Listing 8 of the best European cities for coffee drinkers!
My husband and I love traveling and coffee, ideally at the same time. So, we’ve put together this list of the best cities in Europe to drink coffee in. For example, Italy has a big espresso culture so its biggest city Rome just had to make our list and the hygge Cafés in Copenhagen really impressed us, too.
I will add that, Café culture is very important to us – it’s on a par with how good the coffee tastes. We use coffee to relax after a busy morning of exploring so an inviting, cozy Cafe is what we seek out when we travel. Drinking a delicious cup of coffee in a calm space. filled with locals is one of my favorite parts of traveling.
So, below you will find our favorite Cafés in the best coffee cities in Europe –
Best European cities for coffee drinkers
1. Paris, France
- Best for: People watching
- Best Cafés in Paris: Café de Flore, Les Deux Magots, Brouillon Coffee
First up on our list of the best European cities for coffee drinkers is Paris aka, the City of Light. Yes, Paris is as much about sipping excellent coffee as it is about sightseeing.
68% of the French are regular coffee drinkers and so you’ll find heaps of Cafes dotted throughout the city. Paris is known for its atmospheric cafés, many of which have hosted legendary writers, philosophers, and artists. Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots are iconic spots where you can enjoy a velvety café crème or a fragrant tisane while soaking in the city’s charm.
However, beware of Cafés in super-touristy spots – as some use Nespresso machines to make their coffee – which is a big no for us, as we can make that at home. Locals will tell you that you have to go out of your way to find a great coffee – Brouillon Coffee on Bd. de Magenta is a top recommendation from us.
In short, Paris is the best city on this list for people watching but do your research to find a Café with good reviews.
If you’re planning a multi-city trip, the Paris to London train makes travelling between these cultural powerhouses effortless. In just over two hours, you can transition from a Parisian café terrace to the classic tearooms of London, experiencing the best of both cities’ unique traditions.
2. London, England
- Best for: Afternoon tea
- Best coffee shops in London: Prufrock Coffee on Leather Lane & Monmouth Coffee Co. on Monmouth Street
London is renowned for its afternoon tea scene, a tradition that combines dainty sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and an array of fine teas. Claridge’s and The Ritz are two of the most prestigious spots to indulge in this quintessentially British experience. For a modern twist, explore local favorites like Sketch or the quirky Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at the Sanderson Hotel.
Beyond its tearooms, London’s thriving coffee scene is also worth exploring. Head to the Old Spitalfields Market in Shoreditch or Borough Market for independent coffee shops that pride themselves on ethically sourced beans and expertly crafted brews.
3. Vienna, Austria
- Best for: Historic coffeehouses
- Best Cafés in Vienna: Café Central & Balthasar Coffee Bar
Vienna’s coffeehouse culture is so admired that it’s recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO (in other words, it’s a super-important part of their cultural heritage). These elegant coffeehouses serve more than coffee – they offer an experience. Order a melange (similar to a cappuccino) or indulge in a slice of Sachertorte at Café Central, once frequented by Sigmund Freud and Leon Trotsky.
But our favorite Café in Vienna is Balthasar Coffee Bar – a cool spot with a focus on quality beans.
Vienna’s coffeehouses are perfect for lingering. Take a book or simply sit back and enjoy the timeless charm of their grand interiors.
4. Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Best for: Third-wave Cafés (i.e. Cafés that emphasize high-quality, single-origin beans)
- Best coffee shops in Amsterdam: Bocca Coffee Roasters, Scandinavian Embassy, Scheltema bookstore
Amsterdam is a haven for coffee lovers seeking creative, high-quality brews. The city is home to numerous specialty coffee shops, like Bocca Coffee Roasters and Scandinavian Embassy, where expert baristas craft unique blends.
While, if you’re in the mood for tea, Amsterdam offers serene tearooms such as Tea Bar, with an impressive selection of loose-leaf teas.
In short, Amsterdam is filled to the brim with third-wave coffee places and lots of local roasters. We especially loved the cozy vibe of Scheltema bookstore at Rokin.
Traveling here is easy with the Paris to Amsterdam train, which whisks you through picturesque countryside in just over three hours. It’s a convenient way to combine the romance of Paris with Amsterdam’s dynamic café scene.
5. Rome, Italy
- Best for: An espresso
- Best Cafés in Rome: Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè and Tazza d’Oro
Italy is so important in coffee culture, I mean, it’s where the espresso was invented. Yup, in 1884 a bar and hotel owner in Turin invented the espresso – as a way to serve his customers faster. And the rest, as they say, is history!
In Rome, coffee isn’t just a drink; it’s a ritual. Italians often start their day with a quick espresso at the bar, accompanied by a cornetto. Some of the best places to experience this tradition are Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè and Tazza d’Oro, both renowned for their expertly crafted espressos.
While tea is less prevalent in Italian culture, some cafés and tearooms, like Babington’s Tea Rooms near the Spanish Steps, cater to those craving a more relaxed experience with a pot of tea and a sweet treat.
6. Istanbul, Turkey
- Best for: Turkish coffee, of course
- Best Cafes in Istanbul: Mandabatmaz or Pierre Loti Café
No list of Europe’s best coffee cities is complete without Istanbul, a city that bridges East and West. Turkish coffee (thick and aromatic), is a must-try here. It’s traditionally served with a side of Turkish delight. For an authentic experience, visit Mandabatmaz or Pierre Loti Café.
We recently spent 3 days in Istanbul and we especially loved the Cafés in the colorful Balat neighborhood (try New Balat Cafe and Velvet Cafe here) and in Kadikoy, we loved 180 Coffee Bakery, who also do yummy baked treats.
Tea is equally significant in Turkish culture, with çay served in delicate tulip-shaped glasses throughout the day. Enjoy it in a bustling bazaar, by the Bosphorus, or in one of Istanbul’s historic tea gardens.
7. Barcelona, Spain
- Best for: Vibrant Cafés & meeting people
- Best coffee shops in Barcelona: Little Fern & Dalston Coffee
Barcelona’s vibrant café culture reflects its dynamic personality. Espresso-based drinks dominate here, with local favorites like café con leche served at bustling cafés across the city. For a truly Catalan experience, pair your coffee with churros dipped in rich chocolate.
The blend of traditional and modern influences makes Barcelona a standout destination for coffee enthusiasts.
We love Little Fern on Carrer de Pere, which as you can guess by its name is owned by New Zealanders (another country with an epic coffee scene). New Zealand invented the flat white, after all. Another gem for coffee lovers here is Dalston Coffee on Carrer de les Ramellere – it has a very cool, hip vibe!
For tea lovers, Barcelona has hidden gems like Caj Chai, a cozy tearoom offering a curated selection of teas from around the world.
8. Copenhagen, Denmark
- Best for: Cozy, hygge-inspired Cafés
- Best Cafés in Copenhagen: The Coffee Collective & ROAST
Moving onto Northern Europe! Copenhagen’s café scene is infused with hygge, the Danish concept of coziness and contentment. The city’s minimalist coffee shops, such as The Coffee Collective, focus on sustainable practices and exceptional quality. You’ll find everything from classic espresso drinks to innovative pour-overs in the Cafés here.
We also really loved ROAST, which was very popular with locals (and that’s always a good sign isn’t it?!)
Tea enthusiasts should seek out spots like Sing Tehus, a Japanese-inspired tearoom that emphasizes serene spaces and high-quality brews.
Thanks for Reading!
From cool Cafés to charming tearooms, Europe offers countless opportunities to savor your coffee (or tea) in an unforgettable setting. Whether you’re an espresso enthusiast, a tea connoisseur, or just love relaxing with a good brew in hand, I hope you enjoyed our list of the best European cities for coffee!
Coffee lovers may also enjoy reading these other blog posts –
11 Cafes with the Best Views On the North Island
14 Cafes with the Best Views on the South Island
Best Cities to Visit in Europe if You’re a Foodie
Last Updated on May 8, 2025 by snaphappytravel