Popular Beer Cities in Europe

Munich, Germany

Munich has a long brewing tradition dating back to the Middle Ages. The Reinheitsgebot (German Beer Purity Law) originated in Bavaria in 1516, ensuring the quality and purity of beer brewed in the region.

Oktoberfest, which began in 1810, has since become the world's largest beer festival, attracting millions of visitors annually.

• Attractions:
  Oktoberfest, the world's largest beer festival, held annually; numerous beer gardens such as the Hofbräuhaus; breweries like Augustiner Bräustuben and Paulaner Bräuhaus.

Munich beer event: Oktoberfest Munich

Brussels, Belgium

Belgium has a diverse beer culture with a history dating back centuries. Trappist brewing traditions, abbey beers, and lambics are integral to Belgian beer heritage.

Brussels, as the capital of Belgium, played a significant role in fostering this brewing tradition. The city's beer culture is celebrated through events like the Belgian Beer Weekend.

• Attractions:
  Delirium Café, known for its extensive beer selection; Cantillon Brewery for lambic beer enthusiasts; Belgian Beer Weekend; Beer Museum (Musée Bruxellois de la Gueuze).

Belgium Beer Festivals: Belgium Beer Festivals

Prague, Czech Republic

The Czech Republic has a deep-rooted beer culture, with evidence of brewing dating back to the 10th century. Prague, as the capital, has been a focal point of Czech beer culture, with its historic breweries and beer halls.

Pilsner Urquell, brewed in nearby Plze?, revolutionized brewing with the introduction of the Pilsner style in 1842.

• Attractions:
  Prague Beer Museum, offering a wide selection of Czech beers; U Flek? Brewery, one of the oldest breweries in Prague; Beer Tram Tour for a unique way to explore the city while enjoying beer; various pubs and beer halls serving Czech classics like Pilsner Urquell and Budweiser Budvar.

Prague beer event: Prague Beer Fest

Bruges, Belgium

Bruges was a prominent trading city during the Middle Ages, and its breweries played a crucial role in the local economy. The city's brewing heritage is preserved through breweries like De Halve Maan, which has been brewing beer since 1856.

Bruges Beer Festival celebrates the city's brewing tradition and showcases Belgian and international craft beers.

• Attractions:
  Bruges Beer Museum; De Halve Maan Brewery offering guided tours and tastings; 't Brugs Beertje, a renowned beer bar; Bruges Beer Festival showcasing Belgian and international craft beers.

Belgium Beer Festivals: Belgium Beer Festivals

Dublin, Ireland

Dublin has a long history of brewing, with Guinness being one of its most famous exports. Arthur Guinness signed a 9,000-year lease on the St. James's Gate Brewery in 1759, laying the foundation for Guinness's global success.

Dublin's pubs and breweries are integral to its cultural identity, with establishments like The Temple Bar Pub and The Brazen Head dating back centuries.

• Attractions:
  Guinness Storehouse for a tour of the iconic brewery and learning about the history of Guinness; Temple Bar area, known for its lively pubs and traditional Irish music; The Porterhouse Brewing Company, offering a variety of craft beers; Irish Craft Beer and Cider Festival.

Cologne, Germany

Cologne's brewing tradition dates back over a thousand years. Kölsch, a top-fermented beer style, is closely associated with the city and has its own unique brewing tradition.

The Kölsch Convention of 1986 defined the characteristics of Kölsch beer, ensuring its protection and quality.

• Attractions:
  Kölsch breweries like Früh am Dom and Gaffel Haus; Cologne Beer Festival (Kölschfest); Brauhaus Sion, a historic brewery and restaurant; the Old Town (Altstadt) with its numerous pubs and beer halls.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam has a rich brewing history dating back to the Middle Ages when beer was brewed in monasteries and homes. The city was once home to numerous breweries, with beer playing a significant role in its economy and culture.

Although the number of breweries declined over time, the craft beer movement has seen a resurgence in recent years.

• Attractions:
  Heineken Experience, an interactive museum located in the former Heineken brewery; Brouwerij 't IJ, a windmill brewery producing craft beers; Café Gollem, a cozy pub with an extensive beer menu; Amsterdam Beer Festival.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Scotland has a long history of brewing, with Edinburgh being a hub of brewing activity since medieval times. The city's pubs and breweries were integral to its social fabric, and Edinburgh Ale was once a prized export.

The Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh highlights Scotland's broader alcoholic beverage heritage.

• Attractions:
  The Scotch Whisky Experience, offering insights into Scotland's whisky tradition; BrewDog Edinburgh, part of the renowned craft brewery chain; The Hanging Bat, a popular craft beer bar; Edinburgh Craft Beer Festival.

Edinburgh beer event: Edinburgh Oktoberfest

London, United Kingdom

London has a storied brewing history, with alehouses and breweries dating back centuries. The city was once home to numerous breweries, with styles like Porter and Stout originating in London.

The Great Fire of London in 1666 led to the rebuilding of the city and the expansion of its brewing industry.

• Attractions:
  Fuller's Brewery tours in Chiswick; The Bermondsey Beer Mile, a stretch of breweries and taprooms offering craft beer tastings; The CAMRA Great British Beer Festival; various historic pubs like The Churchill Arms and The Lamb & Flag.

London beer event: Great British Beer Festival

Copenhagen, Denmark

Denmark has a brewing tradition that dates back centuries, with Copenhagen being a center of brewing activity. Carlsberg, one of the world's largest breweries, was founded in Copenhagen in 1847.

The city's craft beer scene has flourished in recent years, with breweries like Mikkeller gaining international acclaim.

• Attractions:
  Carlsberg Brewery Visitor Centre for a tour of the famous brewery; Mikkeller Bar, known for its innovative craft beers; Copenhagen Beer Festival; Norrebro Bryghus, a microbrewery and restaurant offering a variety of brews.