Have you ever wondered which are the best vegan travel destinations?
We’re here for you.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a vegan traveller, it’s that the world is becoming infinitely more plant-friendly than ever before.
From Europe’s bustling vegan streets to Asia’s colourful markets and Africa’s underrated plant-rich traditions, every year brings even more destinations worth exploring. T
Thanks to apps, online guides, vegan-friendly hotels and global vegan communities, travelling while eating plant-based is no longer stressful — it’s exciting, freeing, and delicious.
In this guide, I’m sharing the best vegan travel destinations around the world, drawn from global rankings, expert recommendations, and my own experiences.
Whether you’re dreaming of a beach holiday, a cultural getaway or a foodie adventure, there’s a vegan-friendly spot waiting for you.
Let’s dive in.
What Makes a City One of the Best Vegan Travel Destinations?
Before we list the best vegan cities and countries, it helps to understand what actually makes a destination “vegan-friendly.”
For me, the number of vegan restaurants is essential, but it’s not everything.
A genuinely great vegan travel destination usually ticks several boxes:
- Many vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants — densely packed areas make it easy to eat well without hunting for hours.
- Easy-to-read menus and food labelling — clear symbols for vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free or allergen-friendly options reduce stress.
- Affordability — budget-friendly vegan street food, local markets, and plant-rich traditional dishes.
- Eco-friendly and ethical experiences — destinations that support cruelty-free tourism, ethical wildlife viewing and sustainable travel.
- A thriving vegan community — markets, events, local meetups, and wellness spaces — adds an extra layer of connection.
The truth is: you don’t have to limit yourself to only the “top 10 vegan cities” you see online. With planning and tools like HappyCow, nearly any city in the world can become your perfect vegan travel destination.
Best Vegan Travel Destinations in Europe
Europe is hands-down one of my favourite continents to explore as a vegan.
Everything feels accessible — public transport is efficient, menus are easy to navigate, and there’s a massive movement towards plant-based living. Here are the standouts.
Berlin, Germany — The Vegan Capital of Europe
No list of vegan travel destinations is complete without Berlin.
It’s long been considered one of the most vegan-friendly cities in the world, and I felt it the moment I arrived.
Think: vegan döner kebab shops, indulgent brunch cafés, rich vegan ice cream, and entire restaurants dedicated to plant-based schnitzel.
Berlin is walkable, creative, gritty in the best way, and so full of vegan comfort food that you’ll forget meat ever existed.
London & Brighton, UK — Vegan Powerhouses
London is massive — and its vegan scene is just as huge.
With thousands of vegan-friendly options, you can eat your way through the city for weeks and still feel like you’ve barely scratched the surface.
Expect multicultural cuisine, modern cafés, vegan bakeries, street food markets and even vegan pubs.
Brighton, on the other hand, is like London’s quirky, beachy cousin. It’s compact, colourful and famed for having one of the highest concentrations of vegan eateries per square kilometre.
A weekend in Brighton is perfect if you want great food alongside ocean views.
Lisbon & Barcelona — Sunny Mediterranean Vegan Destinations
Both Lisbon and Barcelona have blossomed into vegan hotspots. Lisbon’s charming hills hide everything from vegan pastel de nata to artisan bakeries and creative plant-based restaurants.
Barcelona is known for its beach culture, Gaudí architecture and constantly expanding vegan scene — especially in neighbourhoods like El Born and Eixample.
Amsterdam, Prague & Warsaw — Rising Vegan Stars
Amsterdam has always leaned eco-conscious, so it’s no surprise that vegan cafés and bakeries are everywhere.
Meanwhile, Prague and Warsaw are fast becoming European favourites thanks to their innovative restaurants, hearty plant-based takes on traditional dishes, and very affordable prices.
Best Vegan Travel Destinations in Asia & the Pacific
Asia has my heart.
Between fragrant curries, colourful bowls, markets overflowing with fresh fruits and vegetables, and ancient cultures that naturally lean towards vegetarianism, it’s an incredible region for plant-based travel.
Chiang Mai & Bangkok, Thailand — Street Food Heaven
Chiang Mai is a vegan utopia.
Honestly, it’s hard to walk more than a few blocks without spotting a plant-based café. From smoothie bowls to vegan khao soi, Chiang Mai’s casual, laid-back vibe makes it the perfect destination for vegan backpackers and digital nomads.
Bangkok adds a fast-paced, high-energy twist with bustling night markets, Buddhist-inspired “jay” dishes and trendy vegan eateries popping up everywhere.
Ubud, Bali, Indonesia — The Spiritual Vegan Retreat
Ubud is what happens when wellness culture meets tropical island living.
Its plant-based scene is world famous: raw vegan cafés, organic eateries, juice bars, smoothie bowls, Ayurvedic dining… you name it.
Yoga retreats, purification rituals and green rice terraces add to the magic.
If you want a vegan holiday destination with healing energy, Bali never disappoints.
Tokyo, Japan — Creative & Innovative Vegan Food
Japan may not traditionally be vegan-friendly, but Tokyo is changing that rapidly. In recent years, vegan ramen shops, convenience-store snacks, bakeries and modern plant-based eateries have exploded in number.
It takes a bit more research than other cities, but the food is absolutely worth it.
Tel Aviv — The Middle Eastern Vegan Capital
Tel Aviv is often listed as one of the best vegan cities in the world.
With falafel, hummus, salads, pita, roasted vegetables and mezze spreads everywhere you go, the city practically feels tailor-made for plant-based travellers.
It’s flavourful, beachy and full of life.
Best Vegan Travel Destinations in the Americas
The Americas offer an incredible mix: from iconic US cities with booming vegan scenes to colourful Latin American destinations with naturally plant-rich cuisines.
West Coast USA — The Global Vegan Frontier
Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland and Seattle form what I like to call “the Vegan Belt.”
LA is home to endless creative vegan options; Portland’s food trucks are legendary; San Francisco hosts some of the most innovative vegan fine dining in the world; and Seattle blends comfort food with fresh, wholesome ingredients.
New York City — Where Every Cuisine Is on the Menu
NYC is a giant melting pot. You’ll find vegan Ethiopian, vegan Korean, vegan Peruvian, vegan Italian, vegan Jewish delis — everything. It’s a top-tier destination for vegan travellers who want endless culinary diversity.
Mexico City & Beyond — Latin America’s Vegan Rise
Mexico City’s vegan scene has exploded in recent years. From tacos to tamales, street corn to fusion bowls, it’s vibrant and incredibly budget-friendly.
Medellín, Buenos Aires and Santiago are also emerging as must-visit vegan destinations in the region.
Best Vegan Travel Destinations in Africa & the Middle East
Africa is one of the most underrated continents for vegan travel — and as a South African, I’m proud to say we have some serious gems.
Cape Town & Johannesburg, South Africa — Africa’s Vegan Hotspots
Cape Town feels like Europe and Africa in one — stylish cafés, vegan bakeries, sustainable markets, and dishes that reinterpret traditional African flavours.
Meanwhile, Johannesburg’s vegan scene is expanding quickly, with creative restaurants, food markets and plant-based meal delivery services becoming more mainstream.
North African & Middle Eastern Vegan-Friendly Cities
Marrakech, Istanbul, Beirut and other cities across North Africa and the Middle East offer some of the most flavourful vegan food you’ll ever eat.
Think slow-cooked lentils, fragrant stews, couscous, mezze, falafel, grilled vegetables, herbs and spices. Many dishes are naturally plant-based.
Why “Harder” Destinations Can Still Work
Even if a place isn’t known as a vegan hotspot, most destinations today offer at least a few reliable vegan-friendly restaurants.
With translation apps, HappyCow and a little preparation, travelling vegan in Africa and the Middle East is absolutely doable.
Emerging & Off-Beat Vegan Travel Destinations
If you want something fresh, exciting and slightly off the radar, consider places like Ho Chi Minh City, Warsaw, Medellín, Seoul or Belgrade. These cities are buzzing with creative chefs, vegan pop-ups and markets — all without the price tag of Western Europe.
Off-beat destinations often end up becoming travellers’ favourites because:
- They’re cheaper,
- They’re less crowded,
- And the food feels incredibly authentic.
With blogs, forums and tools like HappyCow, you can easily research whether a lesser-known city is right for your budget and travel style.
How to Choose Your Best Vegan Travel Destination
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by choice, here’s how I personally choose my next vegan trip:
- Define what you want: food tour, beach escape, culture, nightlife or relaxation.
- Check vegan restaurant density on HappyCow — the easiest indicator of how stress-free your trip will be.
- Look for vegan-friendly hotels and accommodation with kitchens, so you’re not dependent on restaurants.
- Research local dishes that are naturally plant-based.
- Join local vegan Facebook groups or search Instagram hashtags for up-to-date tips.
Instead of asking “What are the best vegan travel destinations?”, ask: “What is the best vegan destination for me right now?”
Vegan Travel Planning Tips for Any Destination
- Use vegan travel apps such as HappyCow, Vegan Friendly, and Vanilla Bean.
- Learn simple vegan phrases: “no meat, no dairy” in the local language.
- Choose accommodation near markets: fresh produce makes every trip easier.
- Carry vegan snacks: oats, nuts, dried fruit, crackers, and nut butter.
- Use offline maps: essential in places with unreliable connectivity.
FAQs: Best Vegan Travel Destinations
Which Country Is the Best Vegan Travel Destination?
Germany, the UK, Thailand, Indonesia and Israel usually rank highest, but the “best” country depends on your interests, budget and travel style.
What City Is Currently the Vegan Capital of the World?
Berlin often claims the title, but London, Tel Aviv and Chiang Mai frequently compete for the top spot depending on the year and ranking.
Is It Hard to Travel as a Vegan?
With apps, vegan-friendly hotels, clear labelling and global awareness, travelling as a vegan is easier than ever. A little research goes a long way.
Can I Travel Vegan on a Budget?
Yes! Markets, supermarkets and street food stalls make even expensive cities surprisingly affordable for vegan travellers.
Conclusion: The Best Vegan Travel Destinations Are the Ones You Actually Visit
The world is opening up beautifully for vegan travellers.
From trending vegan cities to hidden gems, you can explore confidently and eat well almost anywhere.
Choose a place that excites you, pack your snacks, download your apps, and let your next plant-powered adventure begin.
