14 of the best vegan travel destinations: vegan holidays in the UK, Europe and beyond

Whether you’re looking for a luxurious city break or are keen to feel the sand beneath your toes, we have a whole lineup of exciting vegan travel destinations to explore.

We understand the importance of being able to eat well overseas, so have looked into these holiday destinations with vegan food in mind. Nothing’s worse than getting all excited for a trip to then arrive and discover the only vegan options are fries or a side salad. No one needs that.

Luckily for us, HappyCow exists and can help us plan for a trip anywhere in the world. HappyCow is an app that can register and review anywhere that you can eat vegan food, whether it’s a place that can cater to vegans or fully plant-based venues.

Vegan travel has never been easier and as the popularity of veganism expands around the world, our vegan options only keep growing.

This list is compiled of vegan travel holiday locations that we’ve recommended for a variety of reasons. Some have a high vegan population, some have claimed the best vegan country titles, and some are home to some of the most reputable vegan venues.

But they are all guaranteed to give you some wanderlust to inspire your next vegan travel adventure!

Get your passports and appetites ready as we take you on a trip around the world’s best vegan travel destinations.

1. Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

Bali has been a growing destination for vegan travellers with many businesses popping up to entice tourists. Most towns have a large selection of vegan-friendly venues, with tempeh being a staple food in Indonesian cuisine.

If you’re a beach person, this destination might be the one for you as Bali is home to some of the most beautiful beaches where you can surf, swim and snorkel.

We’ve honed in on Ubud as it’s the spiritual and cultural centre of Bali. Since its feature in the film Eat, Pray, Love, this location has soared in popularity.

As for vegan food, according to Statista, Ubud is the second-highest city in the world with the most vegan options worldwide. So there are plenty of places to treat your tastebuds in this lively city!

However, the whole of Bali is incredibly accommodating to those on a vegan diet. From Canggu to Uluwatu, there are plenty of vegan options to choose from.

Indonesia itself is located in Southeast Asia, not far from the equator, so expect the weather to be hot!

Currency used: Indonesian Rupiah

You can’t visit without: Taking a yoga lesson.

Best places to eat in Ubud:

• Bella by Sage offers delicious vegan and Italian dishes.
• Zest Ubud is an organic restaurant that sources local produce.
• Sage steps up vegan cuisine by serving vibrant globally inspired dishes.
• The Seeds of Life is a 100% raw vegan cafe that also serves up Taoist tonics.
• Sayuri Healing Food offers a wide raw menu and also teaches raw cooking classes.

2. Berlin, Germany

Berlin is another city that has become famed in the vegan community for its ample vegan venues blending with its vibrant city culture, making this a trip to remember.

Germany itself has a very high vegan population. A study in 2020 revealed that Germany had the highest vegan population in all of Europe, and has continued to grow to 7.5 million vegans residing there today.

In fact, Berlin is so vegan-friendly that it is home to the first vegan food chain and the first vegan mall in Germany.

With over 600 vegan and vegetarian cafes, restaurants, and shops listed on Happy Cow, you will be spoilt for choice. To make sure you don’t miss all the vegan treats on offer in Berlin, take a walking tour around the city and pick up treats on the go.

Currency used: Euro

You can’t visit without: Visiting the Berlin wall.

Best places to eat in Berlin:

• ATAYA is a great breakfast and brunch venue that is also dog-friendly.
• Brammibal’s Donuts is a huge hit in Berlin with several locations serving up freshly made vegan doughnuts.
• Plant Base is a vegan cafe and bookshop that strives to deliver tasty, sustainably sourced dishes.
• Vedang plant burger is the place to go to indulge in some vegan fast food.
• Feel Seoul Food delivers traditional Korean dishes that are all vegan. Expect soups, dumplings, pancakes, and even sushi.

3. Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne is a vibrant city filled with vegan cafes and restaurants and a thriving activist scene. In fact, Melbourne was recently voted 3rd most vegan city in the world, so its reputation certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Melbourne offers a great mix of city life with beach culture, with St Kilda beach a mere tram ride away which is in close proximity to all the vegan-friendly venues on Acland Street.

If you fancy a splash on a quieter beach there are many more along the coast. Head further south and you’ll discover Brighton beach (complete with the same iconic beach shacks and the UK seaside town of Brighton) and the peaceful Half Moon Bay.

And this is just one part of the city! There are plenty of vegan venues scattered all throughout Melbourne and the CBD, and lots of vegan food events are held throughout the year.

Currency used: Australian dollars

You can’t visit without: Taking a trip to Luna Park.

Best places to eat in Melbourne:

• Union Kiosk is a vegan coffee shop that serves up sweets and waffles.
• Lord of the Fries has multiple venues open long into the night so you can get your vegan junk food fix.
• Madame K’s Vegetarian is actually a fully vegan venue offering plenty of delicious Asian-infused dishes.
• Funghi E Tartufo means ‘mushroom and truffle’, which is the name of the signature dish at this plant-based Italian venue.
• Vegie Tribe is a fully vegan buffet well known for its wide variety of dishes and all-you-can-eat options.

4. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is another city that boasts a beautiful blend of bustling city life with laid-back beach culture. A walk along the promenade is full of happy tourists and locals soaking up the sunshine before taking a dip in the sea.

Grab a kayak and hit the waters, but make sure you bring a snorkel so you can take a dip and swim in and around the coastal caves.

Unlike other European destinations, access to the beach is free and the beaches are cleaned regularly to maintain the natural beauty of its shores.

If you wish to immerse yourself in the artistic culture, Barcelona has lots of interesting museums, galleries, and cathedrals to explore.

But for those who are hungry, you’ll be glad to hear that Barcelona is one of the top vegan destinations in Spain since the local city government previously declared it to be a ‘friend of vegan and vegetarian culture’, which has certainly been put into effect.

Currency used: Euro

You can’t visit without: Experiencing the nightlife in Las Ramblas.

Best places to eat in Barcelona:

• CactusCat Bar is the place to visit to enjoy some Catalonian dishes, with all-day brunch, vegan lunch, and dinner.
• Eqvilibrivm Cafe is a popular venue serving breakfast and brunch foods.
• Monchito offers a vibrant menu of authentic vegan Mexican dishes.
• Chez Kessler provides a varied menu with vegan fish dishes and charcuterie boards.
• Blu Bar is praised for its tasty menu including protein bowls and pizzas.

5. Chiang Mai, Thailand

With a skyline dotted with beautiful ancient temples and striking mountains, Chiang Mai feels like paradise on Earth.

There are plenty of bustling markets with street food vendors to discover while exploring. Making friends with the locals should definitely be on the agenda too to fully immerse yourself in Thailand’s rich culture. Why not take part in group treks and vegan cooking classes while you’re there to try your hand at making the local cuisine.

Since Thailand is traditionally a Buddhist country, a lot of the food has been based around plants, meaning vegan options are very easy to find today.

It’s not surprising to discover that, according to Statista, Chiang Mai was the number 1 city with the most vegan options available worldwide, making it easily a top vegan travel destination.

Currency used: Thai Baht

You can’t visit without: Visiting an ethical elephant sanctuary.

Best places to eat in Chiang Mai:

• Reform Kafe serves a tasty blend of Western and Thai dishes.
• Goodsouls Kitchen is the spot to go to for all-day breakfast and many more filling meals.
• Asa Vegan Kitchen and Studio has a range of fresh and healthy vegan dishes such as summer rolls and chickpea curry.
• Mr Green is a Thai restaurant that has plentiful vegan portions and refreshing drinks on the menu.
• Rad Rabbit has all the vegan Italian food you could want, with very highly-rated vegan pizzas.

6. Turin, Italy

When people think of Italy the first destinations in mind are probably Rome, Florence, and Milan. However, Turin is a vegan haven for those who wish to really experience the Italian vegan food scene!

As an official UNESCO site, Turin is home to 22 palaces and villas where you can take a leisurely tour.

There are many museums to keep you entertained, ranging from historical cars to the Egyptians.

And for those who are sports fans, Turin is also home to the Juventus stadium.

The relationship between Turin and veganism has been intertwined for some time, as the city had a pro-veggie mayor and 30 meat-free restaurants in 2016.

Since then it has only continued to grow and was recently ranked in the top 20 cities for vegan-friendly restaurants, not just within Europe, but worldwide.

Currency used: Euro

You can’t visit without: Checking out the National Museum of Cinema.

Best places to eat in Turin:

• L’Orto Cafe is a vegan coffee shop that has a large selection of sweet and savoury treats, and large dishes for a full meal.
• Ratatouille is a popular vegan bakery that has a range of vegan desserts, as well as whole goods and deli items.
• Mezzaluna serves up rich courses of fresh dishes cooked to order, including housemade pasta and organic wines and juices.
• Antonio Chiodi Latini is a true fine-dining experience providing small but beautifully designed dishes.
• Soul Kitchen – Vegan and Raw Food offer a multiple-course dining experience with fine raw vegan produce.

7. Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Playa Del Carmen is home to the world’s first all-inclusive plant-based resort, Palmaia, House of AïA.

But that’s not to say Playa del Carmen stops there when it comes to catering for vegans. With vegan and vegetarian venues dotted around the city, there are many venues to dine in and enjoy.

In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of activities to excite you about a trip to this part of Mexico. There are plenty of interactive museums and galleries, not to mention ancient Mayan ruins to explore.

Its rolling beaches with white sands are the perfect spot to relax during the day or take a trip to explore some of the caverns and caves hidden within the landscapes. Sea turtles are frequently seen in the waters so make sure to go snorkelling.

Currency used: Mexican peso

You can’t visit without: Exploring the ancient ruins of Tulum and Coba.

Best places to eat in Playa del Carmen:

• Plantivoros serves up tasty dishes from two different menus that celebrate authentic Mexican flavours.
• Falafel Nessya specialises in hearty falafel dishes, both in pitas and plates.
• Comet 984 captures the essence of a 1950’s diner, serving all sorts of vegan fast food.
• The Pitted Date is a vegan cafe and bakery, with fresh coconut and almond milk made daily, and lots of breakfast food options.
• Corazon Contento PDC is the place to visit if you want hearty Mexican food.

8. Paris, France

France had a reputation of being one of the more difficult countries to cater for vegans as traditionally its dishes are heavy on meat and dairy.

However, the city of lights, Paris, has really stepped up the vegan game in recent years with a big increase of vegan venues, and many vegetarian venues going fully vegan according to a report from Happy Cow.

Paris has become a vegan travel destination as it now hosts many vegan and vegetarian venues, serving up delightful sweet treats and pastries to indulge yourself with!

Grab something on the go as you stroll around the city to explore the many art museums, historical cathedrals, and cultural landmarks Paris has to offer.

Currency used: Euro

You can’t visit without: Exploring the Parisian catacombs.

Best places to eat in Paris:

• Le Potager de Charlotte serves vibrant and healthy vegan dishes, specialising in European dishes.
• Land & Monkeys is the place to visit if you need a delicious cake or pastry. With multiple venues around the city, you can’t miss it.
• Hank Vegan Burger is a must-visit if you need to get your vegan junk food fix.
• VG Pâtisserie has been providing delicious pastries and desserts since 2017.
• Les Tontons Veg offers hearty vegan burgers, sandwiches, and falafels.

9. New York City, USA

Known as the city that never sleeps, New York boasts a population of over 8 million people and an impressive selection of vegan-friendly places to eat! There are over 3,700 venues listed on Happy Cow that cover the entire city, from the Bronx to Staten Island.

And of course, it is the birthplace of one of the most popular desserts, the Vegan New York Cheesecake. Luckily for us, it’s a simple dessert to make vegan and there are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and eateries that can provide a delicious slice!

Aside from the culinary attractions, New York is home to some of the most visited galleries, theatres, and attractions. Strolling through Central Park, catching a show on Broadway, discovering the delights of Little Italy – there is plenty to keep yourself busy with during a stay!

And if you’re curious to see just how vegan-friendly New York is, you’ll be happy to know that in a previous listing of the Top 10 Vegan Friendly Cities according to Happy Cow, New York took 2nd place.

Currency used: American dollar

You can’t visit without: Taking a selfie with the Statue of Liberty.

Best places to eat in New York:

• Bodhi Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant for delicious Chinese food.
• Orchard Grocer is the place to go for a classic vegan New York bagel.
• Beyond Sushi is a popular chain with 5 locations offering tasty vegan sushi.
• PLANTA Queen is a plant-based restaurant and bar that has an extensive food menu, as well as a range of cocktails.
• Jajaja Mexicana serves modern Latin and Mexican food – perfect if you love tangy and spicy dishes.

10. Lisbon, Portugal

Known for being a country with one of the largest consumption of seafood, you might be surprised to learn that Portugal has a rapidly growing vegan community.

Apparently, Portugal was the first country in the world that made it mandatory for schools, hospitals, and prisons to provide vegan options!

Lisbon is at the heart of it all and is often leading the way with vegan progression, which in turn influences the rest of the country.

With over 280 vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants, there are plenty of things to eat as you absorb the vibrant creative culture of Lisbon. Plus being a city filled with art and architecture, there’s always something to look at.

Currency used: Euro

You can’t visit without: Taking a walking tour and watching the sunset!

Best places to eat in Lisbon:

• Veganeats Caffe is a small vegan coffee shop and bakery that has lots of European and Portuguese foods to enjoy.
• Ao 26 – Vegan Food Project has a whole range of snacks and plates from sweet treats to savoury meals.
• Organi Chiado is a vegan restaurant that serves seasonal Portuguese cuisine.
• Kong – Food Made With Compassion is a cosy pet-friendly vegan venue that offers traditional vegan Portuguese food.
• Legumi Sushi Vegan provides unique vegan sushi rolls.

11. Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver is a great destination for those who want a mix of discovering a new city and exploring the great outdoors. Surrounded by stunning views of mountains and coastlines, this trip will feel like a breath of fresh air.

It has frequently been rated highly as one of the most liveable cities in the world, and as a visitor, you can experience why. It is home to four national parks covering both land and water so that you can have the whole adventurer experience.

But if you’re more of a city person, Vancouver has plenty of cosmopolitan aspects to keep you interested, from its shopping quarters to bustling nightlife.

For vegan food, Vancouver has a lot to offer with many vegan-specific venues and lots of variations to enjoy. From vegan junk food to fine dining, there’s something for every palette.

In fact, Vancouver was ranked one of the top cities in the world for veganism and was the only Canadian city to rank so highly.

Currency used: Canadian dollar

You can’t visit without: Crossing the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Best places to eat in Vancouver:

• MeeT has various locations around the city, offering hearty vegan comfort food.
• Virtuous Pie is a plant-based vegan pizza chain that serves a great slice, as well as vegan ice cream and gluten-free options.
• Vegan Cave is another great spot to grab a slice of tasty vegan pizza.
• Lotus Seed Vegan is a health-minded and spiritually conscious vegan restaurant with a whole range of globally-inspired dishes.
• Eternal Abundance is an organic market and vegan cafe offering daily breakfast, brunch, and lunch food.

12. San Jose, Costa Rica

If you love spotting animals in the wild, this may just be the country for you! Costa Rica is home to 5% of the world’s biodiversity with many native colourful species residing here.

San Jose itself has lots to do and see, with historical buildings, museums, and stunning natural wonders to admire. The city was founded in 1739 and remains the thriving hub as the capital of Costa Rica.

Eco-tourism has boomed in recent years, and has been a hotspot for vegan travel since there are many outdoor activities to get your adrenaline going! Grab a kayak and hit the waters, explore and climb around mysterious caves, grab a zip line and take an aerial tour-  the options are endless!

While you’re out adventuring, try and spot many of the countries’ native animals such as macaws, turtles, and sloths.

As for the vegan food scene, San Jose has kept up with the growing demand for vegan food and offers a wide range of cuisine to enjoy during a stay.

Currency used: Costa Rican colón

You can’t visit without: Dipping into the hot springs on the El Valle del Rio Orosi.

Best places to eat in San Jose:

• MIXT has a farm-to-table concept, serving up lots of fresh and healthy options. Build your own bowl or choose from a selection of sandwiches, wraps, and paninis.
• De Aca is a vegan cafe that can serve up a variety of dishes, baked goods, and a good cup of coffee.
• Gia Vegan Pastries is the place to go for sweet treats, baked goods, and pastries.
• Earthly Kitchen is an Italian restaurant with vegan pasta, vegan pizzas, and even vegan cheese sticks.
• Bosque Urbano is an all-vegan cafeteria that can provide sandwiches, pastries, and Costa Rican gourmet coffee.

13. Reykjavik, Iceland

Now for something completely different – a trip to the world’s northernmost capital city, Reykjavik.

Nature-lovers can explore and enjoy the scenic views of this varied landscape. Volcanoes, glaciers, and waterfalls are just some of the natural wonders that will keep your eyes entertained.

This destination is also ideal for those who love a bit of a party since Reykjavik has a buzzing nightlife scene and regularly hosts big musical events.

For vegan food, while it may not match the capacity of other cities just yet, new vegan restaurants are opening up regularly so there are plenty of tasty vegan dishes to enjoy in the meantime.

Currency used: Icelandic króna

You can’t visit without: Observing the dance of the Northern Lights.

Best places to eat in Reykjavik:

• Mama is right in the heart of Reykjavik, with a range of soups, casserole, and a cake of the week.
• Loving Hut is an Asian-inspired venue with lots of warm and spicy dishes to enjoy.
• Bókasamlagið is a fully vegan cafe that serves an array of hot drinks and sweet treats.

14. London, UK

Sometimes vegan travel destinations don’t have to be another world away.

A trip to the UK capital of London can offer a lot of historical and sightseeing fun for tourists, not to mention tons of vegan food!

Home to the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace, those who enjoy royal affairs can fully get their fix. For those who are more enthralled by other historical landmarks, there are plenty of stories hidden amongst the city streets.

As for vegan food, London claimed the title of the world’s most vegan-friendly city in 2019, and we can understand why! Home to numerous flagship vegan venues such as Temple of Seitan, Unity Diner, and Mildred’s, the vegan community has grown rapidly and certainly influenced other parts of the UK.

If you head to London at the right time, you can enjoy the sunny and vibrant parts of the city and many of its outdoor events that accompany good weather. From outdoor hot-tub cinemas to silent discos, there’s always something happening in the big smoke.

Currency used: Pound sterling

You can’t visit without: Taking a boat tour of the Thames.

Where to eat:

• What The Pitta is an all-vegan fast food junk food venue, serving up kebabs and Turkish pizza.
• Young Vegans create delicious and inventive vegan pies, which can also be delivered all over the UK.
• Vantra Vegan is an organic lounge bar providing steamed and raw vegan food. There is also a performance space.
• Thenga Cafe is a cosy cafe that specialises in delicious Indian dishes.
• Hibox provides healthy and filling bowls and wraps, inspired by Palestinian and Lebanese flavours.

We hope that this has given you lots of inspiration to help you choose where to travel for your next vegan holiday destination! Now discover our top tips for vegan travellers!