When traveling to a new destination, finding the perfect coffee shop isn’t just about getting your caffeine fix. It’s a place where you discover the pulse of a city, where you soak in the language, vibes, and people. Sometimes, those cafes are grab-and-go (which we appreciate in a rush!), but we also love the destinations beautiful enough to make us linger—spaces that invite us to sit down, unwind, and indulge in a sip or bite.
Below, we’ve gathered ten beautiful coffee shops from around the world that have us dreaming of booking a ticket. Or at least where we'll take our next coffee break.
Located in San Francisco's SOMA neighborhood, this bright and airy shop is buzzing with activity. As the flagship space of the brand, it holds a production roastery, an open coffee bar, a community gathering space, and company headquarters all under one roof.
Yours Truly, Cape Town, South Africa
Founded in 2010, Yours Truly now encompasses four locations, each with a unique vibe. Make sure to check out the original spot, the Long Street Cafe. It’s a favorite with locals, and its veritable jungle of vibrant plant life will likely win you over, too.
Inspired by both the Italian spirit and Brazilian lifestyle, this new Milanese cafe was designed by local architects Studiopepe. The mix of black marquina marble, deep blue walls, and pink copper-trimmed furnishings is the perfect atmosphere for an espresso.
Fuglen, Tokyo, Japan
Outfitted in a charming mid-century Norwegian design, this Tokyo cafe feels more like a stylish home. Take your seat in either a recessed parlor adorned with shelves full of ceramics and knick-knacks, or a communal table bathed in sunlight.
As the oldest cafe in the capital city, Café Brasilero has long been the center of bohemian culture. Over 140 years, its dark wooded panels has hosted artists, writers, and musicians, and now, you.
Open, light, and airy, this cafe commands quite a crowd on LA’s Sunset Boulevard. The honey-colored wood and bright skylights make the space almost radiant, while the central floating bar is intended to make anyone who walks in the bar feel welcome and close to the baristas, no matter where they sit.
What happens when one of Paris leading coffee roasters takes over the most Parisian-looking cafes? A dream come true. Located between the Canal Saint Martin and Belleville neighborhoods, this popular destination is perfect for morning, noon, or night.
Renowned for their array of specialty coffees, the team behind Addison and Steele keeps things playful with little details like bowler hat lamps and geometric countertops. Their menu guides customers to learn more about coffee with theatrical pour overs and siphon brewings at the open-style bar.
This simple, soothing, monochromatic cafe was designed to feel “fundamentally and authentically Mexican.” Its warm wooden tables and leather chairs evoke the coffee-making process and the earth in which it's grown, and invite you to spend just a couple more minutes with your mug.
Marché Maman, New York City, New York
If you already love the charming and chic Maman cafés, then head over to their marché—a mixture of marketplace, café, and boutique in trendy Soho. Peruse through hard-to-find French brands, while sipping on one of their latest latte flavors, honey lavender.
What's your favorite coffee shop to sit and stay awhile? Dish in the comments section below!
See what other Food52 readers are saying.