Vegan is a new buzz word, apparently. Veganism is trending, they say. In 2018, Lonely Planet named vegan travel the “travel trend”of the year. And vegan Europe is at the forefront of the movement, with a plethora of amazing vegan restaurants and options no matter where you go. So naturally, the question arises: what are the best vegan cities in Europe?

Since people love to talk about what’s trending, there have been a lot of articles floating around recently talking about the most vegan-friendly cities in the U.S. or the most vegan-friendly cities in the world. However, there is usually no rubric or basis for choosing these vegan cities beyond the fact that the writer had some good vegan food there.

So, naturally, we decided to write our own list to the most vegan friendly cities in Europe – based on actual facts and statistics, with some parameters. We first started this list of the best vegan European cities in 2017 and have updated it yearly ever since.

How We Calculated This Vegan Europe List:

We used the number of fully vegan restaurants listed on HappyCow (like a vegan Yelp) as a barometer. Yes, we know that this isn’t a fail-safe method. There surely are vegan friendly cities in Europe with few vegan restaurants but vegan options aplenty in traditional cuisine. There are many places whose traditional cuisine can be quite vegan-friendly and we love to search out these dishes. (Check out Nomadic Vegan’s book Veggie Planet on exactly this subject). But these accidentally vegan dishes are exactly that – accidental. When possible, we like to support people and initiatives (like vegan restaurants, sanctuaries, hotels, etc.) that are consciously working towards a more ethical, environmentally friendly, and healthier world.

We also used this method because it’s what we do and it works. Every time we visit a new city, we check out Happy Cow and read guides by local bloggers. This is what has helped us to write our many vegan city guides and eat at some of the best vegan restaurants in Europe and the U.S. Doing some research is key to successful vegan trips. Not only do we love to get excited about the delicious food we’re going to eat, but research gives us realistic expectations about a place and the food that’s going to be available.

One more thing to keep in mind – the actual proportion of vegan spots to the total population. To use a U.S. example, when measured in vegan restaurants per capita, Salt Lake City is on track with Portland, which crushes New York City. Many of the best European cities for vegans are capitals, but some of them are smaller cities – there were quite a few cities on here that surprised us, and we expect will surprise you too!

For a global list based on vegan restaurants per capita, check out The Vegan Word’s Most Vegan Friendly Cities Worldwide!

Top 10 Most Vegan Friendly Cities in Europe in 2020

The world gets more vegan each day and it’s been interesting to see changes in yearly rankings for the best vegan cities in Europe. For people who are swayed by stats like us, we included how many new vegan spots opened up since we last year’s list, and if the city moved up or down in the list. (Keep in mind that as restaurants open and close, these numbers may vary slightly throughout the course of the year).

But this is more than just a simple ranking of the best European cities for vegans! We also include tons of resources to help you in planning your trip. We’ve linked the most extensive guides and resources we could find – compiled by vegans who live in or have spent considerable time in these respective cities (where possible).

Nothing irritates me more than when bloggers or journalists write articles claiming to be “ultimate” vegan guides to a destination, yet clearly spent two days there. Many times the writer has only spent one day in the destination and simply lists restaurants that they never even tried. And of course, there are the non-vegan writers who always find a way to sneak in a comparison to meat and you can’t help but feel like someone paid them to do it (probably because someone did). So we’ve scoured the web for the absolute best and honest articles on each of these vegan European cities.

Without further long-winded adieu, here are the best vegan friendly European cities!

1. London, England: 161 Vegan Restaurants

Change from 2019: +16 vegan restaurants, same ranking in list

It’s no surprise that London grabs the top spot as the best vegan city in Europe. Like New York City, it’s hard to compete with a massive city of eight million. Both cities regularly come in on lists of top vegan cities in the world. There are over one hundred vegan restaurants in London, and travelers will have no shortage of events to attend. Every month there are multiple vegan street fairs, events, and meetups.

Some unique vegan restaurants in London include the insanely popular Temple of Seitan featuring vegan fried chick’n made from seitan, an all-vegan Japanese restaurant, vegan doner kebab, vegan Ethiopian, a plethora of vegan cafes…ok we’ll stop now. If you’re more into fine dining, London has several options, including Michelin-starred Pollen Street Social.

The UK, in general, is one of the most vegan friendly countries in Europe. We spent an entire summer there, house sitting in insanely vegan friendly cities of Glasgow and Brighton and traveling throughout the country in between.

London Vegan Resources: Fellow vegan travel blogger Caitlin of The Vegan Word lives in London and has a vegan London travel guide. VeganLondon is a website completely dedicated to everything vegan London (duh). They’ve got a ton of resources, including an events calendar! For more vegan London food porn, you can’t go wrong perusing through @vegansofldn on Instagram.

Where to Stay: There is no shortage of vegan London accommodations. We’ve included a few options here for different budgets. Click on the hotel names to check prices and availability.

2. Berlin, Germany: 83 Vegan Restaurants

Net Increase from 2019: +1 vegan restaurants, same ranking in list

Berlin is often known as the “vegan capital of Europe” and it’s a well-deserved title. The city is a wonderland of plant-based food and we won’t lie – that was a big factor in us returning twice in 2017. There’s honestly something for every kind of vegan in Berlin, with a plethora of vegan restaurants specializing in countless types of cuisine.

Berlin is home to one of the largest vegan festivals in Europe, Veganes SommerFest, as well as a chain of vegan grocery stores, Veganz. Some of the most popular vegan Berlin eateries include Brammibal’s vegan donut shop, Voner, a vegan doner kebab joint, and Kopps for a gourmet brunch buffet. There is also a “vegan shopping center” with a vegan shoe store, restaurant, clothing store, cafe, and grocery store.

Some interesting new vegan restaurants that opened in 2019 include Feel Seoul Good (Korean) Frea (zero waste restaurant), and Försters (German cuisine using local and regional produce).

Honestly, we much prefer Berlin to London for vegan travel in Europe. Overall, it’s way cheaper, way less crowded, and we love the alternative vibe of the city (check out our post on Alternative Things to Do in Berlin if you’re headed there). It’s without a doubt one of our favorite cities ever, and a place we’ll always keep returning to.

Vegan Currywurst in Berlin at Voner, a vegan restaurant in Berlin

Resources: For our recommendations, read our Berlin Vegan Guide, and if you’re there in the summer, read more about our experience at the (free) Berlin Vegan Summer Fest. Make sure to check out long time Berlin resident VeganNomNom’s epic Vegan Guide to Berlin or one of (also a Berlin resident) Indefinite Adventure’s many food-specific vegan guides (like best vegan brunches in Berlin). We use these guides extensively whenever we are in Berlin! If you like food tours, don’t miss out on the vegan food tours offered by Maja at Vegan Tours Berlin.

Where to Stay: Almodóvar Biohotel is a 4 star organic, vegetarian design hotel with a vegan breakfast buffet (gluten-free, and raw options as well)! The hotel uses eco-friendly practices and includes a yoga mat in every room, perfect for keeping active on the go. They’re located just a few blocks from Berlin’s vegan mini-mall mentioned above. Click here to check availability and current rates.

3. Paris, France: 70 Vegan Restaurants

Change from 2019: + 4 vegan restaurants, same ranking

France is known as one of the not as vegan friendly countries in Europe due to the use of butter and cheese in French cooking. However! Eating vegan in Paris is sure to be a delight with almost 70 entirely vegan restaurants in the French capital.

There are a ton (I mean a TON) of vegan burger places in Paris, so if you’re a burger fan, then you’re in luck. Vegan French food is definitely still more of a rarity, though highlights include the mouth-watering pastries of VG Patisserie, several vegan brasseries, and famed Le Potager du Marais in one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Paris.

Resources: Vegan bloggers love spending time in Paris, meaning that there are no shortage of epic vegan guides to Paris! Extensive guides include the following: The Vegan Word and the Nomadic Vegan, or a Veggie Visa’s vegan shopping guide. Traveling around France? Check out our vegan Nantes guide.

For vegan tours in Paris, Lyon, and Bordeaux, check out Vegan Food Tours France.

Where to Stay: Solar Hotel proclaims itself to be the first green and affordable hotel in Paris and even offers free bikes for guests to use. They use a variety of energy and waste-saving tactics to reduce the hotel’s environmental impact. Click here to check availability and current rates.

4. Prague, Czechia: 50 Vegan Restaurants

Change from 2019: +7 vegan restaurants, same ranking

Prague is perhaps the most surprising in its high place on this list of best European vegan cities. The Czech capital is much smaller (1.26 million) when compared to the other best vegan cities in Europe. That just means all the yumminess is easier to get to!

The city is bursting with old-school charm in every corner, though the small Old Town can be overwhelmed with tourists in the summer months. Most people only spend a few days in the Czech capital, so you’ll likely not be able to come close to trying all the delicious vegan food on offer in just one visit! Try vegan Czech food at restaurants such as Moment or Plevel, or support the amazing social enterprise Střecha (The Roof), a vegan bistro/café that employs the previously homeless or incarcerated.

For a personalized vegan Prague tour, take an I Like Veggie walking food tour. (P.S. Click here to get $15 off your first Airbnb experience or $40 off your first stay.)

Resources: Vegan blogger Randi of Veggie Visa lives in Prague and she has written extensively on the subject. Check out her epic Guide to the Best Vegan Restaurants in Prague.

5. Warsaw, Poland: 53 Vegan Restaurants

Change from 2019: + 6 vegan restaurants, same ranking

In the tourism world, Warsaw often gets overshadowed in favor of popular Polish student city Krakow. However, the capital city of Poland is certainly worth a visit, with sprawling parks and a beautiful (if completely rebuilt) Old Town. This is especially true for vegans, who are quickly discovering that Warsaw is one of the best vegan friendly cities in Europe.

Many vegan travelers have expressed their surprise upon arriving in Warsaw and finding a plethora of vegan restaurants. Is it the new Berlin?? The new vegan capital of Europe? The offerings are diverse, from restaurants like Chwast Polski and Lokal Vegan Bistro that serve vegan versions of traditional Polish food, to burger joints like Krowarzywa, a Polish vegan burger chain with many locations throughout Warsaw and even all of Poland. But that’s not all! There are also vegan sushi places, bistros, vegan hot dog trucks, and more. Best of all, you’ll find the prices here much lower than more touristy Western European countries. If you’re on a budget, Warsaw is one of the best vegan holiday destinations in Europe. (Vegan on a budget? Check out our Budget Vegan Travel Tips for a Tasty Trip).

Resources: Check out Bright Nomad’s Vegan Travel Tips for Warsaw and Vegans with Appetites’ Foodies Guide to Eating Vegan in Warsaw. If you’re going to be traveling around the country, Bounding Over Our Steps has a very informative article on Being Vegan in Poland.

6. Madrid, Spain: 42 Vegan Restaurants

Change from 2019: +7 vegan restaurants, +1 in ranking

Madrid’s Famous Plaza Mayor

We lived in Madrid for years (doing the auxiliar program) and frankly, we’re tired of hearing that it must be difficult to be vegan in the Spanish capital! Madrid has a thriving vegan scene and deserves way more recognition. Since 2017, we’ve watched Madrid climb in this ranking of top vegan cities in Europe. We couldn’t be happier. In fact, we are so passionate about the amazing vegan scene in Madrid that we wrote a whole damn book on the subject!

Madrid is home to 42 fully vegan restaurants that serve some of the best vegan food in Europe. There are vegan restaurants in Madrid opening every month and the quality for price is among the best vegan cities we have explored. All of this has happened in the past few years, which is even more surprising.

The variety is truly impressive, with several vegan bakeries (including the best vegan cheesecake EVER at Landareak), vegan cafes (our fav is Chilling Cafe) no less than THREE all vegan doughnut shops, junk food spots, healthy spots, gastrobars, fine dining, all raw restaurants, and more. Madrid vegans are passionate about veganism, organizing frequent animal rights protests, vegan events, dinners, and more.

We’ve had some amazing vegan food in Madrid, with many places offering up veganized versions of traditional classic Spanish foods, like croquetas and tortilla (our favorite is at Distrito Vegano). In the winter, many places offer a vegan “cocido Madrileño” – Madrid’s traditional winter stew.

Traditional Madrid stew – veganized at Distrito Vegano!

Resources: We’re going to tout our own horns here because we have written so extensively on Madrid’s vegan scene after living there for years. Read our Ultimate Vegan Guide to Madrid for our take on all of Madrid’s vegan restaurants as well as vegan options at vegetarian and omnivore spots. We also have a vegan tapas guide for Madrid and a guide to the best vegan lunch specials. Spanish speakers can check out Madrid Vegano for up to date news and events.

The Madrid Vegan Guidebook is packed with 5X more info than we could fit in our online articles.

Spain is one of the best vegan holiday destinations in Europe: there’s sun, great food, and affordable prices. Want some trip inspiration? Check out these 10 Stunning Vegan Hotels in Spain for the Perfect Getaway!

7. Amsterdam, the Netherlands: 38 Vegan Restaurants

Change from 2019: -1 in this list

Amsterdam is globally known for being pretty environmentally conscious. It’s one of the most bike friendly cities in the world, with its bike highways and millions of daily cyclers. Still, the Dutch capital wasn’t even on our 2017 list of the best vegan places in Europe, with “only” 12 vegan restaurants. In the past couple of years, Amsterdam has TRIPLED the number of vegan establishments in the city. If that doesn’t prove that veganism is the future, we don’t know what is. (Or maybe it’s just all the vegans in Amsterdam getting the munchies?)

One of the most famed spots is Vegan Junk Food Bar, which is pretty much exactly as described. They now have four locations in Amsterdam and one in nearby Rotterdam. Deer Mama is another spot for comfort food classics, with menu items like a “smoky BBQ nacho bucket,” milkshakes, and Beyond burgers, but also Dutch treats like croquettes and bitterballen. (meatballs). Looking for more of a dining experience? Check out Mr. and Mrs. Watson, which specializes in decadent dishes featuring artisan vegan cheeses (like fondue!).

Resources: VeganAmsterdam.org is your one-stop shop for all things vegan Amsterdam. The website has reviews for vegan, vegetarian, and vegan friendly restaurants in Amsterdam, where to shop for vegan grocery items and clothing, and keeps you up to date with all the latest openings and news.



8. Lisbon, Portugal: 36 Vegan Restaurants

Change from 2019: +7 vegan restaurants, +1 in ranking

Lisbon may be one of the best vegan destinations in Europe if you’re looking for sunshine, great vegan food, and affordability. Portugal also just mandated vegan food to be served in prisons and public schools, so it’s safe to say that this small country is at the forefront of veganism in Europe. In fact, in The Vegan Word’s list of Most Vegan Friendly Cities in the World (ranked on vegan restaurants per capita), Lisbon comes in the top 10!

For traditional Portuguese food made vegan, head to the popular Organi Chiado, which uses locally organic sourced ingredients. Kitchen Dates is the first zero waste restaurant in Lisbon. Visit for lunch or take part in one of their dining experiences, where 20 people come together around a single table to share a meal. A great way to meet other vegan, eco-conscious travelers!

Resources: Wendy of The Nomadic Vegan lives in Lisbon – check out her guide to the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Lisbon. My Five Acres also has an extensive vegan and vegetarian guide to Lisbon, complete with must-eats and what to avoid. We always love when bloggers include restaurant “misses” since it helps others know what to avoid.

9. Budapest, Hungary: 32 Vegan Restaurants

Change from 2019: +3 vegan restaurants, -1 in ranking

Having Hungarian blood (my grandfather was born and raised in Budapest and I still have a lot of family in Hungary), I’m proud to see Budapest on this list. Though I’ve been to this beautiful city many times both growing up and as an adult, only one of those times has been since I became vegan. Budapest is now one of the most popular vegan friendly cities in Europe!



Napfenyes Restaurant is probably the most famous vegan restaurant in Budapest and serves up Hungarian food veganized. There are also several veggie burger joints (like Istvanffi Veggie Burger and Vegan Love) as well as some of the best falafel I’ve had outside of NYC at Hummus Bar. There’s also a monthly vegan pop up market!

Resources: Laura of Vegan Vs. Travel currently lives in Budapest and has rounded up the best spots in her post Best Places to Eat Out in Budapest.

10. Vienna, Austria: 24 Vegan Restaurants

Change from 2019: +1 vegan restaurants



My Oma (grandma) was Austrian, so I grew up eating Austrian dishes such as the famed wiener schnitzel. Happily, vegan Vienna visitors (say that three times fast) can enjoy traditional Austrian dishes ohne Fleisch (without meat). For a schnitzel burger, head to one of the most popular vegan restaurants in Vienna: Swing Kitchen. They have multiple locations, do not use plastic, and play swing music in the background while you eat! Of course you can’t miss out on Viennese pastries, so be sure to make a stop at Oma’s Backstube (Oma’s bakery), which is all vegan. It’s worth noting that Vienna is definitely one of the pricier of the best cities in Europe for vegans, so plan accordingly!

Resources: For more vegan foodie recommendations check out: this guide on Vida mag by a Viennese local, Vegan on Board’s extensive Vegan Vienna guide (one half of this van life duo is Austrian and they used to live there), and Indefinite Adventure’s vegan guide to the city.

Honorable Mentions for Most Vegan Friendly Cities in Europe

We got so carried away we couldn’t stop at just 10 of the best places in Europe for vegans. Here are a few cities that almost made the list: the honorable mentions! Some of these were on 2019’s list of top vegan cities in Europe, and all of the vegan Europe honorable mentions have over 20 vegan restaurants!

Hamburg, Germany: 26 Vegan Restaurants

The vegan movement in Germany is going strong in its major cities. Along with the UK, Germany is definitely one of the best European countries for vegans. Hamburg added 12 vegan restaurants in the past year, which is absolutely incredible! HappenPappen (established 2013) is one of the city’s most popular vegan restaurants, offering daily specials like bowls and burgers. Cat lovers should definitely not miss Cafe Katzentempel (Temple of Cats). Enjoy your coffee and a vegan treat in the company of kitties!

Stay overnight at Green Haven, Hamburg’s eco-friendly, 100% vegan bed and breakfast.

Resources: For more Hamburg goodies, including a map of vegan + vegan friendly spots, check out Vegan Hamburg.

Barcelona, Spain: 25 Vegan Restaurants

Change from 2019: -2 vegan restaurants

Madrid and Barcelona have a bit of a rivalry. Outside of Spain, Barcelona is more well-known and more frequently visited than the capital. Often we hear that Barcelona is way more vegan-friendly than Madrid, though both are fantastic vegan European cities! Popular spots include Cat Bar, a cat themed vegan bar with local craft beers and burgers, and Barceloneta, a beach-side bar offering vegan versions of Spanish dishes, including vegan paella on Thursdays.

Resources: Caitlin of The Vegan Word lives in Barcelona and has written an Ultimate Vegan Guide to Barcelona. She also just published an extensive actual book on vegan Barcelona! Click here to grab the Vegan Barcelona Guide.

Copenhagen: 23 Vegan Restaurants

If you know one thing about Copenhagen, it’s probably that there are bikes everywhere. In fact, the city was named the 2015 European Green Capital due to its environmental initiatives. The Danish are already quite eco-conscious, so it goes hand in hand that there’d be a great vegan scene there. We’ve been put off so far from visiting due to the high prices. But if you do make the trip, there are plenty of vegan spots to keep you occupied. For a traditional Danish cafe experience, head to Kaf for vegan brunch, baked goods and cheesecake. Give back to the community by dining at One Bowl, a non-profit restaurant where one can pay what they can afford, or volunteer in exchange for a meal. Finally, don’t miss Moo Moo Isbar, a fully vegan ice cream parlor!

Resources: Head to Good Eatings for an extensive guide to vegan food in Copenhagen!

Stockholm, Sweden: 22 Vegan Restaurants

With just under 1 million residents, Stockholm is one of the best places in Europe for vegans who prefer smaller cities. The environmental movement is strong in Sweden; its where the flygskam (flight shame) movement was born. (Read my opinion on flying here). So it’s no surprise that Swedes are aware of the environmental impact of eating meat. For more sustainable travel tips, check out the following articles:

A lot of the vegan spots in Stockholm lean toward the health-focused, with a number of raw food places and cafes. For upscale fine dining, make a reservation at Vaxthuset. If junk food is more your thing, check out Dirty Vegan. Just be sure not to miss Sattva Naturbageriet for GIANT cinnamon rolls.

Resources: Chris of Lessons Learned Abroad lives in Sweden and has a great vegan guide to Stockholm. We love how he has neatly listed the pros and cons of each place! GoodEatings also has an extensive guide to Stockholm as well, complete with grocery stores!

Glasgow, Scotland: 22 Vegan Restaurants

We spent a few weeks in Glasgow while house sitting, and we can attest that the vegan scene there is incredibly varied and delicious! There is no shortage of cozy vegan Scottish cafes in Glasgow. So even if the weather can often be dreary, you won’t even notice when you’re tucking into some delicious vegan food. Our favorites were Stereo (incredible mac and cheese), Lotus Vegetarian Restaurant (amazing vegan Chinese food), and the 78 (coziest vegan pub ever – fireplace included!).

Resources: Check out our Vegan Glasgow Guide and Things to Do in Glasgow. Even more goodness at Glasgow Vegan Guide, a website dedicated to vegan food in Glasgow!

Turin, Italy: 15 Vegan Restaurants

While Turn doesn’t have the 20 vegan restaurants as our other honorable mentions, we thought this city is worth a mention due to the city’s pro-vegan initiatives. Turin made waves in 2016 when the city’s mayor announced plans to make Turin a “vegetarian city.” The city plan includes increasing education on animal welfare along with the environmental and health benefits of eating vegan. Turin, or Torino, is already quite environmentally minded because of the heavy pollution that the city experiences thanks to its location between mountains. One of the most popular vegan restaurants in Turin is Mezzaluna, the city’s first vegetarian (later turned vegan) restaurant, which opened in 1994.

Resources: As part of the initiative, the city of Turin has created its own veg map for tourists. Check out Vegan Miam’s extensive guide to Vegan Eats in Turin. Sam’s Guide to Eating Vegan in Turin is also fantastic!

Further Resources for Vegan Travel in Europe and Beyond:

It’s important to note that the vegan demographic is an easy target for those wanting to make money off a growing movement. We’ve come across a couple of non-vegan restaurants that have labeled “vegan options” on their menus that are not in fact vegan. In Bucharest, most vegan restaurants use honey as a sweetener. In Florence, we discovered (by asking employees) gelato listed as vegan actually contained cow’s milk.

Ultimately, for those looking for reliable information, you need to consider the source, even when traveling to the best cities for vegans in Europe. Find a vegan who’s actually on the ground in the place you’re visiting, rather than someone who might not even be vegan and has just done research for an article without going there. Europe has some of the best cities for vegans in the world. We have had many enjoyably delicious trips eating vegan in Europe, and you can too!

Happy Cow: Vegan Yelp. Great for finding vegan restaurants in Europe and around the world. Keep in mind that it’s user-sourced, so it doesn’t always have all restaurants with vegan options. If you find vegan options at a restaurant that’s not listed, add it! Future vegan travelers will thank you.

Vegan Travel FB Group: I admin this group of over 35K members. It’s a great worldwide resource, so head here to ask any and all questions related to vegan travel. But please – use the search bar first as your question may have been answered already! (It very likely has been for the best vegan destinations in Europe).

Vegan Meetups, Couchsurfing and Traveling – Link up with vegan hosts and travelers worldwide.

Vegan Travel: Vegan community with reviews, blog posts, videos, and more for planning your vegan trips.

Essential Vegan Travel Guide: This guidebook by Caitlin of The Vegan Word tells you everything you need to know about vegan travel in Europe and beyond!

Sustainable Vegan Travel FB Group: This is our Facebook group which we created since we didn’t see any groups dedicated to vegan travelers trying to also (further) reduce their environmental impact while traveling. Come join us and say hi!

Have you been to any of the best vegan cities in Europe? What do you believe is the vegan capital of Europe? Any other resources or guides we missed? Let us know in the comments!









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