Best Cafes in Shillong with Amazing Views

Introduction

Shillong is one of the most beautiful hill stations in Northeast India.

Known as the “Scotland of the East,” Shillong is famous for its green hills, pleasant weather, waterfalls, music culture, and charming streets.

But there is another reason travelers love Shillong.

It is the city's amazing cafe culture.

From cozy coffee shops to stylish cafes with mountain views, Shillong has plenty of places where you can relax after sightseeing.

Many cafes offer beautiful interiors, fresh coffee, local food, snacks, desserts, and peaceful views.

If you are planning a trip to Shillong, spending an afternoon at a scenic cafe should definitely be on your itinerary.

In this guide, SortMyTrip brings you some of the best cafes in Shillong with amazing views, great food, and a relaxing atmosphere.

Why Visit Cafes in Shillong?

Shillong cafes are more than places to grab coffee.

They are perfect for relaxing, meeting friends, working remotely, or simply enjoying the city's peaceful atmosphere.

Some cafes offer views of the surrounding hills.

Others are popular for their interiors, music, food, or local flavors.

Reasons to explore Shillong cafes

• Beautiful mountain surroundings

• Cozy and comfortable interiors

• Fresh coffee and tea

• Local and continental food

• Great places for photography

• Peaceful atmosphere

• Perfect for couples and friends

• Good places to relax after sightseeing

Best Cafes in Shillong with Amazing Views

1. Café Shillong

Café Shillong is one of the popular cafe names associated with Shillong's vibrant cafe culture.

The cafe has a warm and relaxed atmosphere.

It is a good place to spend some time with friends while enjoying coffee and snacks.

The cafe's connection with Shillong's music culture also adds to its charm.

What to try

• Coffee

• Sandwiches

• Snacks

• Desserts

• Cafe-style meals

Best for: Friends, music lovers, casual dining, and relaxing evenings.

2. Dylan's Café

Dylan's Café is inspired by the legendary American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan.

It is a popular stop for music lovers visiting Shillong.

The cafe has a comfortable atmosphere and a creative personality.

It is a good choice if you enjoy music, coffee, and casual conversations.

Why visit?

• Music-inspired interiors

• Relaxed atmosphere

• Coffee and snacks

• Popular with young travelers

• Great place for music lovers

Best for: Music enthusiasts and casual cafe hopping.

3. Laitumkhrah Cafes

Laitumkhrah is one of the best areas in Shillong for cafe lovers.

The neighborhood has several cafes, restaurants, and small food spots.

It is especially popular with students and young travelers.

The area has a lively atmosphere without losing Shillong's relaxed charm.

You can spend an entire afternoon exploring cafes around Laitumkhrah.

Why visit Laitumkhrah?

• Several cafes in one area

• Coffee and desserts

• Casual atmosphere

• Local food options

• Great for cafe hopping

Best for: Young travelers, couples, students, and food lovers.

4. Café Heritage

Café Heritage offers a cozy environment where travelers can enjoy food and drinks in a relaxed setting.

It is a good option for visitors looking for a quieter cafe experience.

The comfortable atmosphere makes it suitable for conversations and leisurely meals.

What makes it special?

• Comfortable seating

• Relaxed surroundings

• Variety of food

• Good place for a peaceful break

Best for: Families and travelers looking for a calm cafe.

5. Bread Cafe

Bread Cafe is another option for travelers looking for simple food, baked items, beverages, and a casual atmosphere.

It can be a convenient stop during a day of Shillong sightseeing.

A cafe break can be especially enjoyable during Shillong's cool weather.

Try it for

• Bakery items

• Coffee

• Tea

• Light meals

• Snacks

Best for: Quick bites and casual breaks.

Best Cafes in Shillong for Couples

Shillong is a wonderful destination for couples.

The cool weather and green landscapes create a romantic atmosphere.

A cozy cafe can make the experience even better.

Things couples can enjoy

• Coffee with mountain views

• Evening snacks

• Desserts

• Quiet conversations

• Cafe photography

• Sunset views

For couples planning a Meghalaya trip, SortMyTrip can help create a customized itinerary covering Shillong, Cherrapunjee, Dawki, and other attractions.

Best Cafes in Shillong for Breakfast

Starting your day with breakfast at a local cafe is a great idea.

Many cafes serve simple breakfast options along with coffee and tea.

Popular breakfast choices

• Eggs

• Toast

• Sandwiches

• Pancakes

• Bakery items

• Coffee

• Tea

• Fresh juices

A cafe breakfast can also be a good way to start a sightseeing day before visiting Shillong's major attractions.

Best Cafes in Shillong for Coffee

Coffee lovers will enjoy exploring Shillong.

The city's cool climate makes a hot cup of coffee even more enjoyable.

You can find everything from traditional coffee to modern cafe-style beverages.

Coffee options to look for

• Cappuccino

• Latte

• Americano

• Espresso

• Cold coffee

• Mocha

If you enjoy cafe hopping, explore different neighborhoods instead of visiting only one cafe.

Cafes Near Shillong Tourist Places

Many travelers combine sightseeing with cafe visits.

This is an easy way to make your day less hectic.

Popular places to combine with cafe hopping

Ward's Lake

Enjoy a peaceful walk around the lake and then stop for coffee or snacks.

Shillong Peak

After enjoying panoramic views of Shillong, head back toward the city for a cafe break.

Police Bazar

This is one of Shillong's busiest areas.

It is ideal for shopping, street food, restaurants, and cafes.

Laitumkhrah

Spend some time exploring the local cafe scene in this popular neighborhood.

Elephant Falls

Visit the waterfall and later return to the city for a relaxing meal or coffee.

Best Time to Visit Cafes in Shillong

Shillong can be visited throughout the year.

However, the cafe experience can change depending on the season.

March to May

Spring brings pleasant weather.

This is a good time for sightseeing and outdoor cafe experiences.

June to September

Shillong receives significant rainfall during the monsoon.

The rain gives the city a beautiful green appearance.

Sitting inside a cozy cafe while watching the rain can be a memorable experience.

October to November

The weather is generally pleasant.

These months are excellent for sightseeing and cafe hopping.

December to February

Winter brings cooler temperatures.

Hot coffee, tea, and warm food become even more enjoyable.

Tip: Cafe timings and availability can change, so check the latest information before visiting.

How to Reach Shillong

Shillong is well connected with Guwahati.

By Air

The nearest major airport is Guwahati Airport.

From Guwahati, Shillong can be reached by taxi or shared transportation.

The journey usually takes around 3 to 4 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

By Road

Road travel is one of the most convenient ways to reach Shillong.

Taxis and shared vehicles operate between Guwahati and Shillong.

You can also book a private vehicle for a more comfortable journey.

By Train

The nearest major railway station is Guwahati Railway Station.

From Guwahati, continue the journey to Shillong by road.

For a hassle-free Meghalaya holiday, SortMyTrip can arrange transportation, hotels, sightseeing, and customized travel plans.

Tips for Cafe Hopping in Shillong

Before visiting cafes in Shillong, keep a few things in mind.

• Check opening hours before visiting.

• Carry cash for smaller cafes.

• Try local food whenever possible.

• Avoid visiting during extremely busy hours.

• Respect cafe photography policies.

• Keep your surroundings clean.

• Try cafes outside the busiest tourist areas.

• Check recent reviews before choosing a cafe.

• Keep extra time for traffic during peak hours.

What Local Food Should You Try in Shillong?

Your Shillong food experience should not be limited to coffee and desserts.

Meghalaya has a unique food culture.

Depending on the restaurant or cafe, you may find local-inspired dishes alongside popular Indian and continental food.

Food to explore

• Jadoh

• Dohneiihong

• Tungrymbai

• Pukhlein

• Momos

• Smoked meat dishes

• Local-style snacks

If you are visiting Meghalaya for the first time, ask your local driver or travel planner for recommendations.

SortMyTrip can also help include food experiences in your Meghalaya itinerary.

Shillong Cafe Hopping Itinerary

If you have one free day in Shillong, you can plan a simple cafe-hopping experience.

Morning

Start with breakfast and coffee at a cozy cafe.

After breakfast, visit a nearby attraction.

Afternoon

Explore Police Bazar or Laitumkhrah.

Stop at a cafe for lunch, coffee, or dessert.

Evening

Visit a scenic location.

Return to the city and enjoy an evening coffee.

Night

Have dinner at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel.

This relaxed plan allows you to experience Shillong without rushing between attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which are the best cafes in Shillong?

Shillong has many popular cafes across areas such as Laitumkhrah and Police Bazar.

Café Shillong and Dylan's Café are among the well-known names associated with the city's cafe culture.

Which area is best for cafes in Shillong?

Laitumkhrah is one of the best areas for exploring cafes.

It has several food and coffee spots and is popular with locals, students, and travelers.

Are cafes in Shillong expensive?

Cafe prices vary depending on the location and menu.

Small local cafes are generally more affordable, while premium cafes may cost more.

What is the best time for cafe hopping in Shillong?

October to November is pleasant for sightseeing and cafe hopping.

The monsoon season can also be enjoyable if you like Shillong's rainy and cozy atmosphere.

Can couples visit cafes in Shillong?

Yes.

Shillong cafes are excellent places for couples to relax, enjoy coffee, and spend quality time together.

Is Shillong good for food lovers?

Absolutely.

Apart from cafes, Shillong offers local Khasi cuisine, Indian food, bakeries, street food, and international-style dishes.

Plan Your Shillong Trip with SortMyTrip

Shillong is more than just waterfalls and viewpoints.

Its cafes, local neighborhoods, music culture, food, and relaxed lifestyle make the city special.

A cafe-hopping experience is an excellent way to enjoy Shillong at a slower pace.

Whether you are planning a Shillong couple trip, Meghalaya family holiday, friends' trip, honeymoon, or customized Northeast India tour, proper planning can make your journey much easier.

Let SortMyTrip help you with a curated Meghalaya package.

From hotel bookings and private vehicles to sightseeing and customized itineraries, SortMyTrip can help you plan your trip according to your budget and travel preferences.

Explore Shillong.

Taste Meghalaya.

Enjoy the cafes.

And create unforgettable memories with SortMyTrip.

Plan your Meghalaya trip with SortMyTrip today.