The World’s Top Destinations for Coffee Lovers

They say that life begins after coffee. On many mornings, I’d have to agree.

While you can’t buy happiness, you can buy coffee. And coffee is happiness in a cup. Quotes from historical figures and literary legends prove that:

• “I’d rather take coffee than compliments just now.” – Louisa May Alcott
• “I have measured out my life with coffee spoons.” – T.S. Eliot
• “Coffee is a beverage that puts one to sleep when not drank.” – Alphonse Allais

At Frayed Passport, we talk a lot about traveling. Different people have different preferences for destinations, depending on their hobbies, language skills, life perspective and more. We put together this article specifically for people who have a passion for coffee (and/or addiction to coffee).

After all, if you’re a coffee lover and enjoy traveling, it makes sense to combine the two passions and visit a country or city known for great coffee. Here, we’ll cover the world’s top destinations for coffee lovers, highlighting great countries and cities for enjoying your favorite brew.

Grab a cup of joe and start reading.

Top Country Destinations for Coffee Lovers

Photo by Diego Catto on Unsplash

Certain countries are known for their coffee production, as they have a climate and landscape perfectly suited to coffee farming. Visiting a coffee-producing powerhouse offers you direct access to freshly roasted coffee. For instance, Brazil and Vietnam combine to produce nearly 55% of the world’s coffee, according to Visual Capitalist data.

Additionally, some countries, such as Costa Rica, may not produce as much coffee as larger countries like Indonesia, but their coffee is known for its very high quality. You should consider these destinations as well.

Below, we list the best 5 countries for coffee lovers to visit.

Costa Rica

Known for sweet, shade-grown beans, Costa Rica’s mountainous Central Valley, which spans from San Jose to Monteverde, is home to some of the best coffee plantations in the world. Coffee producers adhere to high standards for quality and sustainability, and you can taste the difference as soon as you take a shot of espresso, sip a cold brew, and more.

3 Ideas to Enjoy Coffee in Costa Rica

• Take a tour of the Cafe Britt Plantation, which is just 8 miles north of San Jose.
• See how coffee goes from seed to cup by volunteering at a coffee farm with Maximo Nivel.
• Enjoy pura vida vibes at Santa Rita Cafe in Tamarindo, Guanacaste.

More Helpful Info for Costa Rica

Read the Frayed Passport guide: Visiting Costa Rica on a Budget.

Colombia

Chances are you have bought Colombian coffee plenty of times at the store. Colombian coffee comes from the central region, an area featuring beautiful mountain ranges and fertile valleys that are known as the “Coffee Axis”. Even if you don’t make it there, you can enjoy the country’s delicious coffee in Colombia’s main cities, Medellín, Bogotá, and Cali, all of which boast an incredible coffee scene.

3 Ideas to Enjoy Coffee in Colombia

• Take a tour of the Colombian Coffee Region with Uncover Colombia.
• Visit some of Bogotá’s best coffee shops, such as Amor Perfecto and Cafe 18.
• Enjoy your favorite beverage at Cafe Alaska in Medellín, one of the country’s most historic establishments.

More Helpful Info for Colombia

Read the Frayed Passport guide: Biking in Bogotá.

Kenya

Kenya produces exceptional coffee, robust in flavor and low in bitterness. Grown at an average elevation of 6,000 feet, Kenyan coffee has a fruity, spicy flavor that you just can’t find elsewhere. Kenya is very proud of its coffee industry, and diving into the coffee culture is a must if you’re visiting. You can enjoy local coffee at a cafe in Nairobi and even take a tour of a coffee or tea farm.

3 Ideas to Enjoy Coffee in Kenya

• Tour the Fairview Estate, which is situated in the heart of the Kenyan highlands.
• Visit one of Nairobi’s best coffee shops, such as Point Zero Coffee and Gibson’s Coffee House.
• Purchase coffee at Karunguru Coffee Estate, a third-generation boutique coffee farm that produces single-origin Arabica coffee.

More Helpful Info for Kenya

Read why Nairobi is a great destination for digital nomads and geoarbitrage.

Vietnam

Vietnamese coffee is popular across the world. Using medium- or dark-roast beans, the drink is made by pouring hot water through the grounds into a cup of condensed milk. The result is a rich, sweet and powerful brew that you’ll love. In addition to making great coffee recipes, Vietnam is the second-biggest producer and exporter of beans in the world. Without a doubt, this Southeast Asian nation is a must-stop destination for coffee lovers. Cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have bustling coffee scenes, and you’ll enjoy stopping for a cup each day you’re there.

3 Ideas to Enjoy Coffee in Vietnam

• Stop at some of Hanoi’s top-ranked coffee shops, such as La Capo Cafe and Cafe Minh.
• Visit some of Ho Chi Minh City’s popular coffee cafes, such as Café Cheo Leo and 96B.
• Tour the K’Ho Coffee Farm in the Central Highlands, which is a cooperative of families growing high-quality arabica coffee.

More Helpful Info for Vietnam

Read about Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Brazil

Thanks to climates and landscapes ideal for growing coffee, Brazil is the giant of the coffee industry, producing over one-third of the world’s coffee. With 14 major coffee-producing regions, including São Paulo, Espírito Santo, and Bahia, Brazil’s coffee is amazingly diverse, with flavors for every preference. You can enjoy all sorts of coffee in Brazil’s cosmopolitan cities and even go on tours of coffee farms throughout the country, from the northwest state of Rondônia to the coastal areas around Rio de Janeiro.

3 Ideas to Enjoy Coffee in Brazil

• Explore Brazil’s coffee valley on a tour near Rio de Janeiro.
• Stop at some of São Paulo’s specialty cafes, such as OCabral Café and Coffee Lab.
• Tour the Coffee Museum in Santos, which is near the city of São Paulo and highlights the history and importance of coffee in Brazil.

More Helpful Info for Brazil

Read about how to get Brazil’s digital nomad visa.

Visit One of the Top Destinations for Coffee Lovers Today!

We hope this article made you want to at least have a cup of good coffee. We also hope you’re inspired to explore your passion for coffee as you travel. The countries and cities listed in this article are all great destinations for coffee lovers, but it’s by no means a complete list. There are plenty of other countries and cities around the globe with great coffee to offer.

Where’s the best coffee you’ve ever had? Do you have any other destinations to add to this list? Join the community and start the conversation.

About the Author

Nick Callos has always had a passion for reading, writing, and discovering the new and unknown. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Nick holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Boston College. He currently splits his time between his hometown, Chengdu, China, and the open road. A full-time travel writer, Nick hopes his work can inspire others to explore the world more deeply and enjoy the digital nomad lifestyle.

Featured image by Jonas Dücker on Unsplash