21 of the best countries for coffee lovers to visit

The country that invented espresso would always be first on this list. Coffee here isn’t just a national drink but a lifestyle. You’ll find amazing coffee at every cafe and bar, no matter the hour. Just don’t be caught ordering a cappuccino after 2 p.m. here. It’s a breakfast drink.

A bit of a surprise, but the Philippines does grow some of the best beans in the world. The Cordillera Mountain range is home to a few different coffee-growing regions, but the yield is smaller than elsewhere. Thus, you’ll find Filipino beans less frequently sold abroad, and they can even be rare within the country.

Your favorite third-wave coffee shop probably offers Ethiopian beans, as it is a top-producing country. Ethiopia is where the coffee plant originates, and there are numerous farms you can tour on a trip to the country. And don't miss a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony during your trip!

The southern states of Chiapas, Oaxaca, Puebla, and Veracruz are where most Mexican coffee comes from. You can tour coffee farms, enjoy samples, and, of course, sip unique creations like Mexican mochas and Horchata espresso in cafes.

Another top-producing country, Peru’s climate means coffee grown here has a distinct make-up. It is known to be smooth with low acidity and unique flavors like vanilla, various nuts, and orange. Numerous producers welcome tourists year-round.

A lesser-known coffee-producing country, Ecuador is full of diverse regions that grow beans with distinct character. In general, the country produces roasts with higher acidity and aromatic flavors. Various tour companies offer coffee tours, often with a fun activity like zip lining or hiking attached!

Austria may not produce beans, but as a member of the now-defunct Austro-Hungarian Empire, the cultural traditions of coffeehouses remain to this day. Particularly in Vienna, where coffee house culture is listed as an intangible heritage aspect by UNESCO. Sample unique drinks such as a Biedermeier (black coffee with apricot liqueur and whipped cream) or a Franziskaner (espresso with whipped cream, topped with cocoa powder and served with a side of powdered sugar).

The beans grown in Costa Rica have unique notes — most are sweet and fruity with middle-of-the-road acidity. If you’d like to see how coffee is grown in Costa Rica, join a coffee tour, which will usually take you to a farm (or multiple) and roastery. These are typically located in the mountains.

Turkish coffee is an acquired taste, prepared in a cezve (a unique copper pot with a long handle) with finely ground beans slowly boiled. Sugar is usually added, so make sure to say if you prefer your cup without it. But if you love it, you’ll really enjoy sampling it all over Turkey. 

Brazil is probably one of the least surprising destinations on this list as it’s a top producer, growing over 30% of the world’s coffee supply. If you visit the source, be prepared to try unique brews like a cafèzinho (a type of filtered coffee brewed with sugar) or a caipirinha coffee (a cocktail with condensed milk and espresso).  

Cuban coffee is unlike any other caffeinated drink you’ll try. It’s a very strong, dark espresso shot combined with a sweet sugar foam. Additionally, coffee farms are present throughout the island, should you want to book a tour.

These two southern hemisphere neighbors are known for amazing cafe culture and high-quality espresso. This is thanks to the large numbers of Italians and Greeks who immigrated south during and after WWII. Now, you can walk into any cafe in either country and be served some of the best coffee you’ve ever had. And it’s the only place in the world where Starbucks has ever had to close stores on a mass scale because Aussies and Kiwis don’t settle for average espresso.

Most people think of Africa and Central and South America when considering countries where coffee is grown. However, Asia also grows beans, although in fewer countries. And one of those places is Sri Lanka, home to a few coffee farms you can visit.

Coffee is central to Colombian culture, a top-producing country, up there with Brazil and Vietnam. The majority of farms can be found in the Andes, where the frequent sun makes for an ideal environment for beans. Most can be visited on a tour, taking you to numerous farms and allowing you to taste samples. Be careful — you’ll likely return quite over-caffeinated!

After Brazil, Vietnam is the second-highest producer of coffee. However, if you visit the country, you’ll find it served in a much different fashion than in the Americas. In Vietnam, coffee is frequently served sweet, usually with condensed milk and often over ice.

Better known for beaches and safari, coffee is also grown in many regions of the country. However, high-quality production is a newer concept in South Africa. You can visit producers on coffee tours and sample espresso drinks with homemade beans in the lovely cafes in Cape Town and Johannesburg. 

If you’ve ever been to a Thai restaurant, you’re probably familiar with Thai iced coffee. This iced drink is sweetened with condensed milk and evaporated milk. If you visit Thailand, you’ll find variations of this (often with brown sugar) served at cafes all over the country!

Coffee is not grown in the Netherlands, and historically, it does not have a strong espresso culture like many southern European countries. However, the country has become a haven for third-wave cafe culture. You’ll find top brews of flat whites, iced coffees, and more in cafes throughout the country, particularly in Amsterdam.

Another coffee farm hotspot, Indonesia is a coffee-lovers paradise. I mean, the largest island is literally called Java! However, you’ve likely seen coffee sold in stores labeled “Sumatra” for one of the other islands where the fruit is most commonly grown! Coffee tourism is widespread throughout the country, and there are numerous cafes in every town where you can sample local beans.

Like Italy, espresso is king in Spain, and you’ll see visitors and locals alike sipping small cups at cafes in every city. Popular drinks include cafe con leche (half espresso, half milk), cortado (just a splash of milk), and Carajillo (served with brandy or whisky).

Tanzania has the ideal climate for growing beans, and you’ll find farms all over the country. So, if you’ve had your fill of safari and Zanzibar beach time, book a coffee tour!