Best Cities for a Sweet Tooth
Always the one to look at the desserts on the menu first? Well we have just the cities to keep those sweet tooth taste buds at bay. From creamy cold Gelato to a warming Portuguese custard tart, these destinations have the best dessert spots waiting for you to explore.
Paris, France – Macaroon’s
Box of Macaroon’s, Laduree, Paris, France. Credit: commons.wikimedia.org
Rivalling the cupcake when it comes to an attractive desert to choose is the Macaroon. Originating in Paris, France this colourful little gem has people queuing blocks and is regularly snapped up by the Parisian fashionistas.
As Macaroons are a French product– where better to try one (or a box full) than in the capital at the crème de la crème of luxury tea room desserts, Laduree, situated on the prestigious Champs-Elysées. Their creative flare for the perfect macaroon has put them at the top of the list when it comes to the best macaroon in Paris! With dozens of different flavours and colours you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Laduree is a great little break spot when shopping along the Champs-Élysées Avenue.
Lisbon, Portugal – Pastel de Nata (Portuguese Custard Tart)
Pastel de Nata (Portuguese Custard Tart)
Pastel de Nata or as we would know it the ‘Portuguese custard tart’ is one of Lisbon’s best ever treats! Head to the ever so famous Casa Pasteis de Belem, open since 1837 you will not be disappointed, with some TripAdvisor reviews stating that this was the one reason for their visit to Lisbon “It’s worth a trip to Lisbon just to get a taste of this piece of heaven.” With regular queues out the door and a welcoming local approval this is the place to be to soak in the Portuguese cafe culture. Oozing with custard goodness their tarts are fresh and deliciously warm with perfect flaky pastry – the ideal combination with your favourite coffee.
Brussels, Belgium – Chocolate
Neuhaus, Galerie de la Reine, Brussels. Credit: commons.wikimedia.org
One of the world’s most famous sweet treats around is chocolate, most commonly seen in the form of a Cadbury’s Dairy Milk bar. However if you’re in search of something a little more refined and attractive then make your way to the home of chocolate – Belgium’s capital city Brussels.
Rated by TripAdvisor as #1 for desserts in Brussels is the famous chocolate shop/café Neuhaus located in the stunning Galerie de la Reine close to the Grand Place and De Brouckere station.
Jean Neuhaus was in fact the inventor of the praline chocolate – you can’t get any more traditional than that! The café/shop itself is beautifully decorated in gold and red, with arrays of 70 different kinds of chocolate to choose from – making your mouth water whilst giving you the best authentic chocolate experience possible. You can pick a couple to try in the café with a drink or make up a personalised box of your own to take away.
Not only will you find the most amazing selection of chocolates in this shop but also some of the best think gooey hot chocolate around…
Florence, Italy – Gelato
Real Italian Gelato, Florence
Summer’s perfect answer for a sweet tooth is the Italian version of ice cream, Gelato. Originating from Florence this creamy cold treat will be sure to cool you down during the hot summer weather. Whether you’re grabbing a cone to wander round with or sitting down for a well-earned pit stop one of the best Gelato cafes to visit in Florence has to be Gelateria La Carraia full to the brim of home-made goodness! You’ll easily spot this café as there will be a fairly large queue out the door, but don’t let that stop you as it moves fast and is worth the wait, many naming it “the best Gelato in Italy!” With top selling flavours ranging from scrumptious dark chocolate to pistachio to a strange combination of ricotta and pear, you’ll be sure to find something for your sweet tooth or unusual taste buds here.
To find out more about breaks to any of these fantastic cities, call our expert team on 0131 243 8098 or request a tailor-made itinerary online.
