10 of the best European cities to drink craft beer
In recent times, the craft beer scene has exploded all around Europe. They conquer the existing beer market, dominated by a handful of multinationals for way too long. Instead, the craft beer brands and bars offer local beers, made with artisan handcraft and a whole lot of passion. Besides the pleasure of tasting all this crafted variety, they are wonderful projects well worth to support. If you want to visit some, here are 10 of the best European cities to drink craft beer. Let us know on social media which cities you would add!
- London
It’s quite fair to say that in London the artisan beer brewing has turned the beer scene upside down. There’s so much craft beer to find in this city, that to be healthy, discovering them in a month will not be sufficient. Luckily, you can go on an authentic craft beer microbrewery tour, or a street art and beer experience, showing you the best of London’s craft beer scene.
2. Madrid
Madrid has a well established craft beer scene, an important feature of the local economy and the local cultural heritage. Some of the most genuine bars to discover here are microbrewery Fábrica Maravillas, but also Irreale, The Stuyck Co. and Birra y Paz.
3. Brussels
Brussels and Belgium are world-renowned for their beer culture. And even though that mostly reflects on major beer brands, the craft beer scene is growing as well. Two really unique bars to taste the best artisan and local beers are KICK tap’ASS and Contrebande bar.
4. Milan
Several Italian cities are establishing a firm craft beer scene and culture, making it a pleasure to experience and taste all these varieties, most often locally brewed. Milan is definitely at the forefront of this beer innovation, with plenty of craft beer bars spread around the city. Find out more about them here.
5. Prague
One of the best European cities to drink craft beer is definitely Prague. Prices tend to be affordable, and quality top notch. In our craft beer guide, you can find more and more sustainable craft beer bars and breweries in the city, find out more here.
6. Barcelona
Barcelona is one of the leading cities in Europe when it comes to craft beer, with inspiring projects in all corners of the city. To get to know the scene, check out places such as Barcelona Beer Company, CatBar, La Més Petita, HomoSibaris, Zythos and The Beerket.
7. Budapest
Budapest is a lovely city, and so is it’s craft beer scene. You’ll not only find charming craft beer bars and microbreweries, you can even sleep overnight at a proper craft beer hotel. Isn’t that a perfect combination?
8. Valencia
Perhaps a surprising city in this list, but nevertheless very true. Valencia is an excellent city to drink craft beers. Besides a wide variety of bars, the compact size of the city makes that it’s also quite convenient to hop from one to the other. Check out places such as Olhöps, Tyris on Tap and La Birreria.
9. Manchester
To finish, two of the most authentic cities of two of the countries that are among those that have shaped the European beer scene the most. First up, Manchester, an authentic British city with an authentic British beer culture, including a growing craft beer one. You can discover it on your own, or with a proper Manchester Craft Beer Tour.
10. Antwerp
A relatively unknown Belgian city, yet the largest Flemish one. With beer bars all around the old town, and a growing craft beer movement. Two iconic places include the De Koninck Antwerp City Brewery, as well as the Beerlovers Bar.
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More craft beer bars: in various European cities
Good Goal is an independent guide to authentic craft beer bars and various other sustainable places in plenty of European cities. We visit every place ourselves and only list the most innovative ones. Our guide is made so that everyone can easily find the sustainable options, those that benefit local people, sustainable innovators and that show you the authentic and local side of the city. To keep yourself updated, please like our