Looking for the best pantries in town to complement a hot brewed coffee or sumptuous breakfast? Find out in this travel guide. Here, we feature some of the best bakeries in Europe that are worth visiting not only to enjoy the taste but also to experience culture and history.
It’s a no-brainer that Europe is known for its culinary culture dating back thousands of years ago. The flourishing of innovation through the centuries likewise sparked evolutions of Europe’s gastronomical space including bakeshops.
Without further ado, here are some of the must-see bakeries in Europe.
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Which European country has the best bakeries?
Without a doubt, France has some of the best bakeries in the world! Famous from everyday pastries like croissants, baguettes, and pan au Chocolat to some of the most exquisite French pastries that are special to certain parts of the country. But yes, the French certainly know its stuff!
Which country is best for bakery?
France certainly is at the top of the list but notable mentions go to Italy, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.
What are bakeries called in France?
A boulangerie is what you call a bakery in France.
Best Bakeries in Europe to Visit for an Authentic Pastry Experience
Petrus, Stockholm, Sweden
Cinnamon bun is never absent in most bakeries in Europe and when in Sweden, expect this typical offering. Sweden holds the record of being one of the heaviest consumers of cinnamon buns. Check out Petrus in its idyllic capital city of Stockholm. Here, one can find what many describe as the most delicious, caramelized cinnamon buns in town.
But of course, there is more to Petrus than cinnamon buns. Another must-try is Petrus’ sourdough sandwiches. During Fridays and Saturdays, they also sell Portuguese Pasteis de Nata which is one of the local favorites.
Petrus also used to offer sandwich cakes that looked impressive!
Plan your trip with my top post about Stockholm:
- Top 10 BEST Restaurants in Stockholm (Sweden)
- Top 10 BEST Pubs and Bars in Stockholm to Check Out
- Top 9 BEST Cafes in Stockholm to Chill Out
Conditori La Glace, Copenhagen, Denmark
Denmark’s capital city of Copenhagen is in itself a culinary hotspot with numerous restaurants, bakeshops, bars, and cafes serving top-notch offers. Avid diners from different backgrounds including gourmet tourists troop here to have a taste of its impressive gastronomical delights. Some of the world’s most renowned chefs also work here.
But for those searching for a more traditional vibe in this food city, check out Conditori La Glace, dubbed as the oldest confectionery in the entire country. Many also reckon it is the best. It has been in operation since 1870, serving mouth-watering pastries, cakes, and confectionery.
Don’t miss trying its iconic walnut cake called Valnoddekage which consists of whipped cream with mocha icing and almond base and crushed walnuts.
Plan your trip with my top post about Copenhagen:
Cala w Mace Piekarnia, Warsaw, Poland
Cala w Mace Piekarnia encapsulates a story of love turning into bread. The bread here is so famous and in demand, thus, there are times one would need to queue for about an hour before receiving an order. Sometimes, an appointment is needed.
Monika Walecka who owns the bakeshop is known for her inspiring stories and her life experiences alone tell customers about the passion and creativity she has for the business. Before founding her own bakeshop, she worked in different bakeries in the United States such as Tartine Bakery in San Francisco.
These previous work experiences inculcated in her the value of a good and honest product. It’s no wonder she uses flour of the best quality. Thus, one can expect surprising flavors in every creation.
Plan your trip with my top tips about Poland:
Matinal, Brussels, Belgium
During peak days, visiting Matinal in Brussels is hit-and-miss. That’s because their creations are easily sold out within hours. That’s how good their pastries are. One factor that keeps customers and orders coming is the bakeshop’s use of ancient grains. But these are not just grains as they have the best qualities.
Among the must-try here are croissants, spelt, loaves, and charcoal baguettes. Make sure to come early or click an advance order to get a freshly baked pastry.
Plan your trip with my top post about Brussels:
Café Ekberg, Helsinki, Finland
Located in Finland’s serene and picturesque capital of Helsinki is one of the country’s oldest bakeries, café, and patisseries. With its beautiful location, one can enjoy delicious delicacies with a relaxing ambiance.
The café also has a summertime terrace which is ideal for sipping a cup of coffee while indulging in delightful pastries. It is also very accessible by walking or by taking a tram due to its central location.
Plan your trip with my top post about Helsinki:
- Top 25 BEST Restaurants in Helsinki (Finland)
- Top 10 COOLEST & BEST Bars in Helsinki (Finland)
- Top 7 CHILL & BEST Cafes in Helsinki (Finland)
What are my favorite travel must-haves?
As a frequent traveler, I’ve learned a lot throughout my years of travel, and there are five items that I always carry with me regardless of where I go and how long the trip is. Here are my five travel must-haves!
- Warm packable jacket – I always carry a light jacket, even when heading to warm countries. There hasn’t been a time I never used it, especially in airports and planes.
- Transparent toiletry bag – I often bring a carry-on if I’m only traveling within Europe for a few days. Life is so much easier to go through security checks with a transparent toiletry bag.
- Kindle Paperwhite – I love a good read and always take my Kindle everywhere. It keeps me entertained during long flights and waiting times.
- Powerbank – I don’t know how I could travel without one! Having a power bank saved me a ton since I carry a lot of electronic devices with me.
- Travel Adapter – I never leave my luggage without a travel adapter! I carry one with me all the time. It is just one of that travel-must haves that doesn’t hurt to have in your bag at all times.
Du Pain et des Idees, Paris, France
Translated as “Bread and Ideas,” Du Pain et des Idees is one of the reasons why Paris is considered one of the best culinary destinations in the world. Sure. There are various other bakeshops all across the city, each with unique pastries to offer. But this one certainly takes some beating and one can enjoy a journey to Paris’ rich baking history.
The bakers here use sourdough to genuinely craft and bake each loaf of bread that can last longer than most other traditionally processed bread. Using artisan methods, each loaf is fluffy within and wonderfully crisp on the outside.
Once tourists get a taste of their pastries, there’s a high chance of wanting to taste more. It’s irresistible!
Plan your trip with my top post about Paris:
Pasticceria Marchesi, Milan, Italy
Pasticceria Marchesi is one of the historical bakeries in Europe and has contributed to the formation of Milan’s socio-cultural upbringing. It is renowned not only locally but also internationally for its chocolate, pastries, and Panettone production.
The elegant 18th-century building that houses the bakeshop is in itself an attraction. It has been a prime advocate of incorporating Milanese style in the design of the bakeshop and the pastries they prepare. Thus, one could feel like a Milanese when indulging in a treat or two.
St. John Bakery, London, UK
Housed in a railway arch on Bermondsey’s Druid Street, St. John Bakery is known for baking pastries using slow fermentation. This makes the pastries exhibit a depth of flavor. Among the items, one can try here are doughnuts and sourdoughs which are typically distributed to different restaurants and cafes in London.
The bakery also has shutters that operate daily including stalls selling goods to avid customers and passers-by. One can also witness how the bakers are preparing the pastries using both modern and artisanal processes.
Plan your trip with my top post about London:
Biscottificio Innocenti, Rome, Italy
Biscottificio Innocenti in Italy’s capital city of Rome is one of the best places to experience culinary indulgence, away from the hustle and bustle of the city proper. It lies along the Via Della Luce, a small Roman street for those who opt for a quieter setting.
Although it’s a small shop, the biscotti specializes in most Italian treats including simple yet delicious sweet bites and biscuits. The shop has been operating for almost a hundred years, thus, the family has been evolving their secret tricks and recipes to improve their customers’ experience.
In the shop, one can find a traditional oven that measures 16 meters long. One of the must-tries here is the butti ma buoni which is a pyramid-shaped biscuit that delightfully melts in the mouth.
Plan your trip with my top post about Rome:
Confiserie Sprungli, Zurich, Switzerland
Confiserie Sprungli is dubbed a master chocolatier and has been serving its loyal customers with unforgettable delicacies for more than 180 years. Among the treats to find here are cakes and desserts, pralines, Grand Cru chocolates, the iconic Luxemburgerli, and even sandwiches. All of these are lovingly prepared using top-quality ingredients.
To avail of the above delights, check out Sprungli stores, or online platforms. Otherwise, one can simply follow Sprungli’s ordering service.
Plan your trip with my top post about Zurich:
- Top 9 Things to do in Zurich (Switzerland)
- Top 10 BEST Castles in Switzerland
- Top 10 BEST Places to Visit in Switzerland
Are you planning your travels? Here’re my top travel resources!
I’m a serial planner both in life and in travel – I have bucket lists, things to do, see, and everything. So, I always love when my life is sorted easily using tools and resources that would make my general planning a little smoother and easier. Therefore, in my many years of traveling the world, I’ve seen myself returning to these travel resources repeatedly. And here I am, sharing my tips to make your life easy and breezy so you can stress less, travel heaps, and focus on the fun part of travel!
- Booking.com – I book all my hotels through this website and don’t honestly use anything else. They always have the best prices, in my opinion.
- Airbnb – If I’m traveling long-term to one destination, I book my flats through Airbnb.
- Skyscanner – The best place to find cheap flights on flexible dates. I use this a lot to score cheap flights within Europe!
- SafetyWing – Always travel insured! Never leave your home country without one. It is worth the extra money, I promise you!
- GetYourGuide – Hands-down, the best place to find cool and unique tours if you don’t feel like winging it, and go straight to a local expert. I use this a lot in new destinations to get acquainted with the area!
- My Pretty Wild World Travel Diary (coming soon) – A book you can write down your travel plans, create itineraries, track down your budget, and dot down memories along the way! A handy book you can keep and read later to revisit memory lane.
- Pretty Wild World Travel Planning Printables (coming soon) – Are you a nut like me when it comes to planning? Yes? Good. My travel planning resource in one zip file is an easy-to-use printable planner that comes with tips that helps you plan your travels during the planning stage, a pre-flight checklist, an itinerary planner, and so on.
Aran bakery, Budapest, Hungary
Aran Bakery lies in the famous 7th district of Budapest at the corner of Nagy Diofa Street and Wessenlenyi. The building features an industrial style with a smart design with minimal and well-made features.
All of the culinary products made here use quality ingredients and Hungarian flour to ensure authenticity and preserve cultural integrity. Expect a weekly change in the availability of bread and pastry, especially the basic and seasonal options.
What better way to enjoy Aran bakery’s pastries than to complement them with top-notch brewed coffee from a Hungarian coffee roaster? This roaster serves the highest quality Arabica beans, thus, one can expect soothing flavors.
Plan your trip with my top post about Budapest:
- Top 10 BEST Food in Budapest You Must Try (Hungary)
- Restaurants in Budapest: Top 10 Places to Eat in Budapest (Hungary)
- Top 15 BEST Places to Visit in Hungary
Demel, Vienna, Austria
Established in 1786, Demel is one of the oldest bakeries in Europe and has become one of the country’s top attractions. Among their popular items here are strudel or ring cakes, Doboscake, tea biscuits, and tempting cream slices. These are all lovingly made by hand using the finest ingredients.
Hot chocolate or coffee is also served to complement the different pastries. Aside from bread and pastry, Demel also serves different delicacies including smoked salmon.
Plan your trip with my top post about Vienna:
Conditorei Schober, Zurich, Switzerland
Dubbed the sweet corner in Zurich’s Old Town, Conditorei Schober has been serving pastries and complementing drinks since 1842. Customers here can enjoy different kinds of cakes, patisserie, soothing chocolate drinks, and various brews of coffee and tea, sourced from reputable producers and processors.
Café Savoy, Prague, Czech Republic
Café Savoy is one of Prague’s biggest and most successful restaurants/cafes. But it’s also a bakeshop selling bread and pastry with numerous renditions. Expect, however, that the rates are relatively higher compared to other bakeries in Europe. Well, the city is a top destination so expect the prices to catch up with the number of increasing tourists every year.
Pastel de Nata in Belem, Portugal
Pastel de Nata is undoubtedly one of the most frequented bakeries in Europe and is one of Lisbon’s top attractions. Note, however, that Pastel de Nata is also the name of the iconic pastry coming from this bakery. It is a custard tart made with fresh egg the Portuguese way. It is typically served hot with cinnamon powder and icing sugar. It’s a perfect match for coffee drinkers.
Hold up! Have you thought about the importance of travel insurance?
Remember this: anything can happen. Travel is fun, but your health is more important; thus, I always, always, always recommend getting insured during the duration of your trip. I have benefitted from having one multiple times, and it has been covered for thousands of euros!
The latest one is not necessarily “health” related – it was during the peak of the unspeakable terrible C that consumed the world. I was living in Vietnam when I received an email from SafetyWing (my travel insurance) that if I want they’ll fly be back home to Finland as the world goes through a global emergency alert. I flew back fully covered, and dealing with SafetyWing was a breeze despite the roar of people in contact with them trying to get back home.
I can’t highly recommend them enough. Otherwise, I rarely get sick; hence I don’t always need to head to a hospital, but knowing that I have travel insurance makes me feel safe at the very least.
Read my post about why you should get travel insurance for more information. Otherwise, you can get a free quote from SafetyWing – they’re the best, in my opinion.
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