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, wherever in the world you may be. On a personal note, as a kid, I hated the taste of coffee but always loved the aroma.
In many countries coffee has evolved into more than just a morning beverage, it has become both a craft and a culture. Restaurants spend years creating a signature brew, and countless sidewalk cafes thrive and survive on coffee alone.
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. Some people seek out the best coffee houses in each destination they visit and include them in their itineraries when traveling.
If you love traveling, what’s better than combining coffee and travel? And while you can find some sort of coffee festival somewhere every month of the year, this coffee festival in New Orleans hosts both a business-to-business day and a day for consumers.
Here are five suggestions for great coffee in some of the most memorable cities in Europe.
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5 Best Destinations in Europe for Coffee
Destination, Rome, Italy
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.
Italians prefer their coffee bold, and when in Rome, you will not see the locals rushing about as they hold their hot cups of latte. Here, coffee is meant to be enjoyed in a quick shot standing at the counter. Of course, a latte or a cappuccino will take longer to drink but in general, the locals do not linger over their morning cafe’.
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. 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. If you want to be among a younger crowd, choose one of the trendy cafes that line Piazza Madonna dei Monti.
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 that offer some of the best coffees in the world.
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 some 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.
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. The colorful tiles, posters depicting bullfights and local spirits, and efficient service, plus the excellent café con leche rank this place as one of my personal favorites. I’m not sure if anyone speaks English but I never had a problem with getting my order and I had breakfast here fairly regularly. Try the eggs with jamon.
Coffee in Paris, France
According to 2007 figures, each person in France consumes approximately 5.4 kilograms of coffee. That may seem a lot but to the average Parisian, it is natural. The French treat their coffee like they treat their lovers – languidly and lovingly.
There is no rush to consume a cup here, or should I say a bowl? Breakfast coffee in Paris is often served in a bowl to accommodate the dipping of delicate croissants.
To learn how to roast and prepare coffee beans while enjoying a cuppa, visit LaCaféothèque de Paris recommended by noted food writer and chef, David Lebovitz If you have more fashionable tastes, walk across the Gardens Tuilleries toward Angelina Café, which was frequented by Coco Chanel.
Barcelona, Spain
Spain ranks in the 21st place for most coffee consumed in the world. Depending on how strong you like your coffee you can order a Café Solo, which is a single shot of espresso. Café con Leche is blended with milk so you have a slightly less powerful coffee that locals enjoy in the morning. I had one every morning.
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. If you want to mix with a younger crowd, Café Salambó is the place to be.
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.
Given all these beautiful destinations in Europe for coffee, it is no wonder that travelers build an itinerary around the best destinations and soley focus on coffee!
Where is your favorite place in Europe for coffee? Leave a comment!
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[…] outside of the Hofburg Palace. Demel served the royal palace and its inhabitants and is one of the oldest coffee houses in Vienna. I had hot chocolate because I knew I would have coffee later; my friends all ordered […]
We love our coffee in Ireland too, especially here in Limerick. I don’t think we have a street without a cafe, and some of them have many (now Limerick streets are quite small as is our population)
Interesting. I had no idea there is such a huge coffee culture there.
Mmm… coffee… I’ve been trying to quit because I’m too addicted, and this is not helping!
That’s a hard one Lillie!
I love the smell of coffee. Sadly I’m allergic to it. Doesn’t stop me drooling enviously of course x
No way! Say it ain’t so!
For me one of the joys of traveling in Europe is finding a nice little spot to enjoy a coffee. I felt so sophisticated, sitting at an outdoor cafe sipping a cappuccino in the afternoon sun with my jacket draped over my shoulders, European-style.
Then I learned that Italians don’t drink coffee with milk after noon . . .busted! 😉
Hilarious.
Yes, please! I LOVE COFFEE!!