Often when we book a holiday stay our search focuses on accommodation with bed and breakfast. Breakfast traditions across Europe vary widely, reflecting the diverse cultures and culinary preferences of each region. With this in mind, the online travel agency Weloveholidays has compiled a ranking of the European cities with the best breakfasts, a ranking that sees Rome, Milan and Barcelona on the podium.
Rome, home to the best breakfast in Europe
Analysing factors such as the number of bakeries, breakfast cafés, bars and the average price of coffee, the online travel agency Weloveholidays revealed that Italy's capital, Rome, ranks first as the best city for breakfast lovers, thanks to its 1,660 breakfast cafés, 240 bakeries and 394 bars. The famous Italian coffee is also affordable, averaging €1.50 per cup. Milan, another Italian city making the ranking, follows in second place. The city offers 1,237 breakfast cafés, 197 bakeries and 323 bars where you can get coffee for an average of €1.92. Staying in Italy, Naples also features in the top 10 in 7th place.
Top European cities with the best breakfasts
Barcelona comes in third place and is home to over 2,000 breakfast cafés and 150 bakeries. On average, you can get coffee for €2.25 in one of the 323 cafés in the city. After Paris in fourth place, the Turkish metropolis of Istanbul surprisingly comes in fifth with over 1,600 cafés and low coffee prices of €2.25 per cup.
Berlin, in ninth place, is the only German city in the top 10, with 100 bakeries, 970 breakfast cafés and 504 coffee shops, the highest number in the ranking, however, a coffee will cost you as much as €3.54.
Top 10 cities with the best breakfasts:
- Rome
- Milan
- Barcelona
- Paris
- Istanbul
- Madrid
- Naples
- Lisbon
- Berlin
- Athens
Breakfast in Italy
Breakfast in Italy, known as "colazione," varies in style and content across regions but generally follows certain patterns. Here are some key aspects:
- Light and Simple: Italian breakfasts are typically light compared to those in many other cultures. They often consist of simple items like coffee, pastries, or bread.
- Coffee Culture: Coffee plays a central role in Italian breakfasts. Espresso, cappuccino, or macchiato are popular choices. Italians usually have their coffee standing up at a bar (caffe/bar) rather than sitting down at a table. Cappuccinos, in particular, are traditionally considered a morning drink and are less common to consume later in the day.
- Pastries and Bread: Italian breakfast pastries, known as "pasticcini" or "cornetti" (similar to croissants), are commonly enjoyed. These pastries can be plain or filled with cream, jam, chocolate, or almond paste. Alternatively, simple bread, often in the form of a "panino" (roll), may be eaten with butter or jam.
- Regional Variations: While the above items are common throughout Italy, there are regional variations. For instance, in some regions, particularly in the north, it's more common to find savoury breakfast items like ham and cheese sandwiches or focaccia. In Sicily, granita (a semi-frozen dessert) with brioche is a popular breakfast option, especially during the warmer months.
- Healthier Options: With changing dietary preferences and health consciousness, you may also find healthier breakfast options like yogurt, muesli, or fresh fruit, especially in urban areas.
- Timing: What time is breakfast in Italy? Breakfast in Italy is usually a quick affair, often consumed on the go or in a short break before work or school. It's typically eaten in the morning, with most Italians having breakfast between 7:00 and 10:00am.
- Family Traditions: In more traditional Italian households, breakfast might involve homemade items like cakes, biscuits, or bread prepared by family members. Sitting down for a family breakfast may be more common on weekends or special occasions.
Overall, while Italian breakfasts may seem simple compared to elaborate brunches in some other cultures, they are deeply rooted in tradition and play a significant role in the daily routine of Italians.