You can’t plan a day of travelling and exploring without first finding your coffee fix.

Melbourne might be renowned for its vibrant coffee culture, but Perth certainly gives it a run for its money. From coffee bars tucked down laneways and arcades, to late-night coffee haunts serving caffeine by candlelight, Perth has some impressive places to get your coffee fix. Here are 15 you have to try.

In Short

If you only try one coffee spot in Perth, make it Vetrina Café for its combo of smooth brews and Mediterranean-style treats (the cannoli alone are worth the trip).

1. Giant Coffee

Arguably one of the coolest coffee spots to grace this fair city. Perhaps an ironic name given its small size, Giant Coffee is a tiny coffee shop tucked down Kakulas Lane in the hip suburb of Northbridge. A few benches and milk crates line the alleyway for those who’d like to sit and enjoy their coffee. While still a good spot for winter coffee, their summer specials are where it’s at – they do cold brew and orange, and collaborate with local gelaterias for house-special affogatos.

Address: 109 James St 6A on, Nicks Ln, Northbridge WA 6003

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 7am-2pm, Sat & Sun 9am-2pm

2. Max + Sons

If you’re catching the train to Perth CBD, as soon as you emerge from the underground platform you’ll be greeted by Max + Sons. Pair your coffee with one of the delectable sweet treats from their cabinet and take a seat in their alfresco area.

Address: Gordon Stephenson House, 140 William St, Perth WA 6000

Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 6.30am-2.30pm, Fri 6.30am-2pm

3. Howard’s Groove

This underground coffee bar provides a quiet sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the busy St Georges Terrace. A full array of hot and cold coffees are on offer, as well as some slick merch that the Howard’s Groove team collaborate on with local designers.

Address: 22 Howard St, Perth WA 6000

Opening hours: Mon-Fri, 6.30am-2.30pm

4. Parkside Coffee

This gorgeous little hole-in-the-wall coffee spot is a neighbourhood favourite. Perched on the edge of the lush Stuart Street Reserve, it has coffees, juices and freshly baked treats for you to sit and enjoy in the sunshine. Grab a milk crate, sit down and bask in the Perth sun with your coffee.

Address: 2 Church St, Perth WA 6000

Opening hours: Mon-Sun 7am-4pm

5. Smooth Operator

Smooth Operator is a specialty coffee shop located in one of Perth City’s beautifully restored character buildings. Their usual brew is local Twin Peaks coffee, but they also feature a carefully selected rotation of guest coffees. Unwind in their relaxing and friendly environment and enjoy your coffee alongside toasties, treats and some very good tunes.

Address: Shop 4 / 938 Hay St, Perth WA

Opening hours: Mon-Fri, 6.30am-2pm

6. Little Soho

The light-filled, pastel-hued Little Soho is a treat for the eyes and the taste buds. Their two intimate city locations pour Micrology coffee, plus have pastries, croissants and bagels. The spaces are small so are designed for takeaways, but they do have a smattering of streetside tables on the sidewalk to sit with your brew and watch the morning go by.

Address: 182 St Georges Terrace & 555 Wellington Street, Perth WA

Opening hours: Mon-Fri, 6.30am-2pm

7. Vetrina Cafe

A chic little espresso bar bringing Italian coffee culture to Northbridge. Vetrina Cafe serves strong, smooth brews alongside continental rolls, flaky pastries and its signature cannoli, which are filled fresh daily. Seating is limited to a handful of benches out front, so it’s best for a quick pick-me-up or a takeaway on the go. Hot tip: don’t leave without trying the classic ricotta cannoli.

Address: 180 Newcastle St, Perth WA 6000

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 6:30am–2pm, Sat 7am–2pm

8. Lowdown Espresso

The bustling Lowdown Espresso is one of Perth’s most popular coffee spots, loved by city-dwelling locals and CBD workers looking to start their day. You can grab a takeaway coffee (and a pastry from their cabinet) and stroll through the city or take a seat at one of their tables.

Address: 16a Cloisters Arcade, 865 Hay St, Perth WA 6000

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 6am-4pm

9. La Veen Coffee

La Veen Coffee now has four locations across Perth (an ode to its popularity) but the King Street venue is a favourite. Its exposed brick and industrial chic vibes make it an atmospheric and inviting place to sit and enjoy your coffee with one of their scrumptious morning treats. Hot tip: order their famous breakfast brioche, with bacon, egg, spinach, relish and pickles.

Address: 79 King St, Perth WA 6000

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 6.30am-2pm, Sat & Sun 7.30am-12pm

10. Voodoo Cafe

The team at Voodoo Cafe take their coffee very seriously. They create their own roasted blends which you can enjoy in all the usual ways, as well as via a siphon, pour over or cold brew. Plus, they’re one of the few Perth coffee spots open late (until 10pm) for those who enjoy a nighttime coffee – with the dim lighting and candles adding a touch of evening ambience.

Address: Wellington Street Entrance to Raine Square at, 10/300 Murray Street Mall, Perth WA 6000

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 6am-10pm, Sat & Sun 8am-10pm

11. Telegram Coffee

Inside the iconic State Buildings is Telegram Coffee. All the coffee they serve is roasted by the team themselves. It’s a small little set-up – actually like a tiny (but gorgeous) wooden box – but they still manage to have an array of coffee options on offer as well as a small cabinet of baked goods.

Address: State Buildings, Cnr St Georges Tce and Barrack St, Perth WA 6000

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 6am-4pm

12. Cheerio Coffee

In Perth’s west end is Cheerio Coffee, a humble little neighbourhood coffee window. It’s a family-run operation, and the team whips up fresh bread and baked goods on site each morning. Everything is designed to takeaway, or enjoy at the long table out the front (if you can nab a seat, that is.)

Address: 50 Cleaver St, West Perth WA 6005

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 5.30am-12.30pm, Sat 7am-12pm

13. DripHouse

Another hole-in-the-wall coffee spot, DripHouse’s Perth CBD venue is a popular place for a caffeine hit. The dark wood interior of the small space makes it a cosy spot to sit at one of the (very few) tables and enjoy your brew.

Address: 772a Hay St, Perth WA 6000

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 7am-2pm

14. Bench Espresso

A stalwart of the Perth coffee scene, Bench Espresso is an iconic spot for locals. They bake all of their treats fresh on-site, and have ample seating for those who want to sit and enjoy. Be prepared to wait a little because this popular spot gets busy.

Address: 191/471 Hay St, Perth WA 6000

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 6.30am-5pm

15. Standing Room Only Coffee Bar

Down Piccadilly Arcade is this hip coffee bar. If the pink neon signs and 70’s music don’t put you in a good mood, the coffee definitely will. As the name suggests, there is no seating – you stand at the spacious bar and sip your coffee (and nibble your croissant) Italian style.

Address: Picadilly Arcade 7, 700 Hay St, Perth WA 6000

Opening hours: Mon – Fri 6.30am-3pm, Sat 8am-3pm