drink it any time of day. If you like something stronger, order a Café Solo, which is a single shot of espresso.
Barcelona offers secluded coffee shops in the more quiet areas of the city. Look for side streets and passageways in neighborhoods that are not near main roads for a more local and less distracting experience.
Visit the neighborhoods of El Raval and Gracia for some of the best coffee shops. If you love pastries with your coffee, visit Caelum and sample the brews and baked treats.
A traditional Turkish coffee and a matcha latte in Zagreb, Croatia.
Zagreb, Croatia
Zagreb rivals Vienna when it comes to coffee obsessions. The first coffee house in Croatia or Kavana, opened in Zagreb in the 1700s. You can stop for coffee any time of the day and no one will ever question you. However, if you throw back your coffee like an Italian, they may think something is wrong. Croatians prefer to savor their coffee, preferably with a friend.
While there are many great coffee houses in Zagreb, on a recent visit I frequented a rather well-known place in the historic center, Quahwa. Coffee beans are roasted on site and they also have a nice selection of teas. There’s plenty of seating and they don’t mind how long you stay. I have to say, I could get behind the Croatian lifestyle as it’s similar to Mediterranean culture.
Coffee is more than just a morning beverage, it has become both a craft and a culture. No trip to Europe would be complete without having an authentic coffee experience. Whether you need an afternoon pick-me-up or just need a break, take a seat at one of Europe’s coffee houses.
Where is your favorite place in Europe for coffee? Let me know in the comments.
