Last year, 2024, I got to visit Melbourne for a conference, and I was super excited about two things: 1) the conference itself, since my friends and I had spent almost a year working on the research, and 2) Melbourne’s awesome coffee culture. Well, I was so ready to explore all the coffee shops!

I stayed in the Melbourne Central, which made me feel so lucky because there were great coffee shops just a few steps away from my hotel. As a seasonal coffee traveler, I usually prepare a list of coffee shops for my trips, though I often make some adjustments along the way. Here are some of the coffee shops I managed to visit during my trip in Melbourne.

Little Rogue was the first coffee shop I visited. Right after arriving in Melbourne, I dropped my bag at the hotel and headed straight there while my friend was still battling jet lag. It was a Saturday morning, and the café was already packed with locals and tourists (like me). The coffee was great, and the baristas were super friendly. The place itself is small but cozy and homey. I loved it! I had a flat white here.

Brother Baba Budan was my second stop. The café was super packed when I arrived, both inside and outside, so I ended up ordering a takeaway. It made me realize that Melbourne’s coffee culture is on a whole different level, even compared to London. What really caught my attention was the art installation in the café, it was beautifully curated. Regarding the coffee, their house blend was quite strong, perfect for a quick caffeine kick.

Dukes Coffee Roaster, I visited this café in the afternoon after a city stroll with my friend. It was almost closing time, but the place was still crowded. The coffee was quite strong, but I loved it. Luckily, we managed to get a seat inside and enjoy another flat white. I really loved the café’s ambiance, small, warm, and beautifully dominated by timber.

Brick Lane, I visited this café twice. The first time was on a rainy Sunday morning with my friend, but the café was full, so we decided to order takeaway. The next day, I went back right after my morning walk. The coffee was so awesome that it brought me back for a second visit. The café itself is quite spacious, though it gets really packed on the weekends.

Patricia Coffee Brewers, I got some recommendations from my friend for this coffee shop, so it was definitely on my list. Their coffee is amazing, and I absolutely loved it. The café is small and efficient, which reminded me of John Mills Himself in Brisbane. Most people ordered takeaway, but my friend and I decided to enjoy it there.

St Ali & The Queen was my stop on the last day in Melbourne, while I was waiting for Queen Victoria Market to open. The place is quite spacious, and I got my morning coffee there. It’s definitely recommended if you’re visiting the QVM.

Market Lane Coffee, This was my last coffee stop during my Melbourne trip, also located in Queen Victoria Market. It’s a small café, but the coffee is great. I ordered a takeaway and even bought some beans to take home.

Overall, my coffee trip in Melbourne was such a great experience. The city has such a chill vibe, and the coffee culture really lives up to the hype. I really loved hopping around the coffee shops. Also, the trams made getting around so easy, and I loved it. For me, Melbourne truly has its own charm, and I can’t wait to come back for more coffee pilgrimages.

Adiós!