Let’s face it, you’re either a coffee drinker or you aren’t.  I’m personally very much a coffee addict but I also like my tea & biscuits from time to time. Whether or not you prefer tea to coffee, someone in your group is bound to need their to satisfy their caffeine fix. When you’re traveling in any city are a few tips to finding great coffee, and they don’t require a tour book.

We all know that there is no shortage of restaurants, coffee houses, and boutiques immediately surrounding tourist attractions.  That’s because these places thrive on tourism as a means to survival.  This is not to say that any coffee spot located in a touristy area won’t be good, it just means that they don’t stay in business based upon returning customers.  You may be in town for just a week, but as soon as you leave you will no doubt be replaced by a new group of tourists looking for their morning cup of Joe.

Local restaurants and coffee shops don’t have the advantage of luring in tourists so they really rely heavily upon return customers. Even if their shop is located on the most obscure street corner, if locals love their product, they will make sure to come back.  Even in New York, I know people who walk 10 blocks out of their way to get coffee from their favorite brewer.

So when you get to your destination, glance at a map (preferably not in the middle of the street) and find an area that doesn’t have any tourist attractions and venture that way.  If you are on a time crunch and don’t want to go too far out of your way, just make sure you walk at least 8 blocks away from the crowded areas.  You are sure to find a place off the beaten path and will be happy with your choice.  Plus, it’s a great way to meet locals and if you are lucky, maybe they’ll give you an insider’s tour around town.