As a cradle of fascinating structures, diverse cultures, and regional fare, Europe is a top bucket list continent for many travelers. Among its top lures, for beer lovers specifically, is that it hosts some of the world’s greatest beer breweries in the world.
Although each European country has its signature taste/brand, we’ve rounded up 10 of the top beers to enjoy when you want an ice-cold bottle, along with average beer prices for each European country.
Ireland
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Dublin is home to Guinness, a beer known for its dry and burnt taste. Guinness is Ireland’s largest export item, and its brewery also happens to be the biggest in the world. Start off your beer tour with a visit to the Guinness Storehouse in the capital, where you’ll be served a free pint as farewell. Otherwise, you can get a swig at popular pubs like The Brazen Head, the Porterhouse, and Solas, where you can relax in a beer garden during summer for €4.50 a pint.
Germany
As the seat of the famed Oktoberfest, Germany offers year-round, not-to-miss attractions for beer-loving tourists. Topping the list are Munich’s famed beer gardens: lush, chestnut-fringed urban isles where people gather to enjoy good ol’ Bavarian lager (around €3 per half liter) with live music. Don’t miss Beer Garden Augustiner Keller, the city’s oldest, as well as Weihenstephan, a brewery that was built in the 1100s and is the oldest one in the world.
Czech Republic
When you’re in a country where their capital drinks the most beer in Europe, you know you’re right at home. With a history of beer-making going back three centuries, the Czech Republic offers a jaw-dropping selection of fine local beers. From Prague’s signature amber ale — which is also among the cheapest across Europe, with half a liter setting you back 26 Czech koruna ($1 USD) — to Brno’s Pegas brewery, where you can watch while your beer is brewed fresh on the spot and drink it right away.
The Netherlands
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With bars offering anywhere from tens to hundreds of beers from its local breweries, it’s always happy hour for beer drinkers in The Netherlands. While the country is known for creating Heineken, try the country’s other brands and types. Some of which can be served on tap for €3 ($3.35 USD) a pint. Also, be sure to drop by IJ Brewery for a tour that includes samples of 10 organic styles.
Scotland
Known to have been crafting beers for centuries, Scotland is well-known for its pub-heavy drinking scene. Most pubs are found in Edinburgh, such as the Halfway House and the Cumberland Bar. Both offer diverse selections of cask ales and beers, averaging about £3 ($4 USD) a pint.
Croatia
If you’re craving traditional Croatian hops, Tomislav — first produced in Zagreb in 1925 — then Croatia should be on top of your list. Also worth trying is Karlovačko pivo, which, like other local beers in Zagreb, is available for about 2 euros a pint.
Belgium
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Belgium produces over 350 beer styles and houses more than 120 breweries. The most popular ones are located in Brussels, Bruges, and Leuven (the so-called the world’s beer capital and home to Stella Artois). For that distinct Belgian beer experience, troop to Old Market Square in Brussels where tours to local breweries, cafes, and pubs can be made. If you’re up for sampling 2,000 beer varities, try Delirium in Brussels. Beer costs around €3.50.
Denmark
Carlsberg’s home country, Denmark, is popular for its astounding microbreweries and special homegrown beers, like Nørrebro Bryghus, that sell for around 10.17 kroner ($1.50 USD) a pop in the supermarket. Beer connoisseurs are also raving about the Carlsberg-owned Jacobsen, a brewery in Varby, Copenhagen, where you can glimpse Denmark’s beer culture and taste rare brews.
Krakow, Poland
If you like tasty beers on the cheap, Poland is a great European destination, with beers selling for less than £1 ($1.30 USD) per pint. A beer pilgrimage is best done in Krakow, where you can sample famous hops like Czarny Smoke in pubs, as well as visit the Zywiec beer museum, and Tychy, where you will get first-hand perspective of beer making.
Now that you know you can find great beer on every corner of Europe, start planning your pub-hopping itinerary.
