Traveling while vegan can be tough. From packing your own high-protein snacks and sniffing out dairy-free coffee creamer to making sure restaurant orders don’t get lost in translation, vegan travel can require some foresight. But there are destinations out there that make things easy — and delicious — for vegan travelers. Read on to see which destinations made our list of the top 7 vegan-friendly cities around the world.
Take a bite out of Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is a tasty destination for vegans who love super fresh produce. It’s no wonder: a good portion of the city’s residents stick to vegetarian or vegan diets. Head to the “Mediterranean Capital of Cool” for delicious bites and a healthy dose of culture. Popular organic kitchens like Meshek Barzilay abound with vegan dishes sourced from farms nearby. While you’re there, make sure to sample sabich. This traditional fried eggplant sandwich usually comes with a hard-boiled egg (but tastes just as good without one). Whether you explore the city solo, with a tour guide, or with an app, there’s no shortage of things to see, do, and — of course — eat.
Eat your way through Oakland
Oakland, California is home to lots of interesting individuals — activists, artists, and forward-thinkers. What’s more: it’s a great destination for travelers with plant-based diets. From soul food at Souley Vegan to green smoothies at Gratitude Cafe, there’s something yummy for everyone in the East Bay. But don’t just go to Oakland for the food! Located just across from San Francisco, there are tons of fun things to do close by. Take a bridge to bridge cruise to see the Golden Gate Bridge or opt for a sunset cruise.
Enjoy tasty vegan cuisine in NYC
New York City is the place to indulge 3 AM cravings for obscure or specific foods, so accommodating vegan diets here is no big deal. If you’ve got deep pockets, try Candle 79 or Dirt Candy for ambitious vegan dishes. In search of something simpler? Head to the Original Buddha Bodai Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant. Here you can try mock-meat dim sum and other Chinese fare at reasonable prices. If you’re up for a walking tour, try this food crawl through Greenwich Village and let them know your dietary restrictions in advance. Oh, and while you’re there: don’t forget to see the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.
Be spoiled for choice in Bristol
Move over, every other city that comes to mind first: Bristol’s the talk of the (vegan) town as the number one city for vegan travelers in 2019. That’s right, here you can go wild on all things plant-based (think: vegan hair and beauty salons). The best part: there’s no need to cheat yourself to sneak in some fast food (like the burgers and fries at Oowee Vegan) while you partake in the Bristol beer culture.
Explore Berlin’s sustainable scene
Germans may love their bread and butter, but a trip to Berlin is proof that they’ve gotten more creative with their cuisine over time. Say you’re vegan here and nobody will bat an eyelash — they’ll just point you in the direction of one of the city’s countless vegan grocery stores and restaurants, like AtayaCaffee. For a guided experience, get a taste of local flavor on a vegan food tour. Sample vegan currywurst, beer, and more. Afterward, visit a minimum waste supermarket and see how committed the Berliners are to sustainability.
Sample international vegan fare in London
Long-known as a foodie haven the world over, London’s vegan dining options have exploded in recent years. From traditional vegan bites to experimental dishes, London is chock-full of tasty and diverse restaurants. Forget vegan-friendly — these places are often 100% vegan and very international, like Itadaki Zen, a Japanese vegan restaurant, or Andina, a restaurant with Peruvian superfoods as its focus. For a truly international experience, take this food tour and let them know your dietary restrictions in advance.
Savor vegan delicacies in Stockholm
We know veggies are good for us, but the restaurants in Stockholm make you actually want to eat them. This vegetarian, vegan, and raw food tour will take you to Stockholm’s hip neighborhood delis and cutting-edge restaurants. The best part? Everything you consume is free of genetic modification and isn’t transported unnecessarily. If you’re still hungry, check out the vegetarian buffet at Grön Hermitage for vegan options. Once you’re full, make sure to book an archipelago cruise to soak up the city’s unique architecture.
