Traveling for me is inseparable from discovering bakeries and pastry shops. No matter the destination, I always make time to seek out places that showcase local baking culture, craftsmanship, and flavor. From historic European cafés to modern pastry laboratories, these bakeries have left a lasting impression on me through unforgettable desserts and unique experiences. Below is a curated list of my ten favorite bakeries from around the world.

Conditori La Glacé, Copenhagen

During a week-long stay in Copenhagen, I created some of my happiest food memories, discovering just how deeply the city values fine desserts. While there are many excellent pastry spots, Conditori La Glacé stands above the rest. Founded in 1870, this legendary café sits in the heart of the old city and retains an old-world charm. It is renowned for its elegant layer cakes, delicate confections, macarons, and marzipan-based desserts. The must-try specialty is the iconic Sportskage, featuring a thin macaroon base, whipped cream blended with hazelnut praline, caramelized cream puffs, and a final cloud of cream. Despite its rich components, the dessert feels surprisingly balanced, especially when paired with a cup of hot chocolate.

Maitre Choux, London

London offers endless options for dessert lovers, but for fans of choux pastry, Maitre Choux is unmatched. Led by a chef with three Michelin-star experience, this pâtisserie is entirely dedicated to choux-based creations. The éclairs, beautifully displayed behind glass counters, are among the best I have ever tasted. Each flavor is executed with precision, but the Red Love Éclair stands out, combining Tahitian vanilla cream with bright raspberry purée and a raspberry-flavored macaron shell. The Paris-Brest éclair is another exceptional choice.

Van Stapele Koekmakerij, Amsterdam

Van Stapele is famous for doing just one thing—and doing it exceptionally well. This Amsterdam bakery bakes and sells only a single type of cookie, and the constant long lines outside are proof of its popularity. The scent of freshly baked cookies fills the street, making the wait feel almost unavoidable. Warm from the oven and filled with white chocolate, these cookies are rich, soft, and indulgent, offering a perfect balance of texture and flavor.

Tiong Bahru Bakery, Singapore

Tiong Bahru Bakery is often regarded as one of the finest French-style bakeries in Singapore, and it quickly became one of my favorite breakfast spots. I enjoyed it so much that I visited multiple times during a short stay. Known for its beautifully laminated croissants, the bakery also excels in pastries such as lemon basil tarts, Paris-Brest, and raspberry cakes. Everything tastes fresh, light, and thoughtfully made, making it an ideal place to start the day.

Pierre Hermé, Paris

Although many memories of my Paris trip have faded, my experience at Pierre Hermé remains vivid. This world-famous pâtisserie is best known for its refined macarons, which are worth every indulgent bite. Beyond macarons, two standout pastries are essential: Ispahan, a fragrant combination of rose, lychee, and raspberry, and Mogador, which pairs passion fruit with milk chocolate. Both reflect Pierre Hermé’s mastery of balance and flavor harmony.

Rose Leaf Café, Dubai

Dubai impressed me not only with its spice markets but also with its thriving café culture. Rose Leaf Café, located inside the Dubai Garden Centre, was the most visually striking café I visited. Surrounded by lush greenery, the space feels calm and inviting, while the bakery focuses on simple, home-style cakes. Highlights include the carrot cake, lemon curd tart, and Victoria sponge, all of which are elegant, comforting, and full of flavor.

Tartine Bakery, San Francisco

Tartine Bakery was the first place where I experienced a long queue simply to enter a bakery, and it was well worth the wait. The small, cozy space is filled with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked goods. Among the many tempting options, the frangipane tart stood out the most, featuring a light almond cream filling baked in a flaky pastry shell with seasonal fruit. The bread pudding was also memorable, but the frangipane tart alone is reason enough to return.

Good Food Café and Bakery, Prague

One of my favorite Prague memories involves strolling along cobblestone streets with a chimney cake in hand. This traditional treat, known locally as Trdelník, is made by wrapping layers of dough around a cylindrical spit, coating it in sugar, and baking it over open fire. The caramelized exterior becomes crisp, while the inside stays soft and fluffy. The flavor falls somewhere between a doughnut and a churro, making it incredibly addictive. When filled generously with ice cream and Nutella, it becomes an unforgettable street dessert.

Leckerbaer, Copenhagen

Leckerbaer is a charming bakery perfect for enjoying coffee alongside refined desserts. It is especially known for its gourmet cookies, which are delicate in texture yet bold in flavor. Each cookie is thoughtfully crafted, and sampling a mixed selection is highly recommended. In addition to cookies, the bakery’s tarts are visually stunning and equally impressive in taste.

Dominique Ansel Bakery, London

Dominique Ansel is synonymous with creativity and innovation in the pastry world, and his London bakery never disappoints. Each visit reveals new dessert creations, but the most famous invention remains the cronut, a hybrid of croissant and doughnut with rotating seasonal flavors. Other highlights include frozen s’mores and cookie shots, both playful and expertly executed. The bakery consistently delivers desserts that surprise and delight.

These ten bakeries represent a diverse range of styles, cultures, and techniques, yet they share a commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Each visit added a unique chapter to my travel experiences, proving that some of the most memorable journeys begin with dessert.