Gluten-free travel - the top destinations for those who avoid gluten
Many of us avoid gluten, with around 10% of Brits now following a gluten-free diet, according to Celiac UK. For those with dietary needs, travelling abroad can often feel difficult, especially when trying to plan for restaurants that cater for your needs.
With that being said, we have revealed the top destinations to visit if you’re gluten-free. The team at Iglu Cruise analysed every capital city in Europe and used data from TripAdvisor to discover the percentage of restaurants that offer gluten-free options.
The following cities had the highest percentage of gluten-free establishments:
Contents:
- Valleta,Malta
- Reykjavik, Iceland
- Dublin, Ireland
- London, UK
- Oslo, Norway
- Bern, Switzerland
- Rome, Italy
- Athens, Greece
- Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
Valletta, Malta
Valletta, Malta, takes first place as the top gluten-free capital city in Europe, with 27.6% of restaurants offering gluten-free options. Valletta's food is a fusion of Mediterranean cuisine with influences from Sicily and Northern Africa. Some restaurants, such as Ħelu Manna, offer a full gluten-free menu.
The Maltese capital is also home to some of the top tourist attractions in Malta. For example, visitors can see St. John's Co-Cathedral, built in 1573 and considered a gem of Baroque architecture. This highly decorative and theatrical style originated in late 16th-century Italy and spread across Europe.
For those looking to visit this beautiful island in the central Mediterranean Sea, boat tours around Gozo and Comino, the other two inhabited islands in Malta, are also popular. Guests can find these along the Port of Valletta.
Reykjavik, Iceland
The Icelandic capital, Reykjavik, takes second place, with 19.2% of restaurants having gluten-free options. Many traditional Icelandic dishes are naturally gluten-free, including plokkfiskur, a fish stew made with cod or haddock and potatoes. Restaurants can also change their dishes to cater to those who avoid gluten.
Reykjavik is a popular tourist destination for many reasons, especially for those looking to enjoy the outdoors. Those visiting the capital can explore the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa with rich mineral waters, known for their skin benefits.
For those looking to experience the beauty of the northern lights, visiting Reykjavik from August to March is recommended. This once-in-a-lifetime experience should be added to everyone's bucket list.
Dublin, Ireland
In third place is Dublin, Ireland, with 18.1% of restaurants in the city catering to those with gluten-free dietary needs. Classic Irish cuisine consists of hearty stews with meat and potatoes, which are generally gluten-free. Many restaurants, such as Wilde, which serves both traditional Irish dishes and international cuisine, offer gluten-free menus.
Dublin is located on the east coast of Ireland. The city is rich with history, culture, and famous attractions such as the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College, and Dublin Castle.
The Irish capital is also a great destination if you love museums. Visitors can also see the National Museum of Ireland, which features collections on Irish archaeology, natural history, and decorative arts and history. The National Gallery of Ireland also has an extensive collection of Irish and European masterpieces.
London, UK
13.8% of restaurants in London, UK, have gluten-free options. The British capital is a great destination to visit for those who avoid gluten, with many restaurants offering menus that are 100% gluten-free. Los Mochis in Notting Hill is a unique Japanese-Mexican fusion restaurant with a fully gluten-free menu and a 4.2 rating on Google Reviews.
For those visiting London, numerous tourist attractions and activities make for an unforgettable trip. The London Eye, Tower Bridge, Big Ben, and the British Museum are just some of the highest-rated attractions.
Foodie lovers can explore Borough Market and Camden Market, where you’ll find many gluten-free options, such as bakeries with pastries and cakes, Indian cuisine, and Mexican street food.
Oslo, Norway
The next capital city on the list is Oslo, where 13.7% of restaurants offer gluten-free food. Restaurants such as Olivia, a highly rated Italian restaurant, offer gluten-free menus. If you’re looking to try classic Norwegian dishes, such as Kjøttkaker (meatballs), they can be made with gluten-free ingredients at many restaurants.
Oslo is a city with plenty to offer. Highlights include the Viking Ship Museum, where visitors can visit some of the world's best-preserved Viking ships, and the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Norwegian monarchy.
Other food venues found in the Norwegian capital include the Oslo Street Food Market, where you’ll find international eateries, bars, plus indoor and outdoor seating. Mathallen food hall also serves plenty of gluten-free options from dishes from around the world.
Bern, Switzerland
In Bern, Switzerland, 12.5% of restaurants offer gluten-free options. Of course, no trip to Switzerland is complete without sampling some Swiss cheeses. Fondue or raclette are also popular dishes that can easily be made with gluten-free ingredients.
There’s plenty to see in Bern, including the Old Town, which became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. Highlights include the iconic Zytglogge clock tower, the Bern Minster cathedral, and the Federal Palace.
For something a little different, Bern has a long tradition of keeping bears, which you can visit at Bear Park along the Aare River. This attraction has been open since 1857, with a larger Bear Park opening in 2009 to provide a more spacious and natural environment for the animals.
Rome, Italy
11% of restaurants in Rome, Italy, offer gluten-free food. As a country famous for pasta and pizza, Rome has a surprising number of restaurants that cater to those who avoid gluten. Pizza in Trevi is one restaurant in central Rome that has a completely gluten-free menu and a 4.4-star TripAdvisor rating.
Campo de Fiori Market is a historic and iconic food market in the city centre, known for its fresh produce, including fruits, vegetables, pasta, sauces, and more. The city is also renowned for its traditional pasta dishes like cacio e pepe and carbonara, along with popular street foods such as supplì (fried rice balls) and pizza by the slice. Visitors can ask for gluten-free options at many establishments.
Aside from the delicious food, Rome has a rich history and is home to some of the world’s most famous tourist attractions, such as the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain. The city is almost 3,000 years old and was once the capital of the Roman Empire.
Athens, Greece
Athens, Greece, is the next capital city on the list, with 10.8% of restaurants offering gluten-free options. Many classic Greek dishes, such as salads, seafood, and grilled meats, are naturally gluten-free, meaning there are lots of options in the Greek capital for those who avoid gluten.
Athens is another city with a significant history, known by many as the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and Western civilisation. It was the foundation for many ideas in politics, art, science, and philosophy that have helped shape the modern world.
Those visiting the Greek capital can witness many of the iconic sites of ancient Greece, including the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Temple of Hephaestus and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Tied with Athens, 10.8% of restaurants in Ljubljana, Slovenia, also offer gluten-free options. Food in Ljubljana is a blend of Central European, Mediterranean, and Balkan influences, emphasising fresh, local ingredients. Many classic dishes, such as Jota, a sour soup with beans, are naturally gluten-free.
Ljubljana also has plenty to offer for tourists visiting the area. The city is famous for the Dragon Bridge as well as the architectural works of Jože Plečnik, including the Triple Bridge. Its picturesque Old Town and Ljubljanica River are also some must-see attractions, and its status as a European Green Capital means it has plenty of parks and open spaces.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Finally, Amsterdam rounds off the list, with 10.9% of restaurants in the capital catering for gluten-free diets. Food in Amsterdam is varied, meaning there are plenty of options for those who avoid gluten. Restaurants such as PANCAKES Amsterdam, which serve the famous Dutch pancakes, have specific menus for gluten-free diners.
In Amsterdam, visitors can explore history by visiting the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum. Guests can also visit the Rijksmuseum, the Netherlands' largest museum, which highlights Dutch history and art.
Also, the Dutch capital is famous for being extremely bike-friendly, with many tourists renting bikes during their visit to explore the city.
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