Top 10 Beer Destinations for 2025: Beyond the Usual Suspects
- Sandro
- 20. März
- 8 Min. Lesezeit
We obviously would say Zurich is a great beer location, and if you're here, you can explore the beer scene with our classic Beer Tour. Or if you already know a lot about beer and want a completely new experience, book our Beer and Chocolate Tour!
But let’s talk about traveling for beer. As passionate travelers (and beer lovers), we run Original TravelZ on YouTube, where we explore the world’s best food and drink spots. And we know that when planning a trip, finding the best beer is just as important as booking your flight.
This list isn’t about the usual suspects like Munich, Prague, or Brussels - you already know those. Instead, we’re highlighting under-the-radar beer cities with incredible breweries, taprooms, and local beer festivals you won’t want to miss in 2025. Let’s get into it, these are our 10 Beer Destinations for 2025!
1. Bamberg, Germany
Bamberg is arguably the true capital of beer in Germany with its 15 breweries, two large commercial malt houses, and a brewery machine factory. As you walk through Bamberg's old town, you'll immediately sense the love for beer culture. Cozy taverns and beautifully situated summer gardens invite you to linger over a glass of beer accompanied by hearty local cuisine.
What makes Bamberg truly unique is its famous Rauchbier (smoked beer). Two breweries, Spezial and Schlenkerla, maintain the centuries-old tradition of drying malt over open fires, giving their beers a distinctive smoky flavor that represents what beer might have tasted like two centuries ago. This makes Bamberg a must-visit for beer enthusiasts seeking authentic brewing traditions. If you think you don't like lagers, then you have not been to Bamberg yet.
2. Sofia, Bulgaria
We might be biased since we visit Bulgaria many times yearly for family and beer visits, but Sofia has much to offer beyond the typical tourist attractions. Don't miss Places like "Vitamin B" or "Kanaal" which have plenty of taps, and you shouldn't miss the even more international tap list at Crafter Bar. For mountain biking enthusiasts, there's All Mountain, a unique combination of a mountain bike store and craft beer bar (don't drink and ride!).
Sadly, 2025 will see the final Balkan Beer Bash on April 11-12, Sofia's premier beer festival which has been mentioned in our beer festival post. The organizers have decided not to continue the festival, at least in this format, so this is your last chance to experience an amazing festival. You can also check our YouTube playlist for drinks, food, and things to do in Sofia!
3. Wrocław, Poland
Wrocław has been on our radar for a while, and its beer scene more than lives up to the hype. Often named one of Europe’s most exciting craft beer cities, it offers a mix of history, innovation, and seriously good brews.
A great place to start is Browar Stu Mostów (100 Bridges Brewery), where you can sip everything from bold Baltic porters to hop-forward IPAs. Their standout? Schöps - a honey-nutmeg beer once beloved in 16th-century Wrocław, now revived for modern palates.
Other must-visit spots include Pinta, a stylish brewery with a sleek taproom and a laid-back courtyard, and Targowa, a cozy cellar bar beneath Wrocław’s historic market hall pouring 16 rotating taps. For those seeking something more offbeat, Marynka Piwo i Aperitivo offers a top-tier craft selection, a hip terrace, and staff eager to guide you through a tasting. Wrocław also hosts one of the biggest beer festivals in Poland and you still have time to get tickets for the 2025 edition which will take place on 25-26. April. It's called Beer Geek Madness for a reason.
4. Riga, Latvia
Riga, the vibrant capital of Latvia, is an ideal spot for a short city break - especially in Summer when its charming old town buzzes with life. While the historic center is a must-see, Riga’s craft beer scene is an adventure in itself, offering plenty to explore beyond the usual sights.
One of the city’s standout features is the Riga Beer District, a collaborative effort between 10 pubs, gastro bars, and brewpubs in central Riga. Together, they showcase over 100 craft beers from Latvia and the broader Baltic region. The 2.5 km beer trail connecting these venues can be explored at your own pace or as part of a guided tour.
A personal favorite is Labietis, a "pagan" microbrewery crafting exceptional artisan ales with a distinctly local touch with local herbs and spices. Their brewpub pours a fantastic selection of beers - making it a must-visit for any beer lover. If you are lucky you could also taste a flavorful mead.
We’re heading to Riga in May 2025, so stay tuned to Original TravelZ for videos showcasing the best of this dynamic city!
5. Tallinn, Estonia
Staying in the Baltics, Tallinn easily ranks among our favorite cities in the world. If you're a craft beer enthusiast, mark your calendars for Tallinn Craft Beer Weekend 2025, happening June 13-14 - one of the most exciting beer festivals in the region. With 17 breweries (and counting), Tallinn’s beer scene is thriving, offering plenty of fantastic taverns to explore. One spot you can’t miss is Põhjala Brewery & Tap Room. Though slightly off the beaten path, it’s well worth the detour for its excellent core lineup, seasonal specials, and an ever-changing selection of guest beers.
For a more traditional Estonian beer experience, head to Põrgu, a charming old cellar bar tucked next to an ancient church in the old town. The dimly lit, candle-filled space sets the perfect mood for sipping from its 16 taps, featuring a stellar lineup of local craft beers - including Saaremaa farmhouse beer. Sandro has particularly special memories from this place, having once ordered a local Gose brewed with chili, tomatoes, garlic, habanero, and salt. The server’s reaction? A simple but unforgettable "Bold decision." Safe to say, it was an experience worth remembering!
6. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is home to some of Europe's most discerning beer drinkers. For the past two decades, the city has been a hub for both world-class Danish brews and top-tier international imports. It was one of the first places in Europe to embrace the American craft beer revolution, and today, it’s easily one of the most exciting beer destinations on the continent. In Vesterbro, Nørrebro, and the city center, you’ll find some of the best craft beer bars around, including Fermentoren, KIHOSKH, BRUS, and Warpigs.
We dive deeper into Copenhagen’s beer scene in our video, but keep in mind we only show a fraction of the amazing spots here! If you're planning a visit, don’t miss Mikkeller Beer Celebration Copenhagen (May 23-24, 2025) - one of the world’s top beer festivals, featuring rare and exclusive brews. And for brewery lovers, spots like Amager Bryghus, Slowburn, and Gamma are absolute musts.
7. Gothenburg, Sweden
Gothenburg has become one of Europe’s top craft beer hubs, with several of its breweries ranking among the best in the world. Have you heard of Stigbergets, Poppels, Dugges, or O/O? If not, you’re in for a treat. The city's beer scene took off in the early 2000s, starting with Dugges Brewery in 2005, and since then, Gothenburg has seen a renaissance of small-scale, local craft breweries. With around 40 breweries in the area, many offering their own restaurants, brewery pubs, and taprooms, there’s plenty of fresh beer to try.
A must-visit is the Stigbergets Taproom in Ringön, where you can enjoy their signature beers in a funky atmosphere. If you're into something more unique, check out Ivan's Pilsner Bar, a spot blending electronic music, art, and a fantastic selection of refreshing pilsners. And a special mention to our friends Olle and Olof from O/O Brewing and their cozy bar. Simona is still dreaming of the Cacio e Pepe Pasta they made there.
We cover Gothenburg's top spots for food and drink in our video, but once again remember, we’ve only scratched the surface! There’s so much more to explore in this exciting beer city.
8. Manchester, UK
Arguably the best beer city in Europe right now, Manchester is home to renowned breweries like Track Brewing and Cloudwater. The city also hosts an incredible beer festival and is just a stone's throw from one of the UK's top beer events - Hop City in Leeds: a festival devoted only to hoppy beers at the Northern Monk Refectory .
The city's beer scene continues to evolve, with everything from barrel-fermented and mixed-fermentation ales at Balance Brewing & Blending to Bundobust Brewery, a Gujarati restaurant that brews its own beers on-site. Their skill has earned Manchester a place alongside global beer destinations like Copenhagen and Brooklyn.
We have a video about Manchester and Leeds from our visit to Hop City last year, where we explored the best of both cities' beer scenes. If you’re planning to attend Hop City 2025, mark your calendars for May 16th & 17th - it’s sure to be another unforgettable festival! And if hops don't exactly float your boat you can keep an eye out for the Dark and Wild Festival which takes place in November in the same location. This one is devoted to stouts and sours as the name suggests - the two beer loves of Simona.
9. Glasgow, Scotland
While we’ve featured Edinburgh in many of our videos, our recent trip to Glasgow gave us a fresh perspective on what this industrial beauty has to offer. Stay tuned for an upcoming food and drinks video on our channel, where we'll dive deeper into the city’s craft beer scene! Glasgow is home to Sandro's favorite brewery, Overtone, and is brimming with characterful, traditional cask ale pubs, making it a must-visit destination for any beer lover.
Among the top spots you absolutely have to check out is Inn Deep, a laid-back spot founded in 2012 by a group of beer enthusiasts. It offers an impressive and ever-changing selection of beers, ensuring there’s always something new to discover. Another gem is Koelschip Yard, a hidden treasure serving up 18 different beers on tap. Whether you’re in the mood for something light or bold, they’ve got you covered. And no beer tour of Glasgow would be complete without a visit to Drygate Brewing Co., a microbrewery right in the heart of the city. Located next to the iconic Tennent's Brewery, Drygate has become a local favorite, offering craft brews that stand out in Glasgow’s competitive beer scene. Speaking of Beer Tour, one of the best ways to get to know Glasgow's Beer Scene is to join ScotBeer Tours who have served as a great inspiration to our own Zurich Beer Tour. Enjoy and thank us later!
10. Porto, Portugal
If you're looking to head South, we highly recommend Porto – a charming, affordable city with a rising beer scene that's often overlooked. Portuguese breweries like Ophiussa and Letra are creating exceptional brews that have earned well-deserved recognition.
The beer bars in Porto are a must-visit, each offering its own unique charm. Armazém da Cerveja is a cozy spot to explore, while Musa das Virtudes offers great sunset views to accompany your drink. But perhaps the crown jewel is Catraio – often hailed as one of the best beer bars in Europe, featuring two bars and a lovely patio with an incredible selection of craft beers.
Even at the local markets, you can find excellent craft beers side by side with the famous Port wine. Mercado do Bolhão is a perfect example, where you can enjoy a refreshing beer while browsing fresh local produce. We also had the chance to experience an amazing beer tour there, which was almost as good as ours ;) Stay tuned for an upcoming video on our channel about our Porto beer adventure.
Your Turn to Explore our Top 10 Beer Destinations for 2025!
Thanks for joining us on this journey through some of Europe's most exciting beer destinations for 2025. We'd love to hear about your favorite beer cities around the world! Share your experiences and recommendations in the comments below or on our social media channels.
Don't forget to subscribe to Original TravelZ on YouTube for more beer adventures and travel inspiration. Cheers to great beers and unforgettable travels in 2025!
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