7 Interesting Coffee Shops & Cafés To Visit Around The World

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Some people enjoy bird watching, bowling, or macrame. I like searching for the most interesting coffee shops around the world to visit.

Few things bring people together, like coffee, so it’s exciting to see how the rest of planet Earth enjoys my favorite beverage.

By Clint McCormick.

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From stunning views to cozy gardens to over-the-top luxury, this list proves that coffee can be served anywhere!

It was tough to narrow it down, and I’m sure I’m forgetting a few fantastic coffee shops, but I tried to make it worldwide.

No matter where you are, you can find an interesting coffee shop to visit.

My Personal Fav

I must admit that this list acts as more of a wish list than a diary. I plan to visit all of these in due time but make no mistake, I’ve been to my fair share of unique coffee shops, and I have to say, this one is my favorite so far.

The Sidekick — Coffee With A Side Of Comics

Website & Menu: https://www.thesidekickcomics.com/
Location: Toronto, Canada
Atmosphere: Laid back with strong nerd vibes
Claim to Fame: Drink delicious coffee, read comic books, and even have a beer as well

This place is simple in its ingenuity.

It combines thousands of comic books with a relaxed setting and delicious beverages.

Their coffee game is strong but admittedly not the best in the world. That’s totally fine, though, as I can still spend hours there enjoying the space.

Everything is made fresh, including the freshly ground coffee.

Their pastry offerings are the perfect accompaniment to books because they are not messy and help warm you up on those chilly Canadian winter days.

Of course, the main highlight is the selection of comics.

Many are ones you haven’t heard of before, which makes it extra fun.

Plan to spend a few hours here sifting through issue after issue to get the full experience.

If you find anything good, let us know!

After Your Coffee

Since your creative juices will be flowing, stay in the zone and visit one of Toronto’s many art galleries.

They are spread out in the city, so it also gives you a chance to see the different boroughs as well.

Most Beautiful Coffee Shops Around The World

These aren’t your typical ma-and-pa diners. Drinking coffee here is an experience and something to remember for a long time.

Majestic Cafe — A Must-Visit In Porto

Website & Menu: https://www.cafemajestic.com
Location: Porto, Portugal
Atmosphere: Proper and upscale
Claim to Fame: Excellent service and elegant decor

Although not the oldest cafe on the list, Majestic Cafe has been around since 1922, which is plenty of time for them to figure out a great cup of coffee and how to serve it correctly.

Cafes have come a long way since Majestic opened their doors, and I’m not sure it’s for the best if we’re missing out on more places like this.

Localporto.com considers this café the most beautiful café in Porto, period.

There’s something special about getting dressed up to go for coffee, but it’s a great experience and one that should be shared with anyone who is willing to join you.

Enjoy your café com leite with a basket of fresh artisanal breads and locally made olive oil.

This place is perfectly suited for coffee at any time throughout the day.

It can get busy here sometimes, so you may have to wait for a table but be sure to make the most of it when you get seated. They don’t make coffee shops like this anymore.

After Your Coffee

See the city from a different perspective and board one of the old riverboats that used to transport Port. This river cruise will take you past all six bridges and give you a bit of history on them as well.

It’s a great way to see Porto in a way that most people don’t get to see.

218 Cafe — Have Your Camera Ready!

Website & Menu: https://www.218.gr/
Location: Santorini, Greece
Atmosphere: Business casual
Claim to Fame: Breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea

If views are important to you when it comes to sipping on a cup of joe, then hop on a plane to Santorini in Greece and head straight to 218 Cafe.

They keep the coffee menu simple by only offering the staples, but you may not notice due to how stunning the vistas are.

Food is also a strong suit at 218, and they serve much more than just breakfast.

This is a 3-meals-a-day type of cafe, so you can enjoy its beauty whenever you like.

Breakfast is the busiest time because who doesn’t want to start their day here?! Offering a variety of light and delicious breakfast dishes, you can also enjoy a glass of freshly squeezed fruit juice.

It can get a little hot on this patio, so if you’re susceptible to heat, find a place in the shade.

But no matter the temperature, this place is worth the visit for the views and the coffee.

After Your Coffee

If there’s one thing better than coffee, it’s wine.

Once you’re energized and ready to explore, check out the many wineries of Santorini.

You can take guided tours or brave it on your own; either way, is sure to be a blast and a perfect compliment to the views of 218.

Most Unique Cafes

Cute and quirky make for a great environment to kick back with your favorite coffee beverage and let the afternoon pass by.

If you want to avoid the mainstream hipster coffee crowd, try these places.

Sandala Cafe — Coffee After Surfing, Anyone?

Website & Menu: https://www.instagram.com/sandala_cafe/
Location: Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Atmosphere: Hidden garden oasis
Claim to Fame: Best Oaxacan coffee in town

This hard-to-find garden cafe is worth the search through the tiny dirt roads of Puerto Escondido, Mexico.

Once you’re there, you will never want to leave as they have everything you need to enjoy an entire morning or afternoon.

Don’t let the size and discrete location fool you; this place knows how to make coffee.

The all-female-owned and operated business has taken educational trips to remote parts of the country to study different extraction techniques—and their hard work shows.

Offering many different types of coffee, including espresso, latte, and cappuccinos, they are also masters of the AeroPress and Moka Pot.

To accompany your preferred coffee, you can enjoy a selection of small plates that are all locally sourced and cooked to order.

While you’re waiting, you can test your balance skills on the slackline installed right in the middle of the restaurant.

They also have a selection of books in both Spanish and English for anyone to enjoy.

After Your Coffee

It’s hot in Oaxaca, and when it’s this hot, the only cure is to go to the beach.

Thankfully there are tons of beaches, so exploring them is half the fun.

You can hit a new beach each day but don’t forget the sunscreen as the sun can very quickly ruin your day if you’re not prepared.

The Note Coffee — A Great Place to Cheer Up If You’re Feeling Down

Website & Menu: http://thenotecoffee.com/
Location: Hanoi, Vietnam
Atmosphere: Friendly, conversational, and overall positive vibes
Claim to Fame: Loving post-it notes that cover the walls

Most coffee shops are known for sarcastic baristas who are looking forward to making fun of your choice of coffee.

That’s not the case at The Note Coffee; it’s actually the exact opposite.

The name comes from their unique theme.

They provide customers with post-it notes to write loving messages on and then hang them on the wall for all to see.

This has been going on for years, so now thousands of notes completely cover this little cafe’s walls.

Notes are meant to be inspiring. Some are personal, and some aim to please a variety of coffee drinkers. Either case, the notes make for excellent reading material while sipping on your favorite coffee beverage.

Speaking of coffee, you’ll be very impressed with not only the taste but the presentation as well.

Frothy drinks are usually adorned with some type of art, and they don’t skimp on the portions here, either. You’ll find yourself with a larger-than-average mug containing above-average coffee.

This is the place to go in Hanoi.

After Your Coffee

For a truly unique experience, visit the abandoned water park near Hue on the next day.

Abandoned buildings always pique the interest of us humans, so in this case, they have made it more accessible to explore the eeriness that comes with relics of the past.

Check the guide on the link above for all the info on how to enjoy this one-of-a-kind attraction.

Most Interesting Coffee Shops

Every coffee shop has a story to tell; it’s just that some are better than others.

Here are two coffee shops that do things differently but in the most exciting way possible.

Brigit’s Bakery Classic Afternoon Tea Bus — Putting A New Meaning On ‘Coffee To-Go’

Website & Menu: https://b-bakery.com/london/bus-tours
Location: London, England
Atmosphere: A touch of British high-class that is still accessible to many
Claim to Fame: Enjoy your coffee, tea, and scones on a traditional double-decker bus that tours downtown London

Enjoy your classic java while touring the streets of London, England, with Brigit and her afternoon tea bus.

You can imagine that tea is the star of the show, but their coffee also stands out.

And this isn’t some ratty school bus or old public transportation setup.

The bus has been retro-fitted to have tables, chairs, and the proper accoutrements needed to enjoy a sophisticated afternoon cruising through town.

The bus is fully staffed and offers food as well.

While you can’t get steak frites, you will be treated to some of the most delicious pastries in Europe. Be sure to indulge in one of their many tea selections after your coffee.

The choices are vast and feature some teas that are definitely off-the-beaten-path.

After Your Coffee

You’re in London, you can do almost anything you can think of in this enormous city.

But after a day of touring around you may want to sit still for a bit and what better place to do that than at a play?

Check out any number of theatrical performances happening all over the city for a sophisticated way to spend the afternoon or evening.

The Florian — A Cafe Full Of History And Elegance

Website & Menu: https://caffeflorian.com/
Location: Venice, Italy
Atmosphere: Very high-class with Italian elegance
Claim to Fame: One of the oldest cafes in the world

For the history buff in you or your family, head to Venice to be transported back in time.

The Florian first opened its doors in 1720 and has not changed locations since.

If these walls could talk, they would tell you about all the different celebrities, dignitaries, and historical figures that have all sat and enjoyed the quality coffee, food, and service.

They don’t hold back at the Florian when it comes to elegance, so make sure you’re on your best behavior!

Since you’re in Italy, start with an espresso and be amazed at how perfect it is. The dark flavor is far from the bitter versions we sometimes get in the US, and the layer of crema on top seems too good to be true.

Enjoy your espresso on the front patio that overlooks the Piazza San Marco.

It makes for great people-watching, and you can imagine what life was like for people 300 years earlier when they sat in that very same seat.

After Your Coffee

Venice is one of the most stunning and unique cities in the world.

If this is your first time visiting, I recommend you continue to explore, either on your own or with a guide.

Visit another coffee shop, take a gondola, eat fresh pasta, and sip local wine.

You really can’t go wrong here.

Most Interesting Coffee Shops Around The World To Visit—Summary

We are not used to such variety here in North America since large corporations take the fun out of everything.

Elsewhere, you can enjoy coffee in many different ways, in many different atmospheres, and at any of the most interesting coffee shops around the world to visit.

Whether you want a formal afternoon in Venice or just to chill out in Mexico, coffee shops will always be there for you. Each one is different in their own magical way.

Use this guide as your first sign to try a new place or brew a new blend.

Life is too short not to enjoy the uniqueness that it offers.

Stay tuned for part 2, and if you have any suggestions, we want to hear about them.

Photos: Lorraine, Pexels and Diego

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