As legendary Hollywood actor Clark Gable simply put it, “I never laugh until I’ve had my coffee.” Cream or sugar, iced or hot, no matter how you take your coffee, one thing is for certain: without this beverage, a lot of us would have trouble getting out of bed in the morning.

But there are more places that just your breakfast nook to enjoy this storied beverage. Picture yourself savoring espresso in the world’s oldest café or exploring iconic coffee farms. Here, we’ve rounded up a few coffee themed experiences around the world that will not only make your coffee heart flutter but also give you that crucial java jolt.

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

To call yourself a true coffee lover, you have to go back to where it all began. Ethiopia proudly claims itself as the birthplace of coffee, and you can feel the coffee culture embedded in the country’s soul. Experience this legacy by attending a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony or exploring Addis Ababa’s thriving coffee scene. Start your journey at Tomoca, a beloved coffee institution founded in 1953. This iconic café offers a standing-room-only space, where you can savor some of the world’s best brews.

Make time to explore Harrar Coffee & Roastery, famous for its rich Harar beans. Enjoy the spicy, floral notes that highlight Ethiopia’s coffee heritage. At Kaldi’s Coffee, enjoy a modern twist on Ethiopian classics through espresso combined traditional brews in a relaxed setting. For fresh beans, head to Mercato market, where you can sample beloved Ethiopian coffees. Yirgacheffe coffee offers bright acidity with floral, citrus notes and a tea-like body, while Sidamo brings smooth, fruity flavors with a hint of earthiness and vibrant acidity. Looking for a gift to bring home to your friends and family? Grab some fun coffee accessories and take home a piece of Ethiopia’s coffee culture.

Jamaica

Having a cup of Jamaica’s Blue Mountain Coffee is a coffee lover’s rite of passage. The coffee produced in the country’s Blue Mountains is considered some of the best in the world, known for its mild, balanced flavor. Due to the limited growing area, Blue Mountain Coffee is relatively scarce, not to mention nearly 80% of production exported to Japan. As a result, it often comes with a higher price tag than typical specialty coffees, making it a luxury choice for coffee enthusiasts.

Colombia

If you’re a coffee lover, you’ll love Montenegro, Colombia., which has a theme park dedicated entirely to coffee. Known as Parque del Café, this amusement park was created by the National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia. Dedicated to the preservation of the cultural and historical heritage of coffee in Colombia, the amusement park features plenty of rides like multiple roller coasters, bumper boats, carousels, and much more. But, it’s the park’s coffee museums and exhibits that draw coffee fans from all around the world. You can tour a replica coffee plantation, learn about the history of coffee cultivation, and even see different coffee variations growing.

In addition to Parque del Café, you can also visit the nearby Hacienda Venecia, a family-run coffee farm offering in-depth tours. Walk through lush coffee fields, learn about sustainable farming, and even take part in a hands-on coffee-picking experience. Afterward, enjoy a guided tasting session, where you’ll explore the distinct flavors of Colombian coffee and learn how different roasting techniques affect taste. You can also stay overnight at Hacienda Venecia’s guesthouse and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere in the mountains.

Venice, Italy

Caffé Espresso miscela Florian by Richard, enjoy my life! licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

No coffee lover’s journey is complete without a visit to Caffe Florian in Venice’s iconic Piazza San Marco. Opened in 1720, this historic café holds the title of Europe’s oldest and the world’s longest continuously operating coffee house. For nearly 300 years, people from all walks of life have enjoyed their coffee here, from artists and poets to modern-day travelers. Sit down with a cappuccino and bask in the ambiance of centuries-old Venetian charm, surrounded by gilded mirrors, marble floors, and artwork.

While in Venice, make your coffee tour complete by joining a Venetian coffee-tasting experience. Learn about traditional Italian espresso-making techniques, visit artisan coffee roasters, and enjoy a perfectly pulled espresso while overlooking the canals. The Venice Delights: Coffee & Food Experience Walking Tour takes you through historic cafés, and teaches you how to drink your coffee like a local. You’ll sample various coffee types paired with local pastries while learning about Venice’s coffee history. The two-hour tour also covers iconic landmarks like St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge.

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Indonesia

Not only is Indonesia the world’s fourth largest producer of coffee, but the country is also home to the island of Java. Brought to the island by early Dutch explorers, coffee quickly became Java’s drink of choice, especially the Arabica bean. Aside from being home to coffee’s iconic nickname, Java features loads of coffee plantations you can tour and sample the good stuff. Java is also the home to the infamous kopi luwak, the coffee that navigates the intestinal tract of a civet before it’s prepared, and costs a small fortune.

Next, head to Sumatra, another coffee-rich island known for its beans like Mandheling and Gayo, prized for their smooth, low-acid profile. Take the Sumatera Coffee Tour, which starts from Medan city and takes you to Sidamanik village. Here, you’ll join local coffee farmers in harvesting, pulping, drying, sorting, roasting, and finally brewing the coffee. After the coffee program, you can enjoy the scenic views of Lake Toba before returning to Medan. For a modern twist, visit Bali’s trendy cafes like Expat Roasters in Seminyak, where local baristas experiment with Indonesian beans in creative ways, serving pour-overs, cold brews, and lattes with a tropical twist.

Q: What’s a good time of year to visit these coffee destinations?
A: It depends on the location. Ethiopia’s harvest season is October to December, ideal for coffee ceremonies. Jamaica’s Blue Mountains are great in winter (December to April). Colombia’s coffee region has a pleasant climate year-round. Venice shines in spring or fall for smaller crowds, while Indonesia’s dry season (May to September) is ideal for plantation tours.

Q: Do I need to bring my own coffee equipment when visiting coffee farms?
A: No, most coffee farms and plantations provide all equipment needed for tastings and tours. However, if you’re a fan of specific brewing methods, consider bringing a portable pour-over or AeroPress to enjoy your favorite style.

Q: Are English-language tours available at these coffee destinations?
A: Yes, major coffee farms and tourist sites, especially in Colombia, Ethiopia, and Jamaica, often provide English-language tours. It’s always best to book in advance or confirm with the tour provider to check availability.

Q: Is it possible to buy fresh coffee beans from these destinations?
A: Absolutely. Many plantations and cafés offer freshly roasted beans for sale, and some even ship internationally. Check customs regulations if you’re bringing large quantities back home, as some countries have restrictions on coffee imports.

Q: What type of accommodations are available near these coffee destinations?
A: You’ll find a range of options, from cozy guesthouses near Ethiopia’s coffee farms to luxury eco-lodges in Colombia’s coffee region. Jamaica’s Blue Mountains have historic coffee estate stays, while Venice offers charming hotels. Book ahead for high-season visits.

Q: How can I learn more about the coffee culture in each destination?
A: Aside from plantation tours, try joining local coffee workshops, visiting coffee museums, or attending festivals. Many destinations offer barista courses, cupping sessions, and even latte art classes to deepen your coffee knowledge.

Addicted to coffee and love to travel? Share your favorite coffee destinations with us in the comments below.