Explore the best vegan-friendly cities in Europe with this guide.
Have you noticed how Europe has become a paradise for vegan foodies? I certainly have!
I’ve wandered the lively streets of Berlin, the old lanes of Prague, and the sunny squares of Barcelona. I’ve seen plant-based options rise across Europe.
A few years ago, finding good vegan food was tough. You often had to pack snacks and hope for the best.
The top vegan-friendly cities in Europe have many restaurants, cafés, and bakeries focusing on plant-based diets.
In this guide, I looked at key factors: vegan options, diverse cuisines, budget prices, and easy travel.
I also checked how well vegan options fit into local cuisines. Experiencing authentic culture is vital when travelling in Europe.
What’s exciting is that Europe isn’t just accommodating veganism; it’s celebrating it.
This continent is a paradise for vegan travellers. Adventure and great food await you everywhere. Enjoy Michelin-starred plant-based restaurants or dive into vegan street food festivals.
The Shifting Food Landscape: Europe’s Vegan Revolution
The European food scene has changed a lot in just ten years.
I’ve tracked this shift for years. The stats are clear—veganism in major European cities has surged over 300% since 2016!
What’s driving this plant-based revolution in the most vegan-friendly cities in Europe?
For starters, there’s growing awareness about environmental sustainability. Many Europeans are turning to veganism to cut their carbon footprint. Each plant-based meal saves about 2.5 kg of carbon emissions.
Health concerns and animal welfare have also pushed many toward plant-based living. Traditional European cuisines are adapting to meet this demand, and it’s impressive to see these changes.
Chefs are reimagining old recipes. In Vienna, you can find vegan Wiener Schnitzel. In Barcelona, there’s plant-based paella. They keep cultural authenticity while making these dishes new.
These vegan-friendly spots in Europe also host significant events. For example, Berlin’s Veganes Sommerfest draws over 65,000 visitors annually.
The economic impact is substantial, too. By 2025, the European plant-based food market will reach €7.5 billion. This growth will create thousands of jobs in vegan hotspots across Europe.
This isn’t just a trend. It’s a revolution. It’s changing how Europeans eat, cook, and view food.
Berlin: Europe’s Undisputed Vegan Capital
When I first arrived in Berlin, the many plant-based choices amazed me.
Berlin is the best vegan city in Europe. Its lively neighbourhoods boast over 80 fully vegan restaurants.
You could spend a month here and still not try all the vegan treats this vibrant city has!
Berlin is the top vegan spot in Europe. It’s not just about the number of options. The real draw is its diversity and creativity.
I had a fantastic afternoon at Brammibal’s Doughnuts. The maple-glazed doughnut made me rethink vegan baking.
In this vegan paradise, Vöner stands out. I enjoyed what might be the best vegan kebab in the world. Seasoned seitan, fresh veggies, and special sauces make a tasty dish. Even meat-eaters come back for more!
Beyond restaurants, Berlin’s vegan scene is extensive.
You’ll discover Veganz, Europe’s first vegan supermarket chain. It’s next to shops selling cruelty-free clothing and cosmetics.
The Veganes Sommerfest brings European plant-based culture to Alexanderplatz every summer. It draws more than 65,000 visitors.
Berlin’s vegan scene is inspiring. It’s a big part of the city’s counterculture identity.
In Berlin, veganism is more than a diet. This dynamic movement reflects the city’s progressive values and creative spirit.
Berlin should be on your list if you want to visit the top vegan cities in Europe!
London: A Powerhouse of Vegan Innovation
After exploring Berlin, I headed to London. This bustling city is one of the best vegan-friendly spots in Europe!
The British capital has seen a remarkable plant-based transformation.
It has more than 160 fully vegan restaurants, and new places open every month.
The wide variety in London’s vegan food scene amazed me.
Borough Market has grab-and-go street food stalls, and Mayfair offers fancy plant-based dining. There’s a choice for every budget and occasion.
I almost fell off my chair when I learned that British pubs now have vegan menus. They even serve plant-based Sunday roasts and “fish” and chips!
East London, especially Hackney and Shoreditch, is the centre of this vegan-friendly city.
I discovered Temple of Hackney, a unique vegan “chicken” shop. It often has lines stretching around the block. Their seitan-based fried “chicken” genuinely rivals any traditional version I’ve tried!
Moreover, London excels at multicultural vegan cuisine.
I had a tasty day of meals. For lunch, I enjoyed vegan Ethiopian food. For dinner, I had plant-based sushi. I finished with vegan gelato for dessert.
The city has many vegan markets. One highlight is the monthly Vegan Nights in Brick Lane. There, dozens of vendors come together, creating a fun, festival-like vibe.
Its innovation makes London stand out among Europe’s best vegan destinations.
The city’s lively food scene encourages chefs to craft exciting plant-based dishes. This trend is broadening what vegan food means.
London will exceed your expectations, whether you’re a long-time vegan or just curious!
Barcelona: Mediterranean Vegan Paradise
After leaving busy London, I arrived in sunny Barcelona. This city has quickly become one of the best vegan-friendly spots in Europe.
Barcelona mixes traditional Spanish flavours with modern plant-based ideas. This has changed how I see Mediterranean vegan food!
I found more than 60 vegan restaurants while walking in the Gothic Quarter of this lovely coastal city.
Barcelona’s European vegan scene is thrilling. Local chefs have skillfully veganized traditional Spanish dishes. I loved the amazing plant-based tapas at VeganCat Bar. Their mushroom “calamari” and chickpea omelette (tortilla española) were mind-blowing.
Barcelona is by the Mediterranean, so fresh, local produce is vital for its vegan cuisine.
I had a fantastic evening at Teresa Carles. I enjoyed creative plant-based dishes highlighting local olive oil, tomatoes, and fragrant herbs.
The annual VeggieWorld Barcelona festival boosts the city’s reputation as a top vegan destination in Europe.
Each year, it gathers thousands of plant-based fans.
Many of Barcelona’s famous food markets now have vegan stalls. For example, the iconic La Boqueria offers plant-based cheeses and vegan Spanish desserts.
Barcelona is a great Mediterranean getaway for vegans. It combines beach days with tasty food adventures.
This vegan-friendly European destination is hard to resist! It offers creative vegan food, stunning buildings, and a beautiful seaside location.
Amsterdam: Eco-Friendly Vegan Haven
When I got to Amsterdam, I saw how well the city’s eco-friendly attitude fits its growing vegan scene.
This charming canal city ranks among the best vegan-friendly spots in Europe. It combines sustainability with tasty plant-based dishes.
I was first struck by how Amsterdam’s environmental values shape its vegan food culture.
While cycling along the lovely canals, I found more than 100 vegan-friendly spots. Many of these were fully plant-based! Moreover, many restaurants proudly source ingredients locally, reducing their environmental footprint.
One absolute highlight of my Amsterdam vegan adventure was the Vegan Junk Food Bar.
Their loaded plant-based burgers and colourful “rainbow” fries improved vegan comfort food!
I also loved the cosy Vegabond café. There, I enjoyed a tasty vegan apple pie and a perfect cappuccino. They made the cappuccino from locally roasted beans and organic oat milk.
What’s exciting about Amsterdam’s plant-based European cuisine is how they’ve made Dutch classics vegan.
At Mr. & Mrs. Watson, I enjoyed plant-based bitterballen, usually meat-filled croquettes. I also had dairy-free poffertjes, or mini pancakes, topped with maple syrup.
Furthermore, Amsterdam’s vegan scene extends beyond food.
The city has many vegan concept stores, such as Vega-Life. They sell everything from cruelty-free clothes to plant-based skincare.
Amsterdam shines as a holistic vegan destination in Europe. This approach to ethical living nurtures both body and soul!
Warsaw: Eastern Europe’s Vegan Surprise
Warsaw wasn’t on my list when I planned my tour of top vegan-friendly European cities.
But this Polish capital became the biggest surprise of my trip! It was a true plant-based gem!
Warsaw is breaking the mould in Eastern Europe. Known for meat-heavy dishes, the city now boasts over 50 fully vegan restaurants. It’s a genuine vegan hotspot in Europe.
Warsaw ranks high among European vegan cities because it’s very affordable for plant-based options.
I had fancy multi-course meals under € 15—almost half the cost in Western European capitals! Furthermore, Polish chefs have brilliantly veganized traditional favourites.
At Vege Miasto, I tried plant-based pierogi. They were filled with smoky Tofu and mushrooms. Honestly, they could compete with any traditional pierogi.
Krowarzywa’s award-winning vegan burgers show why Warsaw is a top European plant-based spot. Their creative combinations of locally sourced ingredients create flavour profiles unique to Polish cuisine.
Warsaw has a lively vegan community. They hold events, markets, and festivals regularly.
Warsaw has a friendly vibe and great value. It’s a must-visit for any plant-based traveller in Europe!
Vienna: Redefining Austrian Cuisine Through a Vegan Lens
Vienna truly amazed me. By changing its meat-heavy dishes, it has become one of Europe’s top vegan-friendly cities.
This beautiful city has almost 50 fully vegan places. It shows that plant-based living can blend well with cultural heritage.
I was most impressed by how Vienna’s vegan scene transformed classic Austrian dishes.
At Velaní, I enjoyed a plant-based wiener schnitzel. It was made with seasoned seitan and topped with lingonberry jam. This dish made me wonder why the original even needed meat!
I also enjoyed a truly authentic vegan sachertorte at Veganista. It perfectly captured the essence of this famous chocolate cake.
Vienna’s historic coffee house culture has also embraced veganism.
I had a wonderful afternoon at Café Harvest. There, I enjoyed plant-based pastries and delicious oat milk lattes.
The Veganmania festival occurs every year at the Museumsquartier. It turns the area into a lively celebration of plant-based European food, and thousands of visitors enjoy it every summer.
Vienna has vegan cooking classes. I learned to make Austrian classics without using animal products.
Vienna is more than a vegan-friendly city. It offers a hands-on experience of plant-based living against old-world elegance!
Milan: home to Europe’s First Michelin-starred vegan Restaurant
Milan is a must-visit for anyone looking for vegan-friendly cities in Europe. This stylish Italian city is revolutionising plant-based fine dining.
The fashion capital made history by hosting Joia, the first vegan restaurant in Europe to earn a Michelin star. This shows that plant-based cuisine can achieve top culinary status.
What stood out to me in Milan’s vegan food scene was its classy take on plant-based Italian dishes.
I found more than just pasta and pizza. I discovered creative dishes that celebrate Italy’s rich agriculture.
At Joia, Chef Pietro Leemann turned local vegetables into edible art. His creations changed my view of vegan cuisine in Europe.
Meals at Joia in Milan
Additionally, Milan offers excellent plant-based options across all price points. I enjoyed delicious vegan kebabs at Universo Vegano. Then, I had plant-based gelato at Gelateria Gusto 17. Each spring, the annual MiVEG festival showcases top Italian vegan innovation.
Milan is not just about food. It’s also a fashion hub. The city has a vegan-friendly European vibe, and many boutiques offer quality options instead of leather and wool.
Milan is special in Europe for its mix of ethical fashion and plant-based food!
Prague: Gothic Beauty with Growing Vegan Options
As I walked through Prague’s charming streets, I was excited to learn that it is now one of Europe’s best vegan-friendly cities.
Prague’s traditional Czech cuisine often highlights meat and dairy. However, the city now has over 40 fully vegan restaurants hidden among Gothic spires and cobblestone streets.
Prague
I was thrilled by how Prague’s vegan cuisine creatively reimagines Czech classics.
At Moment Kavarna, I enjoyed a plant-based svíčková. This dish typically has beef and cream sauce, but we used seitan and cashew cream instead. It truly captured the essence of the classic recipe.
I also had an excellent vegan goulash at Forrest Bistro. It warmed my soul on a chilly evening in Prague.
Furthermore, Prague’s affordability stands out in the European vegan city rankings.
I enjoyed multi-course meals for under €15, much less than you’d pay in Western Europe.
Also, many breweries now have vegan-certified Czech beer. It’s excellent for enjoying tasty plant-based meals!
Prague also has seasonal vegan markets.
Local artisans sell various goods, like plant-based pastries and cruelty-free skincare products.
Prague is a must-visit vegan spot in Europe. Its affordability, authenticity, and accessibility appeal to plant-based travellers on any budget!
Planning Your Vegan European Adventure
Visiting top vegan-friendly European cities taught me that planning is key for a great plant-based trip.
I recommend downloading the Happy Cow app. It’s been my go-to for finding hidden vegan spots all over the continent!
Language barriers can pose challenges when exploring vegan-friendly cities in Europe. I always save screenshots of key phrases like “I’m vegan” and “Does this contain animal products?” in the local language.
Also, Google Translate’s camera feature has helped me many times with reading ingredient lists at the supermarket!
Many hotels in vegan-friendly European spots now provide plant-based breakfast options.
However, I prefer booking vegan-specific B&BS where possible.
Hotels like Berlin’s Almodovar and Rome’s The Beehive offer animal-free bedding and toiletries. They also share great tips on the best vegan restaurants nearby.
Furthermore, consider timing your visit around major European vegan festivals.
Events like Berlin’s Veganes Sommerfest and Barcelona’s Vegan Fest are significant. You can try many vendors and meet fellow travellers who share your interests.
Many cities now have vegan food tours. These tours mix sightseeing with plant-based eating adventures!
Don’t forget to pack vegan essentials! Bring protein bars and nuts for travel days. Even in plant-friendly European cities, train stations and airports may have few options.
Beyond Restaurants: Vegan Lifestyle in Europe
Exploring the best vegan cities in Europe showed me that plant-based living is more than great restaurants.
Many vegan spots in Europe now offer complete lifestyle options. These places support cruelty-free choices in all parts of life.
I found a vegan mini-mall in Berlin’s Prenzlauer Berg. It has clothing boutiques, shoe stores, and a tattoo parlour that uses animal-free inks!
Hackney in London has many vegan concept stores. I found non-leather wallets and ethical cosmetics there.
Moreover, the plant-based European cities increasingly offer vegan-friendly accommodations.
I stayed at Conscious Hotels in Amsterdam. They offer plant-based toiletries, animal-free bedding, and a sustainable design.
Furthermore, wellness centres across Barcelona offer vegan spa treatments using cruelty-free products.
Prague and Warsaw have plastic-free vegan markets for zero-waste fans. I took my containers to buy bulk foods and eco-friendly products.
This holistic approach makes travelling through vegan-friendly Europe a complete experience. It nurtures personal ethics and supports the planet’s well-being!
Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Travel in Europe
After I share my experiences in the top vegan-friendly cities in Europe, plant-based travellers often ask me the same questions.
Let me address the most common ones to help you plan your vegan European adventure!
What is the most vegan-friendly city in Europe?
Berlin is the top vegan spot in Europe.
More than 80 vegan restaurants and many vegetarian spots with tasty plant-based options exist.
London has over 160 vegan spots. They’re spread out over a much larger area.
How expensive is vegan food in European cities?
I’ve found remarkable price variations across different vegan-friendly European destinations.
Eastern European cities like Warsaw and Prague are great for value. Full meals at nice vegan restaurants can be found for under €15.
Scandinavian cities and Switzerland are usually the most expensive.
You can still find affordable spots like falafel shops and vegan street food in these areas.
Can I find vegan versions of traditional European dishes?
Absolutely! One of my favourite things about exploring vegan Europe is finding plant-based versions of famous local dishes.
Chefs have transformed traditional dishes everywhere. Enjoy vegan wiener schnitzel in Vienna or plant-based paella in Barcelona.
Also, when I ask for vegan versions of classic dishes at non-vegan restaurants, I often get tasty surprises that aren’t on the menu.
Travelling throughout Europe makes sticking to a vegan diet complicated, right?
Not anymore!
Many small European towns now have plant-based options, not just the big vegan spots. Look into supermarket chains with solid vegan choices. Check out DM, Alnatura, and Carrefour Bio for self-catering options when travelling between cities.
Chains like Vapiano and Wagamama offer dependable vegan meals at airports and other minor spots.
Are there any vegan-focused food tours in European cities?
Yes! Many top plant-based cities in Europe now offer specialised vegan tours. I liked “Vegan Food Tours” in Barcelona, London, and Amsterdam, and “Fork and Walk” in Berlin.
These tours showcase delicious vegan food. They also provide fun cultural and historical insights from a plant-based perspective!
How do I communicate my vegan needs in countries where I don’t speak the language?
Great question!
I found vegan translation cards from The Vegan Society helpful while travelling in Europe.
Many restaurants in big European cities now mark vegan options with a “VG” symbol or a green leaf.
In addition, I always learn the phrases “I am vegan” and “no meat, dairy, eggs, or honey” in the local language before travelling to new regions.
Where can I find the best vegan desserts in Europe?
Oh my goodness, Europe is a paradise for the vegan sweet tooth!
Brammibal’s Doughnuts in Berlin makes the best plant-based doughnuts I’ve ever had. Meanwhile, Vienna shines with its vegan versions of classic pastries. Moreover, Italian cities like Milan and Rome now offer exceptional dairy-free gelato.
My favourite dessert discovery happened in Barcelona. I found amazing vegan churros con chocolate. They were truly life-changing!
Rising Stars: Emerging Vegan-Friendly European Destinations
Cities like Berlin and London have long been the top vegan-friendly spots in Europe. But I’m excited to find new places quickly and build great plant-based scenes.
These new vegan spots in Europe are a must-visit! They’re perfect for plant-based travellers dreaming of their next adventure.
Lisbon has particularly impressed me with its explosive vegan growth. Despite Portugal’s seafood-heavy traditions, the capital now boasts over 40 fully vegan establishments.
The government has required vegan options in all public institutions. This is a big step for plant-based policy in Europe!
Copenhagen has transformed its Nordic food scene. Creative vegan spots like Souls and SimpleRAW lead the way.
Budapest is Eastern Europe’s rising star. At Napfényes Restaurant, traditional Hungarian dishes are given a vegan twist.
I’ve even found surprising vegan havens in smaller European cities.
Utrecht (Netherlands) and Ghent (Belgium) have vibrant vegan scenes. Although they are small cities, they feature many restaurants.
Ghent started “Thursday Veggie Day.” This encourages everyone to eat plant-based food once a week.
Veganism is growing across Europe, and I’m excited to see new vegan spots emerge. They will create unique plant-based identities while keeping their culinary traditions alive!
Conclusion: The Future of Vegan Europe
After exploring many great vegan-friendly European cities, the plant-based movement is just beginning.
I’ve seen a significant change in how Europeans think about food. The rise of vegan spots shows their focus on sustainability and ethical eating.
I love how each city keeps its own food culture. They also welcome plant-based ideas.
Europe’s vegan scene offers many options. You can find Berlin’s punk vegan kebabs or try Milan’s fancy plant-based meals. There’s always something new to discover.
More travellers want caring and eco-friendly dining. I expect vegan options to grow fast across the continent.
Traditional European cuisines will keep changing. They will add creative plant-based twists to classic dishes.
Explore these amazing vegan-friendly cities in Europe.
You can support local businesses, whether you’re a vegan or just curious about plants. They are leading the way to a better, sustainable future.
The vegan Europe of tomorrow will be tastier and easier to enjoy than ever!
