Whether you’re new to veganism or you’ve been vegan for years, you might be surprised how much it can affect your travel plans. Until recently, vegan food could be hard to find in the UK, and there are still plenty of places around the world where you might struggle.
To help, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite cities where vegans are welcome with open arms and full plates.
1 – Phuket, Thailand
Thailand already looks like a tropical paradise, with azure seas lapping at white sandy beaches and lush jungles inland. According to theveganworld.com, Phuket is also a vegan paradise.
There are around 40 vegan restaurants per 100,000 residents, giving you plenty of choices when it comes to eating out. In addition, the city holds a vegetarian food festival every year, with lots of vegan street food available.
2 – Lisbon, Portugal
With nearly 10 vegan restaurants per 100,000 residents, Lisbon is one of Europe’s best cities for vegan food. Like many places, veganism has exploded in popularity in Portugal over the last few years.
The sunny capital city is a fantastic place to explore on foot, especially while you enjoy a vegan pasteis de nata (the famous egg custard tart) from many cafes and restaurants.
3 – Amsterdam, Netherlands
At the start of 2020, Amsterdam had an impressive 40 vegan restaurants, but since the end of 2022, it now has over 70 of them. Finding a vegan-friendly cafe or restaurant in this Dutch city is easy. You’ll probably come across one by accident as you cycle around, taking in the stunning buildings and serene canals.
4 – Portland, Oregon, USA
If you’re heading to the USA, plenty of places are great for vegans. Big cities like New York and Seattle have tons of places to choose from, but Portland, Oregon, has a long-held reputation as a great place for vegans.
While there are lots of specialist restaurants, most eateries in the city will have a few plant-based options to choose from. The city is also home to a vegan mini-mall, so you can browse for vegan clothing and food and even get a vegan tattoo.
5 – Prague, Czech Republic
The breathtaking city of Prague is worth a visit, and you won’t struggle to find a bite to eat while you soak up the atmosphere. Moment cafe is a fully vegan cafe which offers plenty of light options, such as vegan scrambled eggs. Like Lisbon, Prague is one of Europe’s most vegan-friendly cities.
6 – Paris, France
No list of cities for foodies would be complete without Paris. The French capital is just as good if you’re vegan. Despite France’s reputation for being slow to embrace plant-based food, Paris has plenty of eateries that cater to vegan diets. From quaint bakeries to elegant restaurants, the City of Lights shines brightly for vegan travellers.
Wherever your travels take you, remember you sort out your travel insurance as soon as you book your trip.