Ever dreamt of exploring Europe’s cobblestone streets, ancient ruins, and breathtaking landscapes while sticking to your plant-based lifestyle? Well, you’re in luck. This article is all about making that dream a reality by highlighting some of the most vegan friendly cities in Europe.
Navigating the culinary landscape of a foreign country can be tricky, especially for vegans. But don’t fret! Europe’s growing vegan scene is making it easier than ever. From Italy’s pasta and pizza to Germany’s hearty stews, we’ll show you how to enjoy these traditional dishes, vegan-style.
London, United Kingdom
Boasting the title of the world's top vegan city, London sets a benchmark for plant-based living. With an impressive count of about 2.5 million vegans across the UK, you'd find a considerable 4.7% of them representing the nationwide population. This boom can be attributed to enhanced health awareness, environmental concerns, and ethical considerations pushing folks to embrace a plant-based lifestyle.
In London, almost a fifth of the populace identifies as vegan, vegetarian, or pescatarian, reflecting the city's penchant for plant-based diets. Don't be surprised if this figure continues to climb, for Londoners show an appetizing enthusiasm for plant-based diets. The proof's in the pudding, or in this case, the availability of vegan options. You'll find an array of eateries, restaurants, cafes, and specialized food products catering to your vegan cravings.
More fascinating is the noticeable shift among the youth, especially Generation Z, sprinting towards plant-based diets. They pioneer the vegan trend, indicating a potential surge in the future vegan population. So, London's acclaim as a heartily vegan-friendly city seems destined to thrive. As these younger, health-aware, and earth-loving residents modify their dining and lifestyle choices, London's vegan landscape transforms, becoming an irresistible haven for travelers like you.
Traditional British Vegan Dishes to Look Out For
- Shepherd's Pie: Traditionally made with meat, this dish can be veganized using lentils or mushrooms as a filling, topped with mashed potatoes.
- Fish and Chips: A plant-based version, often called "tofish," uses tofu or battered vegetables to mimic the traditional fish.
- Full English Breakfast: Vegan adaptations include scrambled tofu, baked beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, and hash browns.
Our Other Posts About London
- Vegan London Travel Guide
- The Best 100% Vegan Restaurants in London
- Vegan Hotels in London
- The Most Vegan-Friendly Boroughs in London
- Vegan Bakeries in London
Berlin, Germany
Stepping right into Berlin, you’ll find yourself in the heart of a vibrant vegan landscape. This bustling German capital boasts the title of “vegan capital of the world,” and not just on paper. An abundance of vegan eateries dot the city map, serving everything from fast food to gourmet meals.
A substantial segment of Berlin’s populace prioritizes access to plant-based alternatives, mirroring a broader trend seen across Germany. As per the latest research, meat consumption in Germany has seen a sharp dip, whereas plant-based food intake has doubled in recent years. You’ll find that around 35% of Germans express a strong interest in vegetarian or vegan offerings. As part of what has been coined the “vegalution”, most residents are consciously moving away from meat-based diets.
Berlin, like other German cities, is gripped by a sustainable food revolution fueled by numerous factors. A heightened consciousness about health, environment, and animal welfare heavily influences this shift in dietary habits. Thanks to the wide variety of plant-based options coupled with a cultural tilt towards sustainability, Berlin stands as a paragon of this lifestyle shift. Suffice to say, as a vegan traveler embracing a vegan lifestyle, Berlin promises a thriving and indulgent plant-based experience.
Traditional German Vegan Dishes to Look Out For
- Sauerbraten: This pot roast can be adapted using seitan or jackfruit, marinated in a similar blend of spices and vinegar.
- Käse Spätzle: A vegan version can be made using plant-based cheese and egg substitutes in the noodle preparation.
- Bratwurst: Vegan sausages made from lentils, beans, or tofu are popular alternatives to traditional bratwurst.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Next stop on your vegan expedition: Amsterdam. This Dutch city bursts with plant-based possibilities, making it a premier destination for vegans journeying through Europe. Establishing itself as a dynamic center for veganism, Amsterdam surpassed the 500-mark for vegan and vegetarian-friendly eateries by 2023. This gastronomic feat positions Amsterdam shoulder-to-shoulder with other European vegan hotspots such as Berlin and Hamburg.
In sync with the broader Dutch trend, plant-based eating in Amsterdam soared, boasting a remarkable 51% growth of plant-based proteins available in supermarkets since 2017. A factor contributing to this rise involves easy access to vegan commodities in big grocery chains, hinting at a sturdy market for vegan products, steered by consumer choices inclined towards health, environmental sustainability, and compassion towards animals.
Finessing its culinary landscape, Amsterdam steadily introduces fresh vegan establishments and food items into the market. A versatile palate gets satisfied here, with meal options ranging from authentic Dutch offerings to exotic foreign flavours. Also, Amsterdam's pledge towards veganism resonates through its vibrant vegan communities and the variety of vegan-friendly lifestyle choices presented to both locals and tourists.
Above all, it isn't just about the food. Amsterdam's plant-based ethos extends to a lifestyle in sync with contemporary ideals of sustainability and ethical consumption. Yes, indeed, Amsterdam holds its place as a key contender in the global shift towards veganism.
Traditional Dutch Vegan Dishes to Look Out For
- Stamppot: A hearty dish made with mashed potatoes and various vegetables, often served with a vegan sausage.
- Poff Poff: These Dutch doughnuts can be made vegan by using plant-based milk and egg substitutes.
- Haring: A vegan version can be created using pickled vegetables or plant-based fish alternatives.
Barcelona, Spain
Continuing your vegan journey across Europe, next on your list, nestled in the heart of Spain, sits Barcelona. The city’s reputation as a vegan-friendly magnet doesn’t claim itself without a reason. Look around, and you’ll find signs of an expanding vegan culture, notably the Vegan Fest Catalunya, a leading outdoor gathering in Europe for the vegan community. This remarkable festival draws crowds in the thousands, a clear mark of the city’s thriving vegan scene.
Plentiful choices exist for plant-based dining, making this city an attractive stop for vegans and curious tourists alike. It’s not a surprise that food lovers flock here, given Barcelona’s diverse and delicious vegan food offerings. And it’s not just about food; this city supports a vegan-friendly lifestyle with a wide array of activities and educational opportunities. These initiatives are dedicated to promoting vegan values and animal ethics, spreading the plant-based message far and wide.
Overall, the bustling vegan environment in Barcelona, coupled with a supportive local community, makes this city a pleasing destination for both local residents and tourists. Do more than just sample delicious vegan cuisines; immerse yourself in the heart of a city where veganism isn’t just a meal choice - it’s a lifestyle enthusiastically embraced. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or someone considering adopting the plant-based way of life, Barcelona has much in store for your discovery.
Traditional Spanish Vegan Dishes to Look Out For
- Paella: Traditional seafood paella can be made vegan by using a variety of vegetables and plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh.
- Gazpacho: This cold soup is naturally vegan, made from blended tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and onions.
- Tortilla Española: A vegan version uses chickpea flour instead of eggs to create a similar texture and flavor.
Warsaw, Poland
Transitioning from the orthodox to the innovative, Warsaw has carved out a niche for itself in the European vegan panorama. Even though a relatively quiet beginning to 2022, the city thrives as a vegan hotspot, exemplified by nearly 70 vegan eateries dotting its landscape. It’s not just an incremental climb in veganism that Warsaw signifies but a more significant trend – a swift progression towards veganism becoming a norm in the city’s gastronomic maps.
The city’s vibrant growth, sparked by the increase of vegan establishments, has played a crucial role in the popularity surge of plant-based alternatives. It’s not only a testament to the rising vegan wave in Warsaw, but it also echoes a broader, continental shift. Across Europe, the plant-based paradigm is no longer an exception - it’s increasingly becoming the rule.
Warsaw’s thriving scene seems to indicate that the plant-based momentum isn’t slowing down. It’s a beacon in the larger story of Europe’s embrace of veganism - a story of cultural change and creative charm. From the bustling urban corners to the sense-rich rural landscapes, Warsaw offers a diverse culinary canvas that’s amplifying the vegan voice in Europe’s gastronomic chorus.
Warsaw, like a sturdy tree, stands tall and firm on the vegan soil, branching out its offerings that cater to a panorama of palates. On your journey through this city, you’ll find the vegan tidings indelibly imprinted on the city’s culinary circuitry, a proof of Europe’s transformed dining landscape, affirming that the plant-based tide isn’t ebbing anytime soon.
Remember, in this city, every vegan bite tells a story. A story full of flavor, diversity, and conscious eating. As you navigate Warsaw’s vegan landscape, savor these stories, and let the city’s vegan dishes take you on an unforgettable gastronomic journey.
Traditional Polish Vegan Dishes to Look Out For
- Pierogi: These dumplings can be filled with potatoes, sauerkraut, or mushrooms for a vegan option.
- Bigos: Also known as hunter's stew, a vegan version can be made using a variety of mushrooms and vegetables instead of meat.
- Zurek: This sour rye soup can be adapted by omitting sausage and using vegetable broth.
Prague, Czech Republic
Coming across Prague, the heart of the Czech Republic, expect nothing short of an eclectic vegan culinary scene. Nearly 50 vegan eateries dot this historic city and satisfy a broad spectrum of taste buds. Cafes and bistros, included in the count, serve offerings that vary from traditional Czech to international.
Don't be startled by the occasional ups and downs in Prague's vegan restaurant count. Even the global health crisis hasn't stifled the strong prevalence of plant-friendly options here. So, the city beckons those adhering to a plant-powered diet, thanks to its vegan-friendly spots conveniently sprinkled in its major districts.
Ambitions for a cruelty-free treat? Czech (no pun intended!) out vegan Trndelnik or mini burgers. They offer an exploration into the rich local culture with a compassionate twist. At this point, traveling through Europe feels like an exciting gastronomic rollercoaster ride! But, Prague, with its rising vegan scene, stamps a firm place in the journey. So, buckle up for a delightful roam in the heart of the continent. This ancient city is ready to impress with a modern twist to its food scene, evident in each plant-based offering it serves.
Traditional Czech Vegan Dishes to Look Out For
- Svíčková: A traditional creamy sauce can be made vegan by using cashew cream or coconut milk and serving it with roasted vegetables.
- Bramboráky: Potato pancakes are typically vegan, made with grated potatoes, flour, and spices.
- Koláče: These pastries can be filled with fruit or poppy seeds, making them suitable for a vegan diet.
Stockholm, Sweden
Continuing the vegan gastronomy journey, your next stop unfolds in Stockholm, Sweden, one of Europe's vegan friendly destinations. Embracing an inflating trend towards health-conscious and sustainable living, this city presents a bustling vegan scene. Myriad vegan and vegetarian establishments punctuate its culinary landscape, catering to wide-ranging dietary preferences with impressive seasonal variations.
Famed restaurants like Hermans and La Piccola Nonna brilliantly showcase this flexitarian appeal. Their diverse menus stand as testimonies to the potential of both traditional Swedish and modern global cuisines. You’d find them brilliantly adapted to cater to plant-based palates. Their offerings aren’t just meals; they are plant-based explorations of a society’s identity through its food.
Stockholm’s vegan market doesn’t exist in isolation. In fact, it rides the global wave in the swell of demand for plant-based products. An evident upturn in available vegan food substitutes, spanning meat and cheese alternatives to extensive non-dairy milks, anchors this growth. Driving forces? Health, environmental compassion, and ethical considerations for sure.
So, Stockholm opens a multifaceted vegan journey for you to embark upon. It’s not just another city boasting a rich selection of vegan alternatives. In fact, it’s an active participant in the global move towards plant-based lifestyles. As such, your experience here would be more than just dining - it would be an immersive exploration of a city’s commitment to veganism. No wonder it’s fast becoming a sought-after destination for vegan gourmands worldwide.
Traditional Swedish Vegan Dishes to Look Out For
- Köttbullar: Swedish meatballs can be replaced with lentil or mushroom-based versions served with lingonberry sauce.
- Raggmunk: Potato pancakes that are naturally vegan, often served with applesauce.
- Gravad Lax: A plant-based version can be made using marinated carrots or beets to mimic the flavors of cured salmon.
Lisbon, Portugal
Continuing the European vegan gastronomy exploration, your next stop is Lisbon. With a thriving plant-based culinary scene, this city paints a whole new picture of vegan dining. Consider embarking on a vegan food tour in Lisbon to explore the city's diverse vegan cuisine while enjoying its cultural and historical sights. Top-notch vegan restaurants are scattered across the cityscape, catering to a wide range of palates and preferences. Step into establishments such as the 26 Vegan Food Project and experience innovative, vegan renditions of traditional Portuguese cuisine. Since it first opened its doors in 2016, this restaurant has become a key component of Lisbon’s vegan resurgence.
Move on to The Food Temple for a taste of pan-Asian vegan fare that tickles the taste buds. Do not forget to stop by The Green Affair, another star in Lisbon’s vegan firmament. Here, modern vegan cooking is taken to new heights with uniquely conceptualized dishes like boneless lagareiro and katsu curry.
The city doesn’t limit veganism to just food; it recognizes it as a lifestyle, nurtured by a community conscious of environmental stewardship, health, and ethical practices. Lisbon’s commitment to veganism extends beyond its dining scene - the annual VeggieWorld Lisbon is a testament to that. Part of the VeggieWorld international fair, this event highlights a plethora of vegan products and services, underlining Lisbon’s ever-growing pledge to vegan living.
Embrace Lisbon’s cultural richness and modern, health-driven ethos through its spread of vegan offerings. Whether you’re a local or a globetrotter, Lisbon’s broad vegan dining experience resonates with every health-conscious epicure, radiating an infectious energy that seamlessly weaves into the city’s vibrant fabric.
Traditional Portuguese Vegan Dishes to Look Out For
- Bacalhau à Brás: A vegan version uses shredded jackfruit or tofu to replicate the traditional salted cod dish.
- Caldo Verde: This kale soup can be made vegan by using vegetable broth and omitting any meat.
- Pastéis de Nata: Vegan custard tarts can be created using plant-based milk and egg substitutes.
Vienna, Austria
Continuing your vegan tour, let’s journey to Vienna, renowned as a haven for plant-based enthusiasts. It’s no wonder Austria counts among the top nations for vegan-friendly offerings. By far, Vienna is a leader in this arena, boasting an impressive lineup of events and venues catering to vegan lifestyles.
One standout is Veganmania, dubbed Austria’s largest vegan summer festival. Here, one can immerse themselves in an eclectic mix of vegan cuisine, fashion, and other lifestyle elements, further highlighting the city’s commitment to veganism. In Vienna, you’ll find that the splash made by this movement extends beyond festivals; it pervades the dining scene with a myriad of vegan restaurant choices.
From Austrian classics reimagined, to international dishes, these vegan eateries offer a smorgasbord of experiences to pique your interest. This explosion in vegan options doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s part of a wider shift towards plant-based diets, primarily pushed by Millennials and younger generations.
Without a doubt, Vienna, with its progressive culinary scene, is testament to the evolving dietary preferences and tastes of today’s discerning consumers. So, before you set out to explore, remember: in Vienna, your vegan passport opens up a vast landscape of options, each one ready to give you a healthy, unique, and delicious food experience.
Traditional Austrian Vegan Dishes to Look Out For
- Wiener Schnitzel: A vegan schnitzel can be made using breaded seitan or eggplant.
- Apfelstrudel: This apple pastry is often vegan, made with a filling of apples, sugar, and spices wrapped in dough.
- Kaiserschmarrn: A shredded pancake dish that can be made vegan using plant-based milk and egg substitutes.
Emerging Vegan Destinations in Europe
Tallinn
You wouldn't expect Estonia's seaside capital to be a vegan hotspot, but here we are. This compact city has quietly built an impressive plant-based scene that punches way above its weight.
The Old Town is scattered with cozy spots serving warming soups and substantial bowls. You'll find dairy-free pastries that actually taste good, not like cardboard substitutes.
Meanwhile, newer restaurants are getting adventurous with international flavors. The prices won't break your budget either - something Western capitals could learn from.
Traditional Estonian Vegan Dishes to Look Out For
- Kama: A roasted flour mix of rye, barley, oats and peas, eaten with plant milk as porridge or dessert.
- Mulgipuder: Potato and barley mash; can be made vegan by replacing butter with oil and leaving out meat.
- Rye bread: Dense, dark bread, usually vegan.
- Pickled vegetables: Common in Estonian cuisine, naturally vegan.
- Vegan egg butter (Munavõi): Veganised using mashed tofu and plant butter.
- Rosolje: Beet and potato salad; can be prepared without herring and eggs.
Kraków
Eastern Europe's plant-based crown jewel deserves every bit of hype it gets. This city figured out how to honor its history while embracing the future.
Wander through the Old Town or Kazimierz and you'll stumble across cafés perfecting vegan pierogi. The desserts are legitimately impressive, not afterthoughts.
Your wallet will thank you here. Student energy and creative entrepreneurs keep pushing boundaries without inflating prices.
Porto
Sure, everyone knows about the port wine and riverside charm. But Porto's vegan transformation is the real story worth following.
Local chefs are reimagining traditional dishes with serious skill. Those famous pastéis de nata? They're nailing vegan versions that'll make you question everything.
You get this perfect mix of rustic neighborhood joints and sleek modern cafés. Old-world Portuguese flavors meet contemporary health-conscious cooking, and it actually works.
Belgrade
A vegan revolution in the land of grilled meat? Absolutely, and it's happening right under everyone's noses.
Young entrepreneurs and passionate activists are completely reshaping how this city eats. New vegan spots are popping up in every neighborhood worth exploring.
They're not just copying Western trends either. Expect plant-based ćevapi that honors the original and bean stews that'll warm your soul.
Traditional Serbian Vegan Dishes to Look Out For
- Prebranac: Thick baked bean stew with onions and paprika, naturally vegan.
- Slatki kupus: Stewed cabbage with potatoes and carrots.
- Posna sarma: Sauerkraut leaves stuffed with rice, vegetables or walnuts.
- Ajvar: Red-pepper and garlic spread, eaten with bread.
- Turšija: Mixed pickled vegetables (cabbage, peppers, carrots, cucumbers).
- Serbian salad: Tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and onions with oil.
- Žito: Sweet wheat pudding with walnuts, sugar and nutmeg.
- Vanilice: Small cookies filled with jam and sugar; vegan versions appear during fasting.
- Bundevara: Pumpkin strudel made with filo pastry, sugar and cinnamon.
- Vegan burek: Filo pastries filled with potato, mushroom, spinach, apple or cherry.
Affordability Index – Cheapest Cities to be Vegan in Europe
Method and assumptions
To rank vegan‑friendly cities by affordability, I gathered two cost components – a restaurant meal (price of a low‑cost meal at an inexpensive restaurant) and a monthly grocery bill (average cost of groceries for one person). These costs were taken from recent cost‑of‑living guides for each city. All prices were converted to euros using mid‑market exchange rates from 20 August 2025, for example 1 GBP ≈ €1.154, 1 PLN ≈ €0.2353 and 1 RSD ≈ €0.008534. Costs reported in local currencies were multiplied by these rates.
I assumed that vegan meals are similarly priced to general inexpensive meals in each city. Where a source provided a range, I took a mid‑point. The monthly grocery figure represents typical costs for someone cooking most meals at home. An affordability index was then calculated by normalising meal and grocery costs (lower costs give higher scores). Each component contributes 50 % to the final index. The scores are relative to the cities analysed and therefore reflect how each city compares within this group rather than an absolute measure of affordability.
Cost Data by City
| City | Meal cost (inexpensive restaurant) | Evidence | Monthly grocery cost | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belgrade | 1,275 RSD ≈ €10.9 | Numbeo’s cost‑of‑living page lists an inexpensive meal at around 1,275 dinars:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}; the Wise currency converter shows 1 RSD ≈ €0.00853:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}. | €150–250 per month (≈ €200) | A cost‑of‑living guide for Serbia notes that groceries for international students cost €150–€250 per month:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}. |
| Warsaw | 40 zł ≈ €9.4 | Wise’s Warsaw page lists a meal at an inexpensive restaurant at about 40 zł:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}. | ≈ 992 zł per month (≈ €233) | Numbeo’s food prices table lists the recommended minimum food budget for a Western diet at 992.81 zł per month:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}. |
| Porto | €10 | A comparison by Global Citizen Solutions states that a low‑cost meal in Porto costs €10:contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}. | €200–300 per month (≈ €250) | RadicalStorage’s 2025 cost guide notes that a single person’s monthly grocery bill in Porto is €200–€300:contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}. |
| Lisbon | €12.50 | Wise’s Lisbon cost‑of‑living page lists a meal at an inexpensive restaurant at €12.50 (range €10–€18):contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}. | ≈ €270 per month | Expatica’s 2025 Portugal cost‑of‑living guide estimates €270 per month for groceries:contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}. |
| Berlin | €15 | Wise/Numbeo Berlin cost‑of‑living pages show a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about €15:contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}. | ≈ €250 per month | HousingAnywhere’s Berlin cost guide states that groceries for a single person cost roughly €250 per month:contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}. |
| Tallinn | €15 | Wise’s Tallinn cost‑of‑living page lists €15 for an inexpensive restaurant meal:contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}. | €200–300 per month (≈ €300) | A relocation guide notes that a single person spends €200–€300 per month on groceries:contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}. |
| London | £20 ≈ €23.1 | Wise’s London cost‑of‑living page reports an inexpensive meal at £20:contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}. | £200–300 per month (≈ €288) | A 2025 cost‑of‑living guide indicates that groceries cost about £200–£300 per month when cooking at home:contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}. |
| Amsterdam | €20 | Numbeo’s Amsterdam page lists €20 for a low‑cost meal:contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}. | €350–400 per month (≈ €375) | HousingAnywhere’s 2025 Amsterdam guide notes that the average grocery bill is €350–€400 per month:contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}. |
Affordability Index Calculations
Convert all costs to euros using mid‑market rates on 20 Aug 2025.
Normalise costs: for each cost component, the highest cost across cities is assigned a score of 0 and the lowest a score of 1. Scores are calculated using:
Compute the index: each city’s meal and grocery scores are averaged (50 % weight each) and multiplied by 100 to yield an easy‑to‑compare number.
Rankings
| Rank (1 = most affordable) | City | Meal cost used (EUR) | Monthly grocery cost used (EUR) | Affordability index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Belgrade | ≈ €10.9 | €200 | 94.6 |
| 2 | Warsaw | ≈ €9.4 | €233 | 90.4 |
| 3 | Porto | €10 | €250 | 83.6 |
| 4 | Lisbon | €12.5 | €270 | 68.7 |
| 5 | Berlin | €15 | €250 | 65.3 |
| 6 | Tallinn | €15 | €300 | 51.0 |
| 7 | London | ≈ €23.1 | ≈ €288 | 24.7 |
| 8 | Amsterdam | €20 | €375 | 11.3 |
Key Takeaways: The Cheapest Place to be Vegan in Europe
Belgrade and Warsaw are standout options for budget‑conscious vegans. A low‑cost vegan meal in these cities is under €11 and monthly groceries can be kept near €200.
Porto and Lisbon offer affordable dining with meals around €10–€12.5, and their grocery bills remain moderate.
Berlin and Tallinn have similar meal prices (≈ €15), but Tallinn’s groceries are slightly pricier, lowering its score.
London and Amsterdam are the most expensive in this group. London’s meal prices (≈ €23) and high grocery costs place it near the bottom, while Amsterdam’s high grocery bill reduces its affordability despite its moderate meal cost.