One of the top five reasons I live in Barcelona is the weather. I’m from the Pacific NW in the United States, which is lovely when the clouds lift. Sick of the rain, I wanted to be in the sunshine which motivated me to move to Costa Rica, Guatemala and now Spain. But I digress…

As much as I love the sunny Mediterranean summer we’re having this July, I have to say: It’s HOT. Really hot the past couple of weeks. So hot that walking around outside makes me feel faint and in need of a siesta... and an ice cream.

Luckily, both of these essential needs are easily met in Barcelona. A siesta can be taken anywhere (in the grass, on the beach, on a bench; in this city anything goes), and ice cream shops are almost as plentiful as bars!

Vioko
Passeig de Joan De Borbó #55
La Barceloneta
Web site

Some ice creameries are better than others. The number one, best of the best, top-dog ice cream shop is Vioko, in La Barceloneta by the beach. There are always people getting cones and cups here, even in the winter. In the summer there’s a line, but go ahead and grab a number because it’s worth the wait.

Vioko has weird ice cream flavors such as “Violet and Jasmine with Grapefruit,” which sound strangely delicious though I haven’t tried them. I have licked their Chocolate Tentacion which has dulcede leche and brownie in it, as well as their Strawberry with fresh fruit, their Mint and Chocolate, and their Cheese Cake with Berries. As you can see, I’ve been a regular at Vioko “researching” this post.

Their cones are slightly more expensive than other ice cream shops in the area, but only by twenty or thirty cents. Their portions are bigger than other shops, so it all works out in the end.

Bellamia
Calle Espaseria 14
El Born
Web site

Bellamia in El Born neighborhood is another appetizing choice if you’re after a traditional Italian gelato. On Carrer de L’Espaseria, this is the place to go after a tasty meal at one of the barri’s many cutting-edge restaurants. Order a couple cups at Bellamia and then take them over to Passeig del Born and sit on one of the benches there, people-watching and taking in the balmy Barcelona night.

Horchata

While I prefer ice cream, lots of locals would rather have an horchata than a gelato. Horchata is a super sweet and very typical Spanish drink that’s popular during the summer. Grab one at Planelles Donat in the center of the city or at La Valenciana, which is a happening ice cream and horchata joint in the Eixample. Both of these shops are historic dating back to 1850 and 1910, respectively.

The post Barcelona: 4 divine ice cream shops in Barcelona appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

But when you’re visiting Paris, don’t waste your time and money on store-brand desserts. Grab a five euro bill and head out to some of the best ice cream joints that the city has to offer. Here are my favorites:

The Classic

Berthillon
Main store: 29-31 rue Saint Louis en l’Ile, 75004
http://www.berthillon.fr/

Berthillon may just be the most popular ice cream in Paris, and with good reason. These tiny scoops of ice cream are so packed with flavor that one lick will instantly justify the long wait in line. Take note, it’s the only French ice cream on this list.

The Non-classics

It Mylk
15 rue de l’Ancienne Comédie, 75006
http://www.itmylk.fr/

It Mylk has two locations in Paris serving up something that Parisians still aren’t entirely sure about: frozen yogurt. A far cry from the ice creams at Berthillon, It Mylk offers natural, fat-free yogurt that you can adorn with any combination of berries, granola, chocolate, etc. A quick look at the endless yogurt aisle in the grocery store and you’ll see why this concept works. And hey, it’s basically guilt-free.

My Berry
25 rue Vieille du Temple, 75004 or 51 rue Saint Louis en l’Ile, 75004
http://www.myberry.eu/

My Berry has the same concept as It Mylk but under a different name, recalling the Pink Berry frozen yogurt franchise in the United States. With tangy tart yogurt and a complicated array of toppings, My Berry is one of the places worth waiting in line for in the Marais on a Sunday after you’ve waited in a similar line for one of the best falafel sandwiches on nearby rue des Rosiers.

Enter the gelato…

Amorino
Various addresses listed on their Web site

When it comes to the best frozen treats, Parisians know that Italians are the real masters, even when, like Amorino, it’s a French company parading around as an Italian one. These stores can be found all over the city and they serve up picturesque Italian-style gelato in the form of a flower. Their chocolate-hazelnut combo (called the “Inimitable”) is a fantastic choice, especially for Nutella lovers. Chain-haters beware: Amorino boutiques are as ubiquitous as Starbucks, but the demand for ice cream is just so high…

Grom
81 rue de Seine, 75006
http://www.grom.it/

I first tried Grom in New York, unaware that it started in Torino. I never imagined I’d have the good fortune to grab a scoopful in Paris. Happily, in 2008 the high quality and eco-friendly Italian-based gelato makers brought their craft to Paris’ Saint Germain neighborhood after spreading all across Italy and overseas. They’re also very aware of food allergies, so there is a flavor for everyone.

Pozetto
39 rue du Roi de Sicile, 75004
http://www.pozzetto.biz/

Pozetto is yet another Italian gelateria that makes it easy for you. Not only is the menu limited to a very select 12 flavors, but they’re all delicious, so there’s no way to lose. Go crazy with pistachio, mint, and panna cotta flavors or go basic with Fior di Latte, a pure cream variety that seems simpler than vanilla with a taste that is anything but vanilla.

Mary’s
1 rue Charles-François Dupuis, 75003

Mary’s is one of those places that will always leave you with a smile. The super friendly owner, Mary, will speak to you in beautiful Italian, rarely English or French, while helping you choose which of her handmade flavors is best for you. The fruit sorbets are probably my favorite in Paris and her tea-based flavors are just as refreshing on a hot day, like a frozen scoop of fresh iced tea. And the entire experience of getting a cone from Mary and talking with her will make your ice cream taste all that much sweeter.

Your favorite ice cream spots

Tell us, Cheapos, do you have any other recommendations for a scoop or two to fight the summer heat? Tell us about your favorite ice cream joint in our comments section.

The post Paris: The city’s tastiest ice cream, frozen yogurt and gelato appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.