My Favorite Coffee Shops And Bookstores Around the World

First things first. Is this not the most quintessentially British T-shirt you’ve ever seen?!?!

I found it in Top Shop and simply couldn’t pass up this shirt during my recent travels to London. Who could resist channeling their inner Adele? 😉

Switching gears. Those that know me know that if they can’t find me at home or at work, they can usually find me at my favorite local coffeehouse in D.C., Ebenezers.

But those that know me, also know that I love to travel. And when I travel, I like to find places that are like a home-away-from-home. Usually a coffee shop or bookstore.

I can’t wait to share with you about my latest trip to the UK for my dear college roomie’s wedding, but before I share some cherished memories from the trip, I wanted to share some of my favorite homes-away-from home from my various travels.

I’ll start with D.C.:

• Ebenezers is obviously my go-to D.C. coffee shop. I’ve already shared some of my favorite things about Ebenezers in this post, so you can find everything you need to know there.
• Bakers and Baristas in Chinatown has one of my favorite chai tea lattes. It’s good for work meetings or just chilling with friends on the weekends. It’s really small and usually crowded, so it might take some time to snag a seat, but it’s worth the wait.
• Kramerbooks & Afterwords near Dupont Circle is to-die-for. I’ll do an entirely separate post on Kramer Books soon, but whether you are looking for a good book, delicious brunch, yummy ramen, or just a quick coffee, this place is a must-visit. Whether you are a local or a traveler, you won’t be disappointed.

South Korea:

• Angel-in-us that overlooks Ewha Women’s University. Not only is it in my favorite shopping district, which I talk about here, but it overlooks the gorgeous university campus. It’s a great people-watching location in Seoul, and it has this light and airy feel to its atmosphere. I’m not a coffee-drinker, but I love their smoothies, especially on a hot summer day. Angel-in-us is a chain in Korea, but this location specifically is worth visiting.
• GongCha is my favorite place to get bubble tea, not just in Korea, but in Taiwan, too. I’m ashamed to admit that I visited here almost every day to get my bubble tea fix. It’s not a really great place to just chill and enjoy, but it’s a great place to stop if you are looking for something to bring with you as you walk around the city. There are locations almost everywhere, from Sinchon to Hongdae to Myeongdong.

U.K.: 

• The Groundworks Hitchin is for the traveler going outside of London. It’s about 30-40 minutes train ride from Kings Cross London, but the entire town of Hitchin is absolutely adorable and totally catered the hipster millennial in me. My friends and I had some pretty wonderful conversations at this coffee shop. You can’t beat a coffee shop that combines your two favorite drinks: chai and hot chocolate.
• Travelling Through Bookshop is this really quaint bookstore and cafe near Waterloo station in London. It’s conveniently located near the London Eye, Big Ben, and Westminster Cathedral, but it’s kind of off-the-beaten-path, too (if that’s even possible). It’s definitely for the weary traveler who needs a place to wait for friends, sip a little tea, or read a good book. I had a lovely and rare quiet moment during my recent travels to London and greatly enjoyed the respite and lovely conversation with a young woman who worked there.

Let me know if you give them a visit or share some favorites of your own!

Cheers loves,

Liv

The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lordupholds his hand. I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread. He is ever lending generously, and his children become a blessing. Turn away from evil and do good; so shall you dwell forever.

~ Psalm 37:23-29

Shop the Look

T-shirt: Top shop, Sweater: Kooding, Jeans: Abercrombie and Fitch