Top 10 vegan-friendly cities in Europe
Around 3.4 million Brits reportedly follow a vegan diet in 2025, according to data by finder.com. For those who avoid animal-derived foods, adhering to a plant-based lifestyle can be challenging, especially when travelling to countries where animal products are a prominent feature in their dishes.
With that being said, we’ve revealed the top destinations to visit for those following a vegan diet. We analysed the most visited cities in Europe and used data from TripAdvisor to determine the percentage of restaurants that offer vegan options. Helping you to plan your next holiday, these cities have the highest percentage of restaurants serving up plant-based cuisine.
Contents:
- Heraklion, Crete
- Florence, Italy
- Athens, Greece
- Venice, Italy
- Dublin, Ireland
- London, UK
- Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Rome, Italy
- Vienna, Austria
- Budapest, Hungary
1. Heraklion, Crete
Heraklion, Crete, ranks as the top vegan-friendly city in Europe, with 22.9% of its restaurants offering vegan options. The island of Crete boasts a vibrant Mediterranean diet and a strong meze culture, which complements the vegan scene well. Traditional Cretan foods include white bean soup, which is a national dish of Greece, and there is also a significant emphasis on “Nistisima”, foods suitable for religious fasting that do not contain meat, dairy or eggs.
Popular vegan spots in Heraklion include Vegenato, known for its vegan souvlaki and vegan gyros. Tiny Rebels, another vegan restaurant with a five-star rating, offers vegan brunch and coffee with plant-based milks.
As the capital of Crete and its largest port city, Heraklion has much to offer in terms of exploration. Don’t miss a visit to Knossos Palace, the oldest and most sophisticated city of the ancient western world. Also, make sure to book a tour to the nearby island of Spinalonga, where you can explore a former Venetian fortress and learn about the haunting history of the last leper colony in Europe.
Explore our cruises to Heraklion here.
2. Florence, Italy
Florence, Italy, ranks in second place with 21.2% of restaurants offering vegan options. Although the city is renowned for its Florentine steak, the vegan scene is thriving, partly thanks to the Tuscan cuisine that emphasises simple, seasonal ingredients like cannellini beans, vegetables, olive oil and Tuscan bread.
There are plenty of restaurants, like Il Vegano Bistrot, that serve incredible traditional dishes in vegan form, such as lasagna and tiramisu. Tripperia Vegana TAN8 is a unique street food spot, famous for reimagining traditional, meat-heavy Florentine street food with vegan ingredients.
Florence is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a beautiful city to explore. Be sure to visit the Duomo Complex, a multi-colored cathedral that is the centrepiece of the city, and don’t miss Michelangelo’s David, one of the most famous statues in the world. The sunset view from Piazzale Michelangelo is also worth a visit.
See cruises to Florence here.
3. Athens, Greece
The Greek capital, Athens, ranks as the third most vegan-friendly city in Europe, with 20.9% of restaurants serving vegan options. Greek cuisine naturally accommodates a vegan diet, making Athens a great destination for plant-based eaters. Traditional dishes, such as gigantes plaki — baked white beans in tomato sauce — are a perfect example.
The city has several dedicated vegan establishments. Veganaki offers vegan versions of classic dishes such as moussaka, pastitsio and souvlaki. Holy Llama, a popular vegan café, is renowned for its pastries, including vegan croissants, as well as its all-day brunch.
Athens is also home to the iconic Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum, which showcases this ancient citadel perched on a rocky outcrop above the city. Additionally, Plaka, the oldest neighbourhood in Athens, lies right beneath the Acropolis. It is a must-see for its neoclassical architecture, charming pedestrian streets, tavernas and souvenir shops.
Sail to Athens, view itineraries here.
4. Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy, is the fourth most popular city in Europe for vegan travel, due to its thriving vegan culture. With 19.9% of restaurants offering plant-based options, its vegan food scene is steadily growing. Pizza Marinara is a classic vegan restaurant with multiple locations across the city, featuring garlic and oregano tomato sauce. Simple pasta dishes, such as Pasta al Pomodoro or Aglio e Olio (garlic and oil), are nearly always vegan. However, it's essential to check that the pasta itself is egg-free, as most dry pasta is typically vegan.
La Tecia Vegana is a highly rated vegan restaurant, offering Italian comfort food such as lasagna, ravioli, seitan dishes and vegan tiramisu. Sullaluna Libreria & Bistro is a cosy bookshop and bistro, focusing on organic, local, and sustainable ingredients. It serves high-quality vegan hummus, falafel, creative toasts and salads.
Venice, renowned for its breathtaking canal network, offers an unforgettable experience with iconic gondola rides and a vibrant display of Venetian masks. While exploring the city, be sure to visit Piazza San Marco, the city's iconic public square.
Discover cruises to Venice here.
5. Dublin, Ireland
Dublin ranks fifth, with 19.5% of restaurants offering vegan-friendly options. The city has a vibrant vegan scene that has fully embraced the plant-based trend. Many vegan-friendly cafes provide vegan versions of the traditional “Full Irish” breakfast, featuring scrambled tofu, vegan black pudding, and vegan sausages and bacon. Some establishments offer vegan Irish stew, often made with lentils, as well as vegan Shepherd’s pie.
For a fine dining option, Glas Restaurant is an elegant establishment with a Michelin star. The chefs prioritise local, seasonal produce and provide an upscale experience, including a plant-based tasting menu. The Saucy Cow is a fully vegan spot that specialises in delicious vegan junk food, such as burgers, wraps, loaded fries and the famous Buckfast BBQ burger.
In addition to its diverse vegan offerings, Dublin is renowned for its lively pubs, historic landmarks such as Dublin Castle, and iconic attractions like the Guinness Storehouse, featuring its panoramic Gravity Bar.
Find your Dublin cruise here.
6. London, UK
17.8% of London’s restaurants offer vegan options, catering to a variety of tastes and budgets. The city has a diverse culinary landscape, offering everything from vegan fine dining and plant-based tasting menus to bustling street food markets like Borough Market and Camden Market.
For an exceptional experience, consider Plates, renowned for its creativity and ingenuity. Plus, it’s the first vegan restaurant in the UK to earn a Michelin star. Holy Carrot offers a beautifully designed small plates menu, emphasising low-waste cooking by utilising every part of the vegetable. Studio Gauthier offers a relaxed yet refined plant-based dining experience, featuring vegan sushi and an open kitchen.
Beyond the food, London has countless tourist attractions. Explore the historic Tower of London, discover free museums such as The National Gallery and the Natural History Museum, and take a stroll from Westminster to the South Bank to admire iconic landmarks like Big Ben, the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament.
See cruises to London here.
7. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Amsterdam ranks seventh for its vibrant vegan-friendly scene, with 16.3% of its restaurants offering vegan options. Veganism has gained significant popularity in the Dutch capital, with many restaurants transforming traditional Dutch dishes into vegan versions, as well as offering global comfort foods. The range of options is diverse, spanning from gourmet meals to fast food, and there are also many choices available at grocery stores.
Some highly rated vegan spots include Saint Jean Bakery, known for its highly praised croissants, and Vegan Junk Food Bar, which offers comfort food favourites like loaded fries and soy-based burgers. For a unique dining experience, you might consider visiting Men Impossible, a reservation-only vegan ramen restaurant that serves a creative five-course meal.
While exploring Amsterdam, be sure to cruise the canals and wander through the picturesque Jordaan District. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Anne Frank House and take some time in the Museum Square, where you’ll find the impressive Van Gogh Museum.
Explore available sailings to Amsterdam here.
8. Rome, Italy
Rome, the Italian capital, ranks eighth with 15.8% of its restaurants offering vegan options. Despite the cheese-heavy regional cuisine, the vegan scene in Rome has evolved by adapting traditional Roman classics. For instance, Rifugio Romano, while not fully vegan, offers an extensive vegan menu that replicates Roman favourites like Carbonara, Cacio e Pepe, Lasagna and other baked pasta dishes.
Another great option is Romeow Cat Bistrot, a unique, fully vegan bistro that features a refined menu of both Italian and international dishes, all while dining alongside resident cats. Alternatively, Ops! is a popular high-quality vegan buffet where you pay by weight. It's perfect for a quick, fresh, and varied lunch.
When in Rome, be sure to visit the Colosseum, the amphitheatre where gladiators fought and public spectacles were held, as well as Vatican City and the Centro Storico, where you can find the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona.
Check availability for cruises to Rome here.
9. Vienna, Austria
Vienna is the ninth most popular city for vegans, with 14.5% of restaurants offering vegan options. The city has successfully veganised traditional Austrian classics, including schnitzel, goulash and Apfelstrudel.
One of the most renowned places for this experience is Tian Restaurant, which features a fine-dining veggie and vegan tasting menu and holds a Michelin star. For a fast-food experience, Swing Kitchen stands out as Vienna’s leading vegan chain, offering 100% vegan options, including a vegan version of the iconic schnitzel. For dessert, Veganista is Vienna's most popular dedicated vegan ice cream parlour chain, known for its wide variety of unique and traditional flavours.
Aside from the cuisine, be sure to tour one of the Imperial Palaces, such as Schönbrunn or Hofburg. Visitors can also soak up the Viennese coffeehouse culture or visit the stunning Belvedere Palace.
Plan your river cruise to Vienna here.
10. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest ranks tenth, with 14.4% of its restaurants offering vegan options. It is one of the best and most affordable destinations for vegan food in Central Europe, offering a mix of classic Hungarian comfort food, international street food, and cafés.
Vegan Love is famous for its gourmet plant-based burgers, hot dogs and kebabs, often known as some of the best vegan fast food in the city. Gelateria Pichler is known for offering vegan chimney cake and vegan ice cream to fill it.
Budapest is a stunning city to explore. Whilst there, relax in one of the Grand Thermal Baths, such as Széchenyi, which is the largest and most famous. Additionally, visit the Buda Castle District, home to attractions like Fisherman's Bastion and Buda Castle. Don't miss the opportunity to take a boat cruise, where you can see the Parliament Building and Castle Hill beautifully lit up at night.
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Book a vegan-friendly cruise with us today
If you’re searching for a vegan-friendly holiday, why not consider a cruise? Many cruise lines, such as Virgin Voyages, Celebrity Cruises and Princess Cruises offer incredible vegan options.