As a plant-based or eco-conscious traveler, finding vegan travel destinations can make your trips more enjoyable and rewarding. Many cities and countries around the world are becoming havens for vegans, offering diverse culinary experiences, ethical accommodations, and vibrant communities. Here’s a guide to some of the best vegan-friendly travel destinations
1.Berlin, Germany
Berlin has earned its reputation as one of the most vegan-friendly cities globally. It’s known for its creative, innovative vegan food scene, with a variety of plant-based restaurants and cafes, from fast food to gourmet. In Berlin, you can find:
- Vegan Supermarkets: Stores like Veganz provide everything from vegan cheeses and meats to cruelty-free cosmetics.
- Vegan Street Food: At markets such as Markthalle Neun, you can enjoy vegan döner kebabs, burgers, and international street food.
Recommendations: Cookies and Cream for a lovely dining experience, Bodhicitta Vegan Bowl for vietnamese cuisines or Brammibal’s Donuts for decadent vegan donuts.
2.Tel Aviv, Israel
Tel Aviv is known as a global vegan capital, with an abundance of plant-based options. The city’s vibrant culinary scene offers Middle Eastern flavors with a vegan twist. Local favorites like falafel, hummus, and sabich (eggplant sandwiches) are easily veganized.
- Vegan Street Food: Tel Aviv’s bustling markets like Carmel Market offer fresh produce and street vendors serving vegan falafel and other treats.
- Restaurants and Cafes: There are numerous vegan restaurants, including Anastasia, one of Tel Aviv’s top plant-based cafes known for its vegan shakshuka and raw cakes.
- Animal Rights Community: Tel Aviv has a strong animal rights movement, and many restaurants are proud to serve cruelty-free dishes.
Recommendations: Indulge in vegan cuisines at Meshek Barzilay, Louille and Emesh.
3.Los Angeles, USA
LA has long been a hub for health-conscious living, making it a paradise for vegan travelers. The city’s thriving vegan scene offers a range of options, from casual dining to gourmet experiences, and it’s home to innovative plant-based food brands.
- Diverse Cuisine: Enjoy vegan Mexican food at Gracias Madre, or try plant-based sushi at Shojin. You can also find vegan bakeries, ice cream shops, and food trucks all around the city.
- Eco-Conscious Eateries: Many of LA’s vegan restaurants are also focused on sustainability, using organic ingredients and eco-friendly packaging.
- Wellness Culture: Beyond food, LA is known for its holistic wellness culture, offering vegan yoga retreats, cruelty-free spas, and eco-friendly hotels.
Recommendations: Don’t miss Crossroads Kitchen for high-end vegan cuisine, Plant Power fast serving 100% plant based fast food.
4.Portugal
Portugal, particularly in its major cities like Lisbon and Porto, has been emerging as a surprisingly vegan-friendly destination in recent years. While traditional Portuguese cuisine is seafood-heavy, the vegan food scene is growing, offering plant-based versions of local favorites alongside international options.
- Lisbon’s Vegan Scene: Lisbon is home to several dedicated vegan restaurants like The Food Temple and Ao 26 – Vegan Food Project, where you can enjoy creative vegan dishes using local, seasonal ingredients. You can also find vegan options at many non-vegan restaurants, especially those offering Mediterranean cuisine.
- Porto’s Rising Plant-Based Scene: Porto, with its cozy cafes and traditional eateries, has seen a rise in vegan options, including plant-based versions of the famous Francesinha, a typically meat-heavy sandwich.
Recommendations: Plant Base for the junk food cravings and if you’re in Porto don’t miss daTerra , a buffet-style restaurant with a wide range of creative vegan dishes that change daily.
5.Mexico
Mexico may be known for its meat-heavy dishes, but there’s a wealth of plant-based options throughout the country, thanks to the natural abundance of corn, beans, avocado, and fresh produce. Cities like Mexico City and Tulum are leading the way in offering vegan-friendly cuisine.
- Mexico City’s Vegan Revolution: The capital is home to a thriving vegan food scene, including restaurants like Por Siempre Vegana, offering vegan versions of traditional Mexican dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and tamales.
- Tulum’s Wellness Culture: Tulum, a wellness-focused beach town, has a variety of vegan eateries and eco-conscious restaurants like Raw Love, serving plant-based meals with a focus on fresh, organic ingredients.
Recommendations: Vegan street tacos in Mexico City, or enjoy plant-based burritos and smoothies in the beachside cafes of Tulum.
6.Costa Rica
Costa Rica is known for its commitment to sustainability and eco-tourism. Cities like San Jose’, Puerto Viejo and Tamarindo, offer an array of vegan-friendly restaurants and eco-lodges. The country’s abundant tropical fruits, vegetables, and plant-based dishes make it a haven for vegan travelers who enjoy fresh and wholesome meals.
- Eco-tourism scene: Costa Rica is one of the most established globally, with eco-lodges, vegan-friendly retreats, and sustainable tours that allow travelers to experience the country’s stunning rainforests and wildlife responsibly. It’s a favorite for those who appreciate eco-conscious adventures.
- Must-Try Dishes: Casado (a hearty plate often featuring rice, beans, and plantains), vegan ceviche, and fresh coconut water.
Recommendations: Alma de Amón in San José, and Como en mi Casa in Puerto Viejo for plant-based Costa Rican specialties.
7. New Zealand
New Zealand’s stunning landscapes are matched by its growing vegan food culture, with a focus on organic and locally sourced ingredients. Major cities like Auckland and Wellington feature a wide range of vegan options, from street food to fine dining.
- Sustainable travel: New Zealand supports sustainable travel with abundant eco-certified accommodations and experiences. From cruelty-free wildlife sanctuaries to organic farms and locally owned vegan eateries, the country offers a range of experiences that align with ethical, plant-based values.
- Must-Try Dishes: Vegan fish and chips, plant-based meat pies, and kumara (sweet potato) dishes.
Recommendations: The Botanist in Wellington, Wise Boys Burgers in Auckland, and Portershed in Christchurch, known for their innovative vegan creations and eco-friendly practices.
8. Taiwan
Taiwan has long embraced vegetarianism, and its vegan options are now flourishing. Cities like Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung are all deep-rooted in a culture of plant-based eating, you’ll find plenty of vegan-friendly street food, innovative vegan restaurants, and even night markets offering plant-based snacks.
- Plant-based culture: Taiwan’s government actively supports vegetarianism and veganism, making vegan options widely available and affordable. Taiwan’s Buddhist roots also mean that plant-based dishes are common and well-prepared, making it one of the most vegan-friendly countries in Asia.
- Must-Try Dishes: Vegan dumplings, bao buns, and Taiwanese stinky tofu made vegan.
Recommendations: Plants in Taipei, Vegan Taipei Night Market in Taipei, and Fruitful Food in Taichung, which features an all-you-can-eat vegan buffet.
9. Greece
Greece, with its sun-soaked islands, rich history, and Mediterranean flavors, is a paradise for travelers—and surprisingly welcoming for vegans. Known for its plant-based staples like olive oil, fresh vegetables, grains, and legumes, Greek cuisine naturally offers an array of vegan-friendly dishes that have been part of its food culture for centuries.
- Greek classics: Cuisine is naturally rich in vegan options, with dishes like hummus, dolmas, and vegetable stews. The vegan scene is expanding in cities like Thessaloniki, Crete and Athens, where innovative chefs are creating plant-based versions of Greek classics.
- Must-Try Dishes: Fava dip, gemista (stuffed tomatoes and peppers), and vegan baklava.
Recommendations: Avocado and Mama Tierra in Athens, and Rakomelo in Thessaloniki for delicious plant-based takes on traditional Greek fare.
10. Germany
Germany, and particularly Berlin, is a paradise for vegan travelers. Known as one of the most vegan-friendly cities in the world, Berlin boasts countless vegan cafes, bakeries, and restaurants, as well as an annual vegan summer festival. Other cities like Hamburg and Munich are also growing in their vegan offerings, featuring traditional German dishes with plant-based twists.
- Eco-Events: Germany hosts a variety of vegan and eco-focused events year-round, from VeggieWorld expos to vegan street food festivals in cities like Berlin and Hamburg. These events celebrate plant-based living and sustainable practices, allowing travelers to connect with like-minded locals and explore innovative vegan products and cuisines.
- Must-Try Dishes: Vegan doner kebabs, schnitzel, and currywurst.
Recommendations: Vöner in Berlin, Froindlichst in Hamburg, and Max Pett in Munich for classic German food with a vegan spin.
Exploring the world as a vegan traveler opens up a wealth of opportunities to experience new cultures while staying true to your plant-based values. Whether you’re savoring street food in vibrant cities like Berlin or discovering hidden vegan gems in Portugal, these destinations offer something for every eco-conscious explorer. So pack your bags, embrace the adventure, and let the journey to find compassionate, delicious food around the globe begin!
For quick and delicious recipes on-the-go, check out my blog post on Vegan-Friendly Travel Recipes.
Safe travels and happy eating!
