It may not be the first city you think of when asked to name a coffee mecca, but if you’re traveling to Shanghai, there are plenty of excellent coffeehouses to keep you sufficiently caffeinated. Here is a compilation of eight of Shanghai’s best, most relaxing, and most unique cafés — all can’t-miss opportunities for your next trip to this vibrant city.

01. Amokka Café

Address: China, Shang Hai Shi, Xu Hui Qu, 安福路201号 邮政编码: 200031

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Phone: +86 21 5404 0998

Amokka features a spacious upstairs area with comfortable seating. They have a full range of coffees, drinks, and food, allowing you to enjoy coffee and breakfast in the morning and transition to lunch later. The coffee here is good, and the atmosphere is even better, making it a popular brunch spot for American expats and visitors.

02. Baker & Spice

Address: 195 An Fu Lu, Xu Hui Qu, Shang Hai Shi, China, 200020

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Phone: +86 21 5404 2733

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When Baker & Spice opened its first outlet on trendy Anfu Road, Shanghai’s bakery scene was lacking. This café gained immediate popularity for its amazing baked goods and excellent coffees. Now with multiple locations, it offers strong cappuccinos and a vibrant atmosphere.

03. Café del Volcán

Address: 80 Yong Kang Lu, Xu Hui Qu, China, 200031

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Phone: +86 156 1866 9291

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Café del Volcán serves as much as a place to buy coffee beans as it is to enjoy coffee. This boutique specializes in signature blends and roasts its own beans, offering exquisite coffees that many visitors buy as gifts to take home.

04. Café Paddy

Café Paddy is a tiny yet charming café located in Shanghai’s former French Concession. Here, you can enjoy good coffees during the day or delightful cocktails in the evening.

Address: 394 Yongjia Road, near Taiyuan Road | 永嘉路394号, 近太原路

05. Rumors Coffee

At Rumors, the focus is on handcrafted, exquisite, and carefully sourced drip coffee. The Japanese owners import unique beans, roast them, and brew coffee fresh upon order. The cozy shop is a great spot to converse, and the owners are always eager to share their knowledge about the different coffee options available.

Address: 9 Hunan Road | 湖南路9号

06. Seesaw Coffee

Address: 433 Yu Yuan Lu, Jing An Qu, Shang Hai Shi, China, 200040

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Located in the Jing’an District, Seesaw Coffee presents an array of mixed coffee drinks catering to Western tastes, including mochas and flat whites. While it may be a bit hidden from the busy areas, many agree the trip is worth it.

07. The Press by Inno Coffee

Address: China, Shang Hai Shi, Huang Pu Qu, 汉口路309号 邮政编码: 200086

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This coffee shop is situated in a former newspaper building, complete with a brunch menu that features numerous Western staples and local dishes. Visitors also appreciate its high tea service in addition to the coffee offerings.

08. Sumerian

Address: China, Shang Hai Shi, Jing An Qu, 陕西北路415号 邮政编码: 200041

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This venue closely resembles what most Western visitors expect from a coffee shop, featuring bagel sandwiches alongside coffee. It remains popular for both breakfast and lunch among locals and tourists alike.