The World's Best Tea Shops

The world's best tea shops include tasting salons and boutiques that celebrate the rich history of tea ceremonies and tea drinking.

Tea drinking is a centuries-old practice with a rich history. Fine purveyors across the world are enhancing the experience by offering tasting salons within their retail stores. Here, tea company boutiques that master the celebration of this ancient art.

Mariage Frères; Paris

With one of the most elaborate selections in the world, this prestigious Parisian emporium showcases an apothecary-style wall of more than 600 aromatic varieties—all innovative and unparalleled in quality. Gourmands can savor the ultimate haute cup of tea (like the Coup De Soleil vanilla black tea blend with caramel and wild strawberry essence), alongside exquisite French cuisine and tea-scented delights. mariagefreres.com

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't Zonnetje; Amsterdam

't Zonnetje has been selling tea, coffee, and spices (thee, koffie, en kruiden) to the people of Amsterdam since 1642. Showcasing antique wares and an extensive tea selection, this charming retail shop features an upstairs salon serving accompaniments like Jodenkoeken (a traditional Dutch shortbread) and English marmalade. koffietheeenkruiden.nl

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Wang De Chuan; Taipei, Taiwan

This century-old, family-owned shop strives to reinvent tea culture with a fresh take on Taiwanese tradition. Sleek and contemporary, the latest outlet steeps the four major categories—green, verdant, red, and black—of Chinese tea, and serves richly flavored milk tea, a unique cold-brew tea, and freshly baked pastries. dechuantea.com

Perchs Tea Room; Copenhagen

Built in 1835, A.C. Perchs is one of the oldest tea stores in the world. Above the cherished shop in central Copenhagen is a serene second floor tearoom, where you can sip more than 130 high-quality varieties—several inspired by prominent Danish citizens, such as the Prince of Denmark blend or the Fairytale flavor in honor of Hans Christian Andersen. perchstearoom.dk

TWG Tea Salon & Boutique; Singapore

Regarded as an international tea institution, TWG (The Wellness Group) is a collection of premium retail outlets and exquisite tearooms across the globe. The high-end flagship salon in Singapore offers patrons a fine collection of harvest teas and exclusive blends, along with signature tea-infused delicacies and handmade patisseries in a luxurious setting. twgtea.com

Harney & Sons; Soho, New York City

Specializing in gourmet tea since 1983, Harney & Sons is a family-run American company headquartered in Millerton, New York. Now an international powerhouse, the company produces and distributes the finest-quality loose teas and tisanes, along with organic and certified kosher products. The trendy Soho shop offers more than 250 varieties at the tasting bar, along with monthly classes. harney.com

Ippodo; Kyoto, Japan

For nearly 300 years, Ippodo Tea Company has been producing the highest-quality Japanese green teas. Now, its carefully cultivated premium varieties are available at retail locations worldwide. Ippodo's main store, in the heart of Kyoto, also features the on-site Kaboku tearoom and hands-on workshops to encourage learning about Japanese tea culture. ippodo-tea.co.jp

DavidsTea; Canada (multiple locations)

These colorful, modern shops across Canada and the US offer a tea experience that is fun, fresh and welcoming. With the largest collection of organic teas and infusions in North America, DavidsTea steeps more than 150 delicious types including exclusive blends, premium green teas and whimsical dessert creations like Red Velvet Cake and the minty chocolate Read My Lips. davidstea.com

Bellocq Tea Atelier; Brooklyn

Following the success of its London outpost, this award-winning purveyor and atelier relocated to Greenpoint. Bellocq's unique selection includes fine pure and organic teas, woody pu-erhs, and handcrafted artisan blends like the smoky Gypsy Caravan with Indian and Chinese black teas, rose, and chile threads, or the fragrant Hindu Holiday with Amar Chai rooibos, ginger, cassia, and cardamom. bellocq.com

Rooibos Teahouse; Clanwilliam, South Africa

This charming Clanwilliam shop is the world's only teahouse serving exclusively rooibos (tea cultivated from plants grown on South Africa's lush western cape). The shop boasts more than 100 rich blends—in sweet, spicy, fruity, floral and herbal categories. Select five flavors to sample during an hour-long tasting session, or pick a pot to savor in the on-site garden. rooibos-route.co.za

Palais des Thés; Belgium (and worldwide)

With more than two dozen shops throughout the world, Palais des Thés is a powerhouse purveyor with an exceptional boutique in Brussels. You can sip classic loose varieties, small-batch grand crus and famous signature blends such as Thé Du Hammam green tea with roses, dates, berries and orange flower water, or Thé Des Amants black tea flavored with apple, almond, ginger, cinnamon, and vanilla. palaisdesthes.com

MingCha Tea House; Hong Kong

MingCha is a globally recognized brand of authentic, handcrafted Chinese tea. Known as a hidden gem in Hong Kong, this teahouse offers traditional tastings, workshops and events in a sleek, industrial setting. MingCha's selection of premium blends and varieties include reds, blacks, greens, and fragrant oolongs such as the award-winning Mandarin Orchid. mingcha.com

Camellia's Tea House; London

The English heritage of tea drinking, along with the beverage's healing properties, are celebrated at this quirky British salon. Camellia's showcases more than 100 tea blends and handmade herbal infusions, along with darling teaware and accessories sourced from all over the world. The famous afternoon tea service features artisan sweets, scones and finger sandwiches. camelliasteahouse.com