Are you a coffee addict with a penchant for travel? Then you’ve come to the right place! From one-of-a-kind coffee academy in Brazil and elegant Italian coffee bars to Colombia’s innovative coffee themed-park, here are some of the most fascinating holiday destinations that need to be on your bucket list:

Vienna, Austria:

Austria’s capital is as renowned for its coffeehouse culture as it is for its historic monuments. Thanks to numerous coffee houses that dot the city, Vienna was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011. From traditional coffee houses like Café Schwarzenberg, which was established in the 19th century, to progressive, third wave cafés such as Fürth Kaffee, Vienna offers something for every coffee connoisseur. The most popular vintage Viennese coffee shops include Café Central and Café Prückel. But if you like all things contemporary, hit up cafés like Sassmünd Kaffeebar, Zweitbester and Waldemar. Oh, and if you fancy enjoying brunch in the company of furry felines then Das Augustine is the place to go! The best time to visit Austria is from April to May and September to October.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam:

Coffee was introduced to Vietnam by French colonialists in the 19th century. According to Topdeck Travel, Vietnamese-style coffee often includes added ingredients like egg yolk and yogurt to make the beverage more flavorful. Traditionally, the rich drink is served in a glass with sweetened condensed milk at the bottom. Shin Coffee in old Saigon is one of the best places to sample Vietnamese specialty coffee. The Coffee Ship is yet another must-visit stop for coffee enthusiasts. Housed in a boat that floats on the Kenh Te Canal, it’s hands down one of the trendiest coffee shops in the city. Meanwhile, if you dig the idea of sipping coffee in the warm embrace of nature, you cannot go wrong with Du Mien Garden Coffee. Other popular cafés in Ho Chi Minh City include Yoko Café, The Workshop Specialty Coffee and The Snap Café. For an ideal vacay in Vietnam, plan your trip between January and March.

Milan, Italy:

Among Italy’s famous culinary contributions are some of the finest coffee beverages including espresso, cappuccino, macchiato and caffè d’orzo. Moreover, it’s the Italian capital’s coffee culture that inspired former Starbucks CEO, Howard Schultz. Some of the most notable cafés in Milan are Orsonero, Marchesi, Taglio, Caffé Napoli and Moleskine Café. The city also boasts of a variety of lavish al Bancos or coffee bars such as Pavé, Bar Luce and Caffè Baglioni. The best time to visit Italy is in May. Or, in September and October, if you’d like to avoid high tourist footfall.

São Paulo, Brazil:

Brazil has been the world’s largest producer of coffee for the past 150 years. Particularly known for its Arabica and Robusta coffee, the Latin American country is one of the best destinations for coffee buffs. São Paulo is home to an array of coffee shops and roasters. From traditional gems like Sofá Café, Café Floresta and The Little Coffee Shop to contemporary cafés like Beluga and Octavio. And if you take your coffee very seriously, a visit to Coffee Lab is a must. The innovative café doubles as a microbrewery and coffee academy. Visitors can sample different kinds of Brazilian coffee, choosing from a vast selection of beans and brewing methods. Meanwhile, for a great farm to cup experience, Isso é Caffè is the place to go. Located near São Paulo Museum of Art, the brewery serves coffee made with dark roasted beans in a small glass tumbler known as cafezinho. Summer and spring is the best time for a Brazilian getaway.
Istanbul, Turkey: Strong, sweet and black as night, that’s Turkish coffee for you. The full-bodied beverage is prepared with finely ground, unfiltered coffee. It’s served in traditional porcelain cups known as fincan. With its plethora of coffee shops, Istanbul is a dream destination for avid coffee lovers. For an authentic Turkish coffee experience, check out Pierre Loti Café and Fazil Bey’s Turkish Coffee House. If you’d like to explore more trendy establishments, visit The House Café, Java Studio Istanbul and Midpoint Café. And if you prefer your cuppa joe accompanied by a stunning view, look no further than Galata Konak Café. The best time to visit Istanbul is between September and early November.
Jakarta, Indonesia: Coffee is an integral part of the Indonesian lifestyle. The South-Asian country is known for its exceptional coffee varieties, including Java, Sumatran, Toraja and Gayo coffee. More adventurous coffee aficionados might also want to try its Kopi Luwak or civet coffee which also happens to be the most expensive coffee in the world. Jakarta boasts of a rich coffee culture. The bustling capital city is dotted with coffee shops that will please every kind of coffee lover. For those looking for a cozy spot to get their caffeine fix, Lucky Cat Coffee and Kitchen will fit the bill. And if you like all things vintage, Trafique Coffee and Bakoel Koffie should be on your checklist. Meanwhile, if you’re in the mood for some exquisite specialty brews, check out cafés like Anomali and Coffee Grounds. Alternatively, for an immersive cultural experience, enjoy a glass of herb-infused coffee at one of the streetside stalls called warung kopi. If you’re planning a trip to Jakarta, the best time to go is from July to October.
Seattle, Washington, USA: Home to world’s first Starbucks located in Pike Place Market, Seattle is a perfect place for coffee snobs. Fancy elegant indie cafés? Try Elm Coffee Roasters, Lighthouse Roasters, Analog Coffee or Victrola Coffee Roasters. If Instagrammable latte art is your thing, check out Moore Coffee Shop on the 2nd Avenue. Hit up Milstead & Co, if you’d like to sample hard-to-find caffeine treats in a cosmopolitan setting. For fans of traditional establishments with an old-world charm, Café Allegro and Seattle Coffee Works’ Express Bar are highly recommended. Best time for a visit to the rainy city is in late June or between September and October.
Other must-visit destinations include Cuba, Portugal, Finland and Colombia – home to the National Coffee Park – a theme-park complete with attractions like a coffee garden, coffee museum and cable car.

So, where would you head for a caffeine-packed getaway? Let me know in the comments below!

I’ve been a digital journalist and writer for the past four years, primarily covering lifestyle and wellness. After completing my post graduation in International Journalism, I worked as a Features Writer at Cosmopolitan India where I wrote extensively on pop culture, society, and everything lifestyle. I’ve also contributed to The News Hub, Zee News, Business for People and Planet and OneWorld South Asia, among other publications. Other than that, I’m an avid reader and enjoyer of quality procedurals. When not penning articles or chasing deadlines, I like to travel, bake, dabble in poetry, and make DIY craft projects.

source: http://www.forbes.com / Forbes / Home> Lifestyle / by Nomah Nazih, contributor / October 28th, 2018