Top Reasons to Visit Local Coffee Shops While Traveling

A visit to a coffeehouse could improve your trip in ways you never expected.

It’s no surprise to my friends and family that I often take the lead when it comes to planning trips. Whether I’m visiting a European city for the first time or checking in on my younger brother at his college town, one spot I make sure to never miss is a local coffee shop.

Whether you’re a coffee drinker or not, there are plenty of ways visiting a local coffee shop can enhance your trip. Visiting these establishments helps you discover your neighborhood upon moving to a new place or allows you to see your hometown in an entirely new light. Keep reading to explore why a local coffee shop is a can’t-miss destination on any trip.

A Great Way to Start a Day of Sightseeing

Sure, you can buy coffee anywhere if you’re in need of a caffeine fix while traveling, be it an airport Starbucks or a roadside McDonald’s. However, I suggest making a deliberate trip to a neighborhood coffee shop where the locals enjoy their morning brew. There’s just no better way to get a sense of how a city or town starts its day, especially when you have a busy itinerary of visiting museums and historical landmarks ahead of you.

Get a Local Feel for the Destination

On a trip to Paris, we stopped into Téléscope Café in the 1st arrondissement, right outside the Jardin du Palais-Royal. By conversing with the café’s owner, who was generous with his recommendations, we crafted our own personal city guide. Although we couldn’t check out every spot he mentioned due to time constraints, it was reassuring to have a local-approved itinerary waiting for me for my next visit.

Discover a Neighborhood You Might Overlook

On one of my last trips before the pandemic, I visited Portland, OR, with friends. In an attempt to feel like locals, we ventured to the Belmont and Sunnyside neighborhoods in search of Never Coffee. We enjoyed watching locals come in for their daily brew while soaking in the morning sun. This experience led us to explore a neighborhood that wasn’t part of our original itinerary.

A Coffee Shop is the Perfect Place for Souvenirs

When you’re traveling, chances are someone at home is hoping you might bring them back a treat from your trip. For the coffee enthusiasts in your life, there’s no better souvenir than beans from a local roaster. Additionally, a tote or mug from your favorite coffee shop will always remind you of your special time in that destination.