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It's the drink that wakes the early bird in the morning. It sets us out the door and on our way to handle a busy day ahead. Many of us can't go a day without a sip of coffee, and in each of the following cities you won't have to. That's because the beverage is a great part of their culture, entwined into the social atmosphere and sprinkled along streets with buzzing cafes. If you just can't get enough of coffee, here are six destinations that invite every aficionado to unwind with a great tasting sip of their authentic brews.
Wellington, New Zealand
The spirit of coffee is alive and well in Wellington, a city driven by the aromas and tastes of the roasted drink. Dynamically interwoven into its heritage with numerous cafes dotted along its streets, Wellington has become an idyllic destination graced by conversations over a cup of coffee.
The world has also caught on to its coffee craze since it is deemed one of the most perfect places to sample a variety of styles. In Wellington, the bean is a powerful tool, especially in coffee houses like Milk Crate, Fidel's and Leeds St Bakery, which awaken by the sounds of espresso machines and grinders made to fashion brewed, dark or strong flavors for their guests' delight.
Seattle, WA
There's no escaping the need for a cup of coffee with the cool breezes of Seattle capturing the aromas of expressos and lattes, and blowing them into the air. Washington's capital is nation's top city for appeasing coffee cravings with more enthusiasts here than any other American city.
And it is quite easy to get your fix, especially when the roasted drink can also be delivered. Ranging from small shops to popular retailers like Starbucks, Seattle's identity is so strongly infused by coffee that it is impossible to travel across its byways without getting your brew on.
Havana, Cuba
No visit to Havana is complete without drinking coffee like a Cuban - that is if you can handle its strong taste. In fact, there is rarely a moment when the beverage isn't sipped since it is a tradition that commonly sparks conversation between tourists and locals.
Whether you start the day off with a shot of expresso or end a meal with café con leche (coffee mixed with hot milk), its authentic flavors is a treat that complements its delicious foods brilliantly. Even if you aren't hypnotized by the flavor of the bean, grabbing a sip of Havana's beloved drink is a taste of the city that stays with you long after you've returned home.
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
When you are the capital city of the birthplace of coffee you can expect tourists and residents alike to be high off the bean here. And if you truly want to drink like a local, you may find its bitter taste amazingly delicious. The café is so strong its aromas are powerful enough to stop the wandering traveler dead in his tracks. But let's be honest, there's no need for an excuse to dive into a great cup of coffee if you truly can't go a day without it.
From the fruity flavor of the Harar to the coffee plant Coffea Arabica, the brew can be found through the city's smallest nooks, which contributes to Ethiopia's long-lasting career as a coffee producer. Since the first coffee plant was spotted in the country centuries ago, Ethiopian cities like Addis Ababa have made the world wild after the beloved brew.
Hanoi, Vietnamese
The sweet taste of condensed milk incorporated into Vietnam's highly potent drink is all the craze in Hanoi, and justifiably so. Like other cultures of the world, coffee is usually the perfect start to the day here, but its richness isn't only consumed in the morning. That's because cafés offer cozy ambiences that are refreshingly drenched in aromas magnetizing fans from all over with flavors like Ce Phe Trung (egg coffee), weasel coffee and many others.
Imagine watching the history and beauty of Hanoi unfold with a mouthful of its authentic coffee. Not only will it be an enriching experience for the palate, but offer a coffee buzz that no other destination can provide.
Kona, Hawaii
Not only is Hawaii a destination marked by idyllic weather and stunning attractions, it is the producer of the famed 100% Kona coffee. Decorated with lush farms dripping with the bean, visitors can also venture on a journey through the process of harvesting the Hawaiian drink. And if that doesn't get you up amped up, the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival in November profoundly introduces the legacy of the beverage.
What's better than unwinding with a roasted brew in hand? Although Hawaii is such a sought-after destination, it may be best explored while highly caffeinated.
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