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Coffee is more than a beverage. It’s a bridge between people, places and cultures. At these destinations across the globe, coffee is not just brewed, but also celebrated.
These coffee-forward destinations offer unique cultural experiences.
Coffee is more than just a drink. It’s a journey through culture, tradition, and flavour. From historic cafés in Europe to vibrant plantations in India, each cup tells a story. Ahead of International Coffee Day, celebrated on October 1, explore these destinations curated by Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel, where coffee is celebrated as much for its aroma and taste as for the experiences it brings.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna’s grand coffeehouses are more than cafés. They’re cultural institutions. Recognised by UNESCO, these elegant spaces have hosted writers, thinkers, and artists for centuries. Order a frothy Wiener Melange, pair it with a slice of Sachertorte, and lose yourself in the timeless ritual of Viennese coffee culture.
Marrakech, Morocco
In Marrakech, coffee is a feast for the senses. Brewed with spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg, each cup tells a story of tradition and trade. Whether you’re sipping in a sun-dappled riad courtyard or amidst the energy of the souks, Moroccan coffee offers warmth and wonder in every sip.
Rome, Italy
Romans take their coffee seriously. Here, espresso is quick, strong, and always consumed standing at the bar. It’s an essential part of daily life – fast-paced yet steeped in centuries of tradition. One sip, and you’ll understand why coffee in Rome feels like a shot of pure Italian passion.
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee, offers not just a drink but a ceremony. Beans are roasted, ground, and brewed in front of you, often accompanied by conversation and community. The Ethiopian coffee ceremony is a reminder that coffee here is about connection, not just caffeine.
Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne has earned its reputation as the world’s coffee capital, home to innovative baristas and iconic laneway cafés. The city thrives on third-wave coffee, where brewing is art and precision. Whether it’s a flat white or a daring pour-over, Melbourne turns coffee into an experience of creativity and culture.
Bogota, Colombia
High in the Andes, Bogota is surrounded by plantations producing some of the world’s finest beans. Cafés here celebrate single-origin Colombian coffee, rich with notes of chocolate and caramel. A visit to Bogota is incomplete without a farm tour, where you can trace the bean’s journey from soil to cup.
Helsinki, Finland
Finland tops the charts for the world’s highest per capita coffee consumption, with Finns averaging 3–4 cups daily. In Helsinki and beyond, coffee isn’t just a drink. It’s a social ritual. The much-loved kahvitauko (coffee break) is essential at workplaces, homes, and gatherings, even extending to funerals. During the long, dark winters, coffee offers warmth, comfort, and alertness, often paired with pulla (a sweet cardamom bun) or other baked treats, making coffee breaks a true Finnish tradition.
Nairobi, Kenya
Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, is closely tied to the nation’s thriving coffee heritage. Renowned worldwide for its bright acidity, full-bodied taste, and fruity flavours, Kenyan Arabica is a star among speciality coffee roasters. Grown in the high-altitude volcanic soils of central regions, this coffee is one of the finest in the world. Beyond being an export success, coffee holds deep cultural and economic importance in Kenya, with its global reputation fueling national pride and commitment to quality.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Few coffee experiences surprise as much as Hanoi’s egg coffee. Invented during a milk shortage in the 1940s, it blends strong espresso with whipped egg yolk and condensed milk. Served in cosy Old Quarter cafés, it’s a cup that doubles as dessert – a sweet reminder of innovation born from necessity.
Seattle, USA
Coffee is part of Seattle’s identity. Known as the birthplace of Starbucks, the city is also a hub for indie roasters and experimental cafés. From nitro cold brews to handcrafted pour-overs, Seattle’s coffee scene reflects its diversity – energetic, innovative, and always evolving.
Sao Paulo, Brazil
As the world’s largest coffee producer, Brazil has coffee in its veins. In Sao Paulo, the cafe culture is vibrant and varied, serving everything from bold espresso shots to smooth cafe com leite. Coffee here isn’t just a beverage; it’s a national rhythm.
Santorini, Greece
Few places rival Santorini for atmosphere. Sip a frothy Greek frappé or a traditional strong brew on a terrace overlooking the caldera. The blend of bold flavours and breathtaking views makes coffee here a memory as much as a drink.
From global icons to local treasures, the journey of coffee continues right here in India. With its rolling hills, tribal farms, and colonial cafés, India offers coffee experiences as diverse as the country itself.
Coorg, Karnataka
Known as the ‘Coffee Capital of India,’ Coorg’s lush plantations produce robusta beans with deep, earthy flavours. Plantation stays let you wake to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and misty mountain views. A steaming cup of filter coffee here is heritage served hot.
Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh
This scenic valley is renowned for its organic, local-grown coffee, which has garnered international acclaim. Coffee here is grown without chemicals, reflecting the harmony of nature and tradition. A visit to Araku isn’t just about sipping; it’s about meeting the people who make each cup possible.
Chikmagalur, Karnataka
The birthplace of Indian coffee, Chikmagalur, is where the country’s first coffee seeds were planted. Today, it’s home to sprawling estates and a thriving coffee culture. Whether you’re walking through plantations or enjoying a strong filter brew, Chikmagalur feels like coffee’s spiritual home.
Wayanad, Kerala
Tucked away in the lush Western Ghats, Wayanad is an emerging coffee hotspot. Its verdant estates produce aromatic arabica and robusta beans, often intercropped with spices for a distinctive flavour. A fresh brew here, savoured amidst waterfalls and forested hills, is an experience of pure Kerala charm.
Yercaud, Tamil Nadu
Perched in the Shevaroy Hills, Yercaud’s cool climate and fertile soil make it ideal for coffee cultivation. The town is dotted with estates producing smooth, well-balanced beans. A cup of Yercaud coffee, enjoyed with panoramic valley views, blends nature’s calm with a rich, aromatic sip.
Delhi, India, India
September 30, 2025, 20:12 IST
