By John Solaro via Flickr
The quality of a city’s beer credentials might seem like strange criteria on which to judge a travel destination -- but there are certainly stranger. And there are also plenty of beer fans out there. It might be the cost of the beer, its beer-soaked historical root,s or its sweet craft beer scene, but each of these six cities makes a case for being Europe’s best city for beer lovers.
1. Munich
One word: Oktoberfest. Munich is the most
famous beer city in the world thanks, in a big way, to its annual beer fest.
Contributing over a billion Euros to the Munich economy every year, the event
is a huge date in every beer fan’s calendar. And considering the majority of the
17-day party takes place in September, that calendar should come in useful. For
the other 348 days of the year, Munich’s beer halls and gardens continue the
tradition, and we’d recommend a Hofbräuhaus to get a touristy taste
of the city beer culture.
Hotel Pick: Hotel Bavaria is within walking
distance of the Oktoberfest grounds and offers large, simple rooms.
2. Bruges
By Ricardo Samaniego via Flickr
When it comes to beer, Belgium has some of
the finest tipples in the worldWith its dreamy canals and
UNESCO World Heritage Site good looks, Bruges is the ultimate backdrop for
getting down with the grain. Unsurprisingly, the city is filled with cozy beer
bars vying for your stein-cradling hand. Go straight to the source with a tour of the Straffe Hendrik Brewery (De Halve Maan) before moules frites and more
beer at De Kelk on Langestraat.
Hotel Pick: Within close range of sights
like the Beguinage Convent and the Groeninge Museum, the Hotel Montanus is as
convenient as possible — and the rooms here are stylish.
3. London
If you thought that Londoners only drank
warm ale then…okay, they still drink some warm ale, but tradition’s no bad
thing. To go with the cask ales, the city has a huge craft beer scene that has
grown exponentially over the last five years. A slew of American-inspired pale
ales hit the market and now every other pub in the capital serves something out
of the ordinary. Nowhere is the rise and rise of beer in London more evident
than beneath the railway arches of Bermondsey. Visit and sample breweries like
the Kernel, Brew by Numbers, Partizan Brewing and Fourpure as you attempt to
conquer the Bermondsey Beer Mile.
Hotel Pick: The cheap and extremely
cheerful Clink78 Hostel is the choice for those who don’t need frills, but
appreciate the thought of the fun street-art-inspired design.
4. Prague
By Michel via Flickr
When beer prices hover at around $1.70 a pint, you’d think that bargain drinking was the main reason a
destination could compete as one of Europe’s best beer cities. But while the
price of a pint in Prague is a treat, the relaxed beauty of the Baroque city is
just as important as the sinking of suds. The city is home to one of Europe’s
most famous Old Town Squares, and once you’ve checked off a visit to the
must-see Charles Bridge, a trip spent lazing in the dramatic square drinking
the local Staropramen pilsner wouldn’t be one misspent. After all, this is the
home of the first ever Pilsner and it’s a city that even goes as far as having
an actual beer spa!
Hotel Pick: Style it out at the 1920s Art
Nouveau Grand Hotel Bohemia in the heart of Prague’s Old Town.
5. Dublin
Do you know why the Irish capital is one of
Europe’s best beer cities? Of course you do; it’s because when you’re there, the
good times just keep Doublin’ and Doublin’ and Doublin’…like what we did
there? It may be most famous for one beer in particular, but Dublin is a doozy
for drinkers. And it’s not just Guinness that flows — although no trip is
complete without a brewery tour and a pint of the black stuff at the in-house
Gravity Bar. The Temple Bar neighborhood is packed with bars — not to mention an atmosphere that
feels like every weekend is St. Patrick’s Day. The local Porterhouse was
Dublin’s first brewery pub, where you can find an extensive range of its brews
for when you tire of Guinness.
Hotel Pick: Place yourself directly within
the action at Dublin Citi Hotel. Located in Temple Bar, the simple hotel is one
of the best placed for the bars.
6. Edinburgh
Scotland may be more famous for its whiskey
than its beer, but the picturesque city of Edinburgh is trying to change that.
With an excellent balance between craft beer outfits and traditional pubs, the city allows beer
lovers to sample the new and the old Scottish beer scenes. A famous
university town, here beer drinking is a year-round pursuit and even outside of
term-time the city is always packed. We can recommend it as one of Britain’s
friendliest cities, so expect to pick up some new drinking companions should you
visit. Head for the Hanging Hat to sample local British brews in a contemporary
scene and make sure to visit the Guildford Arms for a traditional interior that
might even be better than the beer.
Hotel Pick: The 42-room Grassmarket Hotel is great for its quirky character, contemporary design, and picturesque location.
Related Links:
- Take an Inside Look at the Island Once Owned by Marlon Brando
- 7 Facts That Undoubtedly Prove Budapest Is the New Berlin
- You Won’t Believe These Hotels Used to Be Prisons
All products are independently selected by our writers and editors. If you buy something through our links, Oyster may earn an affiliate commission.
