Europe’s 9 Most Vegan Friendly Cities

You will discover Europe's vegan scene has evolved far beyond basic salads and side dishes. From London's innovative plant-based fine dining to Berlin's street food revolution, these nine cities have transformed the way we think about meat-free cuisine. Each destination offers its own unique take on vegan living, shaped by local culture and culinary traditions. Whether you're a committed vegan or simply curious about plant-based options, these metropolitan hubs will reshape your expectations.

Key Points

• London leads Europe with 161 fully vegan restaurants and 3,620 vegan-friendly establishments, experiencing quadruple growth since 2015.
• Berlin features 116 vegan businesses and unique concepts like FREA, Europe's first zero-waste vegan restaurant with a Michelin Green Star.
• Barcelona shows explosive growth with a 173% increase in vegan businesses since 2022 and over 540 vegan-friendly restaurants.
• Amsterdam combines 500+ vegan-friendly eateries with progressive city policies supporting plant-based initiatives and sustainable dining.
• Prague ranks third in Europe for vegan restaurants per capita, emphasizing social consciousness and sustainable dining practices.

London: Plant-Based Paradise

While many European cities embrace plant-based dining, London distinguishes itself as the world's leading vegan destination since 2019.

You'll discover 161 fully vegan restaurants in Central London alone, with over 3,620 vegan-friendly establishments across the city.

The scene's explosive growth is evident – vegan restaurants have quadrupled since 2015, and now 19% of Londoners follow plant-based diets. The city consistently outperforms other major hubs like Berlin and Los Angeles in vegan offerings.

You can explore vegan options in every corner, from casual spots like Mildreds to Michelin-starred fine dining. Amsterdam's thriving plant-based scene inspires many London restaurateurs.

Hackney and Islington lead the charge with over 600 vegan spots each.

Whether you're craving fast food or planning a fancy night out, London delivers.

The city hosts 20+ annual vegan festivals, offers specialized food tours, and even features the UK's first all-vegan supermarket.

Berlin: Europe's Vegan Capital

Since claiming its spot as the world's vegan capital, Berlin has transformed into a plant-based powerhouse with 116 fully vegan businesses and over 1,600 vegan-friendly establishments.

You'll find innovative concepts like FREA, a zero-waste Michelin Green Star restaurant, and Veganz, the world's first vegan supermarket chain. Like Tokyo's plant scene, Berlin's vegan establishments showcase creative culinary innovation and sustainable practices.

Head to "Vegan Avenue" on Schivelbeiner Straße for a concentrated hub of plant-based dining and shopping. With 124 fully vegan restaurants and 20+ specialty shops, from bakeries to ice cream parlors, you're never far from animal-free options. Despite experiencing a 7% decline in vegan establishments compared to last year, the city maintains its status as a thriving vegan destination.

The city's vegan scene has grown considerably since 2020, with a 21% increase in plant-based businesses.

This growth reflects Berlin's progressive culture, driven by climate activism, a young population, and government support for sustainable dining initiatives.

Barcelona: Mediterranean Vegan Hub

Barcelona has emerged as southern Europe's leading vegan destination, blending Mediterranean culinary traditions with plant-based innovation.

You'll discover over 540 vegan-friendly restaurants serving everything from local Catalan specialties to Asian fusion and Mexican cuisine.

The city's vegan scene has grown explosively, with a 173% increase in vegan businesses since 2022.

You can explore dedicated vegan sushi at Roots & Rolls, savor plant-based gelato at Amma, or enjoy innovative tapas at Velada.

For groceries, check out newer stores like Vegacelona or V Market. Traditional dishes like gazpacho and salmorejo are naturally vegan and readily available throughout the city.

Just like Lisbon's vegan scene, Barcelona offers numerous plant-based versions of traditional Mediterranean fare.

Don't miss the annual Vegan Fest Catalunya in September, or take a vegan paella cooking class.

With 3.4 fully vegan restaurants per 100,000 residents and excellent public transport access, you'll discover Barcelona's plant-based offerings remarkably accessible.

Amsterdam: Dutch Vegan Innovation

As Europe's pioneering hub for plant-based innovation, Amsterdam stands at the forefront of vegan progress with over 500 vegan-friendly eateries and groundbreaking initiatives.

You'll discover 107 fully vegan establishments while exploring the city, with innovative spots like Mr. & Mrs. Watson creating the Netherlands' first plant-based cheese wheel. The city's growing vegan food scene continues to attract conscious travelers from across Europe.

The city's commitment shows in its policies – they've banned new fast-food outlets near schools and endorsed the Plant Based Treaty, aiming for 60% plant-based protein consumption by 2030.

Amsterdam's influence extends beyond restaurants. The Hive innovation center at Wageningen University develops sustainable products, while the AAK's Plant-Based Foods Center drives food tech advancement. The Netherlands' position as the second-largest agricultural exporter globally strengthens Amsterdam's role in shaping the future of plant-based foods.

With 47% of Dutch people following flexitarian or plant-based diets and supermarkets expanding vegan options by over 50%, you're entering Europe's most progressive plant-based city.

Prague: Eastern Europe's Rising Star

Moving eastward from Amsterdam's progressive scene, Prague has emerged as a standout destination for plant-based dining in Eastern Europe. You'll discover over 50 fully vegan restaurants across the city, ranking it third in Europe for vegan spots per capita.

What sets Prague apart is its innovative approach to traditional cuisine. The city's vegan dining scene has grown exponentially in recent years. Vegans can indulge in sweet treats like vegan trdelnik at charming cafes near Prague Castle. You can taste vegan versions of Czech classics like goulash and svíčková at Shromaždiště, or grab plant-based chlebíčky at Bezmasna, the city's first vegan butcher.

Most venues cluster around tourist hotspots like Old Town Square and Prague Castle, making them easily accessible during sightseeing.

Conveniently located near Prague's main attractions, vegan eateries allow visitors to combine cultural exploration with plant-based dining adventures.

The city's vegan scene also embraces social consciousness. Střecha restaurant employs people undergoing a change from homelessness, while various festivals and markets promote sustainable dining practices throughout the year.

Warsaw: Plant-Based Polish Pioneer

Despite its deeply rooted meat-centric culinary traditions, Warsaw has transformed into one of Europe's most dynamic vegan destinations. You'll discover about 70 fully vegan restaurants within the city's core, ranging from veganized Polish classics to world-class ramen and Middle Eastern cuisine.

The city's vegan scene has exploded since 2014, when it had just 11 plant-based eateries. Today, you can explore dedicated vegan grocery stores, wine shops, and even nail salons. While dropping three places since the last global rankings in 2019, Warsaw remains a top-10 vegan city worldwide. The city's vegan dining guide helps visitors navigate through its diverse plant-based offerings with ease.

Local success stories include Krowarzywa, a vegan burger chain that's won "Best Burger in Warsaw" twice. The infrastructure is impressive too – with 108 supermarkets offering extensive vegan ranges and walkable "vegan corridors" downtown where you'll encounter multiple restaurants per block.

For the best experience, don't miss innovative spots like Leonardo Verde for Italian fine dining or Słodki Bez for delectable pastries.

Ljubljana: Green City Revolution

While Warsaw champions plant-based dining, Ljubljana takes sustainable living to new heights. Slovenia's capital boasts 6 exclusively vegan restaurants, complemented by numerous street food stalls offering affordable plant-based options under €10.

You'll discover diverse cuisines from traditional Slovenian to Asian and African-inspired dishes at spots like Radha Govinda and Loving Hut. The city's restaurants frequently offer fermented house specialties, incorporating traditional preservation methods into modern vegan cuisine. The emerging vegan delights scene draws inspiration from neighboring European cities like Lisbon.

What sets Ljubljana apart is its extensive green infrastructure. You can explore the city using the free Bicike(LJ) bike-sharing system, drink from 30+ public fountains, and enjoy car-free zones.

The city's commitment to sustainability shows in its zero-waste status, with over 95% of waste recycled at the RCERO facility. Named European Green Capital 2016, Ljubljana proves that eco-friendly living and vegan dining can seamlessly blend in an affordable, accessible urban setting.

Ghent: Sustainable Food Leader

Ghent distinguishes itself as Belgium's pioneering force in sustainable food systems.

You'll encounter their revolutionary Gent en Garde strategy connecting local farmers directly with over 50 restaurants within a 20km radius through the Vanier platform.

The city's Thursday Veggie Day campaign has transformed eating habits, with 35% of residents now choosing plant-based meals at least weekly.

Public schools have embraced this initiative, serving vegetarian dishes every Thursday since 2009.

You'll come across over 50 vegetarian and vegan restaurants, including Europe's first vegetarian B&B and specialized vegan burger shops.

Like Berlin's thriving scene, Ghent offers several fast food spots serving quick plant-based meals throughout the city.

The city's commitment extends beyond restaurants – they've redistributed over 1,000 tonnes of surplus food to those in need and established community gardens where you can grow your own produce on municipal land.

A solar-powered boat delivers organic produce through the city's waterways, making sustainable food distribution even more eco-friendly.

Milan: Italian Vegan Renaissance

As Italy's second-largest hub for plant-based dining, Milan has transformed its traditional culinary landscape with 198 dedicated vegan and vegetarian establishments alongside 1,195 vegan-friendly restaurants.

You'll find pioneering venues like Joia, Italy's first vegetarian restaurant to earn a Michelin star, where Chef Pietro Leemann crafts innovative dishes using local organic ingredients. Modern establishments like Flora in nearby Verona prove Italian veganism extends beyond Milan, offering raw vegan desserts that reinvent classic Italian sweets. Local vegan enthusiasts recommend exploring Munich's plant scene for additional European inspiration.

Traditional Italian favorites get creative makeovers at spots like La Colubrina, serving vegan pizzas with cashew cream, while VegAmore reinvents classics like cappuccino and tiramisu using plant-based ingredients.

The city's vegan scene spans a 16+ km radius, making plant-based options accessible throughout Milan.

From artisanal gelaterias offering dairy-free flavors to mother-daughter-run establishments, you'll discover a thriving community that's reshaping Italian cuisine for a sustainable future.

The Wrap Up

These nine European cities prove you don't need to compromise your vegan lifestyle while traveling. You will discover everything from upscale plant-based restaurants to casual cafes and specialized grocery stores. Whether you're craving traditional local dishes reimagined as vegan options or innovative meat-free cuisine, these destinations deliver. Pack your bags and explore Europe's most forward-thinking food scenes—your next vegan adventure awaits.