Europe, a beautiful land full of astounding art and literature, ancient history and cultures, and — the world’s biggest beer drinkers. Behind every delicious stout, pilsner, lager, ale exists a world of culture, brewing processes, and traditions. If beer is your jam, you’ll find a little piece of paradise in nearly every corner of this continent with its centuries old recipes, beer gardens, and cozy pubs.
Looking at the list of the top 10 beer drinkers in the world, European countries make up 8/10, so it’s no wonder why this continent has got it going on in terms of quality beer. So what are the top five best European cities for having a pint?
Prague
Home to the world’s biggest beer drinkers year after year, consuming an average of 142.4 liters per capita. They also have one of the world’s biggest breweries InBev producing American Budweiser, Corona, Beck’s and more. In Prague you can find quirky underground pubs, beer gardens, and quality beer at a cheap price.
Insider’s tip: If you want to meter whether or not you’re being overcharged as a tourist, a beer in Prague should only cost around 25-45 czk. Anything more than 50 czk is a rip-off and the rest of the menu probably is, too.
Munich
World-renowned for its exquisite beer and impressive festival, Munich sets the bar for beer culture in Europe. Visitors from around the globe flock to Munich to experience Oktoberfest and get a taste of the Bavarian culture. Come to Munich at any time of the year and you’ll be greeted by some of Europe’s best beer gardens, endless festivals, and traditional German food. Let’s not forget the beer; locals are passionate about their beer and how it is consumed. There are tons of local breweries, brewing up stouts, ales, sours, etc. Whatever the heart desires, they’ve probably got it in Munich.
Kraków
Kraków, a stunning medieval city and the most visited in Poland, is also a fantastic beer hub in Central Europe. It’s full of cheap beer, the equivalent of a couple of euros; plus distinct craft beer pubs serving up delicious IPAs, home brews, and from breweries big and small. This Polish city will welcome you with a big “Na zdorowie!”
London
You can hardly think of London without thinking of a pub or two. What do pubs have? Beer, and lots of it. The English, like much of Europe, love a good pint in a cozy pub. Perhaps the most expensive beer city of this list, but it’s London after all and that in itself invites you in. Artisan brewing is being served up at its finest in London, so much so that it would take months (years, perhaps!) to consume them all. Better start now!
Insider’s tip: Do a quick Google search on pubs with happy hours, and you can likely find craft beer for around £3.50. These deals are usually available between lunch and dinner.
Dublin
Smooth, creamy, dark. Guinness. The Irish are proud of their beer and so is the rest of the world. There’s hardly a major city in the world that doesn’t have at least one or two Irish bars serving up the delicious nectar. But why drink it there when you can head to its capital where it arguably tastes better, while exploring the Guinness Storehouse, and enjoying the nightlife of Temple Bar as you sing your heart out along with a small live band in a lively and distinctly Irish pub.
What other European cities would you add to this list? Share in the comments below. See more destination articles here!
