As the world’s most popular coffee destination, there were more than 40,199 Starbucks locations by the end of 2024. Split almost evenly between North America and the rest of the world, there are plenty of usual Starbucks locations that feel pretty standard in terms of the overall look and feel of the location.
With over 40,000 locations worldwide, there is no question some Starbucks building designs will wow you. Just something about how Starbucks integrates into each location works so well. Some Starbucks locations are worth visiting, even if you don’t buy a drink. 4 million Americans are set to retire this year. If you want to join them, click here now to see if you’re behind, or ahead. It only takes a minute. (Sponsor)
Key Points
However, for as many Starbucks locations that pretty much follow the company’s standard design language, a few truly stand out. Whether because of the size of the store or breathtaking architecture, Starbucks has gone the extra mile in multiple locations worldwide that are well worth visiting if you have the opportunity.
10. Starbucks Containers
- Location: Hualien City, Taiwan
- Open since: 2018
- Notable features: Starbucks’ first and only metal container location
Container Starbucks
Arguably one of the most unique Starbucks locations in the world, this South Korean location comprises metal shipping containers. It was designed by a Japan-based architect, Kengo Kuma, using 29 shipping containers with seating over two floors. Best of all, this location is right near the Pacific Ocean, so you get a view of Hualien Bay while enjoying your latte or coffee. Before you go, grab the perfect Instagram-ready picture with the store in the background.
9. Concierge Starbucks
- Location: Bali, Indonesia
- Open since: 2024
- Notable features: Not your usual Starbucks, this is a “coffee experience center”
Coffee With Classes
One of the most unique Starbucks locations in the world, you can start your journey at this location by taking one of the available coffee classes. When you complete a class, you receive your very own pin to help commemorate your experience. This location includes a coffee seedling nursery, media room, valet parking, and even a concierge who can help you with every aspect of your Starbucks experience when visiting this standout location.
8. Hacienda Alsacia
- Location: Alajuela, Costa Rica
- Open since: 2013
- Notable features: Starbucks only working farm that has a store
Farm to Coffee
As Starbucks’ only working coffee farm, this Costa Rican location is second to none. Located on the slopes of the Poas volcano, you can quite literally see the journey of a coffee bean from the moment it comes out of the soil and directly into your coffee cup. When it comes to wanting freshly-made coffee, people travel worldwide to drink at this cafe, one of the world’s best.
7. Starbucks Playground
- Location: Seoul, South Korea
- Open since: July 2014
- Notable features: Modern design, store number 800 in South Korea
Glass Domed Starbucks
Immediately identifiable thanks to its giant glass dome, the Starbucks Famille in Seoul, South Korea, is one big playground for coffee lovers. While it looks beautiful during the day, this location comes to life at night with breathtaking architectural design and birdies hanging from the dome-shaped ceiling that feels fairy-tale-like.
6. Starbucks Paris
- Location: Boulevard des Capucines
- Open since: June 2006 (refreshed in June 2017)
- Notable features: Originally dates back to the 17th century
Paris and Starbucks Together
When Starbucks opened up its Boulevard de Capucines location in Paris, it instantly became one of the most iconic locations in the company’s portfolio. Built inside a 17th-century building, this location is near the famous Opera Garnier in the center of Paris. Today, the location pays homage to the building’s rich history with dark panels and brass balustrades. At the same time, bespoke furniture helps maintain the idea that this is one of the most unique Starbucks you can find anywhere in the world.
5. Michigan Avenue
- Location: Chicago, Illinois
- Open since: November 2019
- Notable features: More than 35,000 square feet over five stories
Largest In The World
The current title holder as the world’s largest Starbucks, this Michigan Avenue location in Chicago, Illinois, is over 35,000 square feet and has five stories. What is a theme park for Starbucks and coffee lovers, the “Magnificent Mile” location is pretty much everything you would want in a Starbucks in the United States. There are even alcoholic beverages available, which only boosts the reason to visit this location.
4. Shanghai Roastery
- Location: Shanghai, China
- Open since: December 2017
- Notable features: Bright enough lights to fit right in on the Vegas strip
Global City Meets Starbucks Roastery
Home to the Shanghai Roastery, this Starbucks location has been open since December 2017 and features enough bright lights outside to fit right next to a Las Vegas strip hotel. It’s a “theatrical experience,” and there is something extraordinary about seeing the coffee you are drinking come to life up close, and it makes you feel a little better than Starbucks pricing.
3. Starbucks Egypt
- Location: Grand Egyptian Museum, Egypt
- Open since: Summer 2023
- Notable features: Located inside the largest archeological museum in the world
Pyramids and Coffee
Home to the largest archeological museum in the world, the Grand Egyptian Museum, this Starbucks sits on a site filled with more than 7,000 years of ancient Egyptian history. The location is filled with geometric patterns that fit right in with the rest of the museum’s aesthetic, and ancient artifacts are located right outside the museum’s entrance.
2. Prague Castle
- Location: Prague, Czech Republic
- Open since: December 2023
- Notable features: At the very top of an ancient castle
Castle Starbucks
When it comes to jaw-dropping Starbucks locations, it’s hard to beat the very top of Prague Castle. Built in the 9th century, this location offers you a stunning panoramic view of much of Prague, making it one of the most postcard-like locations the coffee company can deliver to customers. It’s hard to beat this combination of coffee and one of the largest ancient castles still standing today.
1. Starbucks Reserve Roastery
- Location: Milan, Italy
- Open since: September 2018
- Notable features: First Starbucks in Italy (largest in Europe at the time), housed in Palazzo dell Poste building
First Italian Starbucks
The first Starbucks in Italy opened in September 2018 and is still one of its best locations. Housed in the historic Palazzo dell Poste building, it lets you see the entire roasting process up close and personal. Starbucks calls this location a “truly immersive experience” on its website, and this couldn’t be more truthful. There is no question that “no detail was too small” was precisely what the company was hoping for.
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