Want to escape the UK and enjoy more than just chips and salad? Rachael Perrett reveals six of the best vegan cities to visit in Europe
The UK is home to some of the world’s most vegan-friendly cities, with plant-based products available everywhere from local health shops to large chain supermarkets, and a whole host of amazing UK vegan restaurants.
But, if you want to discover new cuisines, immerse yourself in different cultures, and explore stunning architecture, you can’t go wrong with these European hot spots.
From iconic plant-based restaurants to sustainable hotels, here’s what’s on offer in the best vegan cities in Europe, plus some handy vegan travel tips.
1. Berlin, Germany
Dubbed the vegan capital of Europe, it’s no surprise that Berlin tops our list.
You’ll be spoilt for choice with some 100 vegan-friendly restaurants, cafés, bistros, food stalls, and snack joints – and that’s not counting vegan bars.
The city boasts four Michelin-rated vegan restaurants, but you can also enjoy things like deep-fried treats at Brammibal’s Donuts. Then there’s the range of cruelty-free clothing stores and grocery shops, including Veganz, a food chain that stocks over 2,500 products, from plant-based cheese to sushi to-go.
Berlin is also home to Europe’s biggest vegan festival, Veganes Sommerfest Berlin, and hosts weekly markets with plant-based food stalls.
Before you visit, download the Berlin-Vegan app where you can browse the map and view a calendar of vegan-friendly events and workshops.
Where to stay
Arcotel is a small chain of vegan-friendly hotels, serving vegan breakfast options close to the city centre.
2. Ghent, Belgium
In 2017, Ghent was named the veggie capital of Europe.
It all started when Belgium’s largest vegetarian organisation decided to create veggie restaurant guides and establish the weekly Donderdag Veggidag, or Thursday Veggie Day.
Since then, veganism has gained plenty of momentum.
Plant-based restaurants have popped up all over town, while other restaurants offer plenty of vegan dishes.
Don’t miss vegan bakery Madam Bakster; Lokaal, a vegan café cooperative; and de Walrus, a traditional Belgian lichtbruin café complete with riverside views.
Ghent takes the vegan ethos beyond food, too. You can shop at flea markets, go on an eco tour of the city, and visit one of the many green festivals, including Vegan Summer Fest in August.
Where to stay
Ghent is a great city for an ethical holiday, with eco-friendly accommodation galore, and many are happy to accommodate vegans.
Top spots include Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof and Yalo Urban Boutique Hotel.
3. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
With its meat and dairy-heavy diet, the Dutch capital may not seem vegan-friendly, but there are an increasing number of purely plant-based restaurants in Amsterdam, including the Vegan Junk Food Bar and SOIL Vegan Café.
More restaurants also have dedicated vegan menus, and you can even find dairy-free stroopwafels, a traditional caramel-filled waffle cookie.
Amsterdam is also an eco-friendly destination. You can easily walk or take public transport nearly anywhere, find plastic-free artisanal goods at local zero-waste shops, and visit one of the numerous flea and street markets.
Don’t miss Vega-Life, a 100 per cent vegan store selling everything from shoes to vegan cookbooks and fair trade products.
Best of all, if you want eco-friendly travel on a budget, you can get the Eurostar direct from London St Pancras International to Amsterdam Central Station.
Where to stay
Asile Flottant is a sustainably minded hotel-boat within spitting distance of plant-based Café de Ceuvel.
4. Prague, Czech Republic
The bohemian Czech capital, with its rich history, culture and food, has become increasingly popular with European and international tourists.
This boom caused a shift in Prague, and there’s now a growing number of vegan restaurants, bistros, and cafés.
If you want to dine like the locals, you’ll find vegan versions of Czech dumplings at Plevel, bud, and authentic stews at vegan pub Shromazdiste.
If that’s not for you, you can try vegan foie gras at Pastva or grab a fair trade coffee at social bistro Stecha.
You can even shop for vegan clothing, accessories and more at boutiques like NILA and Pour Pour.
You can now get from London to Prague by taking the Eurostar to Brussels, then the European Sleeper on to Prague.
Where to stay
Located in the heart of the city and attached to vegan restaurant Palo Verde Bistro, Salvator Boutique Hotel is eco-conscious and vegan-friendly.
5. Barcelona, Spain
The Catalonian city-by-the-sea is one of the fastest growing vegan-friendly cities in the world, according to HappyCow, with a whopping growth of 173 per cent in vegan-friendly businesses over the past two years alone!
In terms of food, there’s something for everyone in Barcelona. Local taverns serve shareable plant-based tapas and traditional Spanish dishes.
But you can also dine in upscale eateries like sushi bar Age of Aquarius, enjoy raw food at Petit Brot, tuck into craft beer and burgers at Vegan Cat Bar, or indulge your sweet tooth at the all-vegan sweet shop La Capritxeria.
Variety extends to vegan stores, too. Grey Street, an ethical gift shop supporting local designers and artists, joins a growing number of 100 per cent vegan shops like V Market and Vegacolena that cater to those looking for cruelty-free products.
Where to stay
Barcelona doesn’t have any vegan hotels, but Eco Boutique Grau rates highly for eco-friendliness.
Given Budapest’s health-conscious ethos, it’s unsurprising that the city has opened its arms to vegans.
Between taking a dip in the thermal baths, exploring St Stephen’s church, and cruising the Danube, you won’t have any difficulty finding something to eat.
Restaurants offer at least a few vegan dishes, including New York Café, said to be the world’s most beautiful cafe.
There are also 100 per cent plant-based spots for everything from comforting Hungarian dishes to street food.
Keen to try something local? Try traditional deep-fried flatbread topped with vegan cheese at Retro Lángos or visit Vegan Kozmosz for a selection of local stews, salads, and burgers made with seasonal veggies.
While in Budapest, don’t miss the markets – a weekly organic market, farmer’s market, and artisanal Sunday market all feature vegan-friendly vendors and products.
Where to stay
The elegant Prestige Hotel Budapest is located close to vegan dining spots and boasts an underground spa.
7. Lisbon, Portugal
Make sure you pack a solid pair of shoes so for walking as the beautiful colours and landmarks of this city will keep you on your feet all day.
Make sure you take a day trip to Sintra which is where you can find the fairytale palace of Pena and stunning romantic Quinta da Regaleira palace.
Lisbon has a lot to offer hungry vegan travellers. Casa do Mercado Lisboa is located close to the popular Time Out Market and also runs its own organic and bio restaurant, which offers a decent vegan breakfast.
Where to stay
Fancy an upmarket boutique eco-hotel? Inspira Santa Marta Hotel is perfect for you as it happily caters for vegans and has a great selection of vegan options in their Mediterranean restaurant.
Lookout Lisbon Hostel is located right next to the Bairro Alto so the location is absolutely fantastic for sightseeing.
8. Milan, Italy
Did you know that the first Michelin-star vegetarian restaurant in Europe was Milan’s own Milan Joia in 1996? Although not vegan, what Pietro Leeman did do is start to get the Milanese people to start to think outside of meat food.
Now it’s quite on-trend to boycott traditional trattoria and instead opt for a more veggie or vegan-friendly alternative. So much so that there are even authentic vegan pizzas to be found in Milan!
But don’t forget the sorbet, bursting with flavours and delight.
Also, Milan is only 2 hours away from Montisola, the largest lake island in Europe.
It’s a beautiful place to visit and Monte Isola is a stunning place to be. Definitely worth a day trip!
Where to stay
Eco-Hotel La Residenza & Bio Restaurant makes its own specialities which are local and organic, and can-do vegan on request. It’s main selling point is that it’s a sustainable hotel which is always a plus in our books.
Although further out from the city, B&B de I Bravi is also 100% vegan.
9. Warsaw, Poland
Did you know that there are over 70 fully-vegan restaurants in Warsaw? And there are hundreds more that offer a vegan option!
This has set the Polish capital as one of the top vegan-friendly cities in the world.
Warsaw is filled with a fascinating history so make sure you visit the Royal Castle to find out about the Polish royalty, and the Communist regime and go on to the Museum of the Warsaw Uprising to understand more of what happened to the Polish population after World War II.
Also pay a visit to Laze in Royal Łazienki Park where in summer you can join in with free yoga and meditation classes.
Where to stay
Conveniently located close to the airport, town and shopping centre Best Western Hotel Felix is rumoured to have a very good vegan breakfast option.
Alternatively, Emma Hostel is exclusively vegetarian with vegan options available.
10. Vienna, Austria
Fancy a bit of opera or classical music? Well then step right into Vienna.
With its beautiful opera house and classical concert halls, music has never been enjoyed more in such an incredible setting.
Don’t miss out on the gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Rathaus City Hall, the Hofburg Palace, or the Belvedere Palace surrounded by nature. They’ll leave you amazed by their beauty.
Make sure you check out Veganista as well, the city’s first fully vegan ice cream parlour!
Try a day tour to Vienna Woods where you can visit the stunning Liechtenstein Castle. Or a tour to Wachau to see a number of ancient castles as well as the country’s most famous Baroque building, the Benedictine Abbey of Melk.
Where to stay
With a great range of vegan meals, Hotel Bristol is the perfect place to stay, situated right next to the Vienna State Opera.
Having won awards for how eco-friendly it is, Boutiquehotel Stadthalle is a great place to stay with a delicious vegan breakfast.
11. Athens, Greece
Last, but by no means least on our list of the best vegan cities in Europe is Athens, in Greece.
When you think of Greece you tend to think of a more non-vegan-centric menu with their honey-smothered Baklava, yoghurt-based tzatziki, and meat-based Moussaka.
But, there are traditionally Greek foods that are vegan-friendly such as Dolmades, olives, courgette balls and many more.
So, you’ll actually find it easy to find a vegan restaurant, or meal when you’re out and about.
Athens is a beautiful place to visit with its incredible ancient monuments that will take you days to explore.
Don’t forget you can do a number of day trips from the city such as seeing the Meteora monasteries, exploring Delphi, and visiting the islands just off the coast.
Try Hydra, where you can see the most incredible sunsets!
Where to stay
The Ava Hotel & Suites is a beautiful boutique hotel that even offers a buffet breakfast.
Located in the suburbs, Veggie Garden B&B will make a vegan breakfast on request which you can enjoy in the garden under the lemon trees:
You’ve seen the best vegan cities in Europe, now explore the best vegan travel destinations worldwide!
Featured photo © phpetrunina14/Adobe Stock