Best Vegan Travel Destinations 2024

In recent years, veganism has transcended its status as a niche dietary choice and emerged as a mainstream lifestyle embraced by millions across the globe. Europe, with its rich culinary traditions and diverse cultures, has seen a significant rise in the number of people adopting a plant-based diet. This shift has led to the development of numerous vegan-friendly cities, each offering its unique take on vegan cuisine and lifestyle.

In this article, we will explore some of the most vegan-friendly cities in Europe, delving into what makes each of them stand out in the ever-growing world of veganism.

1. Berlin, Germany: The Vegan Capital of Europe

Berlin is often regarded as the vegan capital of Europe, and for good reason. The city boasts a vibrant and diverse vegan scene that caters to all tastes and preferences. From fast food joints to gourmet restaurants, Berlin has it all.

A Culinary Haven

Berlin’s food culture is as eclectic as its residents, and this is reflected in the city’s vegan offerings. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty vegan burger, a slice of vegan pizza, or a fine dining experience, Berlin has something for everyone. The city is home to several all-vegan supermarkets, such as Veganz, where you can find a wide range of plant-based products, from meat alternatives to vegan chocolates and cheeses.

Vegan Street Food Markets

One of the highlights of Berlin’s vegan scene is its street food markets, where you can sample a variety of vegan dishes from around the world. Markthalle Neun, located in the Kreuzberg district, is a popular spot for foodies, offering a wide selection of vegan street food options, from Vietnamese pho to Middle Eastern falafel. The Vegan Summer Festival, held annually in Alexanderplatz, is another must-visit event, featuring a range of vegan food stalls, live music, and cooking demonstrations.

A Thriving Vegan Community

Berlin’s vegan community is active and supportive, with numerous events and meetups happening throughout the year. The city is home to several vegan social clubs and organizations, such as the Berlin Vegan Meetup group, where like-minded individuals can connect, share recipes, and explore the city’s vegan scene together.

2. London, UK: A Global Hub for Vegan Cuisine

London, a city known for its multiculturalism, offers a diverse range of vegan dining options that cater to all tastes. The city’s food scene is constantly evolving, with new vegan restaurants and cafes popping up regularly.

Vegan Diversity

London’s vegan scene is as diverse as its population. From traditional British fare to international cuisines, you can find vegan versions of almost any dish in the city. Whether you’re craving a vegan Sunday roast, a plant-based curry, or vegan sushi, London has you covered.

Vegan Fine Dining

For those seeking a more upscale dining experience, London is home to several gourmet vegan restaurants that offer creative and innovative plant-based dishes. Restaurants like Gauthier Soho, which has recently transitioned to a fully vegan menu, and Mildreds, a long-standing favorite in the city’s vegan community, showcase the best of what vegan fine dining has to offer.

Vegan Markets and Festivals

London also hosts several vegan markets and festivals throughout the year. The monthly Hackney Downs Vegan Market is a popular destination for food lovers, offering a variety of vegan street food, artisanal products, and fresh produce. The city’s annual VegFest, one of the largest vegan festivals in the UK, attracts thousands of visitors each year, with stalls selling everything from vegan food and clothing to cruelty-free cosmetics.

A Welcoming Vegan Community

London’s vegan community is large and welcoming, with numerous social groups and events catering to both long-time vegans and those new to the lifestyle. The London Vegan Meetup group organizes regular social events, potlucks, and restaurant outings, providing a great way to connect with fellow vegans in the city.

3. Amsterdam, Netherlands: A Creative and Innovative Vegan Scene

Amsterdam is known for its creativity and innovation, and this is reflected in the city’s burgeoning vegan scene. With a growing number of vegan restaurants, cafes, and shops, Amsterdam is quickly becoming a top destination for plant-based eaters.

Innovative Vegan Cuisine

Amsterdam’s vegan restaurants are known for their creativity and innovation, offering a range of dishes that are both delicious and visually appealing. The city is home to several vegan eateries that push the boundaries of traditional cuisine, such as the Vegan Junk Food Bar, which serves up indulgent plant-based versions of fast food favorites like burgers, fries, and milkshakes.

Vegan Bakeries and Cafes

For those with a sweet tooth, Amsterdam has a number of vegan bakeries and cafes that offer a tempting array of plant-based treats. At cafes like Koffie ende Koeck and Vegabond, you can enjoy vegan cakes, pastries, and coffee in a cozy and welcoming environment.

Sustainable Living

Amsterdam’s commitment to sustainability is also evident in its vegan scene. Many of the city’s vegan restaurants and cafes prioritize organic, locally sourced ingredients and eco-friendly practices. The city is home to several zero-waste and vegan-friendly shops, such as Little Plant Pantry, where you can buy a variety of plant-based foods and products without any unnecessary packaging.

A Growing Vegan Community

Amsterdam’s vegan community is growing rapidly, with more and more people embracing a plant-based lifestyle. The city hosts regular vegan meetups, potlucks, and cooking classes, providing plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow vegans and learn more about plant-based living.

4. Vienna, Austria: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation

Vienna is a city that beautifully blends tradition with innovation, and this is reflected in its vegan scene. The Austrian capital offers a wide range of vegan dining options, from traditional dishes to modern culinary creations.

Veganized Austrian Classics

One of the highlights of Vienna’s vegan scene is the availability of vegan versions of traditional Austrian dishes. Restaurants like Veggiezz and Swing Kitchen offer plant-based takes on classics like Wiener Schnitzel, goulash, and strudel, allowing you to experience the rich flavors of Austrian cuisine without compromising your vegan values.

Vegan Coffeehouse Culture

Vienna is famous for its coffeehouse culture, and vegans are well-catered for in the city’s many cafes. Several traditional Viennese coffeehouses, such as Café Landtmann and Café Sacher, now offer vegan options, including plant-based milk for coffee and vegan pastries.

A Commitment to Sustainability

Vienna’s vegan scene is also characterized by a strong commitment to sustainability and ethical living. Many of the city’s vegan restaurants and shops focus on organic, locally sourced ingredients and environmentally friendly practices. The city is home to several vegan markets, such as the Veganmania summer festival, where you can find a wide range of vegan food, clothing, and cosmetics.

A Supportive Vegan Community

Vienna’s vegan community is active and supportive, with numerous events and meetups happening throughout the year. The city hosts regular vegan brunches, potlucks, and cooking workshops, providing plenty of opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals and explore the city’s vegan offerings.

5. Barcelona, Spain: A Vibrant and Health-Conscious Vegan Scene

Barcelona’s vegan scene has been growing rapidly in recent years, with an increasing number of restaurants, cafes, and shops catering to plant-based eaters. The city’s vibrant culture and health-conscious population have embraced veganism, making it a top destination for vegans in Europe.

Vegan Tapas

Barcelona is famous for its tapas culture, and vegans are well-catered for with a variety of plant-based tapas options. Restaurants like BarCeloneta Sangria Bar and Rasoterra serve up delicious vegan tapas, allowing you to enjoy this traditional Spanish dining experience without compromising your dietary choices.

Plant-Based Seafood

In a city known for its seafood, it’s no surprise that Barcelona’s vegan scene includes innovative plant-based seafood alternatives. Restaurants like Roots & Rolls and The Green Spot offer creative dishes that mimic the flavors and textures of seafood, using ingredients like seaweed, tofu, and jackfruit.

Vegan Bakeries and Desserts

Barcelona is also home to a number of vegan bakeries and dessert shops, where you can indulge in plant-based versions of traditional Spanish sweets. At places like Chök and Santoni, you can enjoy vegan churros, donuts, and cakes in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

A Health-Conscious Community

Barcelona’s vegan scene is driven by a health-conscious community that values fresh, locally sourced ingredients and sustainable living. The city hosts several health-focused vegan events, such as the Barcelona Veg Fest, which features cooking demonstrations, workshops, and talks on plant-based nutrition and wellness.