Vegan Travel in Europe: How to plan your trip
Let’s be honest—being vegan while traveling through Europe has never been easier, but it’s not just about the food; it’s about sustainability, ethics, and embracing a lifestyle that celebrates vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and new experiences. If you're a vegan traveler, you're not just looking for plant-based options—you want to immerse yourself in a community of like-minded individuals and explore destinations that align with your values.
From charming vegan restaurants tucked away in the cobbled streets of Berlin to organic accommodations nestled in the Italian countryside, Europe is full of hidden gems that make vegan travel feel not just possible but completely joyful. Ready to dive into your next adventure? Let’s go!
1. Berlin, Germany – A Vegan Mecca
If you’ve heard about vegan travel in Europe, you’ve probably heard about Berlin. This city is practically a vegan paradise, with every street corner offering a delicious plant-based meal, from hearty bowls of curry to crispy falafel and mouthwatering vegan burgers. Berlin has become a hub for conscious living, with eco-conscious restaurants, boutique shops, and green spaces that are perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
Where to Eat:
Kopps: A fine-dining experience for vegans with innovative, seasonal dishes and cocktails that are as Instagrammable as they are delicious.
Vegan Wonderland: If you're craving comfort food, this place serves up the best vegan schnitzels, loaded fries, and vegan sausages, all with a side of German flair.
Plant Base: For something a little more low-key, grab a seat here for breakfast or lunch—smoothie bowls, fresh juices, and avocado toast are always a good idea.
Where to Stay:
Michelberger Hotel: This trendy hotel is sustainable, stylish, and full of personality, with plenty of plant-based options available for breakfast. Its eco-friendly practices and cozy vibe make it an ideal stay for conscious travelers.
Explore Berlin's eco-markets, such as the Markthalle Neun for locally sourced goods and fresh vegan produce.
Take a stroll along the Berlin Wall, where you can reflect on the city’s history while enjoying the sights and sounds of this creative capital.
2. Barcelona, Spain – Vibrant Flavors and Green Spaces
Barcelona is another must-visit destination for vegan travelers. The Mediterranean climate and culture pair perfectly with plant-based eating, and Barcelona has exploded with vegan restaurants and sustainable food experiences. From casual eateries to high-end gourmet establishments, this city proves that plant-based food can be both flavorful and indulgent.
Our favourite restaurants:
Teresa Carles: If you’re after an elevated vegan experience, this restaurant offers creative Mediterranean plant-based dishes that are simply irresistible.
Veggie Garden: For something more casual, this spot serves up affordable, hearty bowls of Indian and Nepali-inspired vegan goodness.
Flax & Kale: A flexitarian restaurant, but with an amazing range of vegan dishes, they offer plant-based tapas, vegan paella, and indulgent smoothies.
Where to Stay:
Casa Bonay: A boutique hotel with an emphasis on sustainability. The in-house restaurant offers plenty of vegan options, and the hotel’s eco-conscious vibe makes it a perfect stay for those who prioritize sustainability.
Take a walk through Parc Guell, the famous park designed by Antoni Gaudi, and then grab a fresh coconut from a local vendor in El Raval.
Take a vegan food tour to discover hidden gems that aren’t just about eating but about connecting with Barcelona’s growing conscious food scene.
3. Amsterdam, The Netherlands – A Plant-Based Paradise on the Canals
Amsterdam is an ideal destination for plant-based travelers, offering a plethora of vegan restaurants, cozy cafés, and sustainable living experiences. Whether you're cruising the canals or biking through the city, you’ll be greeted by food that’s fresh, vibrant, and sustainable.
Must-try dining experiences:
De Vliegende Schotel: A no-fuss, cozy restaurant serving comforting vegan dishes from vegan burgers to seasonal dishes.
Mr. & Mrs. Watson: A must-try for vegan cheese lovers. This place serves vegan cheese platters and indulgent plant-based versions of traditional dishes.
Vegan Junk Food Bar: For those craving comfort food, this spot does a vegan spin on the classic fast food you love—burgers, fries, and wraps, but 100% plant-based.
Where to Stay:
The Hoxton Amsterdam: A quirky and eco-friendly hotel located on the Herengracht canal, offering a stylish space with a focus on sustainability and plant-based breakfast options.
Visit the NDSM Werf, a former shipyard now home to creative art spaces and cool cafes serving plant-based dishes.
Rent a bike and explore Vondelpark, where you’ll find sustainable picnic spots, perfect for grabbing some vegan snacks and chilling out.
4. Copenhagen, Denmark – Leading the Way in Sustainable Dining
Copenhagen has quickly become a vegan dining hotspot in Europe, with a deep focus on sustainable dining. The city’s food scene embraces both creativity and sustainability, making it one of the most innovative places to experience plant-based cuisine.
The best vegan places:
Plant Power Food: An all-vegan café that’s as trendy as it is delicious. Try their signature bowls, freshly pressed juices, and raw desserts.
SimpleRAW: For a more refined experience, head to SimpleRAW for innovative, plant-based dishes that focus on fresh ingredients and eco-consciousness.
Vegan Bar: If you’re craving classic comfort food with a modern twist, this is your spot—vegan burgers, fries, and decadent shakes.
Where to Stay:
Hotel SP34: A boutique hotel with a focus on sustainable living. You’ll find plenty of vegan options on the menu here, plus an eco-friendly atmosphere perfect for eco-conscious travelers.
Check out Torvehallerne Market, a local food market offering plenty of vegan stalls, organic produce, and a great place to try fresh, plant-based food.
Explore Freetown Christiania, a self-proclaimed autonomous neighborhood, where the local philosophy embraces sustainability and eco-conscious living.
5. Lisbon, Portugal – A Trendy Vegan Scene With a Mediterranean Twist
Lisbon is home to some incredible vegan eats, and the city’s vibrant food scene is quickly gaining international recognition for its blend of Portuguese tradition and plant-based innovation. The Mediterranean climate offers an abundance of fresh produce, making this the perfect destination for vegan travelers seeking delicious, nutritious meals.
Our top recommendations for vegan food lovers:
Jardim das Cerejas: A cozy, no-frills spot for traditional vegan Portuguese dishes and comfort food.
The Food Temple: Located in the historic Alfama district, this small restaurant offers creative plant-based meals in a relaxed, intimate atmosphere.
AO 26 Vegan Food Project: Known for their hearty portions and delicious flavors, they serve everything from vegan burgers to mouthwatering Portuguese-inspired dishes.
Where to Stay:
MyStory Hotel Tejo: A sustainable, eco-friendly hotel in the heart of Lisbon, offering easy access to the best vegan food spots in the city.
Wander the streets of Alfama, where you’ll find quirky cafés serving plant-based pastel de nata and freshly pressed juices.
Enjoy a sustainable food tour through Baixa to discover Lisbon’s best vegan spots.
Vegan Travel in Europe: A Conscious Journey
As the world moves toward more conscious living, vegan travel in Europe is becoming an exciting, rewarding, and sustainable experience. From local markets and plant-based cafés to organic accommodations and eco-friendly tours, Europe offers a vegan paradise that is not only delicious but enriching. Whether you're looking to discover the hidden gems of Barcelona, savor traditional plant-based dishes in Lisbon, or indulge in a Michelin-star experience in Copenhagen, there’s a destination perfect for you!
