Today I wanted to eat a croissant. So I went to the place that sells croissants. And I bought a croissant. And I returned home with the croissant, and then I ate the croissant. Hope you recognized the famous meme about the coissant; if not, hurry up to watch it before we move on to discover the best croissant in Europe.
Brief history of croissants
Do you know how to pronounce “croissant?” It is important to have the right pronunciation because if you spell it wrong, it will become a simple pastry. Croissant almost sounds like a melody, and the taste… Crunchy, with your favorite stuffing. It’s not your regular bagels or cupcakes; croissants have a history.
While croissant evokes images of Parisian mornings in a cafe with espresso, croissant has a surprisingly complex history, and the origins are still debated.
The first mentions of layered pastry can be traced back to Vienna, where kipferl, a crescent-shaped pastry, was very popular in the 13th century. Later, in the 18th century, the Viennese bakeries and the pastry crossed the border into France. The lighter and flakier version of the kipferl by August Zang has become the Frech croissant. The modern croissant, though, got its final taste and look from Sylvain Claudius Goy, who used a laminated dough technique for an extra flaky effect. Could you imagine croissants having such a rich history? Think of it when eating your next croissant.
Why are we still talking about croissants? Everything is simple. We are going to hunt for the best croissants across Europe. With a croissant in my mind and one in my hand, let’s start our journey.
Europe’s tastiest croissants
If you search for the best croissant in Europe, the first thing you will find is the numerous locations in Paris. And, maybe, some of the best croissants are even found there, but our search will definitely go far beyond Paris and France.
Locations where you can find the best croissant in Europe
La Pastisseria, Barcelona
Address: Aragó, 228 Eixample Esquerre, Barcelona
Croissants starting at € 1.10
After winning the World Pastry Cup, pastry chef J. M. Rodríguez Guerola opened a wonderful place named La Pastisseria Barcelona with the best croissants in the town. He describes his croissants as light, crunchy, and not too sweet; at a reasonable price, people will be ready to pay. Besides classy croissants, it is worth trying his signature toasted crema catalana croissant in cinnamon sauce and lemon zest. Those croissants make a perfect match with a cappuccino.
Check out the most affordable flights to Barcelona and popular hotels in the Catalan capital, and if you’re planning your work experience in BCN check out the list of coworkings in Barcelona. Check out the self-guided tour in Barcelona.
Moulin Chocolat, Madrid
Address: Calle de Alcalá, 77, 28009 Madrid
There are many other famous bakeries with fantastic croissants, but if you are looking for the best chocolate croissants, Moulin Chocolat is the one to visit. The bakery is a favorite escape for lovers of all things sweet; this place offers the crunchiest croissants. A must-try is the croissant de crema tostada by the chef.
- See the flight prices for planning a trip to Madrid and check out the Madrid hotels map in this guide.
Pastelaria Careca, Lisbon
Address: R. Duarte Pacheco Pereira, 11D, Lisbon
Croissants starting at € 1.75
The connoisseurs of the best pastries, Pastelaria Careca, presents a generation of chefs who have grown and improved their skills to perfection. That’s why their croissants are some of the best in Lisbon. Nothing can be compared with the quality time spent in their garden with coffee and crunchy croissants.
Just realized want to fly to Lisbon? See all flights available from various cities to Lisbon. And the Lisbon hotels map with live price offers is here to help you choose the best stay for your trip in Lisbon.
Fort 9, Amsterdam
Address: Jan Evertsenstraat 31, 1057 BM Amsterdam
And now our quest for the best croissant in Europe brings us to the Netherlands. Proudly called the crown jewel of Amsterdam’s croissants, Fort Negen (Fort 9) is always crowded with people coming here for freshly baked croissants. The specialty of the bakery is cheese croissants with different toppings, like pesto with almonds, black olives, and sun-dried tomatoes. If you are craving sweet croissants, ask for triple chocolate croissants.
Don’t stop your desire and pack your bags for the trip to Amsterdam. With the help of our cheap flight calendar, you can easily schedule your journey and tasting experience in Amsterdam.
Dompierre Boulangerie, Munich
Address: Check one of the locations on their website: dompierre.de
Croissants starting at € 2.50
A true French bakery can be found in the heart of Munich. Here in Dompierre Boulangerie, you will always feel the aroma of fresh pastries early at 7 am, inviting guests to taste the best croissants. The uniqueness of Dompierre is the Danish dough and a layer of French butter. The bakery’s specialty is Croissant aux Amandes, an almond croissant with almond cream and covered with flaked almonds.
- Have you just thought about a trip to Munich? Discover all airlines flying to Munich.
Fosch Artisan Pâtisserie, Stockholm
Address: Löjtnantsgatan 8, 115 50 Stockholm
Croissants starting at € 3.40
Some of the most delicious croissants can be found in Fosch Artisan Pâtisserie, which delights residents and guests with always fresh and mouth-watering pastries. Croissants are crafted with a blend of classy French fineness and local highlights. The patisserie’s specialty is almond croissants with the most delicate cream and almond flakes.
- Tip for travelers: See all direct flights to Stockholm, Sweden.
Address: Check one of the five locations on their website: articbakehouse.cz
Croissants starting at € 2.17
The scent of freshly baked bread and pastries attracts you as soon as you get closer to the bakehouse. While the specialty of the bakery is traditional Icelandic sourdough bread, Artic Bakehouse is known in Prague for some of the best croissants as well. Besides classy croissants, make sure to take the chocolate, almond, or nougat croissants covered with cookie crumble.
- A quick tip: See the best dates of flights to Prague and check the most popular hotels in Prague, Czechia.
Freyja, Budapest
Address: 1074 Budapest, Szövetség utca 10-12
Croissants starting at € 2.18
Here in Freyja, croissants are poetry. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, Freyja croissants melt in your mouth. The uniqueness lies in their own flour, fresh ingredients, French butter, and natural sourdough. The process is longer, but the result is worth every minute. For stuffing and ganaches, they use only premium chocolates, fresh fruit, and homemade jams.
- Related: Scan the best flights to Budapest.
Pavè, Milan
Address: Via Felice Casati 27, Milan
Croissants starting at € 2.00
When the French come to Milan and call Pavè croissants the best in the world, this definitely means something. Awarded as the best pastry shop in Italy among the other 50 candidates, Pavè is your destination for the tastiest breakfasts in Milan. The shop’s specialty is cheese croissants, but make sure to try croissants with fresh fruits and almonds, candied ginger, and lemon.
- Let’s find the best dates of flights to Milan and filter the popular hotels in Milan.
Cro, Vienna
Address: Lugeck 3, 1010, Vienna
Croissants starting at € 2.80
The croissant cafe has established itself as the most sensational croissant in the heart of Vienna. The choice of croissants is really impressive, and it may even take you a few minutes to decide which one to taste. So start with a pistachio croissant filled with raspberry coulis and coated with pistachio cream. The vanilla croissant also looks delicious, especially with a meringue top.
- Check out Vienna flight prices, the visitor guide for Vienna and popular hotels navigator
Bonus place: Brioche, Yerevan
Address: 31 Moskovyan Str, Yerevan
Croissants starting at € 1.26
Yerevan welcomes guests with multiple patisseries and boulangeries in European style, offering residents and guests the most delicious desserts. The one to taste the best croissants is Brioche, a typical French boulangerie-café in the heart of Yerevan. With a history spanning 10 years, Brioche is now called Croissant French Bakery, where everything smells like crunchy croissants. Make sure to try breakfasts with croissants.
Flights operated to Yerevan are available from 30+ European cities. See all available flight options to Yerevan in our helpful navigator here. Yerevan is also included in the list of 20 top food and wine festival destinations.
Top 5 places for croissant experience in Paris
Stohrer
Address: 51 Rue Montorgueil, 75002 Paris, France
Croissants starting at € 1.20
Founded by King Louis XV’s pastry chef, Nicolas Stohrer, in 1730, Stohrer is one of the top-quality bakeries in Paris. The oldest pâtisserie presents the richest tradition of pastry production, particularly almond croissants known for their rich almond cream. Come here to enjoy the Sunday sun with coffee and a signature almond croissant.
Laurent Duchêne
Address: 238 Rue de la Convention, 75015, Paris, France
Croissants starting at € 1.50
The bakery is best known for its signature croissant au chocolat, crispy layers with the tastiest melted chocolate and praline in the heart, and richly covered with the same chocolate. By the way, the bakery holds a prestigious “Meilleur Ouvrier de France” title, which proves it offers one of the best pastries.
Maison Pichard
Address: 88 Rue Cambronne, 75015 Paris, France
Croissants starting at € 1
The winner of the Best Croissant in Paris in 2011, Maison Pichard is a small family-run bakery that has brought the recipe of their croissant to perfection. While classy croissants are at the top, the bakery is best known for honeycomb-filled croissants.
Du Pain et des Idées
Address: 34 rue Yves Toudic, 75010 Paris, France
Croissants starting at € 2.60
An absolute favorite, Du Pain et des Idées is recommended by critics, residents, guests, and anyone who has once tasted their croissants. For the boulangerie, this pastry is a cult; crispy-taled, crunchy, and buttery. Moreover, you will find an infinite selection of other pastries to die for.
Du Pain et des Idées, occupying the 19th-century historic building, opens a wonderful view of Canal St. Martin, offering a unique experience in true Amélie style.
Join us as we explore, taste, and discover the irresistible charm of Europe’s best croissant bakeries. Bon appétit and happy travels!
