Who says you need to sacrifice delicious food, ethical experiences, and breathtaking adventures when you go on vacation? As the plant-based movement continues to grow, so does the availability of vegan options in travel destinations around the world. That’s right: you too can have your hummus and eat it, too.
Why Choose Vegan-Friendly Travel Destinations?
In recent years, we have seen a surge in vegan and vegetarian restaurants, grocery stores, and food options everywhere from New York City to Tokyo. This is not only great for the animals but also for the environment and our health. When you travel, it’s a perfect opportunity to continue supporting these choices and reducing your carbon footprint.
Here are some of the best destinations around the world for vegan travelers. Each location offers a wealth of plant-based dining options, ethical accommodations, and eco-friendly activities to make your next vacation a delicious and sustainable adventure.
Berlin, Germany
With over 200 vegan restaurants in the city, Berlin is a vegan’s paradise. The German capital is home to some of the most inventive plant-based cuisine in the world, including vegan sushi, schnitzel, and even vegan cheese steaks. Some of the top-rated vegan restaurants in Berlin include Mustafas Gemüсеkeske, which serves vegan kebabs, and Veganer Loinbratwurst, which offers plant-based sausages.
Berlin is also a leader in eco-friendly accommodations. You can find everything from vegan-friendly Airbnbs to eco-friendly hotels like the Eco-Hotel Adler. And when you’re not stuffing your face with vegan food, you can explore the city on a vegan-friendly bus tour or shop at one of the many vegan boutiques.
Ubud, Bali
Nestled in the lush jungles of Bali, Ubud is a vegan oasis. The town is home to some of the most beautiful organic vegan cafes in the world, including Sayuri Healing Food Cafe, which sources all of its produce from an on-site organic farm, and Season of Life, which offers vegan and raw food options.
Ubud is also a hub for holistic wellness and eco-tourism. You can hike through the rice terraces on vegan-friendly trails, take a vegan cooking class, or visit one of the many sustainable yoga retreats. And if you want to shop for souvenirs, you can support local artisans at vegan-friendly markets like the Puri Saron Market.
Vancouver, Canada
With over 200 vegan and vegetarian restaurants, Vancouver is a foodie’s dream. The city is home to some of the most innovative vegan restaurants in North America, including The Acorn, which offers a seasonal tasting menu, and Plant, which serves vegan comfort food like jackfruit tacos and seitan ribs.
Vancouver is also a leader in eco-friendly accommodations. You can stay at LEED-certified hotels like the Purpose Built Hotels, which are designed with sustainability in mind, or at one of the many vegan-owned guesthouses like the Raincity Guest House. And when you’re not eating your way through the city, you can explore the beautiful outdoors on vegan-friendly hiking and biking trails or take a vegan-friendly whale watching tour.
Bonus Tip: If you’re traveling with a group, consider renting a vegan-friendly vacation home through sites like Airbnb or VRBO. Many homeowners now offer vegan-friendly options, including plant-based starter kits and even vegan chefs for hire.
Mumbai, India
Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is one of the most vegan-friendly cities in India. With a rich cultural history of vegetarianism, you can find delicious vegan food everywhere from street carts to five-star restaurants. Some of the top vegan restaurants in Mumbai include Greenhouse, which offers a beautiful rooftop dining experience, and Baayari Rann, which serves traditional Maharashtrian cuisine.
Mumbai is also home to some of the most beautiful temples and mosques in India, making it a great destination for travelers who want to learn more about the country’s rich religious history. And if you’re looking for a souvenir to bring home, you can support local artisans at the many markets and shops in the city.
Tel Aviv, Israel
Tel Aviv is a foodie’s paradise, with over 400 restaurants per square kilometer, making it one of the most densely restaurant-filled cities in the world. And with a thriving vegan scene, you won’t have to look far for delicious plant-based options. Some of the top vegan restaurants in Tel Aviv include Hazan, which offers creative vegan takes on Middle Eastern dishes, and Carnival, which serves vegan burgers, hot dogs, and more.
Tel Aviv is also a hub for eco-tourism and outdoor activities. You can take a vegan-friendly bike tour of the city, spend the day at one of the many beaches, or take a vegan-friendly day trip to nearby sites like the ancient port city of Jaffa.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is a foodie’s dream, with some of the most innovative and delicious vegan restaurants in the world. The Danish capital is home to Noma, which was once considered one of the best restaurants in the world and now offers a plant-based tasting menu. And Atelier September, which offers a seasonal tasting menu in a beautiful industrial space.
Copenhagen is also a leader in sustainable design and architecture. You can stay at one of the many eco-friendly hotels like the Copenhagen Island, which is powered by wind energy, or the Skt. Petri, which uses rainwater for irrigation and has solar panels on its roof. And when you’re not eating your way through the city, you can explore the beautiful parks and gardens or take a vegan-friendly boat tour of the harbor.
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is a vegan’s paradise, with delicious and affordable plant-based food available everywhere from street carts to fancy restaurants. And with a rich cultural history of vegetarianism, you can find temples and markets dedicated to vegan food throughout the city. Some of the top vegan restaurants in Bangkok include The House Veggie Clinic, which offers a beautiful rooftop dining experience, and Veganerie, which serves delicious vegan versions of Thai street food.
Bangkok is also a hub for eco-tourism and outdoor activities. You can take a vegan-friendly bike tour of the city, visit one of the many beautiful temples, or take a vegan-friendly day trip to nearby sites like the ancient city of Ayutthaya.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is a foodie’s dream, with delicious tapas and paella available everywhere you turn. And with a thriving vegan scene, you won’t have to look far for delicious plant-based options. Some of the top vegan restaurants in Barcelona include Nobelhart & Schmutzig, which offers a seasonal tasting menu in a beautiful industrial space, and Disco Elegido, which serves vegan versions of classic Spanish dishes.
Barcelona is also known for its beautiful architecture and beaches. You can take a vegan-friendly bike tour of the city, spend the day at one of the many beautiful beaches, or take a vegan-friendly day trip to nearby sites like the amazing Sagrada Familia.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle is a foodie’s paradise, with a thriving vegan scene and some of the most delicious plant-based food in the world. The city is home to some of the most innovative vegan restaurants in the US, including Plum Bistro, which offers vegan versions of classic Northwest dishes, and Ba Bar, which serves delicious vegan Vietnamese food.
Seattle is also a leader in sustainable design and architecture. You can stay at one of the many eco-friendly hotels like the Kimpton Hotel Monaco, which uses reclaimed wood and recycled materials throughout the building. And when you’re not eating your way through the city, you can explore the beautiful parks and gardens or take a vegan-friendly boat tour of the harbor.
Portland, Oregon
Portland is a foodie’s dream, with a thriving vegan scene and some of the most delicious plant-based food in the world. The city is home to some of the most innovative vegan restaurants in the US, including Blossoming Lotus, which offers vegan versions of Thai and Indian food, and Farm Spirit, which offers a seasonal tasting menu in a beautiful farm-to-table setting.
Portland is also known for its beautiful parks and gardens. You can take a vegan-friendly bike tour of the city, spend the day at one of the many beautiful parks, or take a vegan-friendly day trip to nearby sites like the famous Multnomah Falls.