In recent years, veganism has become more than just a dietary choice—it’s a lifestyle embraced by people around the globe. With a rising demand for plant-based options, travelers who follow a vegan lifestyle can now explore a variety of destinations where their dietary preferences are not only welcomed but celebrated. From bustling cities with dedicated vegan eateries to serene towns offering farm-to-table organic meals, the world is increasingly becoming a vegan-friendly place to explore. Here are some of the best vegan-friendly travel destinations to visit:
1. Berlin, Germany: A Vegan Paradise in Europe
Berlin has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the most vegan-friendly cities in Europe.
From vegan currywurst to plant-based schnitzels, Berlin’s culinary scene offers a wide variety of vegan food options.
Whether you’re in the mood for fine dining or casual street food, you’ll find it here.
With over 80 fully vegan restaurants and an abundance of plant-based options in non-vegan eateries, Berlin is a haven for those who want to indulge in delicious and innovative plant-based dishes.
Highlights:
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Vegan Street Food: Explore the vegan food markets and street vendors offering everything from falafel wraps to vegan burgers.
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Vegan Fine Dining: Experience upscale vegan dining at restaurants like “Kopps” and “Frea Berlin.”
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Vegan Grocery Stores: Visit dedicated vegan supermarkets such as “Veganz” for plant-based groceries.
2. Portland, Oregon, USA: The Vegan Mecca of the West Coast
Portland has long been a hub for the vegan movement, and it continues to be a top destination for plant-based travelers.
Known for its progressive culture, Portland boasts a thriving vegan scene with an abundance of eateries, cafes, food carts, and bakeries that serve everything from vegan donuts to plant-based soul food.
This vibrant city offers something for every taste—from hearty vegan brunches to ethnic cuisines and fresh, locally-sourced produce.
Highlights:
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Food Carts: Portland’s food cart scene features vegan vendors offering inventive dishes like vegan tacos, bánh mì, and vegan poutine.
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Vegan Bakeries: Try vegan pastries at local spots like “Sweetpea Baking Co.” or “Pip’s Original Doughnuts.”
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Vegan Festivals: The Portland VegFest is an annual event that showcases the best in vegan food, lifestyle, and products.
3. Chiang Mai, Thailand: A Plant-Based Paradise in Southeast Asia
Thailand has long been a favorite for travelers seeking vibrant flavors, and Chiang Mai stands out as a great destination for vegan-friendly options.
With its emphasis on fresh ingredients, herbs, and spices, Thai cuisine lends itself beautifully to vegan adaptations.
From coconut curries to Pad Thai, Chiang Mai’s restaurants and street food vendors offer an array of plant-based dishes that will satisfy your taste buds.
Highlights:
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Vegan Restaurants: “Pun Pun” and “Munchies” serve authentic Thai food made with plant-based ingredients.
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Vegan Markets: Chiang Mai has weekly markets where you can sample fresh fruit, vegan snacks, and traditional Thai dishes with plant-based twists.
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Cooking Classes: Learn to make Thai vegan dishes with local cooking classes designed specifically for plant-based diets.
4. Barcelona, Spain: Mediterranean Vegan Delights
Barcelona is known for its sunny beaches, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine.
But for vegan travelers, the city also offers a wealth of plant-based dining options.
Mediterranean cuisine, rich in vegetables, legumes, and grains, naturally caters to vegan diets.
With a growing number of vegan restaurants, cafes, and tapas bars, Barcelona is a perfect place to savor plant-based versions of traditional Spanish dishes.
Highlights:
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Vegan Tapas: Enjoy vegan-friendly tapas like patatas bravas and roasted vegetables at “El Café de la Granota” or “Vegan Raval.”
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Vegan Ice Cream: Beat the heat with dairy-free gelato from “Gelaaati Di Marco” or “Bodevici.”
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Farmers’ Markets: Barcelona is home to numerous organic markets where you can find fresh, locally-grown produce perfect for plant-based meals.
5. Melbourne, Australia: A Trendy Vegan Destination
Melbourne is often touted as the vegan capital of Australia, and it’s easy to see why.
The city has a vibrant food culture and is packed with eateries that cater to plant-based diets.
Melbourne’s vegan scene is diverse, ranging from trendy brunch spots to top-tier vegan fine dining restaurants.
Whether you’re in the mood for a vegan burger, a raw dessert, or an elaborate tasting menu, Melbourne delivers.
Highlights:
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Vegan Restaurants: “Transformer Fitzroy” is one of Melbourne’s best vegan fine dining spots, offering sophisticated dishes with a focus on sustainability.
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Vegan Breakfast: Enjoy vegan-friendly brunches at local cafes like “Smith & Daughters” and “Shakahari.”
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Vegan Coffee: Melbourne’s café culture extends to plant-based drinks, with many cafes offering oat milk lattes, vegan cakes, and pastries.
6. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Eco-Friendly and Vegan-Friendly
Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most eco-conscious cities, and it’s also a great destination for vegan travelers.
The city has a wide range of vegan and vegetarian restaurants, cafes, and even vegan shops, where travelers can indulge in hearty vegan breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.
Amsterdam’s focus on sustainability and healthy living makes it an ideal place to explore plant-based dining options.
Highlights:
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Vegan Pancakes: Visit “Vegan Junk Food Bar” or “The Pancake Bakery” for plant-based twists on classic Dutch pancakes.
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Vegan Pubs: Enjoy plant-based pub food at “Café de Klos” or “De Bolhoed,” which offer vegan-friendly options in a cozy, local setting.
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Vegan Supermarkets: Amsterdam has several organic stores, such as “Marqt,” that stock a wide range of vegan products and ingredients.
7. Bali, Indonesia: A Vegan Retreat in Paradise
Bali is not just a tropical paradise; it’s also a hotspot for wellness retreats and plant-based living.
The island is home to many vegan restaurants offering nutrient-dense bowls, smoothies, and raw dishes.
Bali’s laid-back vibe and focus on natural ingredients make it an ideal destination for those seeking healthy and wholesome vegan meals.
Highlights:
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Vegan Retreats: Bali is home to wellness retreats like “The Yoga Barn” and “Fivelements” that offer plant-based meals as part of their holistic programs.
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Vegan Cafes: Ubud, in particular, is filled with vegan-friendly spots such as “Alchemy” and “Clear Café,” where you can enjoy organic meals in beautiful settings.
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Raw Food: Bali is a great place to try raw food with a focus on fresh fruits, vegetables, and superfoods.
8. London, UK: A Global Vegan Hub
London is one of the most diverse cities in the world, and its culinary scene reflects that.
For vegans, this means a wealth of plant-based dining options from all corners of the globe.
Whether you’re craving British pub food, Middle Eastern mezze, or classic Italian pasta, London offers countless vegan-friendly eateries to explore.
Highlights:
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Vegan Street Food: Explore vegan markets like “Borough Market” and “Spitalfields Market,” where you can find international vegan dishes.
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Vegan Chains: “Mildreds” and “The Gate” are iconic vegan-friendly restaurant chains in London known for their innovative and flavorful dishes.
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Vegan Afternoon Tea: Experience a traditional British afternoon tea with a vegan twist at places like “The Ritz” or “Manna.”
Read more about Vegan-Friendly Grocery Stores…
Conclusion
As the demand for vegan food continues to grow, so do the travel opportunities for plant-based travelers.
Whether you are wandering through Europe’s cities or exploring the beaches of Southeast Asia, vegan-friendly destinations around the world are embracing plant-based cuisine like never before.
From local markets and street food stalls to high-end dining experiences, these destinations offer something for every vegan traveler, ensuring your journey is as delicious as it is memorable.
So pack your bags and get ready to indulge in some of the best vegan cuisine the world has to offer!
