The Unusual Starbucks Across the World Revealed – From a Coffee Shop Inside a Castle to One in the Middle of the Desert and Even a Converted Bank Vault
There are more than 35,000 Starbucks around the world, with the coffee chain setting up shop in every continent except Antarctica.
While many of the shops are run-of-the-mill buildings, some have been converted from differently purposed buildings including pubs, houses and even a shipping container.
Prague Castle, Prague
The Guinness Book of Records names Prague Castle as the largest ancient castle in the world spanning 70,000 square meters and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Prague.
A visit to this store allows you to step back in time whilst enjoying your favourite Starbucks beverage and the view of Prague’s stunning skyline.
Grand Turks Cruise Terminal, Turks & Caicos
The back of the store features a mural, hand-painted by artist Maria Camila Bernal Toro of Remedios Art, showing the Siren — a Starbucks icon — with her double-tail bent underwater.
The artist recreated the Siren to evoke the same tranquillity and pleasure so many travellers in the past were rumoured to search for among the Sea.
Blue Mall Punta Cana, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
The first Starbucks location in Punta Cana, located at the Blue Mall Punta Cana, pays tribute to the ‘Jewel of the Caribbean’ by combining high-quality arabica coffee and a comfortable atmosphere inspired by local culture with the convenience of Starbucks drive-thru service.
The store features murals painted by local artist, Ivanna Candelier, telling the story of Starbucks bond with the Dominican land, the local people, and the magic of the coffee bean.
Boulevard des Capucines, Paris
In the heart of Paris lies the Boulevard des Capucines store, which has undergone extensive design work to restore some of the building’s historic features.
The original building and courtyard date back to the 17th century, and two decades later it became an iconic department store selling fabrics and textiles.
Perfectly located near the beautiful Opéra Garnier in the centre of Paris, it boasts one of the most enviable locations in Paris, and first opened its doors as a Starbucks store in June 2006.
Dubai Mall Chinatown, UAE
Placed within the vibrant Dubai Mall’s Chinatown, this store’s design concept pays homage to the rich heritage of Chinese culture.
Its unique ambience provides a tranquil stop amidst the busy mall, inviting visitors to savour their favourite beverages and treats, including the latest Oleato range.
Customers can then indulge in a unique shopping experience in the world’s most visited mall and embark on a cultural journey through Chinatown.
Hacienda Alsacia, San Luis, Costa Rica
Arabica beans were first introduced to Costa Rica in the 1700s, and today coffee is an important part of the country’s economy.
To help ensure the future of coffee, the mission of Hacienda Alsacia is clear: Create best practices to make growing coffee more profitable for small-scale farms; develop the next generation of disease-resistant, high-quality coffee; and share information and resources freely with farmers around the world. Tickets to experience the Hacienda Alsacia Visitor Center include a 90-minute guided tour, coffee tastings, parking and a take-away bandana.
Tower of London, London
Located in central London, opposite historic tourist attraction, the Tower of London, locals and tourists alike can shake up their unique Summer vibe by enjoying a range of our iced crafted beverages to cool off this Summer such as the brand-new Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew or a much loved classic Strawberries and Cream Frappuccino Blended Beverage.
The Tower Place store has been carefully designed to champion handcrafted coffee and celebrate coffee craft culture. Its modern upstairs Mezzanine level overlooking the Tower of London creates a true contrast of old and new.
Its location and proximity to the Thames means it boasts stunning views of the city’s famous river and London’s tallest building, The Shard.
Duomo, Florence
A stone’s throw away from the Santa Maria in Fiore Cathedral and from Piazza del Duomo with the famous Brunelleschi’s dome, the store is a stop both for the local community and for tourists who come to the city to admire some of the best art masterpieces the country has to offer.
The new store combines the chromatic shades of the near cathedral with botanic-themed artworks. The store’s design respects the existing architectural structures with arches,
Starbucks Reserve Roastery, Milan
You’d be forgiven for mistaking this branch for an ancient regal building.
Here, one can immerse in the world of coffee, watch Master Roasters roast the small-batch coffees Starbucks Reserve is known for, and choose some beans from the scoop bar for the trip home.
Cap off the visit with a cappuccino at a café table in a bronze bird cage out on the terrace or an Aperol Spritz at the marble-topped Arriviamo Bar.
Amsterdam Bank, Amsterdam
The first concept store for Starbucks in Europe was launched in Amsterdam in 2012, where they opened in a former bank in Amsterdam’s Rembrandt Square.
A nod to its history, the coffee shop preserves the vault’s original exposed concrete walls along with the 1920s marble floors.
