20 Best Ice Cream Locations in The World 

The first thing most ice cream lovers do when they arrive at a new destination is wonder about the best ice cream near me. You are either wondering about ice cream places near me or ice cream shops near me. And if you love soft serve ice cream like most of us do, your thoughts are probably more specific, “soft serve ice cream near me”. Who doesn’t love ice cream?

Ice cream is a dessert that most of us are familiar with, but do you know where to get the best ice cream in the world? And the best ice cream brands in the world? Or even the best ice cream flavor in the world? What about how to get ice cream near you? Do you know where to get the best chocolate or vanilla ice cream in the world? I guess if you are an ice cream lover, you would have at some point in time wondered what the best ice cream flavors in the world are, or the best ice cream near me. 

Most people love a good scoop or two of ice cream, especially in the hot weather. For globetrotters, experiencing local ice cream of every country you visit could be a fun way to connect with your host country. You should know where the best ice cream parlors are, and what the top ice cream in the world is, so you don’t miss out when you’re in that part of the world. You want to scope out the top ice cream shops in the world as well as the best ice cream flavor before you even get to that country. You might be surprised to find out you’re heading to the ice cream capital of the world, something you don’t want to find out after you’ve left the place. 

We know that not all ice cream flavors are the same and depending on where you live, your favorite ice cream could be different than someone else’s favorite. So, if you’re really into travel and want to experience ice cream on a whole new level, here are the best locations to find the most delicious and best ice cream flavors.

Where is the best ice cream in the world? Where is the best ice cream parlor near me? Where is the best ice cream shop near me? Well, it all depends on where you leave! But here is our top list of best ice cream places and we hope you find one near you!

1) Vaffelbageriet, Copenhagen, Denmark

Vaffelbagariet is a very popular ice cream shop located in Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark. The ice cream shop is so good it was ranked #9 in the National Geographic’s edition of the top places to eat ice cream in the world. This ice cream shop has some unique Danish flavors you can’t find anywhere else in Denmark, such as the salted licorice and salted caramel.

One of its most popular flavors, the ‘Amerikaner’, is a flavor so good you will come back to this shop a few more times while you’re visiting Denmark. This ice cream shop is also a café so if you’re not into ice cream or want a little more than ice cream, you can get some hot chocolate or cappuccino. If you are in Denmark then you should visit this place and put it on your list of the best ice cream places in the world and best ice cream near me. 

2) Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Columbus, USA

If there is one place in Columbus to go for ice creams, it would be Jeni’s. The store specializes in a wide range of flavors and trust us, it’s really hard to decide which one to pick. Jeni’s is devoted to making the best ice cream possible without any synthetic flavors or dyes and the result is ice cream that’s creamy and melts in the mouth. But, even more exciting than the vast array of flavors available at the store, is the fact that you get to sample any or all of them before you go for it.

And some flavors include snowflake, brambleberry crisp, brown butter almond brittle, brandied banana brulee, cream puff, churro, and so many others. They also have some diary-free options. If this list is not enough to make you visit Jeni’s when you’re in town, then you’re not a true ice cream lover. But we’re guessing that if you’re reading this, you are on the lookout for the best ice cream flavor in the world and Jeni’s ranks high up there. So, if you’re in the area, this is another one to make your list of soft serve ice cream near me. 

3) Big Gay Ice Cream at New York City

Big Gay Ice Cream in the Big Apple is a shop which started out in a truck. Now a major destination for ice cream in the city, the place is well known for a variety of flavors and an even larger collection of toppings. More exciting than the ice cream itself, are the names for the items on the menu.

We’ll let you figure it out the menu when you’re in the city but a few of the flavors include Rocky Roadhouse, Truckers, Dorothy, Salty Pimp, and Gobblers. They also have a selection of different flavors of milkshake, including chai milkshake and coffee milkshake. If you’re in New York City, you do want to stop by here to try some of their flavors. You’ll thank us later for not only showing you the best soft serve ice cream in NYC, but also the best ice cream in NYC. Go head, visit this ice cream shop and prove us wrong. 

4) Gelato Messina, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia

The land down under is a great place to dig into some unique ice creams, especially during the warmer months of the year. Gelato Messina is famous for its interesting collection of unique flavors and so is a great place for you to indulge your sweet tooth. We dare say this ice cream shop is serves one of the best ice creams in all of Australia. Yes, it’s a bold statement but it’s true! 

Some of their signature flavors include Apple Pie, Blood Orange, Bounty, Coconut & Lychee, Dulce De Leche, Hokey Pokey, Macadamia Crunch, Pandan & Coconut, Salted Carmel & White Chocolate, and Yoghurt Caramel amongst many other flavors. If you are ever in this part of Australia, be sure to visit this ice cream shop for the best ice cream flavors in the world. 

5) Bi-Rite Creamery, San Francisco, USA

San Francisco has a ton of ice cream shops but this is one of the more interesting ice cream stores in the city and really, in the sunny state of California. Bi-Rite Creamery prides itself in preparing the absolute best and most delicious cream for miles. Its uniquely flavored ice cream is prepared with everything from toasted coconuts and caramel variants to sundaes and everything between.

All the ice cream here is made by hand, and in small batches. The ice cream filling which include things like brownies, peanut brittle, marshmallows and so made others, are also made by hand! Some of the unique flavors served here include S’mores, Balsamic Strawberry, Malted Vanilla, Roasted Banana, Salted Caramel, Birthday Cake, and Peanut Butter Swirl. You will be hard pressed to find better tasting homemade ice cream in all of San Francisco, or even all of California. So, if in San Francisco and looking for soft serve ice cream near me, this is exactly where to go for the best ice cream in SF!

6) Veganista Ice Cream, Vienna, Austria

This is a very niche ice cream destination in the capital of Austria, and it’s based entirely on vegan recipes. With entirely plant-based flavors sourced from organic and local growers, this is one vegan stopover you can’t afford to miss even if you’re not vegan. Veganista’s ice cream is made every morning with fresh, organic, and natural ingredients. The ice creams do not contain any artificial additives or flavoring.

Veganista serves 18 different flavors of ice cream every day including flavors such as Basil, Maple Pecan, Strawberry, and Chocolate. They also have their famous inbetweener – two biscuits stuck in the middle of an ice cream! This ice cream shop also serves gluten-free ice cream. So if you’re in search of the best ice cream in the world and you happen to be in Vienna, you know where to head for the best vegan ice cream in the world as well as one of our favorite ice cream shops. 

7) The Original Swensens, San Francisco, USA

Looking for the top ice cream brand in the world? Swensens is one of the most famous ice cream chains in the world with stores in dozens of different countries.  The chain started in the city of San Francisco and the original store where this historical dessert story began in 1948 is still open to the public. Over 60 years since the first store opened, Swensens has over 180 different flavors of ice cream including Mango and Apple Cranberry.

Of course, this would be a great time to wonder how many flavors of ice cream exist in the world. Certainly, more than 180 as Swensen already took care of that. Swensens is rated one of the top ice cream brands in the world for so many reasons – their ice cream is premium, all natural, and there’s something for every dietary need. They are also regarded as one of the best ice cream brands and stores for soft serve ice creams. There are currently there are over 300 Swensen’s ice cream outlets all over the world including North and South America, Asia, and Middle East.

8) Gelato & Latte Este, Sofia, Bulgaria

One of the more ‘forgotten’ ice cream destinations in Europe, Gelato & Latte Este is an excellent hotspot for ice cream. The flavors are made from high-quality raw materials from their grass-fed cows and as well as other products like nuts and berries from local farms. Since these ice creams are made from local ingredients, they are creamy and rich. The ice cream is served in freshly-baked cones and are topped with ingredients which are prepared on site.  Some of the flavors are amazingly weird ice cream flavors which is why we love it here. 

Some unique flavors of their ice cream include Janduya, Salted Caramel, Black Chocolate, Pistachios, and Sour Cream with chunks of brownies amongst so many others. This ice cream shop is certainly somewhere you want to visit when you’re in Bulgaria. Gelato & Latte Este also serves special coffee, milky drinks and so many other unique drinks just in case you’re not much of an ice cream lover, or you want to try something other than, or perhaps in addition to the ice cream. So, when you’re in Sofia, Bulgaria, head out to the best ice cream shop in the country and an answer to your question of best ice cream near me. 

9) Perchè no!, Florence, Italy

Proof that ice cream goes way back! The city of Florence is known for many historical landmarks including a really old Italian ice cream store where you can enjoy some interesting homemade ice creams, gelato preparations and more. In 1939, Perchè No! literally meaning Why not! opened its door to serve artisanal ice cream made the traditional way. This is a local ice cream shop that’s amazingly good and if you’re in Florence, then you should have this on your list of best ice cream shops near me. 

Some of the unique flavors found here include Ginger, Curry with mango and peaches, Sacher cake, Green Tea, and Salted Caramel. If you’re in Florence, stop by Perchè No! for a taste of real Italian ice cream the way it should be because you simply can’t go to Italy without eating great gelato! And you also can’t go to Italy without visiting one of the best ice cream places ever. 

10) Gelateria Da Vinci, Bruges, Belgium

The store has been around for about two decades and specializes in a vast array of over 150 ice cream flavors and cones in a very prime destination in the heart of Belgium. In addition to ice cream creations, Gelateria Da Vinci also serves warm drinks, aperitifs, cocktails, smoothies, milkshakes, and yogurts.

Examples of the unique ice cream flavors you’ll find in this store include Mocha, Mojito, Nociola, Maracuja, After Eight, Stracciatella, and many others. If you’re in the area, stop by and taste some of the ice cream – the shop lets you try the flavors till you find the one you love most. So, what not to love about the best ice cream shop in Bruges, Belgium? And if it makes you feel better, they do have some over the top ice creams which is why we love it here!

11) Gelarto Rosa, Budapest, Hungary

A small and independent ice cream store, Gelarto Rosa specializes in a vast range of Italian flavors uniquely prepared by hand the traditional Italian way. This store prides itself in serving the best organic ice cream for miles. Gelarto Rosa does a few things that make it stand out including using a special spatula to form the ice cream into a rose rather than just a scoop; using only natural products; and enriching their ice cream with local milk, cream, fruits, etc.

They also make ice cream specifically for vegans, lactose intolerant persons, and people with other dietary concerns and issues. Gelarto Rosa is located in Szent Istvan Square in the center of Budapest however, it recently began franchising and will be opening up in many other locations soon. No doubt this will become one of the best ice cream brands in the world. So when you’re in Hungary, make a stop here to get your ice cream fix and put this on your list of ice cream parlors near me!

12) Amorino Gelateria, Valetta, Malta

One of the most well-known ice cream stores on this island nation of Malta is Amorino Gelateria. This shop offers a vast collection of interesting natural flavors of ice cream. The store also serves gelato, sorbet, milkshakes, crushed ice, and macaroons made from organic ingredients and devoid of any artificial ingredients.

The shop also has some gluten-free options for ice cream lovers who can’t eat gluten. Malta on its own is already a treasure to discover and love. Valetta is amazingly great to explore. Pair that up with great ice cream from Amorino Gelateria and you will have something to talk about for years after you return from your vacation or holiday to Malta. What not to love about eating the best ice cream flavors in one of the best places to visit in Europe? Especially when that is one of the best gluten free ice cream parlor near me if you’re in Valletta? 

13) N’Ice Cream Factory, Warsaw, Poland

N’Ice Cream Factory is located in the capital of Poland and is well known for its liquid nitrogen-based ice creams. The process of preparation of this nitrogen-based ice cream alone is worth seeing. You start with choosing what size of cup you want (comes in 250 ml and 500 ml) then choose your base which can be milk, soymilk, sorbet, or yogurt, then you add up to 3 flavors, and then add a topping.

 Apart from the many flavors of ice cream, the menu also includes juices, cocktails and bubble waffles which are essentially dried waffle cones filled with the fillings and toppings of your choice. So, the next time you find yourself in Warsaw, be sure to visit this ice cream shop for a sweet fix. 

14) Bizziice Ice Cream Parlor, Frankfurt, Germany

A family-owned ice cream store in the heart of this historic German city, Bizziice offers a vast range of ice creams from Germany and other countries. The ice cream is made from natural ingredients and this ice cream shop has consistently won “The Great Taste Award”, an important food award in UK and Europe.

In case you didn’t want ice cream, you can try other items on the menu including organic coffee, waffles and sorbets. If you’re in town, be sure to visit Bizziice Ice Cream in any of its’ two locations – Nordend and Sachsenhausen and enjoy the hospitality of Bizziice. Frankfurt is a great city to explore on its own, so knowing Bizziice is around the corner is extra motivation to head to Germany soon. And their mango sorbet, among so many other unique ice cream flavors, is to die for. 

15) Helados Scannapieco, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Of the many things that this South American city has to offer, the most important is Helados Scannapieco Italian ice cream store. Set up years ago by immigrants from Italy, Helados Scannopieco offers well over 50 different varieties of ice creams made from natural products. In fact, the ice cream is so fresh and natural that if you try a fruit-flavored ice cream, you would be able to taste the real fruit in the ice cream.

Helados Scannopieco was been named as one of the top 10 best ice cream parlors in the world by the National Geographic  and is worth visiting. And if you’re unsure what flavor to try, start with the cinnamon ice or perhaps the chocolate with raisin and then work your way to more intense flavors. So, when in Argentina, be sure to stop by here to try their ice cream. You won’t find a better destination for your search for the “ice cream parlor near me” if you’re in town! 

16) Arlequin Gelati, Nice, France

Arlequin Gelati is one of the most interesting and traditional ice cream eateries in France. It is famous for its collection of gelato flavors that include, among others, prickly pear, figs and hazelnuts. It is located just a few minutes from Nice Ville train station so you can easily make your way to this ice cream shop for a scoop or two of hazelnut, Persepolis, panna cottta, pistachio, and many other unique flavors.

This shop truly has one of the best tasting flavors in all of Europe. Do note that they are closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly. Nice is already a cute city to explore. Now, you have even more reasons to make a stop in Nice the next time you’re in France and looking for a soft serve ice cream near me. 

17) True & 12 Handmade Ice Cream, Munich, Germany

The place is an ice cream paradise, and as the name would suggest, offers unique handmade ice cream. True & 12 Handmade Ice cream offers 12 interesting ice cream flavors made from natural ingredients from around the world. For instance, their hazelnut ice cream is made from hazelnut from the Langhe valley in Italy and pistachios from Sicily. They buy the whole nuts and roast the nuts themselves, thus creating a truly out of the world hazelnut ice cream.

Each ice cream flavor is handmade every day from scratch using organic milk from local grass-fed cows as well as premium natural ingredients. The result is ice cream that is creamy, rich, smooth and intense from the first and only truly artisan ice cream shop in Munich. The shop prides itself as “cow to cone” sort of the ice cream version of “farm-to-table” meals. Did we say these flavors are handmade fresh, every single day? Yes, they painstakingly do. And, they also make their cinnamon sugar ice cream waffle cone by hand, keep to their principles to produce only natural and healthy food. Be aware though, they only accept cash for payments at this time so unless things change, your credit card won’t be of much use here. This is one of our favorite ice cream places to visit in Munich. 

18) Gaston, Brussels, Belgium

A great ice cream shop in the capital of Belgium, Gaston specializes in a vast collection of ice cream as well as a collection of local Belgian waffles. There is always a line in this store because it’s that good and priced right. If you are in Belgium, you know where to stop to get your ice cream fix.

And if you want exotic flavored ice cream like “vanilla de Madagascar”, then this is the place to come to. Gaston also serves sorbets, lattes, milkshakes, teas, juices, coffee, biscuits, waffles and other food items, you have other options if you’re not in an ice cream mode, though we doubt that or you wouldn’t be interested in the best places to eat ice cream in the world. Gaston make its ice cream from fresh and natural ingredients so you know you’re getting the best quality ice cream in Belgium! 

19) Cuore di Vetro, Berlin, Germany

Right in the capital city of Germany is a Cuore di Vetro, a cafe that doubles up as an ice cream parlor. The ice cream is handmade with the freshest and most natural ingredients – no artificial flavors or food coloring. A favorite ice cream here is the Sorbetto al Cioccolato, a chocolate sorbet so good you’ll ask for second helpings.

And the dark chocolate and pistachio ice cream is everyone’s favorite, and so is the dark chocolate sorbet, and the tiramisu flavor, and the orange, and the stracciatella. Okay, everything here is just that good. Apart from ice creams, the store also has cakes, coffee, and sweet treats so you can always add on to your ice cream dessert. Certainly one of the best ice cream brand out there! 

20) Zanoni & Zanoni, Vienna, Austria

This Italian gelateria and pasticceria place is much more than just an ice cream parlor; it also doubles up as a café with dishes including crepes. Zanoni & Zanoni serves over 30 unique flavors of ice-cream including biscotti, tiramisu, and blueberry-ricotta. If you’re feeling extra sweet, try the chocolate ice cream with rum, or the “spaghetti ice” which is vanilla ice cream mixed with strawberry sauce and topped with coconut flakes.

A favorite is the “coppa mangia e bevi” which is as good as it sounds. This is a mix of ficco, lemon, apricot, hazelnut ice cream, orange juice, fruit salad, and whipped cream! Ice cream has never tasted so good and this is exactly why Zanoni & Zanoni is always busy. If you’re not in the mood for ice cream or want more than ice cream, they have frozen yogurt, pies, crepes, pastries, breakfast, snacks, soft drinks, teas, iced coffee, and other foods and drinks. This is a place you certainly want to visit while in Vienna. And it helps that they serve some really cute ice cream here. 

Certainly, a good old-fashioned naturally-made ice cream is good for the soul and cures everything. Now you know where to find the world’s best and most delicious ice cream flavors around the globe. Enjoy! 

Sharing is caring!