Buenos Aires

If drinking coffee in more than just a habit, if you would like to take a closer look at those dark beans instead of quickly swallowing the resulting product, look no further. The LAB not only offers one of the widest choice of coffees in Buenos Aires, but also shares its knowledge organizing coffee-themed labs, workshops and training sessions.

The antique aesthetic of this historic cafe, somewhere between a middle-class hangout and an Art Nouveau museum, will turn drinking coffee into a fascinating experience.

Once a gathering place for artists, journalists and poets, London City is nowadays considered one of the most prominent establishments of its kind in town, a bearer of the city's cultural heritage. The cafe recently converted into a restaurant, but still offers its many delicious cakes and pastries, to be tasted next to the statue of Argentinian novelist Julio Cortázar.

Cocu is not just a cafe. It is a tale of bravery, initiative and a hint of recklessness. It is the story of three young french entrepreneurs who decided to change their lives and translate the French culinary experience into a nice Buenos Aires boulangerie, using local ingredients only.

As the name suggests, Birkin is fashionable and classy. Wear something nice but not flashy, bring a book and enjoy breakfast, brunch or lunch with friends. The menu has great vegan and vegetarian options, as well as excellent coffee and desserts. Definitely a place to see and be seen.

The historic Café Tortoni opened its doors for the first time in 1858, and it is one of the best places in the city to experience traditional tango. Once a favourite haunt of artists, writers and musicians, it really brings to life the bohemian side of Buenos Aires, and it keeps the tradition alive with riveting and intimate tango performances.

Recently declared a Place of Cultural Interest by the city, this is yet another historically important cafe, known among other things for being the old hangout of some legendary Argentinian icons, such as writers Jorge Luis Borges and Adolfo Bioy Casares, whose photographs can be seen hanging behind the bar.

Buenos Aires is one of the world's great literary cities, and there is no better place to browse shelf after shelf in search of a hidden gem than El Ateneo Grand Splendid. Housed in a former grand theatre, the setting alone is worth a visit, and book-lovers will want to spend entire days admiring the volumes that extend wall-to-wall. Not only is it a great place to shop for books, but the local cafe (located on what used to be the stage of the theatre) invites shoppers to linger a bit longer and enjoy their new purchases over a cup of hot coffee.

Another Buenos Aires institution, Las Violetas has been in operation for about 130 years, and it still retains that classical feel about it, from the decor to the place settings, to the immaculately presented wait staff. Everything about Las Violetas just screams with class, and the excellent coffee and pastries make it impossible to resist.