You’ll be delighted to know that many of the Old Continent’s cities are packed with amazing craft breweries, offering everything from traditional European lagers to experimental ales – and it’s a great chance to savour some delicious brews while discovering beautiful new places. We’ve rounded up some of the best cities in Europe for beer fanatics, so pack your bags and get ready for a hop-filled journey!
Munich, Germany
No beer enthusiast’s journey through Europe is complete without a visit to Munich, the capital of Bavaria. The city is known worldwide for its Oktoberfest, a sixteen-day beer festival that attracts millions of visitors every year. Munich has a rich history of brewing, with breweries dating back to the 14th century. The city is home to some of the most famous beer halls in the world, including the Hofbräuhaus, Augustiner-Keller, and Paulaner Brauhaus. Beer lovers can also visit the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum to learn about the history of beer in Munich and Bavaria.
Brussels, Belgium
Belgium is a small country with a big reputation when it comes to beer. The country produces over 1,500 different beers, including some of the rarest and most sought-after in the world. Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is a great place to start exploring Belgian beer culture. The city is home to several breweries, including the famous Cantillon Brewery, known for producing lambic beer. Belgian beer styles are varied, ranging from fruity and spicy Saisons to the rich and complex Trappist ales. Beer lovers can explore the city’s many pubs and beer bars or take a guided beer tour to learn more about Belgian beer.
Prague, Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is another country with a long history of brewing. The city of Prague is home to the famous Pilsner Urquell Brewery, which is credited with inventing the Pilsner style of beer. The brewery’s historic cellars, which date back to the 15th century, are open for tours. Prague also has a thriving beer garden culture, with beer gardens located throughout the city, including the Letná Beer Garden and the Riegrovy Sady Beer Garden. Beer enthusiasts can also visit the Prague Beer Museum, which has a vast collection of Czech beers on tap.
Dublin, Ireland
Ireland is known for its dark and creamy stouts, particularly the famous Guinness stout. Dublin, the capital of Ireland, is the birthplace of Guinness, and the Guinness Storehouse is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. The seven-story museum allows visitors to learn about the history of Guinness and how it is made, as well as enjoy a pint in the rooftop Gravity Bar with stunning views of the city. Dublin also has a thriving pub culture, with many traditional Irish pubs serving a range of local beers.
The Best European Cities for Beer Enthusiasts
Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Netherlands might be best known for its tulips and windmills, but the country also has a thriving beer culture. Amsterdam is home to the Heineken Experience, a museum dedicated to the famous Dutch beer. The museum includes a guided tour of the brewery, interactive exhibits, and of course, beer tasting. The city also has a thriving microbrewery scene, with many small-scale breweries producing a range of unique and flavorful beers.
Krakow, Poland
Krakow, the cultural capital of Poland, is another great destination for beer enthusiasts. Poland has a long history of brewing, with many traditional beer halls located throughout the country. Krakow has a variety of beer gardens and pubs, serving local brews such as the famous Zywiec and Tyskie beers. Visitors can also sample local brews at the many craft beer bars and microbreweries.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen also has a strong tradition of brewing classic beer styles, such as lagers and pilsners. The Carlsberg Brewery, located in the Vesterbro district of the city, offers guided tours that provide insight into the history of Danish beer and the brewing process. Visitors can also sample Carlsberg’s beers at the brewery’s bar and restaurant. In addition to its thriving beer scene, Copenhagen also hosts the annual Copenhagen Beer Celebration, a two-day festival featuring some of the world’s best and most unique craft beers. The festival attracts beer enthusiasts from all over the world and provides a fantastic opportunity to sample a wide variety of beers in one place.
Edinburgh, Scotland
This historic city is home to some of Scotland’s top breweries and pubs, including the acclaimed Caledonian Brewery and The Hanging Bat. The annual Edinburgh Beer Festival draws thousands of visitors from all over the world to indulge in some of the best beer selections on offer. Visitors can also take part in brewery tours, beer tastings, and other beer-centric activities that highlight Edinburgh’s rich brewing heritage. With its charming streets, stunning architecture and lively pub culture, Edinburgh makes for an enjoyable and refreshing beer-filled vacation.
Lisbon, Portugal
The warm climate and tranquil waters of the Atlantic Ocean make Lisbon a top choice for travellers seeking some fun in the sun. But Lisbon has something for beer enthusiasts too, as it is home to numerous breweries. One of the most popular, Cervejaria Trindade, is situated in a former monastery and features a beautiful interior courtyard where locals and visitors can sip on their delicious brews. Lisboa Brewing Company is another great option, offering visitors the chance to taste unique craft beers brewed with a Portuguese twist. With plenty of breweries and various beer styles to explore, Lisbon is a beer lover’s paradise.
Europe is undoubtedly the ultimate destination for beer enthusiasts. The continent has a rich history of brewing that has resulted in some exceptional and distinctive beers around the world. From the crisp lagers of Germany to the fruity and spicy Saisons of Belgium, each country has its brewing style and beer culture.
The cities mentioned above are just a few of the best European cities for beer enthusiasts. No matter where you choose to go, a beer trip to Europe is sure to be a memorable experience for any beer lover. And if you want to get the most out of your trip then make sure to read our guide “The Art of Tasting Craft Beer” before going.
Cheers!
