10 Best Travel Spots for Café Culture

No matter where you are in the world, there’s one simple joy that brings people together—cafés. Every country has its own way of doing coffee, tea, and breakfast, and the café culture that comes with it is just as diverse. Some places are packed with tiny, charming cafés on every corner, while others are home to modern, stylish coffee shops that feel like an art gallery. Some cities embrace tradition with elegant, old-fashioned cafés, while others have a more laid-back, artsy vibe. Whether it’s coffee-heavy, tea-focused, pastry-filled, or brunch-centered, every café scene has something unique to offer.

One of the best parts of traveling is getting to explore this side of a place—sitting in a local café, people-watching, and getting a feel for the city’s rhythm over a good cup of coffee (or tea, if that’s your thing). I’ve traveled to over 30 countries across five continents, and in some places, café culture isn’t just part of daily life—it’s a whole experience and even a reason to visit.

So if you’re like me and love discovering cute cafés, finding the best coffee, or just soaking in the atmosphere of a new city, this list is for you. Here are ten of the best destinations around the world with a café culture you won’t want to miss.

1. Tirana, Albania

Albania is a country that takes its coffee seriously—especially a strong, no-nonsense cup of espresso. In the capital, Tirana, café culture isn’t just a part of daily life; it’s everywhere. Walk through the city center, and you’ll find cafés on nearly every corner—sometimes multiple on the same street. There are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of places to grab a coffee, whether you’re in the mood for a quick espresso at the bar or a more relaxed experience with a pastry and a cozy atmosphere.

Albanians have a deep-rooted love for their coffee rituals, and mornings are when you’ll see it in full effect. Groups of locals gather outside, sipping their coffee slowly, chatting, and taking in the day before heading off to work or wherever life takes them. There’s an effortless charm to it—the kind of laid-back energy that makes you want to pull up a chair, order a macchiato, and just soak in the vibe.

While Tirana has the highest concentration of cafés, this love for coffee isn’t limited to the capital. No matter where you go in Albania—whether it’s a bustling city, a small town, or a quiet coastal village—you’re never far from a café where you can experience this everyday ritual for yourself.

2. Tokyo, Japan

Japan has some of the most unique cafés I’ve ever been to—seriously, it’s on another level. Whether it’s a tiny, family-run matcha shop, a traditional tea house, or a futuristic café operated by robots, Tokyo has it all. Some places even print photos onto your lattes or create intricate 3D art with milk foam. The attention to detail and creativity in Japan’s café scene is unreal, making every stop feel like an experience, not just a coffee run.

One of the coolest things about Tokyo’s café culture is the mix of old and new. You’ll find centuries-old tea houses serving matcha the traditional way, right alongside sleek, modern coffee shops experimenting with flavors and techniques you’ve probably never seen before. If you love matcha or green tea, you’re in luck—Japan’s obsession with it means you’ll find some of the most interesting and delicious drinks, from creamy matcha lattes to rich, earthy green tea-infused pastries.

Because Tokyo is such a massive city, there are endless cafés to explore, each with its own unique twist. One of my personal favorites? The sakura latte. If you’re visiting during cherry blossom season, you’ll find sakura-flavored everything—from lattes to pastries—and it’s an absolute must-try.

3. Dubai, UAE

Dubai might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of café culture, but it’s actually home to one of the most diverse and exciting coffee scenes in the world. With its mix of cultures, traditions, and luxury, Dubai offers everything from ultra-elegant cafés to hidden, hole-in-the-wall spots serving up some of the best coffee and tea you’ll ever have.

One of the coolest things about Dubai’s café culture is the contrast. You can sip on a perfectly crafted cappuccino in a sleek, high-end café overlooking the Burj Khalifa, then turn the corner and grab a cup of traditional masala chai from a tiny street-side vendor. The city’s diversity means you’ll find all kinds of influences—Middle Eastern, European, and Asian cafés all woven into the mix.

Coffee has deep roots in the Arabian Peninsula, and Dubai carries on that tradition. Arabic coffee, often made with lightly roasted Arabica beans is a staple in many cafés. It’s usually served in a small cup alongside fresh dates, a combination that reflects the region’s history. If you want a taste of tradition, head to one of Dubai’s more local spots and try local coffee with dates—it’s a must.

4. Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai is a café lover’s paradise, especially with its growing community of digital nomads and creatives. The city is packed with incredible coffee shops, breakfast spots, and pastry cafés that make it impossible to run out of new places to try. Whether you’re looking for a trendy brunch café tucked away in a lush garden or a simple street-side coffee stall serving strong Thai coffee, Chiang Mai has it all.

One of the highlights of Chiang Mai’s café scene is its variety. You’ll find places serving traditional Thai tea, creamy matcha lattes, and inventive coffee blends alongside specialty roasters focusing on high-quality local beans. Northern Thailand has a booming coffee industry, and many cafés proudly serve coffee made from beans grown in the surrounding mountains, offering a rich and locally sourced experience.

What makes Chiang Mai’s café culture so special is the fusion of flavors and influences. Many spots seamlessly blend Western-style brunch options with Asian flavors, creating unique dishes you won’t find anywhere else. From smoothie bowls topped with tropical fruit to croissants filled with Thai-inspired custards, the creativity is endless.

The best part? There’s a café for every vibe—whether you want a cozy spot to get some work done, a stylish café with aesthetic decor, or a peaceful garden café where you can sip coffee surrounded by greenery. No matter how long you stay in Chiang Mai, you’ll never run out of amazing cafés to explore.